Explore the culture and live a unique experience through the different places of Peru and its gastronomy. Starting from the city of Lima until ending in the city of Cusco.
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
Upon your arrival you will be assisted at the Lima airport and then you will be transferred to your hotel.
You will have free time to rest.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Lima.
Meals included: None.
Day 2: Half Day City Tour: Tour Of Colonial And Modern Lima
You will visit the modern and colonial parts of Lima, known as The City of Kings, starting at the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, passing by a pre-Inca sacred place, before heading to the Historic Center. There, you will explore some of the most historically important streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, where you will have some time to take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it. Then you will visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo, an astonishing building with colonial style. After exploring the Historical Center, you will head towards modern Miraflores to make a stop at the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photographs of the Lima bay area.
Half Day Secrets Of Ancient Peru At The Larco Museum With Dinner
You will visit the Larco Museum, one of the most complete museums in Latin America, where the unsurpassed collection of Treasures of Ancient Peru is housed. This impressive collection inspires its visitors, making them discover, understand and enjoy -through more than 45,000 pieces- the more than five thousand years of history of Ancient Peru. One of the most striking exhibitions presents ceramic pieces from the Mochica culture, which -due to its particular characteristics- is known as "erotic pottery". At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a delicious dinner in the magical and cozy atmosphere offered by the museum's restaurant.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Welcome to Cusco
At the proper time you will be transfer to the Lima Airport to take your flight to Cusco.
Upon your arrival, you will be assisted and will be transferred to the hotel at the Sacred Valley.
Housed within Sol y Luna's Wayra ranch and open to the public, our relaxed day into evening eatery was built for three simple purposes: to eat, to drink and to enjoy.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Wayra Restaurant.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Sacred valley.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 4: Misminay
Visit the Misminay community, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon your arrival, the towns people will give you a warm welcome with typical music and dances. You will explore local gastronomy through a wonderful cooking class, beginning your experience with the planting and harvesting of some products, according to the season. Then, next to your hosts, you will prepare a delicious traditional dish using only local products, which you will enjoy for lunch. In the afternoon, your hosts will guide you with music and chants towards the Moray viewpoint, where you will have a privileged view of this important Inca agricultural center and the Sacred Valley. At night, your hosts will accompany you next to a bonfire where they will share local stories while you appreciate the beautiful and starry Cusco sky. Afterwards, share with them a delicious Andean dinner before spending the night at a local home.
Accommodation at the Misminay Community
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Misminay
Enjoy a traditional breakfast before joining the townspeople for a farewell ceremony, where they will express their gratitude for your visit.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Sacred valley.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 6: Llama Trek Weaver's Route
Experience what it is like to trek in the mountains on these ancient trails that are still used today by llama drivers who make their living by leading their animals to different points in the Andes. You will observe beautiful landscapes and share a day with the members of a local Andean community. At the end of the excursion you will be transferred to the station to take the Expedition train.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 7: Highlights of Machu Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain Mountain
You will visit one of the world's most famous landmarks: the citadel of Machu Picchu and it mountain sister. You will begin your ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain, where, surely, you will live one of the most unforgettable experiences. Once there, you can walk through every corner of one of the Seven Wonders of the world, accompanied by an expert guide, and enjoy free time to explore the area and take impressive pictures. Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant, after that, you will board the train for the return journey and be transferred from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 8: Half Day City Tour And Archaeological Sites Near Cusco
You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.
Accommodation at selected hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: International Departure
At scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and be transferred to the airport to take the departure flight.
*NOTE: While some of the volunteering activities (planting trees or ornamental plants, donating school supplies and wall taping with clay take place in the Misminay community itself, other volunteering activities, such as installation of gutters and water tanks, installation of improved kitchens and installation of vegetable bio-gardens, take place at the neighboring sector called Mullak’as (45min walking from Misminay).