Peru school trip · 9 days
Highlights of Peru
Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley on a shorter Peru adventure, with Machu Picchu, rafting, mountain biking and a day of volunteering.
About this trip
For those short of time, this trip is the perfect introduction to Peru. It keeps travel to a minimum, yet has all the big highlights you want in a first time visit to the country. Spending the majority of our time in the Sacred Valley and Cusco region allows us to see more of the area’s Inca heritage. We also get to grips with a variety of active adventures - from rafting to biking and a day of volunteering with local people. Naturally, there is a full day visit to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, perched high above the Urubamba River in the most awe-inspiring of settings. And, throughout it all, we’ve got some of the regions best guides to tell us about their culture, history, flora and fauna. It’s a great adventure - we hope you can join us!
Trip highlights
- Cusco and Inca heritage
- Sacred Valley mountain biking
- Community tree planting or pruning
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- Urubamba white-water rafting
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1–2
Days 1–2
Arrive in Peru
Meal included: dinner
We begin our journey in Cusco, where we meet our local STC Expedition Leader and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day’s plan will depend on the arrival time of our flight, and we will get our first taste of Peruvian cuisine!
- 3
Day 3
Cusco city tour
Our adventure begins with a sightseeing tour of this ancient city, which was previously the capital of the expansive Incan Empire. We stop at various attractions within the city of Cusco and venture up into the surrounding hills to visit Inca ruins, with great views over the city.
- 4
Day 4
Biking tour and market visit
All meals included
Suitable for all cycling skill levels, this activity is an excellent way to explore Cusco’s surroundings. Our route passes through quaint villages and magnificent mountain views, and we may have the opportunity to stop at some Inca archaeological sites. Following our cycling tour, we head to a local market to see what we can buy with our spending money.
- 5
Day 5
Tree planting or pruning and transfer to Aguas Calientes
All meals included
This morning we head to a local community to help care for the environment by planting native trees or pruning existing ones, depending on the season. After spending some time with the locals, we make our way to the train station and catch the train towards Aguas Calientes. On arrival in Aguas Calientes we check into our hotel and head out for dinner.
- 6
Day 6
Machu Picchu tour
All meals included
We visit the jewel in the crown today, the world famous Machu Picchu. Set high above the Urubamba River and surrounded by dramatic mountains and deep valleys, it is truly breathtaking. In the afternoon we descend to the train and enjoy one of the world’s great rail journeys back through the Sacred Valley to our hotel.
- 7
Day 7
Urubamba white-water rafting
All meals included
We enjoy an exciting rafting adventure on a beautiful stretch of the Urubamba River. After a safety briefing and time to learn the basics, we set off through a scenic canyon with fun rapids, wildlife and views of the surrounding peaks. We finish with a relaxed picnic lunch before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon.
- 8–9
Days 8–9
Depart Cusco, return UK
All meals included
On our final day in Peru, we transfer to the airport in time for our return flight to the UK. Depending on the departure time, there may be an opportunity to pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 9 days.Will we visit Machu Picchu? We visit the jewel in the crown today, the world famous Machu Picchu. Set high above the Urubamba River and surrounded by dramatic mountains and deep valleys, it is truly breathtaking.