Commonwealth Youth Choir - Peru

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday July 5: Lima

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Lima, Peru's capital city where you will meet your Encore Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel for check in and enjoy dinner together. (D)

Day 2, Tuesday July 6: Lima

This morning after breakfast we will head to D1 Academy, for an immersive, hands-on workshop that introduces students to Peru’s diverse cultural heritage through music, movement, and storytelling. Guided by professional musicians, dancers, and facilitators, participants explore the traditions of Peru’s coast, Andes, and Amazon while learning how rhythm, dance, and community have shaped cultural expression across the country. This afternoon, rehearse at your venue in preparation for a collaboration performance this evening (B,L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 7: Sacred Valley

This morning sees an early transfer to the airport (depending on timings, breakfast may be a box-meal), for your flight to Cuzco. On arrival transfer to Manos de la Comunidad. Here, we will learn about the various types of camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos) that live in the Andes region. Afterward, the tour will continue to Pisac, one of the most emblematic towns in the Sacred Valley. Guests will have time to explore the Pisac Market, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural authenticity. The market features a wide variety of traditional musical instruments, handcrafts and artwork. Continue to your hotel in time for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 8: Sacred Valley

This morning, participate in a meaningful cultural exchange at a nonprofit organization in the Sacred Valley dedicated to improving opportunities for local children and families. Following a rehearsal and community concert, enjoy time interacting with students, educators, and community members through shared music, conversation, and lunch. This afternoon visit the workshop of renowned Peruvian ceramic artist Pablo Seminario, whose work draws inspiration from the symbols, techniques, and artistic traditions of ancient Peru. After an introduction to the rich legacy of pre-Columbian pottery, students will participate in a hands-on workshop led by expert artisans, creating their own clay piece using traditional methods developed through decades of research into Peru’s archaeological heritage. The experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past through creativity and craftsmanship. Finished pieces will be fired and prepared for collection later in the journey, serving as a meaningful souvenir of the experience. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday July 9: Sacred Valley

Today sees a very early start for your full day visit to Macchu Picchu by Vistadome train and transfer bus to Aguas Calientes summit. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. Your visit includes lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel later. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 10: Cuzco

After breakfast continue your journey toward Cusco with a visit to the Andean community of Ccorccor, where local families welcome visitors with music, traditions, and a glimpse into daily life in the highlands. Spend time interacting with community members and learning traditional games that have been passed down through generations, offering a fun and authentic introduction to rural Andean culture. Afterwards, head to the shores of Lake Piuray for a traditional pachamanca lunch. Meaning "earth oven" in Quechua, pachamanca is one of Peru’s oldest culinary traditions, in which meats, potatoes, corn, and other local ingredients are slowly cooked underground using heated stones. More than a meal, it is a communal celebration that reflects the deep connection between Andean communities, the land, and their agricultural heritage. Continue to Cuzco in time for dinner together. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 11: Cuzco

Depart this morning for Tipón, one of the finest examples of Inca hydraulic engineering, where a sophisticated network of canals, aqueducts, fountains, and agricultural terraces continues to function more than five centuries after its construction. As you walk through the site, gain insight into how the Incas combined engineering, agriculture, and a deep understanding of water management to sustain their empire. Continue to the village of Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Built during the early colonial period, the church is renowned for its extraordinary murals, frescoes, gilded altars, and decorative artwork that reflect the encounter between European artistic traditions and Indigenous Andean culture. After lunch, visit the Andahuaylillas center of Sinfonía por el Perú, an acclaimed social initiative founded by tenor Juan Diego Flórez that uses music education as a tool for social development and opportunity for children and young people across the country. Begin with a visit to the center’s lutherie workshop, where students will learn about the art and science of instrument making while meeting young apprentices who are being trained to build and maintain violins, guitars, and other string instruments. The experience may include a hands-on activity led by the workshop team, offering insight into the craftsmanship behind every instrument. The visit continues with an encounter with local choir students who participate in Sinfonía por el Perú’s music education programs before a joint performance tonight (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday July 12: Cuzco

This morning, participate in an interactive workshop dedicated to the traditional musical instruments of the Andes. Led by local musicians, students will discover the history, cultural significance, and distinctive sounds of instruments such as the zampoña (Andean panpipes), quena, charango, and percussion instruments that have accompanied Andean communities for centuries. As part of the experience, each participant will receive a traditional zampoña as a keepsake and will have the opportunity to learn basic playing techniques, before lunch together. This afternoon, discover some of Cusco’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with the vibrant San Pedro Market, and the Qoricancha temple, the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. Rehearse and perform your final concert tonight in a venue such as Cuzco Cathedral or La Compania Church before a farewell dinner together (B,L,D)

Day 9, Tuesday July 13: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Connect at the Lima airport for your return home. (B)

Day 10, Wednesday July 14: United States

Arrive in the USA.