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Peru

A Taste of Peru: Discover Lima, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Program No. 22809RJ
Want to get a new perspective on Peru? See the best of this country and its people on a learning adventure that begins in the capital of Lima and ends in Cusco.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 11, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Mar 6 - Mar 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Mar 9 - Mar 17, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 6 - Apr 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Apr 23 - May 1, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
May 4 - May 12, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
May 11 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 18 - May 26, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jun 8 - Jun 16, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jun 15 - Jun 23, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 6 - Jul 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Aug 10 - Aug 18, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Aug 28 - Sep 5, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Sep 18 - Sep 26, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 2 - Oct 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 12 - Oct 20, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Nov 9 - Nov 17, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Dec 7 - Dec 15, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 3 - Feb 11, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Feb 10 - Feb 18, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Mar 6 - Mar 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Mar 9 - Mar 17, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 6 - Apr 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Apr 23 - May 1, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 4 - May 12, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
May 11 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
May 18 - May 26, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

May 25 - Jun 2, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Jun 8 - Jun 16, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jun 15 - Jun 23, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 6 - Jul 14, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Aug 10 - Aug 18, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Aug 28 - Sep 5, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Filling Fast!
Sep 18 - Sep 26, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 2 - Oct 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Oct 12 - Oct 20, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Nov 2 - Nov 10, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Nov 9 - Nov 17, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2024
Starting at
3,199
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

Dec 7 - Dec 15, 2024
Starting at
3,649
Special Offer

No extra cost for single rooms! Free singles sell out quickly, so be sure to enroll early.

At a Glance

Much like the textiles that are woven from traditional Andean techniques, Peru’s culture is a colorful mesh of ancient influences and modern industry. Discover the very best of its mountain communities, bustling cities and age-old ruins on a learning adventure that begins in the capital city of Lima and ends in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco. Along the way, meet local residents who introduce you to their villages, weaving traditions and music.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day over varied terrain; overnight stays at high elevations up to 11,200 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Thrill in the vast beauty and ancient history of Machu Picchu, a ceremonial and administrative epicenter for the Inca.
  • Feel the fibers of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in your fingertips as you learn about Andean weaving traditions.
  • Meet local families in Maras, and attend a traditional Pachamama ceremony led by a local shaman.

General Notes

This program offers Micro Group options--with 12 or fewer participants--on some departures. Please refer to program date notes.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Gustavo "Tito" Leon
A native of Cusco, Gustavo "Tito" Leon found himself fascinated with the music of the Andean highlands. This affinity led him to devote his life to the research and preservation of Peru's Andean music. His research has focused on the origins of Andean music, its different forms, influences and instruments. Gustavo is a talented musician and an expert on native Andean woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. His interactive style will get your toes tapping as he performs the various song styles and instruments of the Andes.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Gustavo "Tito" Leon
Gustavo "Tito" Leon View biography
A native of Cusco, Gustavo "Tito" Leon found himself fascinated with the music of the Andean highlands. This affinity led him to devote his life to the research and preservation of Peru's Andean music. His research has focused on the origins of Andean music, its different forms, influences and instruments. Gustavo is a talented musician and an expert on native Andean woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. His interactive style will get your toes tapping as he performs the various song styles and instruments of the Andes.
Profile Image of Victor Colunga
Victor Colunga View biography
Victor Colunga has shared his knowledge and appreciation for Peru’s culture and natural wonders with visitors since 1982. During his career, he has worked for airline companies, served as a travel consultant, and managed inbound travel for Japanese clients. When he isn't traveling he enjoys hiking, jogging, traveling, photography and Peruvian cooking. Victor has traveled extensively within Peru and has also had the opportunity to visit Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and the U.S.
Profile Image of Maywa Blanco
Maywa Blanco View biography
A lifelong resident of Cusco, Maywa Blanco is a university professor who teaches courses in genetics, the biodiversity of Andean crops and agricultural research. She attended the National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Peru and studied English at the Peruvian-North American Cultural Institute. She received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Michigan State University, earned a master’s degree, and then returned to Cusco to work helping impoverished communities. In her free time, Maywa enjoys cooking, soccer and spending time with her family.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Conquest of the Incas
by John Hemming
This classic prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion weaves wide-ranging, scholarly material into a gripping narrative.
A Sacred Landscape, The Search for Ancient Peru
by Hugh Thomson
Head-over-heels in love with the adventure, intrigue and bonhomie of archaeology, Hugh Thomson (The White Rock) explores Moches, Chavin, Nasca and other ancient civilizations of Peru. His tale is bracketed by an account of his discoveries with Gary Ziegler at Llactapata, a newly excavated observatory barely two miles from Machu Picchu.
Stone Offerings
by Mike Torrey
Torrey captures the dramatic setting, solitude and intricate construction of the Inca site of Machu Picchu in 100 striking color photographs taken over a few days at summer and winter solstice.
The Great Inka Road
by Ramiro Matos
An astute collection of essays on the "Qhapaq Nan" (the Great Inca Road), covering its engineering, practical uses and the great civilization that built it. Includes more than 225 full-color illustrations.
Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
by Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor)
Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site.
Peru, Birds of the Forest
by Rainforest Publications
A handy, double-sided laminated card depicting 100 commonly encountered parrots, motmots, hummingbirds and other forest birds of Peru. We also carry Peru Mammals Guide plastic card. (Item PRU73)
Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map
by Lima 2000
This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000).
Insight Guide Peru
by Insight Guides
Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in color photographs and vivid essays on history, archaeology and culture.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu
by Mark Adams
Over his head on an arduous guided trek to Choquequirao and other remote sites, Mark Adams mixes entertaining tales of his adventures (he makes himself out to be quite the accidental explorer) with analysis of the rather grand Hiram Bingham in this light-hearted "following-in-the-footsteps-of" account.
The Incas
by Adriana von Hagen, Craig Morris
Morris and von Hagen trace the rise and rule of the Inca with authority in this region-by-region survey, reconstructing the finely built palaces and temples of Cusco and life at lavish royal estates like Chinchero and Machu Picchu. With 150 mostly black-and-white photographs and illustrations, including extensive site plans.
The Incas
by Carmen Bernard
Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book illuminates the daily lives, monuments and history of the Incas.
The Heights of Macchu Picchu
by Pablo Neruda
An indispensable contribution to 20th-century poetry, Neruda’s ode to Machu Picchu celebrates the Incan civilization while abhorring that the ancient estate was built by slave labor.
The Peru Reader, History, Culture, Politics
by Orin Starn
Lively and literate, this meaty anthology ranges from historical accounts to modern analysis.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
by Thornton Wilder
The classic tale of Franciscan missionaries in 18th-century Lima, Peru by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. First published in 1927.
Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca
by Rebecca Stone-Miller
This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
Peru, The Cookbook
by Gaston Acurio
A panoramic view of traditional Peruvian cooking, featuring 500 recipes, full-color illustrations and expert information on the roots of Peruvian cuisine. Author Gaston Acurio is a Peruvian celebrity chef and restaurateur.
Lima, A Cultural History
by James Higgins
An erudite guide to the cultural gems and literary history of Peru's capital city. James Higgins, who specializes in Peruvian literature, covers the scope of the city's history from its pre-Columbian museums, to its conquistador heritage, to its dynamic present.
Peru, Travellers' Wildlife Guides
by David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky
Featuring 500 illustrations of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects of the Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast.
Lost City of the Incas
by Hiram Bingham
This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site.





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If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
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