Online, published student fees are valid through July 31, 2023 enrollment for travel in 2024.
Contact Interact to begin planning, or to receive preliminary details for fall enrollment 2024 and 2025.
DAY ONE - International Flight to Peru
International flights arrive in the evening. Interact's Foreign Representative will greet you in the airport lobby. Transfer to your Lima-Miraflores hotel.
DAY TWO -  Cusco Homestay/Stargazing
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. Meet your host families. Later, explore the vibrant Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historical landmarks, shops, and restaurants. Conclude
with a fascinating evening visit to the unique planetarium, 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.
CUSCO HOMESTAY:
stay with host families who live in middle class residential neighborhoods, approximately two miles from the Centro Historico. Homes are American-style and are more
comfortable than most can imagine. Host families are interviewed, carefully selected and monitored by our 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 valley below. Continue to the smaller sites of Tambomachay, Qenq'o and Puka Pukara. Conclude with a visit to
an artisan shop with artwork, handmade Alpaca sweaters, blankets and typical souvenirs.
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DAY FOUR - Sacred Valley
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
Experience a fascinating train experience from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Your early morning rail trip and zig-zag bus ride up the mountain brings you to the wondrous outpost
of MachuPicchu, a remote fortress city abandoned by the Inca. Machu was 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.
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 ($110)
or a half day visit to Choco Museo ($55), where you'll make your own chocolate.
DAY EIGHT - Pre-Inca Ruins / Arrival Puno 2 Nights
Farewell to your host family. Early morning transfer to the MER Terminal to catch your tour bus to Puno. During the trip you will have lunch and visit many archeological
ruins on the scenic drive, such as the pre-Inca Pukara and Raqchi as well as the colonial church of Andahuaylillas. Dinner is in your hotel.
DAY NINE - Lake Titicaca
Early morning boat ride on Lake Titicaca. Visit the Uros Floating Islands. Upon arrival, you will witness a demonstration of how the islands were built as well as interact
with the locals and view cultural traditions. Continue to the Island of Taquile, where you will meet weavers and knitters. After lunch, take a short walk to the lookout point,
where you can appreciate the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. On your return to Puno, your guide will explain some interesting facts about the lake and
recount stories of the lake's history.
DAY TEN - Lima / USA
Depart Puno/Juliaca for your connecting flight in Lima. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
The airport food court is always open. Later, board your overnight international flight to the USA, arriving on day eleven.
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DEPARTURES
11 days/10 nights |
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NIGHTS
Lima
Cusco Homestay
Puno Hotel
Overnight flight
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1
6
2
1 |
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MEALS
All meals are included
from breakfast on Day Two
through breakfast on Day Ten
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