2025 SCPA Peru Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | May 22, 2025 - June 3, 2025 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,590 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $800 |
Important Reminders
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Date | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 22 | USA - Lima, Peru | Today the group will travel from the USA to Lima, Peru in an overnight flight arriving in the early morning the following day. | Airplane |
| May 23 | Lima - Cusco | The group will arrive early in the morning to Lima and fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Quechua empire. Once in Cusco, we will take a guided walking tour of the historic center and marvel at how Quechua, Spanish and modern influences have molded current day Cusco. During our tour, we will visit the Qoricancha, one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire | Hotel Rojas Inn |
| May 24 | Cusco | After a good night of rest, the group will begin the day with a trip just outside Cusco to visit the famous Quechua ruins of Saqsayhuaman. On our way back to Cusco, we will visti a camelid farm where we will get to feed, pet and learn about lamas, alpacas, vicuñas amongst other animals. Back in the city we will have lunch and then, we will practice our dance moves in a Latin dance class. In the evening, we will have some free time to explore Cuscos markets in small groups before enjoying local and international food and the comforts of our quaint hotel. | Hotel Rojas Inn |
| May 25 | Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo | The adventures continue as we set out for Chinchero, a small town just above the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a weaving demonstration from the women famous for these local textiles. We will then make our way to Salineras, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountains, and Moray, an ancient Quechua agricultural laboratory. From there we will descend the Sacred Valley in bikes (or vans) and finish the day in Ollantaytambo. | Hotel Sol Ollantay |
| May 26 | Ollataytambo | After a delicious breakfast, we will go on another day trip in the Sacred Valley. This time we are heading to Pisac, best known for its Sunday market, where many local farmers come down from the highlands to sell their products, including some very fresh food, raw materials, tomatoes, rice, potatoes. Students will have time to explore this bustling market and check out the many handcrafts that are also sold here. This town also hosts an archeological site dating from about the same time as Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, we will head back to Ollantaytambo where we will have some free time to explore Ollantaytambo. | Hotel Sol Ollantay |
| May 27 | Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes | Today we will explore the town and the Ollantaytambo archeological site. From this site we will get a breathtaking view of the valley. We will have some free time to explore the local market and do some souvenir shopping. In the evening, we will head to the train station where we will catch our train to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. We will spend the rest of the day relaxing ahead of our big day tomorrow. | Susanna Inn Machu Picchu Hotel |
| May 28 | Machu Picchu | Today's the day! We will wake early and take the bus to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. With our local guide, we will learn about the history and significance of this citadel set high in the Andes. After lunch, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo while enjoying for one last time the breathtaking views of the Peruvian highlands. Once we have arrived, we will continue driving back to Cusco and settle in our hotel to prepare for out flight to the Amazonian region tomorrow. | Hotel Rojas Inn |
| May 29 | Cusco - Puerto Maldonado | Today we will fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway city to some of the most biodiverse pockets of the entire Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, we will make our way by bus and boat to the eco-lodge, our home for the next three nights in the jungle. We will receive an orientation from the lodge's guides, then set out for a night hike in the forest to experience the vibrant nocturnal wildlife all around us. | Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge |
| May 30 | Amazon | We will begin today by exploring the jungle's canopy by hiking through a series of suspension bridges. We will continue onward to a wildlife rescue center, where we may see jaguars, monkeys, bush dogs, tapirs and more, to learn about the work being done to rehabilitate displaced wildlife back into their habitat. Later, we will hike around an agroforestry farm in the area before searching for caiman on the river's edge this evening! | Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge |
| May 31 | Amazon | This morning we will venture even deeper in the rainforest to Lake Sandoval, a stunning palm-ringed lake in the heart of the Tambopata reserve. We will paddle around the pristine lake, keeping our eyes peeled for howler monkeys, macaws, hoatzin, and the endangered river otter. Back near the lodge, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating the river, watching for turtles, heron, and capybara. We will end our adventures in the Amazon tonight with lectures from local conservationists on the projects they are working on to preserve this delicate ecosystem before falling asleep to the sounds of the forest. | Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge |
| June 1 | Puerto Maldonado - Lima | This morning we will say goodbye to the Amazon basin and begin our journey back to the USA. We will take an afternoon flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima. We will transfer to our hotel where we will get some rest, take time to reflect on our journey thus far. | Hotel Girasoles Miraflores |
| June 2 | Lima | This morning we will We will then make our way to the historic center to explore the plaza mayor and the catacombs underneath the convent of San Francisco. In the afternoon, we will complete our end of program activities before heading out to have a leisurely walk and explore our our neighborhood Miraflores. We will pass by the lively Parque Kennedy and catch sunset at Parque del Amor. We will then have our final celebratory dinner before heading out for an early night to prepare for our international flight in the early morning tomorrow. | Hotel Girasoles Miraflores |
| June 3 | Lima - USA | We will head to the airport in the early morning to catch our flight home. Hasta luego! | Your own bed, eventually! |
Fundraising
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!
Learn more here.
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge
The rustic lodge at Corto Maltes is a collection of beautifully finished wood bungalows, common spaces, kitchen cabin, pool and garden areas. This low-impact, eco-friendly lodge provides an important balance of comfort and style while enjoying the wild of the Amazon. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the common areas during certain times of day. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Pension Alemana
Situated in the hills of the San Blas neighborhood, Pension Alemana is a beautiful bed and breakfast overlooking the historic center of Cusco. Representative of the city’s history and culture, this hotel blends Quechua and Spanish colonial styles to provide a stunning setting to relax at 11,000 feet. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Mami Panchita
Mami Panchita is a family owned and operated colonial style guest house in San Miguel. Conveniently located between the airport and the attractions of the coastal neighborhoods, this hostel offers a cozy retreat from the bustle of the Peruvian capital that students will surely enjoy. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Hotel Sol Ollantay
Hotel Sol offers brand new rooms in the historic Quechua village of Ollantaytambo. Conveniently located by the main plaza and only a short walk from the train station, the cozy, modern accommodations and friendly staff make Hotel Sol one of the best options in town. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Group Flight
Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!
CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Warmer jacket
- Warm hat
- Scarf
- Warm gloves
- Rain jacket
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable, everyday pants
- Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
- Durable athletic/walking shoes
- Sandals (optional)
- Hat
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power Converter
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- STUDENT ID
- Spanish/English Dictionary
- Converter (Peru runs 220v, 60Hz AC electricity. Only necessary if electronic device doesn’t have built in converter)
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Tommy Tyson
Country Director, Country Operations Manager - Peru
University of Denver – B.A. Spanish, Minors in History and Hebrew
Currently based in Minnesota, where he is originally from, Tommy works in the Country Operations department at Walking Tree Travel. His hobbies include camping, snowboarding, basketball and traveling. Fluent in Spanish, he first developed his love of languages and Latin American culture at the age of ten on a mission trip in Mexico. This experience and subsequent trips to follow inspired him to study Spanish and pursue development work in other areas of Latin America as well. Tommy gained valuable experience as a middle school Spanish teacher and coach after he graduated. His experience in education encouraged him to combine his two passions of travel and education and join our team full time. He had the pleasure of living in Cusco, Peru for three years as our Country Director and has enjoyed planning and guiding student trips ever since.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Adler Tomeo
- 2 Alessandra Wahl
- 3 Brittany Hansen
- 4 Brittany Hansen
- 5 DeAundre Dunham
- 6 Eden Manktelow
- 7 Evelyn Gill
- 8 Lorelei Fontaine
- 9 Olivia Carlin
- 10 Samara Lubow
- 11 Skylar Jones
- 12 Susan Underwood
- 13 Teyah Hampton
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families bak home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Peru website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.