Depart From: Depart the US from various gateways on an overnight flight to Lima. Arrival airport: Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

Note: IMPORTANT: The flight from Lima to Cuzco at the beginning of the program is not included in the program cost. If you have booked your air through Road Scholar, we have arranged this for you. If you are arranging your own air, please make sure to take this flight into consideration.

Arrive To: Be greeted by your group leader at the airport in Lima, Peru for help checking in to your connecting flight to Cuzco, Peru. Depart from Lima for your flight to Cuzco. Arrival airport: Velazco Astete Airport in Cuzco, Peru.

Morning: Transfer from the airport to the first program hotel. Check into the hotel and relax before lunch.

Lunch: Lunch on arrival at the hotel.

Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to rest and relax and get used to the altitude and drink some tea. Late afternoon will be the Orientation and a Short presentation " Introduction to Peru" led by your Group Leader.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking today in town and at ruins between one and two miles in total. Recommended good shoes to handle uneven terrain and sloping ramp. Bathroom facilities are quite rustic at this site.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Presentation “The Rise and Fall of the Inca's”: Enjoy a presentation about this history of the mysterious Incan people led by Jean Jacques Decoster, noted professor of History and published author.

Lunch: Lunch at the Hotel

Afternoon: Field Trip "Ollantaytambo Fortresa and Town": Led by your Peruvian Study Leader explore Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is an archaeological park to which different functions had been attributed. It is considered a military construction strategically located to protect Cuzco from possible invasions. Ollantaytambo is one of the few cities that still maintain the Inca system of urban planning.

Dinner: Dinner at a private residence restaurant. The restaurant is situated high above the Valley and offers excellent organic and authentic Andean cuisine handed down through generations.

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Many steps leading into the site and walking up to one mile on uneven terrain inside the ruins. Standing for up to 45 minutes. Bathroom facilities are located outside the ruins and are comfortable.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Field Trip "Exploring Machu Picchu": Start the morning by taking the Vista Dome train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was re-discovered in 1911 by US Yale University archaeologist Hiram Bingham. While the Inca Empire reached its peak during the 1400's, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old Peak' in the Quechua language) was considered Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed its population, and watered by natural springs. Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba River, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. Machu Picchu was elected as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World on July 2007.

Lunch: Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge

Afternoon: Continue Exploring Machu Pichu on your own before taking the Vista Dome Train back to Ollantaytambu. Coach back to the Hotel from the Train station.

Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel

Evening: At leisure and to pack

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Coach travel to site for about one hour. Walking today up to two miles, limited bathroom facilities in Cuyani but available on the bus. Cooler weather with light jacket recommended.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Field Trip "Cuyuni Village": The morning is spent getting to know the locals and the way of life in the peaceful Cuyuni community. Strolling through the ancient farming paths in this primarily agricultural community, visit a small village and its weavers. Textile production has profound historic and cultural significance in the Andes. Spend time witnessing how their gregarious processes of spinning, the gathering of natural dyes, the setting up of the looms, and the creation of designs are all fundamental to the family and social bonds. Take part in a “Quintu” ritual, where the Andean people make an offering to the Apus (divine mountains) and the sacred Pachamama (Mother Earth). Next, witness a ceremony of the llama in which this very important animal is celebrated and appreciated.

Lunch: Marvel at the majestic mountains as you enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant that sits atop the community’s viewpoint.

Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning drive through the Andes and into Cusco. Check into the hotel and take time at leisure to relax after a long day of discovery.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in Cusco.

Evening: At leisure to rest or go for a walk in Cusco

Lodging: Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking for up to two miles, mostly down hill between the ruins and the city. Standing for up to one hour during the tour. Bathrooms are accessible.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Field Trip "Cusco City Discovery": Led by your Local Peruvian Study Leader, explore this historic city during a slow-paced walking city tour. Coach to La Almudena cemetery to start our exploration of Cuzqueno culture. At the cemetery examine how locals deal with the rituals of death and burial, giving an insight as to what is prized in life. From there walk downhill towards the main square, passing by the San Pedro market to see where locals shop for daily products and produce, visiting small local shops and colonial houses as you meander through the side streets of the city exploring how locals live.

Lunch: Typical Cuzqueño lunch. Lunch today is in a true local's restaurant. Your Group Leader will order from the menu of the day featuring multiple dishes that allow you to explore real local fares.

Afternoon: Field Trip "Explore Sacsayhuaman": Sacsayhuaman is a walled complex just above Cusco. Like all Inca stonework there is still mystery surrounding how it was constructed. Thanks to an as yet unexplained precision in stone-cutting, the structure is built in such a way that a single piece of paper will not fit between two stones. The Spanish harvested a large quantity of rock from the walls of the structure to build churches in Cuzco, which is why the walls are in perfect condition up to a certain height, and missing above that point.

Dinner: Dinner on your own in Cusco to explore local flavors

Evening: At leisure to rest or stroll in Cusco after dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: Slow walking and standing for up to 1 mile in the morning tour, with the option of resting after lunch. Optional afternoon walking is up to 1.5 miles on some uneven surfaces.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Presentation "Religion and Society" and Field Trip "Deeper into Cuzco": Understanding the symbiotic mixing process of Andean religion and Catholicism led by our renowned local Historian. Then, depart on foot for a unique walking discovery of Cusco led by our local Historian. Visit Korikancha Palace, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The Church of Santo Domingo was built on the site, using the ruined foundations of the temple that was flattened by the Spanish in the 17th century. Next see Cuzco Cathedral. Its construction started in 1560 and finished in 1664. It contains the best manifestations of colonial goldsmith and wood carving, as well as a valuable collection of canvases.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Free Time or Optional Field Trip "La Compana and San Blas": Enjoy an afternoon to yourself to explore Cusco at your own pace or to relax at the hotel or join your study leader for a continued walking tour to see La Compana church. This Baroque church was built in the 17th century and boasts impressive treasures in in sacristy. Then visit the ancient settlement of San Blas to discover more of the Incan history in the arts.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local flavors.

Evening: Evening at leisure to rest or pack.

Lodging: Casa Andina Classic-Cusco Plaza

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Field Trip "Discovering Rural Andean Villages": Led by your local Historian, continue learning about evolution of local culture over the centuries. First visit Andahuaylillas, where the Church of San Pedro Apostal is considered to be the "Sistine Chapel" of the Americas. Inside the outwardly modest church are the remains of Inca walls, using a mixture of construction expressing much of the Andean religious syncretism which emerged as a result of the Spanish conquest. Next visit Raqchi, which was originally built by the pre-Incan Wari culture. This archaeological complex highlights the power of religious and political conquest on the part of the Incas. Visit the Temple of Viracocha, which once held the largest roof in the Incan world.

Lunch: Lunch en route at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Field Trip "Sillustani": Sillustani is a pre-Incan burial ground. The tombs, which are built in tower-like structures called chullpas, are vestiges of the Collas, an Aymaran group conquered by the Inca in the early 1400's. The tombs were shaped like a woman's uterus, and corpses were mummified in a fetal position, since Aymaras believed in re-incarnation. The only openings of the buildings face east, since they believed that at sunrise the god Sun was reborn. In the late afternoon, arrive in Puno and Check in to the hotel. Some time to rest and freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel (Dinner is at leisure and open seating in the dining room).

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: At the border crossing, U.S. citizens will be required to pay for the Bolivian Visa. The local provider will assist. Walking for up to 30 minutes in town. Short hike, about 20 mins, on Moon Island including some stone steps, option to rest at shore or remain on boat.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Transit to Huatajata Island and Field Trip "Discovering Lake Titicaca": This morning leave Puno early to cross the border. First stop in Copacabana for a visit to the cathedral. Discover Lake Titicaca by hydrofoil, led by our local expert guide explore Moon Island and discover the temple of the sun virgin. Continue to Sun Island,and discover the Inca Staircase & Sacred fountain, taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness.

Lunch: Lunch at a local archaeological restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon arrive to Huatajata Island. Check in to the hotel and njoy some time to freshen up and rest before a wonderful early evening cultural presentation. Before dinner, enjoy an Audiovisual Presentation:"The Mystic World of the Kallawayas". The Kallawaya are natural healers of Bolivia authorized by law to practice natural medicine. The group of roaming traditional healers can trace their heritage directly back to the Tiwanaku culture. According to the UNESCO Safeguarding Project, their lines can be traced back to Pre-Incan times. Meet a true Kallawaya, and enjoy an opportunity to ask questions about his or her practices.

Dinner: Enjoy a welcome drink with dinner at the hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Evening: At leisure to rest.

Lodging: Inca Utama Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking at some of the morning sites includes wet or uneven terrain in some places. Bathroom facilities are rustic but available at each stop.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Field Trip "Discovering The Cultures of Lake Titicaca": First, see the Altiplano Museum, which includes expositions about the cultural heritage of the Aymara and the Incan peoples. See how the region's culture developed through the colonial times and learn of Jacques Cousteau's astounding expedition to Lake Titicaca. Board a hydrofoil to start a new adventure cruise on Lake Titicaca. Presentation "The New Archaological Discovery on Titicaca": On the island of Pariti, enjoy a presentation led by your local expert, about the archeological revolution on Lake Titicaca. Enjoy an island overview and museum visit where you will observe the high artistic quality found in over 100 of the finest Tiwanaku culture ceramic pieces. Continue to Kalauta Island, where lies the largest Ancient Necropolis on Lake Titicaca. This mysterious island is reached by navigating through swinging Totora reed canals. Visit the Uros-Iquito people who use those Totora reeds to make their home on artificial floating islands. For centuries, this pre-Incan group of people has made their own on floating islands fashioned from deep layers of Totora reeds. Lastly, learn about the importance of managing tourism in this ecologically and culturally rich area at the Sustainable Tourism Project on Quewaya Island.

Lunch: Lunch with the Atapi community.

Afternoon: After lunch re-board the Hydrofoil and cruise back to Huatajata. This afternoon is free time at leisure to relax or explore the Island on your own.

Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel.

Evening: Field Trip "Discovering the Southern Skies": Enjoy a guided night visit to the Native Observatory "Alajpacha". Learn from the Aymaras Cosmovision & admire the Southern constellations.

Lodging: Inca Utama Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking during the morning visit is limited but terrain is somewhat rough and rocky. Bathrooms are available, though rustic.

Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning: Field Trip "Tiwanaku Ruins" and Transit to La Paz: Discover the Tiwanaku Ruins (1.580 BC-1.000 AD). Led by your local Bolivian expert, discover the magnificent ruins of Bolivia and one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. The Sun gate, the temple of Kalasasaya and the pyramid of Akapana are the sample of a glorious past. Due to an economic crisis caused by a long drought, the Tiwanaku collapsed around 1.000 AD, but evidence of a technologically and socially advanced society is apparent at this historic site.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant near Tiwanaku.

Afternoon: This afternoon after lunch continue to La Paz. On the way into the city your Bolivian expert guide, will answer all questions about Bolivia. Check in to the hotel with enough time to freshen up and rest before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure to rest or walk near the hotel and explore La Paz.

Lodging: Hotel Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Walking today will be up to 2 miles, and streets can be bustling and at an incline.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Field Trip "La Paz City Discovery": Led by your expert Bolivian guide experience the old city of La Paz and its surroundings. This city can transport you to a mysterious past where any corner, any street, is a hidden treasure of living history which hints at pre-Hispanic times. Discover the native and colonial areas as well as the the Witch Doctor's Market.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in La Paz.

Afternoon: Free Time: Enjoy the late afternoon at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Your Bolivian guide will be happy to help you plan your afternoon and make recommendations.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner and Bolivian folklore show.

Lodging: Hotel Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: A departure tax of approx. $25 U.S., generally not included in airfare, will be charged at the airport upon leaving.

Depart From: Depart La Paz

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hotel.

Morning: Morning at leisure to pack and get ready for flights home, or to enjoy La Paz on your own.

Lunch: Lunch on your own in La Paz.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Note: Group departure flights may be overnight flights.

Arrive To: Group flights arrive to the USA.