Machu Picchu & Rapa Nui: Discovering Two Mysterious Civilizations

Activity note: Getting on/off motor-coach; driving approx. 16 miles total; about 1 hour combined, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles total throughout the day; periods of standing up to an hour at a time at archeological sites, some stone steps without railings.

Morning: Meet and Greet and transfer to the Hotel for participants who have purchased/used the international air segment to Road Scholar (FREE AIR). They will have the room ready for check in at arrival to the hotel. Get some rest before the official start of the program with the orientation meeting

Afternoon: After our Orientation meeting we will have our first field trip. Start the program at a leisurely pace, savoring Lima, a capital city that stands alone in the Americas with an uninterrupted architectural legacy spanning 4,000 years. It belongs to an exclusive group of just six capital cities worldwide that share this extraordinary heritage. We will start our exploration at "Huaca Pucllana", an ancient pre-Inca archaeological marvel distinguished by its striking adobe pyramid and a captivating history that stretches back over 1,500 years. Then, we will continue to Museo Larco the nation's most significant compilation of Pre-Columbian artifacts. With its origins dating back nearly a century, the museum was established by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a trailblazer in Peruvian archaeology. Embark on a captivating exploration spanning over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history. Delve into the profound connection between pre-Columbian societies and the natural world, all expertly illuminated through an engaging guided tour led by the museum's curator.

Dinner: To wrap up our first day in Peru, relish a splendid lunch at Café del Museo. With its charming ambiance, the café offers picturesque views of the museum's enchanting gardens and the majestic viceroyal mansion, which serves as the museum's backdrop. This setting creates the perfect atmosphere for an evening of culinary delight and cultural immersion.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approx. 15 miles total throughout the day; about 1.5 hours combined, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles; periods of standing; about 1.5 hours on our feet, with breaks; flights of stairs with and without railings to reach upper floors at some field trip locations. Mostly flat, paved terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Our journey this morning leads us through the storied streets of downtown Lima, a city that once stood as the capital of the viceroyalty Spain established in 1532. Our first pause takes us to the venerable Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of the city. Here, you'll traverse the square on foot, soaking in the rich history that surrounds you. As you explore, marvel at the magnificent exteriors of the Government Palace, the City Hall and the surrounding buildings, all resplendent exemplars of the enduring colonial architectural opulence that graces Lima to this day. Continuing this immersive journey, we'll explore the sacred halls of the Cathedral, an emblem of the city, boasting a rich history and intricate craftsmanship that speaks volumes of the era's devotion and artistry. Moving forward, we'll head to La Casa Aliaga. For over 480 years and across 17 generations, no other dwelling in the Americas has been home to a family as consistently as the De Aliaga residence in Lima. Erected adjacent to the Government Palace in 1535 by Jerónimo De Aliaga y Ramírez, trusted captain of Pizarro, this dwelling stands as a gem of colonial and republican architecture. We´ll explore its chambers, corridors, and courtyards, a harmonious fusion of styles spanning Renaissance, Cusco baroque, and Iberian Moorish, among others, owing to renovations over the years. Amidst this ambience, we'll unravel the stories behind the array of paintings, silverware, furniture, and precious artifacts. A visit to the chapel, a space graced by Peruvian luminaries such as Saint Rose of Lima, the Americas' first saint and a family friend, will conclude our journey through history.

Lunch: Following our exploration of colonial Lima's most iconic buildings and plazas, we'll make our way to Barranco, a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic spirit. Here, we'll participate in a hands-on Peruvian gastronomy class, where we'll master the art of crafting their iconic dishes.

Afternoon: We will explore Barranco's charming streets, a haven for artists, photographers, and writers. We'll meander through quaint, tree-lined avenues flanked by historic Republican-era houses, taking in breathtaking views and visiting the iconic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). To delve deeper into the artistic heritage of Peru, we'll venture into a couple or more of the neighborhood's art galleries and concept stores, discreetly nestled along Barranco's unassuming streets, gaining insights into the creative minds of our renowned Peruvian artists in the realms of plastic arts and design. we will have some free time before returning to the hotel to explore Barranco.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approx. 50 miles total throughout the day; about three hours combined, with stops for field trips. Flight is about 1.5 hours. Walking up to two miles; periods of standing up to one hour at a time at Pisaq Ruines. Unpaved paths, cobblestone streets, uneven curbs, some stone steps without railings. Walking and standing for 45 minutes at where the terrain may be rough and uneven. Don't forget to refill your bottles before leave the Hacienda.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After an early check-out from the hotel, transfer to Lima Airport and board the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, the capital city of the Incas and now itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site and transfer to Sacred Valley.

Lunch: We'll pause for a delightful lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa, a colonial estate from the 20th century. Within its charming walls, a cozy atmosphere accompanied by baroque and classical melodies awaits, making your mealtime truly exceptional. The hacienda's lush surroundings, boasting vibrant orchards and gardens, showcase the impeccable taste of its owners, Maria del Pilar and Yussef Sumar, who will personally host us and join during lunch, a fantastic meal which offers a mix of comforting flavors and elegant presentation, with organic ingredients sourced from the estate itself. We'll immerse ourselves in its historical significance and the natural beauty the sacred valley embraces. Furthermore, you'll get a chance to see the Hacienda Sarapampa's vast fields of giant white corn, a unique crop that thrives in the Sacred Valley thanks to the nurturing waters of the sacred Urubamba River.

Afternoon: At arrival to the Hotel and after check in we will have a lecture about "The rise and fall of the Inca Empire" to help us understand and absorb what we are going to see the next days.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Activity note: Driving approx.30 miles total throughout the day; about 2 hours combined, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles total over the course of the day; periods of standing; approx. three hours spent on our feet; rocky terrain with steps sans railings.

Breakfast: At the hotel, enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Our day commences with a vibrant visit to Urubamba's bustling farmers market, an energetic hub where local produce and traditions shine. Here, the valley's spirit thrives as farmers and artisans proudly exhibit their wares, fostering a tight-knit sense of community and heritage. Then we will be exploring Ollantaytambo, a living testament to the Inca culture's legacy, safeguarded by an imposing fortress. Here, we unveil an expansive archaeological marvel - once a tambo, a haven for royal entourages on arduous voyages. Remnants of its past stand strong: resilient walls and vigilant towers that once shielded it from threats. Ollantaytambo echoes the essence of an authentic Inca village, mirroring a meticulously planned grid layout. Its cobbled pathways intersect, accompanied by meandering water channels that have quenched the land's thirst for centuries. Historic records from the royal archives affirm its purpose as a haven for Inca nobility. Evident in the precision of its urban design and the intricate artistry etched into its stone facades.

Lunch: We will have a meal with water included while visiting the Sacred Valley Project.

Afternoon: We will head to the Sacred Valley Project, an educational initiative that provides local female students from low income families with board and opportunities to further their schooling. While here, we will visit with the dorm mother and director of the project to learn about the work they are doing. Our next stop will be Urubamba Market Colourful fruit and vegetables line up alongside large sacks of flour and gran which teeter beside rows of slaughtered guinea pig, chicken and beef ready for cooking. Household goods also make an appearance in the forms of lengths of rope, plastic buckets, sweeping brushes and various paraphernalia.. We will afterward return to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at Estancia Huayoccari In the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approx. 19 miles to train station; about one hour. Getting on/off train; ride is approx. 28 miles; about 1.5 hours. Use of public bus; short walk to bus stop; ride is approx. 5.5 miles each way to/from ruins; about 1/2 hour on dirt road. Walking approx. 2.5 miles total for the day; about three hours at Machu Picchu; rocky terrain with slopes, no handrails; maximum elevation of approx. 7,988 feet. Luggage will be transported via private vehicle; pack a day bag for the journey.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we will transfer by motor-coach to the train station for our railway ride to Aguas Calientes where we will check in to our hotel upon arrival. We will then complete our journey and enjoy a field trip at Machu Picchu, perhaps the most iconic site of the Inca World, and a great renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. With our local expert, visit this ancient ceremonial city, explore the agricultural and urban sides of Machu Picchu, and learn about the history of the Incan abandonment of the city as well as its construction during Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

Lunch: At Sanctuary Lodge, enjoy a tasty buffet meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will board a shared shuttle from Machu Picchu and return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration.

Dinner: On your own to explore the regional cuisine in the center of Aguas Calientes, which has many eateries to choose from.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; about one hour combined; mostly flat, paved terrain. Getting on/off a train; ride is approx. 28 miles; about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 51 miles total throughout the day; about two hours combined, with stops. Porters will handle luggage. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Upon checking out of the hotel, we will walk a short distance to board the train for transfer from Aguas Calientes Station to Ollantaytambo where we will connect with our motor-coach for the remainder of the ride to Cuzco. We will then make a visit to Traditional Textiles region where we will learn from a member of the community who will introduce us to this time-honored cultural art form, and provide a demonstration. The arts of dying, spinning and weaving are a means of interpreting Incan culture through traditional customs. Techniques, designs, and quality, which were once taught to every female child. After a short ride we will make stop in Moray, a remarkable archaeological site with stepped circular terraces believed to have been used for experimental agricultural purposes by the Incas

Lunch: Special gourmet pic nic lunch in sacred Valley

Afternoon: We will then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestion

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 3.5 miles total for the day; less than one hour combined, with stops for field trips. Walking approx.four miles total; about three hours total throughout the day; periods of standing at field trip locations.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: With our local expert we will visit the cathedral which contains some of the best manifestations of colonial goldsmithing and wood carving, as well as a valuable collection of canvases from the Escuela Cusqueña (Academy of Cusco). Afterwards, we will visit the Qoricancha Palace, which was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, the walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. We will have some time to take a look around the market with our local expert and Group Leader before exploring the temple and learning about its history. Next, transfer by bus for an independent walking exploration of the ruins of Sacsayhuaman where extremely large stones are seamlessly built into walls and terraces providing views of the valley to the southeast, and were once used as a protective fortress guarding the city.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time. Your Group Leader will be happy to suggest some nice spots to visit in Cuzco such as Amudena Cemetery, San Blas bohemian Quartier and a visit to San Pedro Market.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Today is a long travel day; the flight from Cuzco to Lima departs very early in the morning and the flight into Santiago arrives in the evening. Airline schedules are beyond the control of Road Scholar. Driving approx. four miles to airport; about 1/2 hour. Flight from Cusco to Lima is approx. 1.5 hours; Lima to Santiago is approx. 3.5 hours for a total of roughly 5 hours airborne; responsible for own luggage in airport. Driving from airport to Santiago hotel is approx. 12 miles; about 1/2 hour.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Rising early, we will transfer to the airport in Cuzco for the flight to Lima, and await our connection flight to Santiago, Chile.

Lunch: On your own during the layover at the airport in Lima, Peru.

Afternoon: Board the flight to Santiago, Chile, and arrive in the early evening for transfer and check in to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy plated meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Activity note: Driving approximately 20 miles total; about two hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles throughout the day. Getting on/off a funicular rail car.

Breakfast: At the hotel, enjoy a breakfast buffet, including milk, juice, coffee, tea, and water.

Morning: Chile's capital city is a sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and another coastal mountain range, and is home to 6 million Santiaguinos – one third of Chile's population. We will discover the city's main landmarks including a stop outside the presidential La Moneda Palace. Originally a colonial mint, it was designed by Italian architect, Joaquín Toesca. We will then walk through the Plaza de Armas main square, surrounded by beautiful buildings.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will have plated meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Early rise for airport transfer; approx. 11 miles to airport; about 1/2 hour. Flight from Santiago to Rapa Nui is approx. six hours. Due to a change in time zone, we will lose two hours. Getting on/off the bus for field trips; driving approximately 3.5 miles for Tahai field trip; about 1/2 hour, with stops. Walking approx. 1/2 mile total for the day; uneven and unpaved walking paths, limited shade; periods of standing during field trip locations.

Breakfast: Aboard the motor-coach during transfer to the airport, we will have boxed breakfasts provided by the hotel.

Morning: Rising early, we will board our motor-coach for transfer to Santiago Airport for the flight to Easter Island. After 5 hour flight, we will land in Rapa Nui ( easter Island) , we will transfer to the hotel via motor-coach and check in.

Lunch: At the hotel, we will have a light plated lunch with water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After some time to rest, we will set out by bus for field study of Tahai as an introduction to the famous monoliths of Rapa Nui. “Moai” is from the Rapanui language and means statue, or figurine. Ahu has two meanings in Easter Island culture: The first is the flat base of the stone where the moai are supported, and the second is a sacred ceremonial place where there are numerous supports for the moai. Our first stop will be at Ahu Vai Ure, which is topped by five moai including Ahu Tahai (680 CE), Ahu Ko te Riku (12th century CE), and a 15.5-foot high 20 ton moai, which is topped by a pukao (red scoria top knot). These three ahu, all facing inland, are part of one ceremonial compound, which was restored in the 1960s by the late archaeologist, William Mulloy. Located near Hangaroa at the edge of the ocean, the area also has excellent examples of hare paenga (boat-shaped house foundations), hare moa (chicken houses), umu (earth ovens), occupation caves, and a boat ramp. The road along this coast is rough, but there are many ahu in this section of the island. At Hanga Kio`e, a small bay just past town, we will see two more ahu restored by Mulloy. Ahu #1, is surmounted by a small moai, and Ahu #2 has a fragment of a statue. They were part of a larger site that includes Ahu Akapu with its solitary moai. The wall of Ahu Akapu originally reached to Ahu #2. Dr. Mulloy’s gravesite is also located at Tahai.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy plated meals featuring local ingredients. Coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We will then return to the hotel for the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 30 miles roundtrip, with frequent stops for field trips; about 1.5 hours total drive time. Walking up to two miles total throughout the day; periods of standing up to one hour at a time; navigating up/down into the quarry, uneven terrain, unpaved paths, stairs at some locations, limited shade.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy plated meals featuring local ingredients. Coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: Heading out by bus, we will begin our full day field study to archaeological sites along the south coast starting at Ahu Vinapu, an archaeological site that has raised many questions over the years because of the similarity in appearance and construction to the pre-Columbian structures found in Cusco, Peru. Located here are the ruins of three notable temples, one of which has unusually finely shaped and fitted walls, constructed of huge stones. We will then continue to Ahu Akahanga, which is known as the platform of the king with its four ahu, twelve moai of various sizes and shapes, and eight pukao, some carved with petroglyphs. On the front of the main ahu is red scoria fascia, carved with petroglyphs. In the rear is the head of an old moai incorporated amongst the stones. Afterward, we will make our way to Rano Raraku, the quarry of the moai. As we climb the mountain on foot, we will view the quarry from which the massive moai were carved out of the hard basalt. Moai in all stages of production cover its southern flank - unfinished giants still imprisoned in stone, including the largest one ever attempted at 70 feet long!

Lunch: At the National Park picnic area at Rano Raraku, we will have a picnic deli lunch.

Afternoon: We will depart for Tongariki, the largest ahu (temple platform) on the island. Demolished in 1960 by the tremendous force of a Pacific tsunami (tidal wave) generated by an earthquake in Valdivia (southern Chile), Tongariki has recently been restored by Chilean archaeologists Claudio Cristino and Sergio Rapu, with the help of Japanese archaeologists and the Rapa Nui people. Once again, it supports its 15 moai. Next, we will continue to Anakena, a beautiful, sheltered white sand beach surrounded by swaying palm trees where we will have some time to swim. This beach, the largest in Rapa Nui, is where Hotu Matu`a is said to have beached his canoe and lived in one of several caves while waiting for his boat-shaped house to be completed. While the foundations of an unusually large oval house (82 feet long) are visible nearby, it contained no traces of very early habitation. Afterward, we will return to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 25 miles roundtrip to Parque Nacional Rapa Nui; about 1.5 hours roundtrip. Walking approx. one mile total throughout the day; periods of standing; uneven terrain, unpaved walking paths, some stairs necessary to access sites.

Breakfast: Hotel plated meal.

Morning: From the hotel, we will board our bus and transfer for a field study at the Parque Nacional Rapa Nui to study Rano Kau crater and Orongo Ceremonial Village, two of the truly great sights of Rapa Nui. The park, which is on the southwestern point of the triangle, provides spectacular views of the whole island. The ceremonial village, Orongo, is on the seaward edge of the crater of Rano Kao. Rano Kao houses a huge crater lake, a bog filled with native totora reeds floating on fresh water. Afterward, return to the hotel.

Lunch: On your own to explore the regional cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time in Hanga Roa. You may wish to visit the Padre Sebastian Englert Archaeological Museum, the local craft market, or stop at the local post office to get a stamp in your passport with a unique moai statues stamp. The stamp doesn't have any legal effect - it's just for fun!

Dinner: At Te Ra`ai restaurant, we will be treated to a delicious traditional dinner cooked in an umu (traditional Rapa Nui earth oven). Soft drinks and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Engage in some Rapa Nui-style face-painting and a traditional Rapa Nui dance show. Return to the hotel after the show for the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Activity note: Short bus transfers to/from airports; about 1/2 hour total. Flight from Rapa Nui to Santiago is approx. five hours. Due to a change in time zone, we will regain two hours.

Breakfast: Hotel plated meal.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will transfer to the airport and board our flight back to Santiago, Chile.

Lunch: Aboard the flight, an included meal will be served.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Santiago, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the evening will be free for you to enjoy as you like.

Dinner: At the at arrival - Dinner ( one main dish + dessert ) and water.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out in the morning and departures tomorrow afternoon.

Activity note: Driving approximately 142 miles total throughout the day; about three hours, with stops for field trips. Walking approx. two miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to two hours; up and downhill; mostly paved terrain. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will have a buffet breakfast with milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will set out on an exploration of Chile's Pacific coast via motor-coach with a local expert. During our journey, we will go to two neighboring but quite different coastal cities, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Valparaíso, our first stop, is the second largest city in Chile and it enjoys a spectacular location between the mountains and the sea. This historic port and university town is famous for its more than 50 small hills connected by an ingenious network of twisting streets, stairways, cable car lines, flower filled balconies, and lookout platforms, all over a unique cityscape with spectacular views of the bay from which the city takes its name. On foot, we will examine the Historic Quarter of the old town and the new, visiting the Plaza de la Victoria to see its lovely Neptune Fountain, the famous Turri Clock, the docks and fisherman's wharf, and the Naval Academy.

Lunch: At a local home in Valparaiso, enjoy a delicious home made meal ( family style in a local home host by the family ) perfect place to toast with "terremoto" local alcoholic drink and share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Afternoon: We will board the coach for a short ride north to Viña del Mar, Chile's premier coastal resort famous for its beaches and a bustling commercial sector. Viña del Mar is known as the Ciudad Jardín, or “Garden City,” thanks to its lavish gardens and subtropical atmosphere. This city was founded in 1874 due to the economic development mainly achieved by the mining activity and the good rank reached by the aristocracy that allowed them to continually travel to Europe where residents developed a love for European architecture. As we travel through town via motor-coach, we will make stops at the beach and enjoy the garden parks during some time for independent exploration. Afterward, we will climb aboard our motor-coach and depart for the airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Dinner: On your own at the airport.