Mysteries of Peru and Machu Picchu

From the Sacred Valley of the Inca, to the magical heights of Machu Picchu, to the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, join alumni and friends from April 23 to May 1, 2026, and uncover the culturally rich region of the Peruvian Andes. This extraordinary journey reveals Peru’s enduring charm, centuries-old traditions and enigmatic mysteries.

Take flight over the Nazca Lines during an exciting optional excursion—a unique opportunity to get an aerial view of the mysterious soil carvings, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Savor authentic flavors, textures and aromas of Peruvian cuisine, from the richness of lomo saltado to perfectly crafted ceviche, every bite tells a story.

Interact with the rich and complex history of the Inca period at the archaeological sanctuary of Sacsayhuamán, and gain a deeper understanding of those who worshiped there.

Shared with participants from cosponsoring associations, space is sure to fill quickly. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at (866) 525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details and to reserve your place today.

Trip Dates: April 23 – May 1, 2026

Destination(s): Peru

Rates: $5,895 & $6,295 per person double occupancy.  A limited number of places are offered for single travelers for $7,395 & $7,995 per person single occupancy. Please contact us regarding single space availability prior to sending in a reservation.

Deposit: $850 per person (https://orbridge.com/terms-conditions  for complete terms and conditions)

Trip Type: Land Tour

Activity Level: Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Historic areas are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle. It may not always be possible for the motor coach to drop guests off at site entrances.

• Altitudes vary—up to a maximum of 11,200 feet in Cusco.

Deposit(s): $850 per person main tour / $500 per person optional Amazon extension Complete terms and conditions at https://orbridge.com/terms-conditions

Trip Status: Confirmed & Open for Reservations. Request a reservation today!

Itinerary:

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: En Route from U.S. | Arrive in Lima, Peru

(D)

Upon arrival to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

After checking in, rejoin the group to witness the enchanting Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva an expansive park within the city. This collection of 13 ornamental fountains features multicolored lights synchronized with music, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Awarded the Guinness record for being the world’s tallest fountain complex located in a public park, it’s a delightful blend of art, technology and nature.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions at an iconic restaurant within a 300-year-old colonial mansion for a special welcome dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Estelar Miraflores – Lima

Day 2: Lima

(B,L)

Today revel in the myriad of flavors that define delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Begin in the bohemian district of Barranco to sample organic Peruvian coffee. Explore the colorful streets and sights, including the Bridge of Sighs. Continue to a traditional market to taste local fruits and gain insight into local ingredients and their influence on the evolution of world cuisine. Next sip on a Pisco Sour and enjoy a tasting of Peruvian dishes at a popular restaurant in the San Isidro district. Conclude the tasting tour at a pre-Inca archaeological complex, where you’ll delight in an ancient dessert with a modern touch.

Later explore the extensive collection of ceramics, fabrics and precious metals at the Larco Museum situated within an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion. The exhibits display some 30,000 ancient artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Peruvian history.

Overnight: Hotel Estelar Miraflores – Lima

Day 3: Lima | Flight to Cusco | Sacred Valley

(B,L)

After breakfast return to the airport for the brief flight to Cusco. Arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, board the group transfer to your hotel stopping for lunch en route with fantastic photography opportunities of panoramic views over the Sacred Valley. This 70-mile narrow strip of land in the Peruvian Andes runs roughly from the old imperial capital of Cusco to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Later today visit the Yucay Museum of Living Culture for a guided visit.

The evening is at leisure to refresh before tomorrow’s expedition to the heights of Peru.

Overnight: Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay

Day 4: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley | Cusco

(B,L)

Early this morning depart for the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, a town along the Urubamba River Valley that is a gateway to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The journey through breathtaking landscapes is a treat in itself, with panoramic windows framing nature’s majesty. As the mist parts, Machu Picchu’s stone citadel emerges, a testament to human ingenuity.

Disembark the train for a bus ride up the mountain. Lunch will be at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge followed by guided exploration of the ruins. Learn about the archaeology and history of Intihuatana (the Sun Dial), the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun with time to wander, hike and take pictures of the photogenic site.

In the afternoon return to the Vistadome train for the return to Cusco.

Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

Day 5: Cusco

(B,L)

After breakfast set out on a city tour to discover the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, and Inca megalithic complex, and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), followed by a visit to colorful San Pedro market.

Lunch is at Villa Tipon featuring a traditional Pachamama ceremony (offering to the Earth) and live music performance.

Afterward visit a local artisan chocolate shop for an engaging tour and tasting. Delve into the realm of Peruvian cocoa, discovering the secrets behind the cacao bean as you learn from local experts gaining insight into the art of chocolate-making. Immerse yourself in the process from bean to bar, and appreciate the cultural significance of cocoa in Peru’s history.

Overnight: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

Day 6: Cusco | Flight to Lima | Paracas

(B,L)

Following breakfast and the return flight to Lima, take the approximate 3.5-hour drive to the coastal town of Paracas. Check into your hotel and unwind before rejoining the group for a presentation on the Nazca Lines and pre-Incan history and cultures.

The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to enjoy the luxurious hotel amenities.

Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Day 7: Paracas | Ica | Paracas

(B,D)

This morning includes an optional excursion—a unique opportunity to get a birds-eye view over the Nazca Lines during a 90-minute aerial tour.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries, the intricate designs are etched into the arid plains of the Nazca Desert. Dating back to the Nazca culture which flourished between 200 BCE and 600 CE, these enormous geoglyphs can only be fully appreciated from above, and they continue to captivate researchers, archaeologists and visitors alike. Despite their creation more than 2,000 years ago, the Nazca Lines have been remarkably well-preserved. The stability of the climate in the Nazca Desert, with almost no rainfall, has played a crucial role in protecting these ancient marvels. (This excursion must be purchased from Orbridge Guest Services in advance to guarantee availability. Purchase is non-refundable inside 90 days from departure.)

Later, set off towards Ica for an exciting open-air dune buggy adventure through the sand dunes, including a visit to a winery followed by a beautiful sunset picnic dinner.

Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Day 8: Paracas | Ballestas Islands

(B)

After breakfast depart for a morning of discovery during a relaxing boat ride around the Ballestas Islands—a small archipelago located off the coast of Paracas. These islands are a haven for avian life including penguins, petrels, boobies, cormorants and American oystercatchers. The Ballestas Islands are a protected reserve, emphasizing the importance of preserving the diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

See the Paracas Candleabra, a massive geoglyph etched into the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula. This enigmatic figure resembles a three-branched candlestick and is best viewed from the water. While the purpose and origin of the candelabra remain uncertain, some theories suggest it may have served as a navigational aid for sailors.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure at the property. Perhaps visit the Bahía Paracas Hacienda Museum, play a round of tennis, or paddleboard or kayak off the beach.

Overnight: La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Day 9: Paracas | Lima | Depart for U.S.

(B)

After breakfast, depart for Lima where a group hospitality room will be provided at the hotel before transferring to the airport for departing flights home this evening.

Guests continuing on the post-tour will fly from Lima to Iquitos.
Hospitality Room: Wyndham Costa del Sol
(Itinerary subject to change.)

What’s Included:

• 8 nights premium accommodations
• 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners including a special welcome dinner
• All small-group excursions as noted in the 9-day itinerary including entrance fees
• Full guiding services of an Orbridge Travel Director and expert local guides
• Private motor coach transportation
• Luggage porterage
• Gratuities to Orbridge Travel Director, local guides and drivers
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Accommodations:
Hotel Estelar Miraflores – Lima

Hotel Estelar is located in the heart of the upscale and suburban Miraflores District, known for its many galleries, as well as cultural and historical venues. These include Sala Luis Miró Quesada Garland, Virgen Milagrosa Church, Kennedy Park, Ricardo Palma Cultural Center and Miraflores Central Park. Enjoy contemporary and spacious rooms, a rooftop pool with terrace, a large fitness center and panoramic city views from Estelar’s restaurant, Piso 21.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Sonesta Posadas del Inca – Yucay

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial-style monastery surrounded by beautiful gardens. Rooms offer the comfort of modern amenities and the charm of rustic decorative features.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

This luxurious property is situated near Cusco’s main square, only minutes away from colonial buildings, restaurants and shops. Built in a 16th-century mansion, its décor, sculptures and carvings accentuate the colonial period. Each room is well-appointed and elegantly decorated with traditional furniture and frescoes.

Room Amenities: System supplying an additional 30% oxygen—to assist in preventing ill effects from altitude sickness (request at check-in to have this feature turned on), individual climate control, LCD TV, iPod docking station, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, minibar, and en suite bathroom with organic sundries and hair dryer.

La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

This coastal property blends details of the surrounding atmosphere with luxurious accommodations. After an exciting day of exploration, escape to the spacious outdoor swimming pool or take advantage of the fitness room.

Room Amenities: Private terrace, individual climate control, LCD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, minibar, coffee maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

What’s not included:
Taxes; passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance;  baggage charges on aircraft;  airfare, transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure i if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.