Peru: Featuring Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca (2010)

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From $3495.00, per person, plus air, based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI), an Alumni Campus Abroad trip

Nestled in the misty Andes Mountains, Peru is a rugged, storied land where vast Incan civilizations once flourished and Spanish conquistadors ruled. Enjoy cosmopolitan and colonial Lima, with its historic Plaza Mayor, President’s Palace, landmark Cathedral, City Hall, and prestigious Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. From Cuzco, the former capital and holy city of the Incan empire, visit the Kornicancha and Saycsahuaman temples, the ruins of Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara fortress. Journey to Ollantaytambo fortress, where giant monoliths crown a grand staircase, and the traditional Andean Indian village of Chinchero, with its colorful local market. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey from Cuzco to the beautiful city of Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Marvel at the ruins in mesmerizing Machu Picchu. Cruise on scenic Lake Titicaca to the Floating Island of Los Uros and Isla Taquile for a truly unique experience. Join us on this exploration of history and culture for a travel experience you will never forget.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Lima, Peru, aboard scheduled jet service. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Executive Lima. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Day 2 -- Lima
Educational Focus: The History of Peru.
Excursion: Highlights of Lima.

Day 3
See the Plaza Mayor, Casa del Oidor, the President’s Palace, City Hall, and the landmark Cathedral.
Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in the historic district.
Excursion: National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. A expert guide leads a tour showcasing Peru’s fascinating history.

This evening, gather at the hotel for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 4 -- Cuzco
Fly from Lima to Cuzco. Transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Cuzco. Visit the laboratory of a renowned Peruvian archaeologist who worked with the National Geographic Society to excavate Inca mummies.
Educational Focus and Excursion: Andean Civilization.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 5 -- Machu Picchu
Educational Focus: Machu Picchu.
Excursion: Chinchero, the Temple of Ollantaytambo and Awana Cancha. Chinchero’s famous market has everything from handknit hats to Andean instruments. Continue to the fortress village of Ollantaytambo. At Awana Cancha, see
how the fur of camelids is used to weave colorful clothing and blankets.

Journey to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu.
Excursion: Machu Picchu.
This extraordinary site once was a center of worship, astronomical observatory and private retreat for the Inca ruler.
Explore its famous landmarks with an expert guide. Lunch is included.

This evening, return to Aguas Calientes and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu.

Day 6 -- Cuzco
Independent Exploration: This morning, explore Machu Picchu at your leisure.
After lunch, take a train back to Cuzco and transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Cuzco.

Day 7 -- Cuzco
Excursion: Cuzco.
Enjoy a guided tour to Korincancha, temple of the sun god; Saycsahuaman fortress; the Puca Pucara fortress; the ruins of Tambomachay, Inca baths; the Main Square; and Cathedral.

Independent Exploration: The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Day 8 -- Puno
Enjoy a spectacular rail journey to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Admire the view from La Raya, highest
point along the route. Lunch and afternoon tea are served during your train ride.

Upon arrival in Puno, check in at the Hotel José Antonio Puno hotel.

Day 9
Excursion: Lake Titicaca.
Travel by boat to the Floating Island of Los Uros, where the Uros people live on “islands” made of reeds grown in the
lake’s shallows. Visit Isla Taquile, famous for the high-quality textiles made by the local people. Lunch is included during the tour.

Day 10 -- Lima
Next, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Transfer to the Hotel José Antonio Executive Lima.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Local Flavor: Attend a Farewell Reception, Dinner and Graduation Ceremony at Casa García Alvarado.

Day 11
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)

Your Northwestern Host

Lacy Schneider (GC09), assistant director for alumni education, joined Northwestern in early 2007.  She previously worked in development at Chicago Children’s Museum.  She received her BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  In 2009, Lacy completed the Northwestern University Master of Science in Communication program. 

Updated July 16, 2009.