The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu

Activity note: Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize the chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito: get plenty of rest before travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, & avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.This is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Evening: At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking approximately 1.5 miles; mostly flat terrain, some steps. Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes suggested for today's activities. This leisurely-paced day in Quito is very important as it will give the group time to acclimate to highland elevations.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Orientation at 8:00 a.m. We will meet our Quito group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Periods labeled “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. At the hotel we'll board a bus and ride to the center of the city for an orientation to Ecuador’s capital. We'll accompany the Group Leader in a walking exploration of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning about Quito's history from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial Period, to the Republican Era. The architecture found in Quito’s historical center is a great example of the Baroque style which is a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish and Indigenous art. Our field trip will include visits to the Museo Casa del Alabado, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Church and Convent, and the Plaza Grande.

Lunch: At a local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine. As a treat, we will learn how to make the city's signature canelazo drink.

Afternoon: After lunch we will walk a couple of blocks to the Escuela de Arte Quiteño (Quito Art School). The school aims to preserve, through hands-on classes, the artistic techniques and traditions of the Quito School established during the colonial era. During our visit we will learn from a school instructor about the art techniques and theory behind the use of gold leaf before we try our hands at creating our own gilded artwork. In the mid-16th century, Roman Catholic monks began teaching indigenous artisans in Quito the artistic techniques needed to illuminate manuscripts and create religious sculptures, paintings, and other decorative elements that would eventually adorn the city’s many impressive churches and stately homes. While initial efforts attempted to replicate the Baroque styles brought from Spain and Italy, it soon evolved into something uniquely Quiteño; a style that incorporated indigenous imagery and artistic elements pointing to Flemish, Spanish, Italian, and even Moorish aesthetic influences. Late afternoon we’ll ride back to our hotel and attend an expert presentation about Andean culture and European and Indigenous syncretism.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Prepare for an early check out and flight tomorrow. There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the islands. Please pack accordingly.

Activity note: Flight to/from the Galapagos makes a stop in Guayaquil; passengers remain on board. This flight allows each person to bring a 50 lb checked bag, plus a carry on. Excess luggage can be stored at the Quito hotel until our return. Highlands: Walking on trails and forested areas with irregular terrain and small incline. Potentially muddy conditions.

Breakfast: Early, at the hotel.

Morning: Hotel check out. After boarding the bus we will transfer to the airport in preparation for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our Quito Group Leader will assist us with check-in procedures and bid us farewell as we proceed through security and get ready to embark on our flight. Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands we'll deplane and walk across the tarmac to the airport building and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. With passport in hand we will stop at the Immigration counter for an inspection of our travel documents before we can proceed to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we will meet our naturalist Galápagos Group Leader and board a bus that will drive us as far as the Itabaca Channel. After a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island, we will get on another bus and drive to a farm in the highlands for lunch.

Lunch: At a local ranch in the highlands.

Afternoon: After lunch we'll walk on grassy trails in search of giant tortoises living in the wild. We'll learn more about their diet, breeding habits and overall biology as we observe them in their natural habitat. In addition to giant tortoises, Santa Cruz is home to several species of Darwin's finches as well as Yellow Warblers, Galápagos Rails and Paint-billed Crakes. A dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels into the highland region of the island. Afterwards, our bus will deliver us back to Puerto Ayora in preparation for our field trip to the Fausto Llerena Center inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. Our naturalist will lead us on foot through the facility and introduce us to the station's mission and its tortoise breeding projects. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station based on Santa Cruz Island and operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The organization plays an important role in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation efforts in the islands. The station conducts its projects with the help of a large team of scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Late afternoon embark on the boat. Once on board, we'll take part in a welcome orientation and a safety drill before dinner.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht, after enjoying a welcome cocktail with the crew.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Activity note: Punta Suarez: dry landing and difficult trail conditions due to rocky, uneven terrain. Gardner Bay: wet landing and easy, sandy trail conditions. Osborn and Gardner Islets: panga ride.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We'll make a dry landing at Punta Suarez this morning in preparation for our approximately 2 hour hike. Our walking exploration will take us over loose boulders and challenging rocky ground as we make our way to view nesting boobies and the famous blowhole. Punta Suarez is home to the Galápagos Hawk and the red form of the marine iguana. In January, the iguanas change color, adopting bright hues that are attractive to potential mates. Visitors have a good chance of seeing Blue-footed Booby chicks around October. Española is also the breeding site of most of the archipelago's Waved Albatrosses, so be on the lookout for these large and graceful flyers! Albatrosses display courtship behavior in April, nest and lay eggs in May, and by December the young fledge and leave for a few months before returning in March. A panga will take us back to the yacht in time for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Following a panga ride to Española we will make a wet landing at the white sand beach in Gardner Bay. A short walk and swimming/snorkeling activities off the beach will give us the opportunity to relax in one of the islands' most beautiful locations. Gardner Bay's white beach is usually dotted with large quantities of sunbathing sea lions, especially during breeding season which takes place from May through January. This is also an important nesting site for sea turtles! In January, green sea turtles steal ashore under cover of night to dig pits and lay eggs before making their way back to sea. Eggs hatch from April to May. After our visit to Gardner Bay we will enjoy a panga ride around Osborn and Gardner Islets before returning to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Activity note: Punta Pitt: Wet landing on a beach frequented by sea lions (young males and retired adults). Keep your distance to avoid disturbing them. Parts of the trail are challenging as it requires climbing a steep ravine on slippery terrain. Kicker Rock/Leon Dormido: No landing. Cerro Brujo: Wet landing and walking on and around the beach.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Wet landing at the northeast end of San Cristóbal Island. Next, we’ll join our naturalist Group Leader on a walking exploration in search of local flora and fauna at Punta Pitt. This is the only site in the islands where visitors can watch all three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. The abundant supply of food in the area makes it unnecessary for the birds to compete, leading to a peaceful coexistence among the species. Blue-footed Boobies generally nest in the interior areas of the island, while Red-footed boobies nest on bushes, and Masked Boobies nest along the cliffs. The wind-carved landscape of this seemingly barren island is quite breathtaking. A closer look reveals a surprising array of plant life that, against all odds, continues to thrive here. We’ll also look for Palo Santo trees, small cacti, saltbush, and red Vesuvius. Return to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: We'll navigate around Leon Dormido (a.k.a. Kicker Rock) to get a closer look at the iconic stone formation and search for nesting sea birds. The tuff-rock, which rises almost 500 feet from the ocean, has eroded to give it the shape seen as a shoe or sleeping lion. We will be on the lookout for Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and frigatebirds dotting its cliffs. Then we will make a wet landing at Cerro Brujo and begin walking on a white sand beach that is often frequented by lively sea lions. Return to the yacht.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Activity note: Mosquera Island: Wet landing and easy walking on beach and swimming and snorkeling activities. Black Turtle Cove: no landing, dinghy ride.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We will navigate a short distance to Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour. A wet landing will deliver us to a white sand beach in preparation for our walking explorations. From there, we’ll walk along the beach to observe resident sea lions, colorful sally lightfoot crabs and coastal birds. There will be an opportunity for snorkeling and/or swimming before we return in time for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: We’ll take part in a quiet dinghy ride through the mangroves at Black Turtle Cove, on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. During this activity, the motor will be turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles, white tipped reef sharks, yellow rays and other marine species. We’ll also be on the lookout for pelicans and other sea birds that are known to frequent the site.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Activity note: Sombrero Chino: wet/ dry landing (depending on local weather conditions). Rabida Island: Wet landing and walking approximately 2.5 hours; easy to moderate trail conditions due to hills and sandy terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: We'll navigate around Sombrero Chino to observe its resident wildlife and lava formations. Depending on the weather conditions, we may also make a wet or dry landing and undertake a short hike around the island. This small island can be seen a short distance from Santiago Island’s southeastern tip. The name, meaning Chinese hat, describes the volcanic cone’s unique shape. A cove on the northern side of the island offers good conditions for swimming and snorkeling; it is also a favored sea lion hangout. Other species frequently seen in and around the island include American Oystercatchers, Brown Noddys, Galápagos Hawks, Sally Lightfoot crabs, spotted eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, Galápagos Penguins, marine iguanas, Lava Herons, lava lizards, and Brown Pelicans. We’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the yacht and readying ourselves for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Following a wet landing at Rabida Island, our naturalist leader will point out the island's unique flora and fauna during a walking exploration of the beach and local trails. Rabida (Jervis) has a dark red beach favored by sea lions and nesting pelicans. A saltwater lagoon located a small distance from the beach is home to flamingoes and the occasional White-cheeked Pintail. Palo Santo trees cover the island's volcanic peak, which can be seen from a short trail (approximately a 1/2 mile walk). Some of the Galápagos' rarest bird species are here in abundance, including Large-billed Flycatchers, Galápagos Hawks and nine varieties of finches.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Activity note: Bartolome Island: dry and wet landings, moderate to difficult trail conditions due to a long walkway of 375 wooden steps rising 374 ft. (114 meters) up to the lookout point. Sullivan Bay: Wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, volcanic terrain. The looping visitor trail is approximately 1 mile in length. Wear comfortable tennis shoes with good ankle support.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Dry landing at Bartolomé Island. After disembarkation we will accompany our naturalist leader on a hike up Escalera Hill to reach the lookout point at its peak. On Bartolomé Island we will be able to view volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. From the summit it is possible to see surrounding islands as well as Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti. Bartolomé is one of the best places to find Galápagos penguins.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: After a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, we’ll follow on foot to examine lava formations and hardy plant specimens. A volcanic eruption that took place in the early 1900’s formed huge lava flows in the area that is now Sullivan Bay. As the lava cooled off, it solidified into a black sheet of interesting shapes and textures that made their way to the sea. The rope-like lava seen on this island is called pahoehoe lava. Other interesting formations include lava bubbles and tree shapes; ghosts of Santiago’s past. Few plant species have been able to root in this harsh environment. Opportunity to swim or snorkel before returning to the yacht and freshening up for dinner.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.

Activity note: Santa Fe: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, uneven trail conditions. South Plaza: dry landing and moderate difficulty due to slippery rocks and uneven trail conditions.

Breakfast: Aboard the yacht.

Morning: Wet landing on a small beach on Santa Fe Island; a favorite sea lion hangout. We'll walk along a short looping trail that runs close to the beach. On the trail we will have the opportunity to get close-up views of the large Santa Fe Opuntia cactus while we look for Santa Fe land iguanas and Galapagos hawks. We’ll have the opportunity to swim or snorkel before going back to the yacht.

Lunch: Aboard the yacht.

Afternoon: Following our dry landing on Plaza Sur (South Plaza) Island we will embark on a walking field trip on rocky trails in search of local flora and fauna. As we follow the trail to a cactus forest, we hope to get a closer look at land iguanas and their habitat before moving on in search of local sea lion colonies. Sea lions usually give birth from August - November and females begin mating within weeks of having their young. South Plaza is also a great place for viewing seabirds in flight including Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other pelagic species.

Dinner: Aboard the yacht.

Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities. Prepare luggage for final disembarkation.

Activity note: There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to and from the islands.

Breakfast: Aboard the boat.

Morning: Early this morning we will make a Wet landing at Playa las Bachas for a field trip to a flamingo lagoon. Apart from being an important nesting site for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Playa las Bachas is also a great location for viewing migratory and aquatic birds. The name of this location dates back to WWII, when the U.S. army abandoned two barges on the beach. Locals found it hard to pronounce the word "barges" in English; over time, the common mispronunciation of the word became the norm, resulting in the name Playa las Bachas. Opportunity for snorkeling and/or swimming before returning to our vessel. Return to the yacht and gather your personal belongings in preparation for final disembarkation. Bid farewell to your Galapagos Group Leader and transfer to the airport.

Lunch: On your own. The airport offers a variety of food options like sandwiches and empanadas.

Afternoon: Upon arrival to mainland, late in the afternoon, we will collect our luggage and check-in for our flight to Lima, Peru. A Road Scholar representative will assist us with the connecting flight.

Dinner: At the airport. Please note that depending on flight times, the meal locations and times might change. The Road Scholar representative will advise at the site.

Evening: Upon arrival in Lima meet the Road Scholar representative and transfer to the hotel.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 21 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; flat paved surfaces, some steps.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Field trip to the Larco Museum. A presentation by a museum curator will introduce us to Peru's ancient cultures and enhance our museum experience. Following the lecture, the Group Leader will take us through the museum. The privately funded Larco Museum, also known as Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, holds one of the world’s largest collections of Peruvian pre-Colombian artifacts and showcases pieces from lesser known Peruvian cultures such as the Moche, Chimú, and Nazca, as well as the famous Inca. Its name honors the founder’s father, Don Rafael Larco Herrera, a well-known collector of pre-Columbian artifacts and archaeology aficionado. The museum is housed in an 18th century mansion in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima and has 6 exhibit halls, 11 storage rooms, a vault for gold and silver exhibits, a terrace with large stone displays, and a garden with a patio.

Lunch: Welcome lunch at local restaurant including a Peruvian Food presentation.

Afternoon: After lunch we will join a local expert in a walking field trip to Lima's historic downtown including the Plaza de Armas--the official center of the city and the original site upon which Lima was founded. We will explore La Catedral, an architectural masterpiece built in 1534, and the Church of San Francisco with its important library and collection of fine paintings and frescoes. At the end of our activities we will board the bus and ride back to our hotel.

Dinner: On your own to explore the local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare luggage for check out the following morning.

Activity note: Checked luggage allowance on flight is one bag per person, weighing up to 23 kg/50 lb. Getting on/off a bus; driving about 45 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking 1/2-1 miles, flat terrain. Cusco elevation approx. 11,000 ft & approx. 9,375 ft in Yucay. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, eat high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll check out and depart to the airport for our morning flight to Cusco. Traditional Inca welcome with coca tea upon arrival at the Cusco airport. Then, we'll board the bus and begin our transfer to the Sacred Valley 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: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: We'll ride to Pisac for a field trip to its market. The rustic Andean village grew up at the foot of the original Inca settlement and has since become known for its market and nearby ruins. The artisan market hosts hundreds of vendors offering ceramics, clothing and knitted goods including those made of alpaca, jewelry, scarves, and trinkets of many kinds. We will return to our bus and ride to the hotel for check in.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Time at leisure to enjoy the grounds and gardens of this former monastery.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 71 miles, approximately 2.5-3 hours riding time. Ollantayambo ruins are steep with about 100 stone steps to the top of the fortress at an altitude of 9,100 feet. Walking about 1/2 mile; sloping, cobblestone paths; altitude makes more challenging. Elevations range from 9,400 feet in Yucay to 12,500 feet in Chinchero.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will ride to the town of Ollantaytambo in preparation for a field trip to its Inca ruins. Our Group Leader will provide historical context while we walk through the town and examine its ancient ruins. We’ll learn about the engineering genius of the Inca demonstrated by the extensive terracing and irrigation present at the site. Running water still flows through the town in ancient aqueducts. The Inca emperor Pachacuti built Ollantaytambo in the 15th century as part of his royal estate.This is where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to Chinchero town and visit a weaving cooperative. Here we will meet with locals and learn about traditional weaving styles and techniques. 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. On our way back to the hotel, we'll pay special attention to the ancient terraces and other evidences of highland farming seen on the way, as we learn from a local expert about the agricultural practices of the Incas.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer tomorrow morning. There is a weight limit of for luggage on the Peru Rail transfer to Machu Picchu. Plan to pack an overnight bag for one night in the Machu Picchu area. This bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches /157 cm (length, plus height, plus width). Excess luggage can be left with the Road Scholar driver and vehicle, and will be secured until your return to Cusco.

Activity note: Getting on/off a train to Aguas Calientes; approximately 1.5 hours rail time. Getting on/off a bus (Aguas Calientes Town - Machu Picchu ruins) is about 4 miles each way; approx. ½ hour riding on mountain switchbacks. Walking and standing at least 3 hours; dirt paths and grass; many staircases and lack of shade. Wear or bring long-sleeved shirt for insect protection. Elevation at Aguas Calientes is approx. 6,695 ft.

Breakfast: Early, at the hotel.

Morning: Early morning we will ride to the Ollantaytambo train station and board a train to Aguas Calientes Station en route to Machu Picchu. This scenic journey by rail follows the meandering path of the Urubamba River and provides spectacular views of the snowcapped Andes. We will disembark at Aguas Calientes Station (6,693 feet elevation). Shortly thereafter, we will board a bus that will take us up the mountain to the Machu Picchu ruins. NOTE: Seating on the buses is on a “first come, first served” basis. We do not have a set departure time and will wait in line to board the bus.

Lunch: At a local restaurant near the ruins.

Afternoon: We will spend the afternoon at Machu Picchu, exploring in and around the ruins with a local expert. The modern day discovery of this ancient and incredible Inca city is credited to Hiram Bingham, a Yale graduate and former U.S. senator who was fascinated with Inca archaeology. While he was searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos, Bingham “found” Machu Picchu with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins. Bingham 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 largely supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a royal estate. Archaeologists believe the site was built around 1450-1460 at the orders of Inca ruler Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui. It is estimated that the ruler lived here with more than 750 laborers, servants, family and relatives, and priests. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of only 100 years. The reason for its disuse remains a mystery, although archaeologists speculate it may have had to do with the Spanish conquest. We will ride back to Aguas Calientes and then walk to our hotel.

Dinner: On your own for a chance to explore local fare.

Evening: Time at leisure to explore the town and local craft market.

Activity note: Participants who plan to return to Machu Picchu this morning should purchase their entrance tickets in advance. Park tickets are sold in Aguas Calientes but availability is not guaranteed. Please see the program notes section of your Road Scholar program materials for more details.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk around the town of Aguas Calientes. Next, we'll visit the local market.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer by bus to the train station to board the early afternoon train to Ollantaytambo Station. Arriving at the Ollantaytambo Station, we'll board a bus and transfer to Cusco. Once in Cusco we'll check in at the hotel. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.

Dinner: On your own for a chance to explore local fare

Evening: At leisure and to perhaps enjoy a walk around the main square of historic Cusco, the Plaza de Armas.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 8 miles, approximately 1/2 -1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; dirt paths, undulating grassy terrain, cobblestones. Elevation in Cusco is approx. 11,000 ft.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board the bus and ride to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Once there, we’ll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk through the historic site. 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. The stones are so precisely placed that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Some sections of the ruins were built by the Killke culture which occupied the region from 900 to 1200 A.D. and was expanded and added to with the arrival of the Incas. We will reboard the bus and ride back to Cusco in preparation for a walking exploration of the city center. Cusco is a city of great historical value as is noted in its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription: “The City of Cuzco provides a unique testimony to the urban and architectural achievements of important political, economic and cultural settlements during the pre-Columbian era in South America. It is a representative and exceptional example of the confluence of two distinct cultures; Inca and Hispanic, which through the centuries produced an outstanding cultural syncretism and configured a unique urban structure and architectural form.”

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Cusco before reconvening at the appointed time for a pre-dinner presentation by a local expert on the history of Inca and Andean musical instruments.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: The flight from Cusco to Lima takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The weight limit for checked luggage on this flight is 50 lb. Transfer to the airport is approximately 45 min.There is no hotel stay for this day. Please book flights departing Lima after 9:00PM. If you have chosen a morning flight out of Lima and need hotel accommodations, please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 toll free or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com to book these services.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Independent exploration; time at leisure to rest or explore Sol Avenue or the historic Plaza de Armas. The center of Cusco is a history lesson where modern and colonial buildings were built on top of Inca foundations and colonial churches dominate the central square.

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

Afternoon: We will transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima and say goodbye to our group leader. Upon arrival to Lima we will connect with our evening flights out of Jorge Chávez International Airport to the U.S. 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 another rewarding program 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.