DAY ONE - International Flight to Peru
International flights arrive in the evening. Greeting by Interact's Foreign Representative in the airport lobby. Transfer to your Lima hotel in the Miraflores neighborhood.
DAY TWO - Flight to Cusco /Homestay or Hotel
Morning flight to Cusco, the archaeological capital of South America. The Incas called this place "the Navel of the World." It's a picturesque location with all homes bearing
red-tiled roofs by law. UNESCO has declared Cusco as a living monument to humanity. Later, explore the vibrant Plaza de Armas surrounded by historical landmarks, shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
CUSCO HOMESTAY:
live with host families in middle class residential neighborhoods. Homes are American-style and are more comfortable than most can imagine. Host families are interviewed,
carefully selected and monitored by the EXCEL resident director. Everyone speaks Spanish in the homes. Students share with one to three other group members of the same general language ability.
DAY THREE - Cusco City & Surroundings
Your Cusco City Tour visits the most important sites in and around Cusco. Explore Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, the most important building in Cusco during Inca rule. Then,
visit the Cathedral, home to over 300 paintings from the colonial era. Next, drive to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city. Here you have the opportunity to take some great
pictures of the city and and valley below. Continue to the smaller sites of Tambomachay, Qenq'o and Puka Pukara. Conclude with a visit to an artisans shop with artwork, handmade Alpaca sweaters, blankets and typical souvenirs.
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DAY FOUR - Sacred Valley
Vilcamayo to the Incas, the Sacred Valley traces its winding, astonishingly beautiful course to the northwest of Cusco. It's easy to see why the Incas considered the valley
as a special place. In the upper sector, the stupendous ruins of Pisac dominate the broad alluvial valley floor. Stroll through its famous native market before continuing to
Ollantaytambo, a magnificent little town overwhelmed by a great temple-fortress that clings to the sheer cliffs across the river valley.
DAY FIVE - Machu Picchu
A fascinating early morning rail trip and bus ride up the mountain brings you to the wondrous outpost of MachuPicchu, This fortress city was abandoned by the Inca, reclaimed
by the jungle, and hidden from view until it was rediscovered in 1911. With altars, temples, staircases, and terraces, this is one of the world's most extraordinary sacred sites.
Tonight's dinner is with your host families.
DAY SIX - Cusco/SOMOS humanitarian 
Participate in our exclusive SOMOS humanitarian total experience. You'll receive a list of the most needed items and visit a local 'super', where you'll have an opportunity to
purchase those supplies (budget $15 each). Complete your SOMOS experience as you interact with the children while painting, gardening, etc.
DAY SEVEN - Shopping / Options
Bargain for your favorite souvenirs and have fun with Interact's exclusive online Guided Adventures. Optional (additional fee) full group excursions include rafting-zipline ($110),
a half day visit to Choco Museo ($55), where you'll make your own chocolate or an evening visit to the unique planetarium ($50) where you'll learn how the Inca interpreted the stars
and southern skies constellations. Weather permitting, conclude with an amazing stargazing experience through professional telescopes.
DAY EIGHT - Flight to the Amazon
Flight to Puerto Maldonado. Discover the unique town of Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon basin, the biodiversity capital of the world. Next, travel by motorized canoe into the jungle
as you search for local wildlife. After lunch, explore the entire western end of the lake by boat or catamaran. On clear nights, board a boat further out into the lake to get an unimpeded
view of the vast southern sky.
DAY NINE - Amazon Exploration
A pre-dawn wake-up call will allow you to be on the lake for what is often a spectacular sunrise, and hopefully an encounter with the giant Otters. After returning for breakfast,
hike through the cool understory of the mighty primary rainforest that surrounds the lake. After dinner, you'll have another opportunity to spot caiman on the lake, or perhaps take a night
trail walk in search of the numerous creatures, including frogs, toads, owls, nighthawks, spiders and night monkeys.
DAY TEN - Flight to Lima / Return to USA
Journey out of the jungle and fly to Lima. Lunch and dinner are on your own dependent upon actual connecting flight times and immigration requirements. The airport food court is always open.
Depart on your overnight flight to the USA, arriving on day eleven.
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DEPARTURES
10 days/9 nights |
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NIGHTS
Lima
Cusco Hotel/Homestay
Amazon Lodge
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1
6
2 |
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MEALS
Most meals are included except where specified.
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