Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to discover the rich culture, language, and history of Peru on this journey from Lima to Cusco. Your students will learn more about Incan culture during visits to Huaca Huallamarca, Ollantaytambo Fortress, and Machu Picchu. Your class will also participate in a sacred Pago al la Tierra ceremony led by a local Paqo and explore Pisac, home to a renowned artisanal craft market.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Lima
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Lima guided sightseeing tour
Discover Lima’s rich history and vibrant culture on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Visit the neo-colonial Government Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima with its 14 side doors. Explore upscale San Isidro, scenic Miraflores, and the historic San Francisco Convent, all overlooking the Pacific coast.
Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site visit
Visit this restored pre-Columbian pyramid in Lima.
Day 3
Fly to Cusco
Cusco guided sightseeing tour
Colorful Cusco was once a vital Inca center, and the surrounding sites reflect the empire’s power. Begin your tour at Tambomachay, ritual baths likely used by nobility, where underground water bubbles over intricately carved stone platforms. At Qenko, priests once poured llama blood over a zigzagging stone to predict planting season luck. Puca Pucara, possibly a hunting lodge or imperial retreat, offers sweeping views of southern glaciers. You'll also visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for its massive stone walls and strategic significance in Inca history.
Day 4
Sacred Valley excursion
Built to resemble an ear of maize, Ollantaytambo is one of the few remaining examples of Inca urban grid architecture. From the fortress above, enjoy sweeping views of the valley below. Continue through the lush Urubamba Valley to the Pisac Indian Market, held three days a week, and visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Pago al la Tierra ceremony
Discover ancient Incan rituals through one of the oldest traditions in the Andean world. Guided by a Paqo, a wise spiritual leader, participants “pay” Mother Earth for her gifts by preparing and offering a bundle filled with symbolic items. The ritual honors Pachamama, a whimsical goddess whose favor is sought through gratitude and reverence.
Day 5
Train ride to Agua Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)
The train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes.
Explore Machu Picchu
Board a train and travel through the Sacred Valley for a full-day excursion to Peru's most famous destination, the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Set on a mountaintop, deep in the jungle, Machu Picchu remained unknown to the outside world until 1912.
Day 6
Aguas Calientes handicrafts market visit
Transfer back to Cusco
Day 7
Fly to Lima
Return home
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add a 3 Day Adventure in the Amazon Rainforest
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and travel by motorized canoe to your jungle lodge. After settling in, set out on a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife in its natural habitat (weather permitting). Spend the next day exploring the Amazon with hikes and activities that may include a visit to Monkey Island, climbing an Observation Tower for panoramic canopy views, and exploring Tres Chimbadas Lake for a chance to spot otters, macaws, and caimans.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Peru
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.