Ancient Civilizations

Peru

Duration 9 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Ancient Civilizations

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Ancient Civilizations

Peru I

Join us on a journey to Peru's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. From the streets of Lima to ancient Machu Picchu, delve into the history and traditions of the Inca civilization. Witness the role of music and dance in Andean culture and the fusion of flavors in Peruvian cuisine. Discover Peru's diverse beauty, from the soaring peaks of the Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, and see how these elements have shaped the country's unique identity.

“Peru, where the Andes cradle ancient civilizations and Machu Picchu stands as a testament to human ingenuity, is a land where every step is a journey through history.“

“Communities guard tradition through colorful celebrations and age-old practices, cultivating a legacy of cultural richness and ensuring the heartbeat of heritage thrives.“

Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

Day 1

Upon arrival in Lima, students rest and later explore Lima’s historic center, visiting the Larco Museum with a pre-Columbian collection. Delving into Lima's history, they discover traditions that shaped the country. The day concludes savoring unique Peruvian flavors at a local restaurant.

Day 2

We take a flight to Cusco and after settling in we visit the Coricancha Temple, a sacred Inca site, and the Santo Domingo Cathedral, a colonial church built on top of an Inca temple; an incredible fusion of Inca and Spanish architecture. We celebrate our arrival in a local lively restaurant.

Day 3

After breakfast, students delve deeper into the history and culture of the Incas, visiting the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Tambomachay. In the afternoon, we have free time to explore Cusco at our leisure, giving us the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this fascinating city.

Day 4

We travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit the town of Pisac and an artisan market. Later students visit the Ollantaytambo fortress, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural center. The site's terraces feature incredible engineering skills. We spend the night in Aguas Calientes

Day 5

We head out to Machu Picchu, the world-famous ruins. Guides provide a detailed site history, including its architecture, religious significance, and engineering feats. Students also explore the Incas' knowledge of astronomy and agricultural techniques. We later return to Ollantaytambo by train.

Day 6

Students visit Maras' salt mines and Moray's agricultural ruins, showcasing the Inca Empire’ agricultural experiments. The pre-Columbian salt extraction process is still practiced in Maras. In Chinchero, students explore the traditional Andean textile-making. The day concludes with dinner in Cusco.

Day 7

Students explore San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its remarkable artwork. Tipon's ruins reveal Inca mastery in hydraulic engineering, with an intricate network for crop cultivation. Returning to Cusco, students enjoy free time to explore the city.

Day 8

Students explore Cusco's San Pedro Market, immersing in local culture through empathic interviews. In the afternoon, they visit artisans in Cusco, witnessing traditional crafts and purchasing souvenirs. The trip concludes with a reflective activity on ancient civilizations and a farewell dinner.

Day 9

Finally, the group head to the airport for their flights back home, having gained a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of Peru's ancient civilizations.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

Ancient Civilization & Modern Tourism

This lens of inquiry explores modern tourism's impact on Peru's ancient civilizations, specifically examining preservation, economic, social, and environmental effects. The focus is on promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the cultural heritage of ancient Peru.

Cultural Exchange & Identity

Through this lens of inquiry students examine how ancient civilizations have shaped modern Peruvian culture and identity, exploring similarities and differences between indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures. They also explore how colonialism and imperialism has affected Peru’s cultural identity.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship

This inquiry explores the sustainability of Peru's ancient civilizations. How did they practice sustainable agriculture and engineering? Can these practices address modern environmental challenges? What role does modern technology play in promoting sustainability and preserving cultural heritage?