Cuzco and the Amazon

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Lima

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the capital of Peru and check into your hotel.

Day 2: Lima

Today is a full day of guided sightseeing. Your local expert will introduce you to Plaza de Armas, at the heart of the old town and the former center of Spain's new world empire, and the (relatively) more modern Plaza San Martín with its early 20th century beaux-arts architecture. Then visit both the San Francisco church and Santo Domingo convent, exploring their catacombs, tombs and colonial architecture. This afternoon, take an excursion to the Pachacamac ruins, a site of religious and historical significance. The ruins include a number of impressive pyramids, several temples and an array of ancient abodes.

Day 3: Cuzco

Depart for an early morning flight to Cuzco. After settling in at your hotel, enjoy an afternoon visit to Qorikancha, the ruins of an Inca temple that now form the foundation of a church and convent. Then tour the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the Inca bath of Tambo Machay.

Day 4: Cuzco

Travel through the Urubamba Valley on board the scenic train to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. Your guided tour will introduce you to the mystery and legends that shroud this sacred and mysterious mountainside city built by the Incas in the 15th century and discovered in 1911. Return to Cuzco in time for dinner and a night's rest.

Day 5: Cuzco

Journey into the Sacred Valley to the town of Pisac this morning and browse its famed market, a boisterous and dazzlingly colorful open-air bazaar that showcases hand-crafted Peruvian goods. After lunch, continue to the small town of Ollantaytambo, home of the centuries-old ruins of an ancient Inca hillside fortress and village. Return to Cuzco for the night.

Day 6: Tambopata Amazon Lodge

Depart early in the morning on a flight to Puerto Maldonado, a bustling tropical town in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Travel by motorized canoe to your jungle lodge in Tambopata Nature Reserve. This afternoon, your guide briefs you on the various eco-projects the community is committed to and leads you on an introductory jungle hike.

Day 7: Tambopata Amazon Lodge

Wake up at dawn for an early start to your day of Amazon Rainforest exploration. As you're guided through the lush vegetation, keep an eye out for unique native fauna including birds, insects, caimans or maybe even monkeys. You'll return to your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy free time to further discover your jungle surroundings.

Day 8: Overnight Flight

Depart on your flight back to Lima this morning. This afternoon you will visit the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, which houses the largest collection of artifacts from the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru. After dinner, depart for the USA.

Day 9: United States

Arrive in the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the history and culture of Peru with an extra night in Lima, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.