Peru

The Ultimate Adventure

MOUNTAINS, JUNGLES & MACHU PICCHU

The Experience

EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTH AMERICA THIS SUMMER. JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU, EXPLORE ANCIENT INCA CIVILIZATION AND TAKE IN SCENIC VISTAS FROM THE PEAKS OF THE ANDES

This trip will not be running during Summer 2024. If you like this trip explore our Trip Guide or check out our upcoming trips below to find another summer adventure with Teen Travel Network!

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Cusco, South America’s oldest inhabited city
  • Journey to the greatest icon of ancient South America, the historic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
  • Travel through the Sacred Valley, known for its mystical significance for the Incas
  • Hike the Rainbow Mountain, famous for its brightly colored sediment layers
  • Unveil Ollantaytambo’s ancient marvels amid the fertile land of the Sacred Valley
  • Stop at a Quechua village for a ceramic workshop and to enjoy lunch and conversation in a community that still practices many Inca traditions

Program Overview

Pack your curiosity and get ready to uncover Peru’s hidden treasures, where ancient civilizations left their mark. Immerse in the captivating tales of the Inca and Quechua people as you walk where ancient footsteps once did. Swap stories with locals, dive into their culture and create connections that bridge the past and the present.

Have eye-opening local experiences and learn travel tips for traversing South America all whilst sharing unforgettable moments that will become your travel legend.

Peru boasts one of the planet’s widest array of climates and ecosystems. From mountain peaks to rich jungles, from dry deserts to rainforests, you’ll find adventure tucked into every nook and cranny of Peru’s impressive landscapes.

What’s a trip to Peru without a journey to Machu Picchu? This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like stepping into a time machine, where Inca secrets come alive amidst awe-inspiring ruins. Don’t blink, or you might miss the chance to create a memory that will last forever.

KEY DESTINATIONS

REGION: SOUTH AMERICA

COUNTRY: PERU

CITY: CUSCO, PISAC, OLLANTAYTAMBO

LANDMARK: MACHU PICCHU

"MY TTN EXPERIENCE MADE A HUGE IMPACT ON ME. IT SHOWED ME HOW TO CONNECT WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I HAVE TRULY BENEFITTED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE."

AVA M., SCARSDALE, NY

PROGRAM ITINERARY

THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.

Day 1: Arrival Day

Welcome to Cusco!

Our TTN Trip Leaders will meet you in the Cusco airport wearing their TTN t-shirts.

We will spend this first day settling into our accommodation and building connections with fellow travelers. Before we sleep off our jetlag, we will enjoy a local welcome dinner.

Days 2 - 3: Pisac & The Sacred Valley

Step into a world where history and culture intertwine in the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our journey begins in Pisac, a quaint artisan village cradled by majestic peaks and fertile valleys.

Explore the ancient mysteries of Pisaq archaeological site, said to be aligned with the solar system. Unleash your creativity in a ceramics workshop, crafting traditional pottery techniques with a modern twist. Our local guide will teach us how ancient civilizations created music with traditional Andean wind instruments.

Our journey will take us to a community that preserves traditional agricultural and artisanal practices from Inca times. Set out on a short hike to the unique Moray archaeological site, where terraced round depressions tell tales of Inca agricultural innovation. Savor a feast of local flavors – potatoes, beans, corn – during a hearty lunch. Then, witness the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines. The stunning white salt pools glimmer when the sun begins to set behind the mountain peaks of the Sacred Valley. From here, we’ll drive to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where we will rest for our next expedition.

Days 4 - 6: Ollantaytambo & Machu Picchu

Witness the genius of Inca engineering as you explore Ollantaytambo’s ruins, a testament to their mastery of aqueducts and dams on the Urubamba River. Fit together with precision, colossal stones tell stories of a bygone era. Embark on a hike, unraveling history step by step.

The next leg of our adventure is the one we’ve all been waiting for: Machu Picchu. A scenic train ride sweeps us through majestic mountains and lush jungles, mirroring the Incas’ path to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of the ruins.

At last, Machu Picchu appears. Traverse this architectural marvel of temples, palaces and dwellings against a backdrop of verdant peaks with stones so impeccably placed, they defy the ages. Learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site with our expert guide.

Pause for meditation and introspection amidst the ancient energy of Machu Picchu. Depart with memories etched and head back to Cusco. Enjoy well-deserved R&R, wander the vibrant streets or simply unwind at your accommodations. Learn the ropes of Peruvian cuisine, where we will learn how to make a traditional dish from a local chef.

Days 7 - 9: Rainbow Mountain & Cusco

Gear up for exhilaration as we set out on a day trip to explore the area via water with a rafting adventure through the rapids of the Urubamba River. Marvel at the wildlife as we head downstream. We’ll work together as a team to paddle hard through this rushing river!

Lace up your hiking boots and set your sights on the summit! Venture south to uncover the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain–this trek will reward us with sweeping vistas of nature’s artwork, painted with vibrant hues of mineral deposits located far off the beaten path.

Wrap up by exploring the art, architecture and local ways of the historic city of Cusco. We’ll stroll around the San Blas artists’ quarter and visit the colonial arch and Inca aqueduct of Sapantiana. We’ll take in the view of this old Inca capital city from the neighborhood of San Cristobal. We’ll visit an open-air market to cap off our Cusco experience with some local fruit tastings.

Finally, it’s time to pack and prepare for our travels home. Spend some high quality time with new friends before it’s time to say goodbye.

Day 10: Departure Day

Before we know it, our Peruvian adventure has come to an end. Head​ ​to​ the airport with​ ​incredible memories​, new friends, and confidence that​ ​will​ ​benefit you for life!

TTN Trip Leaders will accompany travelers to the Cusco airport and check them in for their flights home.

As you settle into your seat for the journey home, reflect on the things you saw, the people you met, and places you went. We’ll see you on your next adventure! Welcome to the Network!

Dates & Tuition

10-Day Travel Program
2024 Dates
JUN 22 – JUL 1, 2024
JUL 6 – JUL 15, 2024
Trip Duration: 10 days
Tuition: $3,999 + Airfare
Student/Staff Ratio: 7 to 1
Language Hours: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel Blocks
Age Range: 14-18 Years Old
Arrival Airport: Cusco (CUZ)
Departure Airport: Cusco (CUZ)

All-Inclusive Tuition

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