2025 SCPA Peru Cultural Journey

A Day of History and Reflection in Lima

After a good night’s rest and a big breakfast, everyone was ready for what Day 11 had in store for us. We were taking a four-hour tour of the architecture and catacombs of Lima.

We took a 90-minute bus ride across the city to reach the catacombs. Our visit began at a monastery with private burial sites, separate from the main catacombs. We saw the meeting area, the dining room, and the massive library—all designed for 200 people. Everything in the monastery was beautifully painted and crafted, but unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take pictures.

Next, we entered the cemetery located beneath the church, which was reserved exclusively for Lima natives. They didn’t bury anyone else there. Beginning in 1851, approximately 25,000 people were buried in that space. Archaeologists later sorted and carefully arranged the bones to make counting them easier. It looked like the bones went endlessly downward. Coffins weren’t used—people from different families were buried in shared areas, with all their bones mixed together.

After leaving the catacombs, we explored the architecture of Lima, known for its iconic balconies. We visited the main square and saw the cathedral as well as the presidential palace. We also saw many statues known as the “Lima Ladies.” In the past, women would wear veils and walk in groups, covering their faces. The entire city was stunning, filled with old buildings that were beautifully constructed and rich in history.

We returned to the hotel around 2:00 PM and took time to write letters to our future selves. This trip has been incredible for everyone, and I think we’ve all learned so much about the world and South America.

At 3:45 PM, we headed to some markets in Lima to pick up last-minute souvenirs and spend the rest of our money.

We ended the day at the beach, where we listened to the most beautiful, relaxing, and incredible sound of waves crashing across the rocks. Afterward, we enjoyed a great dinner, and with full stomachs and full hearts, we returned to the hotel and fell asleep.

Jungle Adventures and Farewell to the Amazon

This morning, we got to sleep in until 7:30 a.m. before enjoying breakfast at the lodge.

After breakfast, we got ready for an exciting adventure — zip lining through the rainforest canopy. To reach the zip lines, we climbed tall towers and crossed rope suspension bridges high above the forest floor. The experience was thrilling and offered breathtaking views of the jungle. From above, we could see trees stretching endlessly across the horizon. Along the way, we also learned about local tree species and their importante in the Amazon ecosystem.

After zip lining, we returned to the lodge to finish packing and rest for a bit. Before lunch, we gathered for a group reflection session to share our thoughts and feelings about the journey and everything we had experienced. It was a meaningful time to connect and appreciate our days in Peru.

We then enjoyed our final lunch at the lodge and said goodbye to the beautiful Amazon. We also took a moment to warmly thank and say goodbye to our amazing jungle guide, Samuel, who had accompanied us throughout the experience.

In the afternoon, we traveled by boat back to Puerto Maldonado and headed to the airport. We flew from Puerto Maldonado to Lima and, to our surprise, landed in a brand-new terminal at the Lima airport — officially inaugurated today!

We finished the evening with dinner at the hotel and some well-earned rest.

Birdwatching, River Adventures & Jungle Life

Today we woke up at 3:50 a.m. to go birdwatching at 4:00 a.m.! We boarded a boat in the dark and took a 90-minute ride to our destination. Upon arrival, we enjoyed some warm coffee and tasty, filling crackers while watching the beautiful sunrise and the gorgeous birds of the jungle.

Our guide taught us about parrots, parakeets, and macaws, explaining how they eat clay to help with their digestive system. We were also lucky enough to spot a hawk and learned that they are natural predators of parrots. We observed that macaws are larger than parrots, and parakeets are the smallest of the three.

After birdwatching, we took a relaxing boat ride back to our cabins and had a delicious breakfast with a variety of fresh fruits and juices. Then we had a little break to wander around or simply relax. Some of us enjoyed a quiet couple of hours at the pool, while others rested up for our next adventure.

Later in the afternoon, we set out to go kayaking and try artesanal fishing. We attempted to catch some river creatures using simple wooden sticks with wire. While we usually use live bait, today we tried raw chicken to improve our chances. We spotted tiny fish nibbling on the bait, but ultimately, we were unsuccessful—the fish were just too smart for us!

While we were fishing, we watched the other half of our group glide down the river in their kayaks, trying to spot caimans on their way back to the cabins. After returning from the kayaks and boat ride, we had a bit more free time before enjoying a wonderful dinner and dessert, all thanks to our amazing friends at the lodge who continue to make our stay here incredibly special!

Jungle Encounters and a Special Celebration

Today began with an early rise to go discover more wildlife in the Amazon! We took a short boat ride at 5 a.m. to the National Nature Reserve. Our guide, Samuel, led us through a 2-mile walk while telling us all about the various plants and animals we saw. We got to see a tarantula crawl out of its hole in the ground, and we learned that they grow to the size of a human hand!

We also had the opportunity to go one-by-one through a huge Ceiba tree (known as the killer tree) that had formed a cave-like hole through its trunk. As we continued down the path, we were able to spot many more creatures of the jungle including macaws, parrots, squirrels, and several species of monkeys.

At the end of the trail, we reached the swampy area on the outskirts of Lake Sandoval and boarded some kayaks to begin our search for more caïmans, piranhas, and other animals around the water. My group was able to spot several species of birds including the Hoatzin (known as the stinky turkey), a couple of small caïmans, and many Capuchin monkeys.

After about an hour of taking in the breathtaking views of the Amazonian wildlife, we stopped on land where we could sit down and have our pre-packed breakfast of fruit, sandwiches, and chips. Our breakfast was also accompanied by a very cute dog! The boat ride back to the dock was just as beautiful, and we got to spend more time searching for creatures before beginning the hike back.

Our trek back to the first boat was perfectly timed—just as we crossed paths with a humongous group of Squirrel monkeys, which is a very rare sighting for that species! We then had a smooth ride back to the lodge where we had a little time to recoup before lunch. Our meal consisted of a small plate of vegetables with a sweet sauce on top and a main dish of white rice and creamy chicken stew.

Our afternoon was free to rest from our busy morning, and we met up for our last activity of the day at 6 p.m.—a night walk through a trail near the lodges. We saw one species of tarantula and two species of spiders: the Banana spider and the Wolf spider, both of which are very poisonous. Samuel taught us about how sacred the Ceiba trees are, and how it’s considered bad luck to be in the jungle around 9–10 p.m. because of the negative energy and spirits given off by the trees.

Additionally, we were able to spot a baby possum, slugs, and frogs! Luckily, we did not see any snakes. When we arrived back, we headed to the dining hall for some yummy Peruvian dinner.

Of course, I can’t forget—today was extra special because it was Mrs. Hansen’s birthday! We got to celebrate with her at dinner where we all sang happy birthday and shared a cake. She was also gifted a pan flute from Profe! We headed to bed soon after, preparing for another exciting adventure bright and early tomorrow.

From Mountains to the Jungle: Capuchins, Capybaras, and Caimans

After a long day yesterday, most of us woke up feeling refreshed. We had to leave the hotel at 9:40 a.m., but before that, a few of us made a quick run to the market for snacks.

Once we were ready, we headed to the airport and had a bit of time to relax before boarding the plane. While we waited, Rafael asked where I got the bag I’ve been carrying around. I told him it was from Ollantaytambo, and he explained that the Incas used bags like mine to relay messages— the messengers were mostly from the noble class.

We landed in Puerto Maldonado around 12:50 p.m. and headed to an office to drop off our stuff before boarding the boat. We were told the boat ride would take about 45 minutes.

When we arrived at the lodge, we got settled and then headed to the dining room. Our first adventure was Monkey Island. The first monkey we saw was a capuchin! During the walk, our guide Samuel showed us some climbing vines—and a few of us even tried to climb them.

Our second adventure began at 6:10 p.m.—a caiman search along the riverbank. Joe, our guide for this part, shared some cool facts about caimans, like how they carry their babies in their mouths for a little while after they hatch.

About 15 minutes into the boat ride, we spotted two baby caimans—just the tips of their heads, but still exciting!

And then… WE SAW TWO CAPYBARAS! They were SOOO CUTE AND BIG. Right after that, we saw a larger caiman—again, just its head, but still impressive.

After a windy ride back, we returned to the lodge and had dinner to wrap up the day.

Our Unforgettable Day at Machu Picchu

Today was the day!! We started the day early, rising before the sun while Aguas Calientes was still asleep. Our trek to Machu Picchu began with a walk to the bus stop, where we joined the lively crowd of other travelers eager to see this Wonder of the World.

Once on board, the bus took us out of Aguas Calientes and up the winding mountain road. The ride was a gallery of breathtaking views that only increased our excitement for what lay ahead.

At the top, we scanned our tickets and began our hike. The weather was perfect. Since it rains 70% of the year in the cloud forest, we were incredibly lucky to have clear skies, making for a better visit than many others experience.

We climbed a set of stairs and reached a phenomenal viewpoint over the ruins. It was the perfect spot to take photos and take in the majestic history around us. We learned that the name Machu Picchumeans “Old Mountain,” and the site was originally built as part of a strategic effort to conquer the Amazon. Interestingly, no one knows what the Incas themselves called the town—Machu Picchu is simply the name of the tallest nearby mountain.

As we walked above the ruins, our guide continued sharing fascinating details about the site. Afterward, we got the chance to walk through the ancient city itself. Touching the stones and walking the same paths the Incas once walked was surreal. It felt like a bridge across time—a city that still exists for the people who no longer do.

Once we finished exploring, we returned to Aguas Calientes for lunch. We then spent some free time browsing the vibrant markets, doing a bit of shopping before our return to Cusco.

Following a scenic train ride and a bus journey, we finally arrived back at the hotel where our adventure had begun. We got some well-deserved rest—ready for our next big adventure: the Amazon!

Exploring Sacred History and Scenic Views

Today, we visited an archaeological site where the Inca people were building a temple. We learned about how the Incas stored their food by creating an air duct-type system. They strategically built these structures on a mountain range that we could see from the site. We also learned about how the Incas constructed the temple and saw two carved faces—one of a god and another of an Inca king in side profile.

After we left the archaeological site, the group got ice cream, which was a nice treat after walking up all those stairs. From there, we explored the town and learned about native plants and how they were traditionally used. It was really interesting to see how the natural resources of the mountains were used in everyday life.

After exploring the town, we picked up our belongings and headed to the train station. The train ride was very scenic—it ran alongside a river and passed a mountain with a glacier and snow at the top. It was truly a beautiful journey.

When we arrived at our stop, we immediately went to lunch, where I had a delicious soup and stir-fried mushrooms. After lunch, we had time to explore the town and visit the hot springs if we wanted to.

At 7:50 PM, we went to dinner, where I had sauteed noodles—my favorite meal of the day. After dinner, we returned to the hotel, settled in, and got ready for bed after a full and memorable day.

A Day in Pisac: History, Culture, and Local Flavor

Today we made our way through the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian countryside. We explored an archeological site in Pisac, built by the Incas hundreds of years ago.

After admiring the views and the ruins, we headed down to the local village, where we enjoyed a delicious meal and watched a presentation on how they make their famous silver jewelry.

We finished our afternoon in Pisac by browsing the bustling market. After heading back to Ollantaytambo, we spent a relaxing few hours in our hotel unwinding from our journey.

At the end of our day, we had an unforgettable experience tasting some local dishes at the restaurant we enjoyed the day prior. And of course, to finish our evening, we had a quick briefing on what exciting things lie ahead for tomorrow!

Exploring Culture, Salt Pools, and the Sacred Valley

Day 3 began with a nice breakfast in our hotel, and we quickly packed up all of our belongings, since we are switching hotels tonight.

After checking out of the hotel, we took a bus through the outskirts of Cusco while learning about the area’s history and culture.

At our first stop, we fed alpacas and llamas, learned about Peruvian kitchen culture, and saw a weaving demonstration. In the kitchen, we learned about the different varieties of plants, such as corn and potatoes, and were taught how food like potatoes can be preserved for long periods of time. We also talked about traditional proposal expectations and food culture.

During the weaving demonstration, the demonstrator showed us how wool is cleaned, spun, dyed using natural salts, plants, and herbs, and eventually woven into intricate patterns.

After this, we hopped on the bus again and headed to the salt pools. After a quick stop to take pictures of the valley, we arrived at the salt pools, where we learned about how salt is produced during the dry season. Water streams come from the mountains, which the Incas believed were a gift, and we discovered how the entire area used to be under the ocean!

We then had the opportunity to shop around some markets where a lot of us bought souvenirs including salts, jewelry, and other accessories.

Next, we headed back to the bus where we were fed boxed lunches and drove to Sacred Valley. Here we walked along the edge of the valley, looking at ruins, learning how it symbolizes fertility and fertilization, the plants and crops that grow around it, and how it was sacred to the Incas. Along the way, we stopped to take some pictures.

Eventually, we got back on the bus and road-tripped to our new hotel to rest for a couple of hours. We settled into the comfy new hotel and walked to dinner as a group.

We all ate together, talked about the trip, and reminisced on old American games the group would play as kids. After a delicious dinner, we all headed back to the hotel to end our day.

Pedals, Peaks, and Peruvian Traditions

We woke up to our first full day in Peru to a yummy breakfast, and soon after headed off in a bus to a bike riding tour on the outskirts of Cusco. The bus ride provided great views of the mountains, the city, and the dogs!

The bike tour was fun, and tiring. However, it was tiring in the way that reminded us that we were bike riding in Peru!! We stopped in a grassy area, and one of our guides led us in a Peruvian tradition, where he put a few drops of a floral extract in our hands, told us to clap, and then smell. He then gave us a coca leaf, which is very common in Peru, and told us to hold it close to us and make a wish.

After this, we continued to bike down the mountain and see the amazing views the tour had to offer. After this, we took our bus down to Saqsaywaman, and we hiked to one of the best views of the city! We then saw ancient Inca ruins and learned about their battles against the Spanish, how they built their temples, and more!

We took the bus again to an alpaca and llama farm, where we got to pet and feed the cute animals, and none of us got spit on!

After all that, we headed to lunch at Don Tomas, a traditional restaurant, where we enjoyed yummy food and enjoyed live music.

After lunch we headed to salsa lessons, where we learned the basic salsa step, rumba, cumbia, and partner dancing. We all presented our new moves at the end with our partners – it was a blast!

After salsa, we made our way back to the hotel, and we split into two groups. One group went to check out a chocolate store, while my group went and got some ice cream, then saw a wedding! We learned that apparently if you see a bride on her wedding day, it is good luck!

We then made it back to the hotel and rested up for dinner. We went to Cerveceria de Valle Sagrado and ate pizza, tacos, and burgers! Then we headed back to the hotel and went to sleep.

First Impressions of Cusco – A Day We Won’t Forget

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