Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in vibrant Incan culture and history on this journey through Peru. Your group will explore famous Inca ruins including Huaca Huallamarca, Ollantaytambo Fortress, and—of course—Machu Picchu. Your students will also explore the Raqchi and Sillustani temples, visit with Indigenous Uros families who live on manmade, woven-reed islands on Lake Titicaca, and participate in a sacred Pago al la Tierra ceremony led by a local Paqo.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Lima
Day 2
Lima guided sightseeing tour
Discover Lima’s rich history and vibrant culture on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Visit the neo-colonial Government Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima with its 14 side doors. Explore upscale San Isidro, scenic Miraflores, and the historic San Francisco Convent, all overlooking the Pacific coast.
Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site visit
Visit this restored pre-Columbian pyramid in Lima.
Day 3
Fly to Cusco
Cusco guided sightseeing tour
Colourful Cusco was once a vital Inca centre, and the surrounding sites reflect the empire’s power. Begin your tour at Tambomachay, ritual baths likely used by nobility, where underground water bubbles over intricately carved stone platforms. At Qenko, priests once poured llama blood over a zigzagging stone to predict planting season luck. Puca Pucara, possibly a hunting lodge or imperial retreat, offers sweeping views of southern glaciers. You'll also visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for its massive stone walls and strategic significance in Inca history.
Day 4
Sacred Valley excursion
Built to resemble an ear of maize, Ollantaytambo is one of the few remaining examples of Inca urban grid architecture. From the fortress above, enjoy sweeping views of the valley below. Continue through the lush Urubamba Valley to the Pisac Indian Market, held three days a week, and visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Pago al la Tierra ceremony
Discover ancient Incan rituals through one of the oldest traditions in the Andean world. Guided by a Paqo, a wise spiritual leader, participants “pay” Mother Earth for her gifts by preparing and offering a bundle filled with symbolic items. The ritual honors Pachamama, a whimsical goddess whose favour is sought through gratitude and reverence.
Day 5
Train ride to Agua Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo)
The train passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes.
Explore Machu Picchu
Board a train and travel through the Sacred Valley on a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous site. Set high on a mountaintop and surrounded by jungle, this remarkable Inca city remained hidden from the outside world until 1912.
Day 6
Machu Picchu free time
Aguas Calientes handicrafts market visit
Transfer back to Cusco
Day 7
Travel to Puno
Andahuaylillas Chapel guided visit
While the exterior of this church is unassuming, the interior is an explosion of breathtaking Baroque artwork and gold-leafed carvings. Murals depicting various religious scenes line the walls and ceiling, making Andahauayillas Chapel a truly amazing sight and lending it the name the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
Raqchi Temple guided visit
Shop at local ceramics market
Day 8
Cruise to Uros Islands & Taquile Island
Imagine living on a floating island made entirely of matted reeds, and building it yourself. That is daily life for the Uros people of Lake Titicaca, who construct their homes from Totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These islands float and last about 30 years. Nearby, Taquile Island is home to Taquileños, known for their intricate weaving, considered among the finest in Peru.
Visit with indigenous Uros families
Hike Taquile Island
Day 9
Sillustani Temple guided visit
Explore Sillustani, where ancient stone burial towers built by the pre-Incan Colla people rise on a scenic hilltop overlooking Lake Umayo. The site offers insight into Andean funerary traditions along with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Fly back to Lima
Fly home
Your return flight departs overnight, with arrival home the next day.
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Peru
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.