Secrets of Peru

Banner image of Machu Picchu promoting the Secrets of Peru travel program

Image promoting Secrets of Peru travel programDuration:
9 Days, June 4 - 12, 2025

Price:
From $5,495 from Lima, Peru

Tour Operator:
Orbridge

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Peru's rich history, vibrant culture, and breath- taking landscapes offer travelers an awe-inspiring experience that stretches from the majestic Pacific Ocean to the towering Andes Mountains and on to the verdant Amazon. Our tour will focus on exploring the country’s legendary archaeological sites, diverse wildlife, and tantalizing culinary traditions at iconic destinations, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, and Paracas. An optional post-tour in the Amazon should not be missed!

We will begin our Peruvian adventure by visiting the crown jewel of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu, in the Sacred Valley. Nestled high in the Andes, this ancient citadel unveils its secrets amid stunning mountain scenery. Our group will arrive on the Vistadome train before touring this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoying lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, which offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu. On our city tour of Cusco, we will see further evidence of the engineering prowess of the Incans when we explore the mighty stronghold of Sacsayhuamán and the Temple of the Sun at Qoricancha, which blends Incan and Spanish cultures. We will transition from ancient marvels to modern Cusco as we explore the colorful stalls of local produce, textiles, and traditional crafts in the San Pedro Market. We will share a meal at Villa Tipón complemented by an ancestral tribute to Mother Earth and a live musical archaeological performance.

Heading south to the coastal oasis of Paracas, a hidden gem along the Pacific Ocean, we will discover the otherworldly beauty of the Paracas National Reserve, where crimson cliffs meet the cerulean sea. Here we will pause to learn about the area’s unique wildlife before heading to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and myriad bird species. An optional mid-afternoon excursion offers a dune buggy ride and sand boarding for the adventurous. Our group will delight in the dramatic landscapes of the nearby desert dunes as we partake in a beach picnic at sunset.

Finally, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, where Spanish colonial architecture meets a burgeoning contemporary art scene. Lima’s renowned culinary scene will be on display as we embark on a city food tour to sample Peruvian delicacies. We will have the opportunity to see pre-Columbian treasures at the Museo Larco and an active pre-Incan archaeological excavation at the Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary & Museum.

Embark with us on this tour of the Secrets of Peru, where ancient wonders, metropolitan delights, and coastal treasures converge to create an unforgettable educational adventure for avid historians, food enthusiasts, and nature-lovers alike.

Lifelong Learning

  • Lifelong Learning
    Washington and Lee University
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