Global Philanthropy
Peru & Inka Trail Trek
Awaken your spirit in magical Peru, where breathtaking scenery and ancient mysteries, interwoven with colorful modern culture, set the stage for an enriching journey of history, adventure and community. The highlight of this trip is a hiking and camping expedition along the Inka Trek to the legendary Machu Picchu. The Trek is rigorous and beautiful, providing unparalleled access to the many ruins tucked away in the mountains. For true cultural immersion and a chance to make a difference, you’ll participate in two volunteer projects: In Lima, leave the wealthy city-center and visit a school in Huachipa where you’ll interact with the children and do some light work as part of a program run by SOLAC. In Cusco, spend a day volunteering at the SOS Children’s Village and see how a simple act of kindness can put a smile on a child’s face.
Days 1/2 - New York/Lima
Arrive in Lima, where you are met and
escorted to your hotel just three blocks from the Pacific Ocean. This afternoon, discover Lima on a guided tour. Visit the Plaza de Armas (the main square). Drive through the charming suburban areas of San Isidro and Miraflores. The tour will end with a visit to the Museo Nacional to see the media-rich exhibit Yuyanapak, meaning “to remember” in the Quechua language. JOSE ANTONIO EXECUTIVE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B,D)
Day 3 - Lima - Asociacion SOLAC in Huachipa
Your hosts today are members of Asociacion SOLAC, a Peruvian grassroots community development organization which focuses on education, health, women’s empowerment, environmental issues, microfinance, and equal rights. For the past four years they have worked with the community of Huachipa to improve the education infrastructure at the local elementary school and to develop economic opportunities with women's groups and small businesses. Drive for an hour to the outskirts of modern Lima where refugees continue to struggle with harsh living conditions. Your first stop will be to visit a family whose sole income is making abode bricks by hand. Afterwards, you will be able to visit the local school and interact with the children. Your work today may include a small painting/beautification activity of the school or playground, or interactive activities with the children. You will also have lunch with the children before returning to your hotel after an amazing day of education and heartfelt cultural exchange. JOSE ANTONIO EXECUTIVE HOTEL. (B,L)
Days 4/5 - Cusco/Yucay/Ollantaytambo/Pisac
Fly to Cusco, where upon arrival you'll board your bus for your drive to Yucay, located in the heart of the Urubamba Valley. Probably the most popular of all the hotels in the Sacred Valley is the Posada del Inca, your home for the next two nights. During your stay, visit the town of Pisac. A vital Inca road once snaked its way up the canyon that enters the Urubamba Valley at Pisac. The citadel, at the entrance to this gorge, now in ruins, controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with Paucartambo, on the border of the eastern jungles. You will also spend part of your visit in Ollantaytambo which is a major Inca fortress and one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a major battle during the conquest. Your next day in the area will again provide an opportunity for service near Cusco with AI SOS PERU/Children’s Villages. This organization is an international NGO focused on social development that has been active in the field of children’s rights and committed to their needs and concerns since 1949. The villages focus on family-based, long-term care of children who can no longer grow up with their biological families. SONESTA POSADA YUCAY HOTEL. (B,L Daily)
Day 6 - Inka Trail: Cusco to Wayllabamba
Early this morning, drive to Piskacuchu where you begin your thrilling hike on the stone-paved Inka Trail. Porters will accompany you and your guide, carrying your belongings (max 20 lbs.) and camping gear. Ascend slowly along the banks of the Urubamba River to Miskay. You are rewarded with breathtaking views of the impressive Incan city of Llactapata. Continue along a valley lush with eucalyptus forests to Wayllabamba. Your campsite includes an all-weather tent with a foam mat and sleeping bag that comfortably accommodates two, a group toilet tent, hot water provided by porters for washing up and a dining tent complete with a cook to create meals. INKA TRAIL CAMPING SITE. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Inka Trail: Pacaymayo
After breakfast, trek for over five miles on an abrupt and steep ascent that gives way to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Reach the highest point on the trail, Abra Warmihuanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass) look for llama and alpaca. Afterwards, descend into the Pacaymayo Valley for a good night’s rest. INKA TRAIL CAMPING SITE. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Inka Trail: Winaywayna
Today is your longest trek, climb the Abra Runkurakay pass and explore a small watchtower structure of the same name. Descend into a thick cloud forest filled with tropical flowers before arriving at the narrow streets, fountains and patios of ancient Sayacmarca. After trekking over the third pass, Abra Phuyupatamarca, at the end of a tunnel is Phuyupatamarca, one of the best-preserved complexes along the trail. Long descending stone steps deposit you at Winaywayna an Incan complex with agriculture, religious and urban sectors. Tonight, your campsite hosts a trekker lodge, bar and bathroom. Enjoy a farewell dinner. INKA TRAIL CAMPING SITE. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Inka Trail: Machu Picchu
Before dawn, climb to The Sun Gate and witness sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, descend through the ‘House of Guardians’ to explore the temples, houses, terraces, gardens and altars of this mysterious city and civilization. Marvel at the Andean peaks covered in cloud forest green. Climb Huaynapicchu Mountain, visit the Temple of the Moon or the Inca Bridge. Then travel by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes
and your comfortable hotel with panoramic views. HATUCHAY TOWERS. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning you have one more chance to explore the ruins and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, before boarding your train to Cusco. HOTEL PICOAGA. (B,L)
Days 11/12/13 - Cusco/Lima/New York
Explore Cusco’s treasures on a guided tour, such as the Inca Temples of the Sun and the Moon. The next morning return to Lima where a dayroom awaits at the JOSE ANTONIO HOTEL. Transfer to the airport this evening for your overnight flight home. (B,D; B)
Your Journey Includes:
- All ground transfers by motorcoach.
- Moderate and rustic accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Tent, sleeping mat and bag provided on Inka Trail trek.
- Two days of service projects, one in Lima and the other in Cusco.
- Services of English-speaking guides throughout the tour.
- All meals as specified.
- All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary.
- Complimentary rain poncho, passport wallet and baggage tags.
For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244


