The Inca and Machu Picchu Experience

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Machu Picchu

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Are you fascinated by the Inca culture?

This tour through Peru is a heady mix of the 'must see' and the 'rarely seen'. You'll visit the legendary Machu Piccu, the stunning Sacred Valley and the lively cities of Lima and Cusco before venturing off the beaten track to the Lucre-Huacarpay Wetlands to assist in conservation and reforestation activities alongside a group of experts. Combining these activities with visits to some of the most stunning cultural and unique wonders of the ancient world this is a trip not to be missed.

Why take this tour?

This tour offers a unique experience and the chance to do something really worthwhile. During your first week, you will really feel part of the Lucre - Huacarpay Wetlands community. You will help with conservation work such as planting trees and you will have the chance to interact with the community and learn their way of life.

* Day 1 - Arrival into Lima
Fly into Lima International Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Lima for a relaxing evening. Includes accommodation and dinner.

* Day 2 - Lima
You will begin with a brief introduction to Peru that will show you how to make the most of your stay and how to stay safe while you're away. Then you'll have a "get-together" lunch and an afternoon free to explore the city. Includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

* Day 3 - Flight from Lima to Cusco (own arrangements - morning flight recommended)
Arrive into Cusco Airport, you will meet your Cusco representative at the airport and they will transfer you to your accommodation. Then you will have a short briefing about the tour and general safety in the area. In the afternoon, you will take a short walking tour of the city centre and will have the rest of the day to acclimatize. Includes accommodation and lunch.

* Day 4 to 8 - Lucre-Huacarpay Wetlands
Transfer to Lucre at 8:00 am accompanied by your project supervisor. You will be staying in a rustic lodge, with basic facilities. Each day you will be helping at the Lucre-Huacarpay Wetlands, doing conservation and reforestation activities with a group of experts. You will work approx 6 hours daily, morning and afternoon with a break time at around noon. Includes accommodation, breakfast, box lunch and dinner.

* Day 9 - Cusco
Transfer from Lucre to your accommodation in Cusco. Day free to relax and explore the city. Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 10 - Tipon and Pikillacta
Visit the beautiful site of Tipon and Pikillacta, south of Cusco. You will have the chance to try the local delicacy, "chicharron", before returning to Cusco. You will have the rest of the day free. Includes: accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 11 - Cusco
You will have the morning free to explore your surrounding. After lunch, tour of the major sites in the city, the Cathedral, and the Qoricancha. Then transfer to the 4 nearby ruins above Cusco: Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman. Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 12 - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Early departure to "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Private transport to Pisaq to visit the local market and the ruins. Stop at Urubamba town for lunch. Continuing to the town of Ollantaytambo, a unique town built on Incan ruins. Last stop at Chinchero, to visit the local market and splendid 16th century Church built on an ancient Inca Palace. Return to Ollantaytambo for overnight. Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 13 - Machu Picchu
Early departure transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station where you'll catch a train to the town of Aguas Calientes. A 30-minute bus ride to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu follows. You will have a guided tour of the ruins and some free time which will allow you to explore on your own. Finally you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch, and then you will head back to Cusco. You will be met at the train station of San Pedro - Cusco and transferred to your accommodation. Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 14 - Cusco
A free day to rest, go shopping or enjoy the other sites in the city. Includes accommodation, breakfast and lunch.

* Day 15 - Return home
Transfer to the Cusco airport for your short flight back to Lima. Includes breakfast.

Highlights: Trip Highlights:
* Machu Picchu - one of the wonder's of the world
* The fascinating city of Cusco (A World Heritage Site)
* Working on a conservation and reforestation project
* Experiencing the unique culture of Peru

Qualifications: What kinds of skills you need / what to expect on the tour:

You do not need any specific skills to go on this trip, only a wish to help, get involved with your volunteering work and be motivated to your new cultural experience. You will have a supervisor with you who will arrange the logistic and deal with any problems.

Cost in US$: USD 2,195.00 for 2 weeks

* Accommodation: Shared room in homestay, guesthouse or rustic lodge
* Food: All meals, except some dinners as described in itinerary
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994