Day 1-2

Arrive in beautiful and bustling Lima to meet your group and leaders. Enjoy the city while you can because you are about to be whisked away and seemingly back in time to Cusco – a city named the archeological capital of the Americas. With some of the most beautiful views in the world, Cusco is a city surrounded by 6 towering mountains dotted with legendary Inca ruins.

Day 3-8

Next, discover the best way to learn about the culture by living for a few days among local Peruvian families! After morning Spanish lessons in the heart of Cusco, spend your afternoons immersing yourself in the culture of Peru with everything from day hikes among the ruins outside Cusco to ceramics, cooking and dancing classes!

After soaking up as much as you can from your classes, you will have the opportunity to step into the role of the teacher in a local orphanage. Offering your time and energy to some of the children of Peru will not only open your eyes, but fill your heart with joy. More than likely, you will learn as much from them as they will learn from you! On the evening of your 8th day, you will meet your backpacking guides to prep for the much-anticipated Inca Trail! Make sure you get a good night’s sleep because the next 8 days are guaranteed to stretch you mentally and physically!

Day 9-13

Awake with the sunrise as we prepare to spend the day traveling from Cuzco to Puno in Southern Peru. While en route, we’ll enjoy places such as the “Andean Sistine Chapel” known as Andahuaylillas, respected for its beautiful architecture complete with magnificent carvings. We will also visit an enormous and magnificent Incan temple, Raqchi, dedicated to the God Wiracocha. Marvel at the size of this monument as it is 100 meters long, 26 meters and 14 meters tall!

From Puno, we’ll travel to the small village of Llachon. There, we will find ourselves surrounded by locals who will welcome us to their homes for splendid meals. After a night of feasting with our new friends (and another delicious meal at breakfast time, of course!), we’ll have enough fuel to power our arms for sea kayaking on Lake Titicaca for the next 2 days, the world’s highest navigable lake. We’re sure to see some beautiful sites on the rugged coastline and a spectacular sunset as another wonderful day winds down.

Day 14-19

Rise and shine early in order to journey from Cusco to Mollepata where you will meet up with your guides, mules and horses and begin the trek of a lifetime! Climb to the Incachirias Pass where you will experience views of the snow-covered Salkantay peaks that will take your breath away. (Think 20,700 feet!) After descending along the Sisaypampa Pass, take your boots off and relax as you count the shooting stars in the Southern Hemisphere. Trek to the amazing Pampacahua valley, site of the Inca Canal.

Over these 8 days, you will explore ruins and archeological centers dotting the landscapes around the Inca Trail and marvel at their construction. Each day will be filled with delicious meals, ancient stories and views that only get better as the days progress. On the morning of your final day backpacking, rise before the sun to climb to the Sun Gate “Intipunku,” the main entrance to Machu Picchu! Gaze in awe as the clouds and mist part to reveal one of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Be sure to have your camera in hand as the scenery rapidly changes! Descend into the ruins to mingle among the llamas and learn more about the secrets of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a celebration lunch in the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes, home of natural hot springs! Return to Cusco by train and share stories of your experience.

Day 20-22

Next, switch gears for a rip-roaring adventure along the world-class rated Apurimac River. Bounce and splash as you navigate Class III-V rapids, but be sure to hang on tight! Spend 2 evenings relaxing and dining on extraordinary meals at beaches bordering the river.

Day 23

Depart Cusco on a plane headed to Lima where you will clean all of your gear and end your trip with a grand finale banquet, Peruvian style!