Overview
Traveling through Peru means sampling ceviche in a Cusco market, folk dancing with locals, and gazing at Machu Picchu while taking in the colorful culture and breathtaking natural beauty of the region. From the bustling city of Lima to the middle of the Sacred Valley, Peru offers visitors a taste of history, religion, art, and more.
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.
Museo Larco visit
Explore ancient Peruvian history at the Museo Larco.
Day 3
Fly to Cusco
Cuzco city walk
Cusco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, The Convent of Santo Domingo
Cusco performance
Day 4
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.
LEAP Pago al la Tierra
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.
Day 5
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.
Day 6
LEAP Peruvian School Visit
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.)
Performance at a school in the Sacred Valley
Train ride to Agua Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)
The train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes.
Day 7
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.
Transfer back to Cusco
Day 8
Fly back to Lima
Fly home
Day 9
Return home OR Extend your stay
Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-day excursion to Lake Titicaca. Visit the stunning Andahuaylillas Chapel, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and explore the ancient Raqchi Temple. Cruise to the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island to experience indigenous culture, intricate weaving, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a hike on Taquile Island, shop at a local ceramics market, and connect with Uros families. The excursion also includes a choir performance in Puno and a guided visit to the fascinating Sillustani Temple.
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
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
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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.