Arrive To: Arrivals at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim, and Customs. After exiting the restricted arrivals area, participants should look for the Road Scholar representative who will be holding a Road Scholar sign (only applies to group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in, followed by time at leisure.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3 p.m.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Orientation to the program.

Lecture: Peru - A Political and Economical Overview.


Lunch: Lunch at hotel.


Afternoon: Field trip to the Archaeological Museum.

This is Peru’s oldest and largest state museum. It is housed in an old colonial mansion on Plaza Bolivar, in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima. The museum displays a large collection of ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and ancient Peruvian metals dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Some notable pieces in this collection are the Raimondi Stela and Tello Obelisk.
Lecture: Pre-Inca Archaeology.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Lecture: An Overview of Peru.

Orientation through Lima with visits to the Cathedral and the Church of Santo Domingo.

The most important church in any town in Peru is usually called La Catedral (Cathedral). In the case of Lima, La Catedral is also the most important church in all of Peru. This beautiful colonial building in the Plaza de las Armas presumably houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro—whether the bones are authentic or not is a matter of conjecture.

Lima's historic Santo Domingo Church and Convent was built by the Dominican Order in 1540, on land donated by Francisco Pizzaro. Colorful tiles, stained glass windows, catacombs, religious relics, and attractive courtyards are just some of the attractions at this site. Santo Domingo is located at the intersection of Conde de Superunda and Camana Streets, just a block away from the Plaza de Armas in central Lima.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant in downtown Lima.


Afternoon: Transfer to Lima airport.

Flight from Lima to Chiclayo.

Arrive to Chiclayo and transfer to the hotel.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select - Chiclayo (formerly Gran Hotel Chiclayo)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chiclayo -
Tucume Ruins/Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum and Archaeological Site/Paso Fino Show.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Field trip to the ruins of Túcume.

Thor Heyerdahl, anthropologist and adventurer, learned of the mysterious pyramids of Túcume in the north country and began excavation with the help of fellow researchers, Daniel Sandweiss and Alfred Narváez. The city was constructed nine centuries ago. Oceangoing travel and trade is depicted in the ruins.

Field trip to the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.


Lunch: Lunch at local hacienda, with Paso Fino horse show.

Afternoon: Field trip to the Lord of Sipan archaeological site.

In 1988, Dr. Alva and his archaeological team uncovered the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, the "King Tutankamon of the Americas." The tomb was built by the Moche culture that ruled the northern coast from the time of Christ to 700 AD, centuries before the Incas. The jewelry and artifacts found at the site, show the Moches' fine quality and mastery in metallurgy.

Return to the hotel.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select - Chiclayo (formerly Gran Hotel Chiclayo)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trujillo –
Orientation to Chiclayo and Witches Market/School Visit.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Orientation to the city of Chiclayo.

Chiclayo is the capital of the department of Lambayeque. It is the largest and most important city in the region and a key commercial center, with many people from the outlying regions coming to sell their produce. The region around Chiclayo was once a center of the great Moche culture. Today, the remaining Moche aqueducts help turn this desert valley into a green cropland supporting sugar cane and rice paddies.

Excursion to the Witches Market.

Visit a local school. In the event the school is not in session, this activity will be scheduled to take place in the Ollantaytambo area.

NOTE: Although not required or expected, participants often inquire about bringing items to donate during the school visit. Basic school supplies such as pencils, erasers, pens, coloring pencils, magic markers, coloring books, safety scissors, etc. are very useful and much appreciated by local schools.

Begin transfer to Trujillo.


Lunch: Boxed lunch.


Afternoon: Field trip to the Brujo Complex.

This archaeological site is still being excavated. The majority of it is covered with sand. The excavated portion reveals a tiered pyramid. Relief paintings on the walls depict fish, priests, and human sacrifices. The base of the pyramid is completely encircled by sculptures of nude dancing men.

Arrive to Trujillo.


Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Lodging: Hotel Libertador

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trujillo -
Sun & Moon Temples/Museo Huacas de Moche/Chan Chan Ruins/Huanchaco Village.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Field trip to view The Temples of the Sun and the Moon, with site lecture and a visit to the Museo Huacas de Moche.

Although the original names of these Moche monuments are not known, they have been called the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. They rise impressively against the backdrop of the imposing Cerro Blanco. The Pyramid of the Sun is the single largest adobe structure in the Americas, although two thirds of it was washed away when treasure hunters diverted the Moche River to aid in plundering the pyramid.

The Museo Huacas de Moche, part of the Temples of the Sun and Moon complex, was inaugurated with much fanfare in 2010. The modern museum has archaeological artifacts and interactive displays that provide visitors with detailed information about the huaca complex and its historical importance. The exhibits also offer interesting insights into the life and religious beliefs of the people who once inhabited the region.

Orientation to the city of Trujilo.

Trujillo is one of Peru's most important cities and is known across the country as a cultural and educational hub. Before its modern incarnation, the site of Trujillo was the center of the Chimu culture, the second largest native empire in the Western Hemisphere.


Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.


Afternoon: Time at leisure to explore the village of Huanchaco.

Huanchaco is a small fishing village near Trujillo. The ancient art of making totora reed kayaks, or caballitos, is still preserved here. Local fishermen still use them daily to fish. It is common to see men out at sea, paddling on their caballitos, while rows of totora boats are propped up to dry along the beach.

Field trip to Chan Chan ruins, with site lecture.

The adobe city of Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu empire. The ruins represent the largest adobe city in the world. It is estimated that Chan Chan once supported a population of 80,000.


Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Lodging: Hotel Libertador

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yucay (Sacred Valley) -
Koricancha Temple/Awanakancha Alpaca Center/Pisac Market.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Transfer to the airport.

Flight to Cusco with connection in Lima.

Arrive in Cusco.
Enjoy a visit to Koricancha before transferring to Yucay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Koricancha, also spelled Qorikancha, is an important Inca temple located in downtown Cusco. Built in honor of their sun god, Inti, the site was once an important religious center. Conquistadors reported that the temple originally held a statue of the sun, made of gold weighing approximately two tons and inlayed with gems. The structure was built with enormous boulders and is considered one of the most outstanding examples of this type of Inca construction. Unfortunately, very little remains of this architectural wonder since the Spaniards did their best to destroy it during their conquest of Cusco. The grand, Baroque church known as Santo Domingo was built on Koricancha’s foundations and came to be viewed by the Spanish as a symbol of Christian triumph over heathen religion.

Transfer to Yucay with an en route visit to the Awanakancha Alpaca Center.

The Awankancha Alpaca Center is a living museum where visitors can see llamas, alpacas and vicuna. A demonstration will show how the wool from these South American animals is used to make woven textiles.


Lunch: Boxed lunch en route.


Afternoon: Excursion to Pisac Market.

The Pisac Market dates back to the ancient Peruvian days when people in the highlands depended on trade. The traditional produce market is held on Sundays, when natives come to trade vegetables, herbs and potatoes for other goods like matches, oranges and medicines. During other days of the week, the town hosts a handicrafts market where all nature of locally made crafts can be seen on display.

Arrive at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to rest and relax.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Posada del Inca - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yucay (Sacred Valley) -
Weaving Demonstration/Ollantaytambo Ruins.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Excursion to the town of Chinchero for a weaving demonstration.

Weaving is a way of life in Chinchero, as important for preserving ancient traditions as it is for earning a livelihood. Located in the Peruvian Andes on the Inca road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Chinchero was an early Inca center built by emperor Tupa Inca as his country estate. During Inca reign, textiles were woven and offered to mark special occasions, from peace treaties and sacrifices to marriage ceremonies and puberty rites. In Chinchero, children grow up playing with their mother’s spindle and loom. By age six or seven, most children learn to weave by watching their elders. They begin by weaving jakimas, or narrow ribbons, before moving on to more complicated pieces.

Visit to local farms.

Lecture: The Agriculture of the Incas.


Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.


Afternoon: Visit to Ollantaytambo Ruins accompanied by a guide who will highlight the engineering genius of the Inca.

The Ollantaytambo Ruins are not ruins in the traditional sense. Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts. The terraces above the town still are farmed. The pinnacle above the town is a small burial ground.

Return to the hotel.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Posada del Inca - Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aguas Calientes –
Machu Picchu - UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note: Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus drive from Aguas Calientes Town to the Machu Picchu ruins takes about 20 minutes (3.7 miles).

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
Board a train to Machu Picchu. This scenic journey by rail follows the meandering path of the Urubamba River and provides travelers with spectacular views of the snowcapped Andes.

Disembark at the Aguas Calientes Station and board a bus that will take you up the mountain to the Machu Picchu Ruins.
Field trip to Machu Picchu.


Lunch: Lunch at local hotel restaurant.


Afternoon: Full afternoon expert-led field trip in and around Machu Picchu Ruins.

This ancient Inca city was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, a Yale graduate and U.S. senator fascinated with Inca archaeology. Bingham found Machu Picchu, with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins, while searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos. He hypothesized that the site was a "citadel," existing for strategic and defense purposes. He also speculated that the site was a refuge for Cusco's Virgins of the Sun, based upon the finding of skulls there, although not scientifically classified as female. Breakthroughs in archaeology since 1985 have, taken as a whole, supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a ceremonial and administrative center for a very populous region. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of 100 years.

Board the bus to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, disembark at the bus stop and walk to your hotel.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: El Mapi Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Enjoy a morning at your leisure to walk around the town, relax at your hotel, or explore Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu on your own (additional entrance tickets not included in your program cost).

This is a great opportunity for participants to revisit the ruins at a more relaxed pace. Just after sunrise, the soft morning rays bathe the ancient city in golden light and the mist slowly rises from the valley. Take advantage of the favorable lighting and lesser amount of visitors to try and capture that perfect shot for your photo album.

NOTE: New regulations reduced the daily quota of visitors allowed to enter Machu Picchu and nearby archaeological sites (e.g., Huayna Picchu) , and entrance tickets are no longer sold on site. Participants wishing to visit the ruins on this day must obtain their tickets in advance. Please contact the program provider for more information.


Lunch: Lunch at hotel.


Afternoon: Transfer to Aguas Calientes Station.

Early in the afternoon (approximately 1:00 p.m.), board a train to Ollantaytambo Station.

Disembark at Ollantaytambo Station and board a bus for your transfer to Cusco (1hr 30 min).

Arrive in Cusco and check-in at hotel.


Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Field trip to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins.

The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, since the stones are not found in the region and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another so precisely a knife blade cannot be inserted between them.

Orientation to the city of Cusco.

The center of Cusco is a history lesson. Modern and colonial buildings are built on top of Inca foundations and colonial churches dominate the central square.


Lunch: Lunch at a café in the main plaza where you can enjoy the colonial architecture of the city.


Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to explore Cusco's many attractions at your own pace.

Pre-dinner presentation by a local expert on the history of Incan and Andean musical instruments.


Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.


Morning: Transfer to airport for flight to Lima (1hr 25 min flight).

Arrive in Lima and transfer to a local restaurant for a presentation on Peruvian cuisine by a local culinary expert.


Lunch: Farewell lunch at local restaurant.


Afternoon: Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Rest, finish packing or take advantage of hotel amenities.


Dinner: Light dinner at hotel.


Evening: Depending on your international flight schedule, you might transfer to the airport late this night to catch a flight back to the U.S. Participants departing on this evening will not miss any program activities.

Lodging: Casa Andina Select

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart From: Transfer to the Jorge Chávez International Airport for flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.


Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight times).

Meals Included: Breakfast