Peru and the Galápagos

Discover ancient Incan rituals in one of the oldest traditions in the Andean World. With the help of Paqo, a wise man, participants 'pay' Mother Earth for everything she provides by gathering up and offering her a package filled with earthly gifts. The goddess is whimsical and the purpose of this ritual is to please her.

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.

The train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes.

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.

Visit a Peruvian school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)

In the afternoon we will return by train to Cusco, the train journey itself is wondrous and the carriages' partially glass roofs offer great views upwards to the cliffs that form the walls of the deep valleys.

Discover the rich human and natural history of the Galápagos Islands through engaging exhibits and stories.

This tortoise breeding and conservation center is dedicated to increasing the population of the island’s vulnerable tortoises. Follow a winding trail through a spacious park where giant tortoises roam freely, then visit the pens where younger tortoises are grouped by age before being released into the wild.

Walk among lush green ferns and watch as White-cheeked Pintails and colorful Gallinules swoop and swim around you in one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galápagos.

Snorkel at La Loberia Beach and spot sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards.

This amazing landmark is a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rising almost 500 feet from the ocean. The erosion has given the rock its characteristic shape, which some see as a shoe, hence the name Kicker Rock. You will snorkel around Kicker Rock and see if you can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, and tropical fish. And from the boat on land you can usually see blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and frigatebirds on the cliffs as well as sea lions along the shore.

Explore the protected environment of Cotopaxi National Park. Named after the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi volcano, the park provides spectacular views of the Ecuadorian landscape. See roaming wild animals such as white-tailed deer, Andean fox, horses and llamas.