Compare The Best of the Galápagos and Peru: From Enchanted Islands to Machu Picchu by Road Scholar

Day 1 In Transit, Arrivals in Quito, Check-in Quito

Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize the chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito: get plenty of rest before travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, & avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.This is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Day 2 Quito Orientation, Casa del Alabado, Capilla del Hombre Quito

Orientation at 8:30 a.m. We will meet our Quito group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After the program orientation we will travel by bus to Quito's colonial section. Accompany the group leader in a walking exploration of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. While walking through the narrow streets, we will learn about Quito’s rich history going from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial Period, to the Republican Era. We will have the opportunity to study the architectural styles of local buildings and the uniqueness of religious art pieces from the famous Quitenian School of art that combines the European Renaissance and Baroque styles with the indigenous and mestizo influences. After our city explorations we will enjoy a visit to the Museo Casa del Alabado to learn about pre-Columbian art. The art museum is housed in a two-story, renovated 17th century Spanish colonial residence in Quito’s historic downtown area. Unlike most museums which arrange displays in chronological order, the Casa del Alabado has organized its exhibits based on Andean cosmology. The approximately 5000 artifacts showcased in this impressive space include 500 pieces that belong to the museum’s permanent exhibit.

After lunch we will journey by bus (approximately 30-40 minutes) to the Capilla del Hombre for an introduction to Guasamin's life and work led by our Group Leader. Quito’s Bellavista neighborhood is home to some important spaces dedicated to the works of Ecuador’s beloved artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin (1919-1999). The Guayasamin Foundation features various pieces from the artist’s private collection as well as a large exhibit of his paintings. A few blocks from the Guayasamin Foundation, on a hill overlooking the city, stands the Capilla del Hombre. This monument, chapel, and museum was designed by Guayasamin (he died before its completion) as a cultural space dedicated to the plight of Latin American people—from pre-Columbian times until the present—a subject featured prominently in the artist’s work. Then we'll return to the hotel to attend an expert-led presentation on the past, present and future of Ecuador.

Prepare for check out and flight tomorrow. There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the islands. Please pack accordingly. Extra luggage can be stored with your driver in Quito.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

At a local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine.

Enjoy a two course meal at the hotel restaurant plus water and coffee or tea. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Flight to Baltra, Board Yacht, Mosquera Islet Galápagos Islands

Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are determined by the Galápagos Nat'l Park. The cruise itineraries, field trips and excursions are subject to change without notice based on sea and weather conditions. Therefore, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. Mosquera Islet: wet landing, easy, flat terrain.

After breakfast, we'll transfer by bus to the airport in preparation for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our Group Leader will assist us with check-in procedures at the airport. After saying a fond goodbye to our Quito Group Leader, we will proceed through security and get ready to embark on our flight. Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands, we'll deplane and walk across the tarmac to the airport building and follow the arrival signs to Immigration. With passport in hand we will stop at the Immigration counter for an inspection of our travel documents before we can proceed to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we will board a bus that will drive us a short ways to the pier where we will board a panga and transfer to the boat. Once on board, we'll take part in a welcome orientation and a safety drill as we sail to our first visitor site in the Galápagos. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss activities because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. Thank you for your understanding.

After lunch we will navigate a short distance to Mosquera Islet. It is one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos Islands, located between North Seymour and Baltra, but is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. Plenty of other species of marine life can be seen here too; pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, brown pelicans and sally light-foot crabs. We will land on Mosquera and there will be time to swim and snorkel before returning to the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Early, at the hotel.

Aboard the yacht we’ll enjoy a light meal, plus juice and water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard the yacht. After enjoying a welcome cocktail with the boat crew, we'll sit down for a plated meal with dessert, juice and water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay, Rabida Island Galápagos Islands

Sullivan Bay: wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, volcanic terrain. Good walking shoes are a must, as the volcanic terrain is sharp and rough.Rabida Island: wet landing, easy to moderate trail conditions due to hills and sandy terrain.

Wet landing at Sullivan Bay, followed by a walking field trip led by our naturalist leader. During this activity we'll be able to get a good look at the island's unique geological features. Good walking shoes are a must--the volcanic terrain is sharp and rough! Santiago (a.k.a. San Salvador) is the fourth largest island in the Galápagos. A volcanic eruption that took place in the early 1900s formed huge lava flows in the area that is now Sullivan Bay. As the lava cooled off, it solidified into a black sheet of interesting shapes and textures that made its way to the sea. The rope-like lava seen on this island is called pahoehoe lava. Other interesting formations include lava bubbles and tree shapes, ghosts of Santiago's past. Few plant species have been able to root in this harsh environment. Although the volcanic formations on Santiago have the obvious spotlight, keep an eye out for American Oystercatchers nesting along the coast (July) and Galápagos Hawks performing their acrobatic courtship rituals (August). We will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning the yacht.

Boarding a panga to Rabida Island, we'll make a wet landing on its red sand beach. This afternoon, we'll get to spend time on one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago. Rabida Island's famous red sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes, and the snorkeling is great. The island is also a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galápagos Hawks, and Brown Pelicans. Next, we will head to a small saltwater lagoon for a chance to glimpse pink flamingoes. Return to the yacht.

Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Aboard the yacht we'll enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes plus juice, coffee and tea.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 5 Fernandina Island, Punta Espinoza, Elizabeth Bay Galápagos Islands

Punta Espinoza: dry landing, moderate trail conditions due to slippery rocks at low tide and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are a must for the 1.2 mile walk on sharp volcanic rocks. Elizabeth Bay: an approximately 2 hour panga ride along mangroves and islets.

We will make a dry landing at Punta Espinoza and then walk on local trails in search of the resident sea lion colony and Flightless Cormorant nesting sites. Fernandina has some of the most dramatic landscapes found in the archipelago and is also one of the best places to see the lava cactus. The aa and pahoehoe lava formations create a unique landscape and provide visitors with a great chance to study lava flows and the forces which gave birth to the Galápagos Islands. Return to the yacht.

This afternoon we will enjoy a panga ride in and around the mangroves and islets of Elizabeth Bay to look for shore birds, marine turtles, rays, sea lions, and more. Return to the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 6 Isabela, Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove Galápagos Islands

Urbina Bay: strong waves can make disembarkation tricky at this site. Use a zip-lock bag to protect cameras and binoculars from splashes during the wet landing. Please take steps to remain hydrated during this approximately 2-mile hike.

After breakfast we will make a wet landing at Urbina Bay and begin our walking exploration of this unique site. Urbina Bay is situated approximately two fifths of the way along Isabela’s western coast. The flattened area of the bay exhibits signs of a coral reef on land; proof that the flat land we see today in that area was once uplifted from the sea. Cormorants, pelicans, marine iguanas, and Flightless Cormorants frequent this site in addition to marine turtles and rays which are sometimes seen swimming in the bay. Opportunity for swimming and snorkeling before we take a panga ride to the yacht in time for lunch.

We'll board a panga to Tagus Cove to view Galapagos Penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions and a variety of birds, such as flightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies. There will be time to snorkel and swim before returning to the yacht for dinner.

Lecture and orientation to the next day's activities. (Please note that the day/time of lectures is subject to change)

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 7 Santiago Island, Puerto Egas, Bartolome Island Galápagos Islands

Puerto Egas: wet landing and easy to moderate walking conditions. Bartolome: dry landing. The 1.2 mile walk to the top of the volcano includes a climb up a long wooden staircase (375 steps) with railings.

A short panga ride will take us to Santiago Island in preparation for a wet landing at Puerto Egas' black sand beach. As we explore local trails, our naturalist leader will help to point out local wildlife. Puerto Egas, located on the northwestern side of Santiago Island, has black volcanic formations that provide shelter to a number of creatures. Here it is possible to see marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks while sea birds fly overhead in search of food. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs live in the rock crevices and tide pools; a sharp contrast to the black lava formations they call home. Galápagos fur seals enjoy the inlets along the western shoreline and have been known to swim with visitors from time to time. Opportunity for swimming and snorkeling before returning to the yacht in time for lunch.

Dry landing at Bartolomé Island. After disembarkation we will accompany our naturalist leader on a hike up Escalera Hill. On Bartolomé Island we will be able to view volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. From the summit it is possible to see surrounding islands as well as Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti. Bartolomé is one of the best places to find Galápagos penguins. Return to the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 8 Sombrero Chino, Santa Cruz Island, Cerro Dragon Galápagos Islands

Sombrero Chino: wet landing. Cerro Dragon: dry landing; easy to moderate trail conditions due to rocky, uneven terrain.

We will start the day by navigating around Sombrero Chino to observe its resident wildlife and lava formations. We may also make a wet or dry landing and undertake a short hike around the island (depending on water conditions). This small island can be seen a short distance from Santiago Island’s southeastern tip. The name, meaning Chinese hat, describes the volcanic cone’s unique shape. A cove on the northern side of the island offers good conditions for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking; it is also a favored sea lion hangout. Other species frequently seen in and around the island include American Oystercatchers, Brown Noddys, Galápagos Hawks, Sally Lightfoot crabs, spotted eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, Galápagos Penguins, marine iguanas, Lava Herons, lava lizards, and Brown Pelicans. Return to the yacht.

After a panga ride and a dry landing, we will walk to the lookout point on Cerro Dragon. Cerro Dragon ("Dragon Hill"), located on a northwestern corner of Santa Cruz, was named after a colony of land iguanas that inhabited the site in the 1970s. We’ll also visit a lagoon where we can observe flamingoes, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Returning to the beach, there will be time to snorkel and swim. Return to the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 9 Santa Cruz Highlands, Wild Tortoises, Charles Darwin Station Galápagos Islands

Driving approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking on grassy forest trails and flat paved areas.

We will disembark on Santa Cruz and will board a bus for a drive into the highlands. Once in the highlands, we’ll stop en route to view Los Gemelos (The Twins) pit craters and walk in the surrounding scalesia forest. This unique type of forest is only present in higher elevation, humid zones of the Galapagos. Despite Los Gemelos' resemblance to volcanic craters, they are in fact giant sinkholes. We will also have the chance observe wild tortoises in their natural habitat. The Galapagos’ tortoise is one of the islands' most famous residents. These creatures, which were endemic to each of the big islands; Española, Fernandina, Floreana, Pinta Pinzón, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and Santiago now exist only on three islands as a result of exploitation and volcanism. The average lifespan for a tortoise is more than 100 years and the largest tortoise recorded weighed over 880 lb.

Board the bus and return to Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its Interpretive Center. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The objective of the CDRS is to conduct scientific research and environmental education to promote conservation of the islands' unique environments. The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. Return to the yacht.

Orientation to the next day's activities.

Aboard the yacht.

At a local ranch in the highlands.

Aboard the yacht.

Day 10 North Seymour Island, Flight to Lima via Quito Lima

North Seymour: dry landing. Walking approximately 1.5 miles. There is a 50 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to and from the islands.

After a dry landing, our naturalist will lead us on a 1.5-mile walk on local trails. North Seymour Island is conveniently located next to Baltra Island. The island has a major nesting colony of Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. During April-May the Blue-footed Boobies can be spotted performing their comical mating dance. Blue-footed Boobies oftentimes nest very near the trails, giving visitors the opportunity to get a closer view during the walks. From August-November sea lions are giving birth and it is possible to view pups of all sizes. Just remember to stay at a safe distance as females tend to be very protective of their young. A walk near known iguana nesting sites offers a good opportunity to view marine iguanas and land iguanas. Besides boasting abundant fauna, North Seymour Island is dotted with the endemic Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). Return to the yacht and gather your personal belongings for disembarkation. Bid farewell to your Galapagos Group Leader and transfer to the airport.

Upon arrival to Quito, late in the afternoon, we will collect our luggage and check-in for our flight to Lima, Peru. A Road Scholar representative will assist us with the connecting flight.

Upon arrival in Lima meet the Road Scholar representative and transfer to the hotel.

Aboard the boat.

On your own. The airport offers a variety of food options like sandwiches and empanadas.

At the Quito airport. Please note that depending on flight times, the meal locations and times might change. The Road Scholar representative will advise at the site.

Day 11 Larco Museum, Peru Cuisine Presentation, Historic Lima Lima

After breakfast, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Field trip to the Larco Museum. A presentation by a museum curator will introduce us to Peru's ancient cultures and enhance our museum experience. Following the lecture, the curator will take us through the museum. The privately funded Larco Museum, also known as Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, holds one of the world’s largest collections of Peruvian pre-Colombian artifacts and showcases pieces from lesser known Peruvian cultures such as the Moche, Chimú, and Nazca, as well as the famous Inca. Its name honors the founder’s father, Don Rafael Larco Herrera, a well-known collector of pre-Columbian artifacts and archaeology aficionado. The museum is housed in an 18th century mansion in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima and has 6 exhibit halls, 11 storage rooms, a vault for gold and silver exhibits, a terrace with large stone displays, and a garden with a patio. We will return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

The most important church in any town in Peru is usually called La Catedral (Cathedral). In the case of Lima, La Catedral is also the most important church in all of Peru. This beautiful colonial building in the Plaza de las Armas presumably houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro—whether the bones are authentic or not is a matter of conjecture. Lima's historic Santo Domingo Church and Convent was built by the Dominican Order in 1540, on land donated by Francisco Pizzaro. Colorful tiles, stained glass windows, catacombs, religious relics, and attractive courtyards are just some of the attractions at this site. Santo Domingo is located at the intersection of Conde de Superunda and Camana Streets, just a block away from the Plaza de Armas in central Lima.

At leisure. Prepare luggage for check out the following morning.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

Welcome lunch at local restaurant including a Peruvian Food presentation.

On your own to explore the local fare.

Day 12 Flight to Cusco, Transfer to Sacred Valley, Pisac Market Yucay

There is a weight limit of 23 kg (approximately 50 lb) for checked luggage on the internal flights in Peru. Elevation in Cusco is approx. 11,000 ft. Elevation in Yucay is approx. 9,375 ft. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, eat high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Cusco. Traditional Inca welcome with coca tea upon arrival at the Cusco airport. Transfer to the Sacred Valley with an en route visit to the Awanakancha Alpaca Center. The Awankancha Alpaca Center is a living museum where visitors can see llamas, alpacas and vicuna. A demonstration will show how the wool from these South American animals is used to make woven textiles.

We'll visit the handicraft market in Pisac for a look at locally made crafts from the area. Then transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Time at leisure to enjoy the grounds and gardens of this former monastery.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

At a local restaurant en route.

Enjoy a typical two course Peruvian plated meal, juice and water.

Day 13 Ollantaytambo Ruins and Chincheros Town Yucay

Elevations range from 12,500 feet in Chincheros to 9,400 feet in Yucay. Ollantayambo is very hilly with about 100 stone steps to the top of the fortress.

Transfer by coach to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Next, our Group Leader will take us on a stroll through the ruins, to learn about the engineering genius of the Inca. The Ollantaytambo Ruins are not ruins in the traditional sense. Ollantaytambo is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts. The terraces above the town still are farmed. The pinnacle above the town is a small burial ground.

This afternoon we will explore Chincheros town including a visit to a weaving cooperative. Here we will meet with locals and learn about traditional weaving styles and techniques. Weaving is a way of life in Chincheros, as important for preserving ancient traditions as it is for earning a livelihood. Located in the Peruvian Andes on the Inca road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Chincheros was an early Inca center built by Emperor Tupa Inca as his country estate. During Inca reign, textiles were woven and offered to mark special occasions, from peace treaties and sacrifices to marriage ceremonies and puberty rites. In Chincheros, children grow up playing with their mother's spindle and loom. By age six or seven, most children learn to weave by watching their elders. They begin by weaving jakimas, or narrow ribbons, before moving on to more complicated pieces. On our way back to the hotel, we'll pay special attention to the ancient terraces and other evidences of highland farming seen on the way, as we learn from a local expert about the agricultural practices of the Incas.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer tomorrow morning. There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage on the Peru Rail transfer to Machu Picchu. Plan to pack an overnight bag for one night in the Machu Picchu area. This bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches /157 cm (length, plus height, plus width). Excess luggage can be left with the driver and vehicle, and will be secured until your return to Cuzco.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

At a local restaurant.

Enjoy a typical two course Peruvian plated meal, juice and water.

Day 14 Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu

Elevation in Aguas Calientes is approx. 6,695 ft. Walking approx. 3 hours at ruins over uneven terrain, stone steps and narrow paths.

Early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Board a train to Machu Picchu. This scenic journey by rail follows the meandering path of the Urubamba River and provides travelers with spectacular views of the snowcapped Andes. Disembark at the Aguas Calientes Station (6,693 ft) and board a bus that will take you up the mountain to the Machu Picchu Ruins (7,972 ft).

Walking field trip in and around Machu Picchu ruins. This ancient Inca city was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, a Yale graduate and U.S. senator fascinated with Inca archaeology. Bingham found Machu Picchu, with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins, while searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos. He hypothesized that the site was a "citadel," existing for strategic and defense purposes. He also speculated that the site was a refuge for Cusco's Virgins of the Sun, based upon the finding of skulls there, although not scientifically classified as female. Breakthroughs in archaeology since 1985 have, taken as a whole, supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a ceremonial and administrative center for a very populous region. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of 100 years. Board the bus back to Aguas Calientes and transfer to hotel.

Time at leisure to explore the town and local craft market.

Early, in the hotel dining room.

At a local restaurant near the ruins featuring a buffet, juice and water.

On your own for a chance to explore local fare.

Day 15 Orientation to Aguas Calientes, Train & Bus to Cusco Cusco

Participants who plan to return to Machu Picchu this morning should purchase their entrance tickets in advance. Park tickets are sold in Aguas Calientes but availability is not guaranteed. Please see the program notes section of your Road Scholar program materials for more details.

We'll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk around the town of Aguas Calientes. Next, we'll visit the local market.

Transfer by bus to the train station to board the early afternoon train to Ollantaytambo Station. Arriving at the Ollantaytambo Station, we'll board a bus and transfer to Cusco. Once in Cusco we'll check-in to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.

At leisure and to perhaps enjoy a walk around the main square of historic Cusco, the Plaza de Armas.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

At a local restaurant in town featuring a buffet and including water.

On your own for a chance to explore local fare

Day 16 Sacsayhuaman Ruins and Introduction to Cusco Cusco

We’ll board the bus and ride to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Once there, we’ll accompany our Group Leader on an exploratory walk through the historic site. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, since the stones are not found in the region, and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another. The stones are so precisely placed that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Some sections of the ruins were built by the Killke culture which occupied the region from 900 to 1200 A.D. and was expanded and added to with the arrival of the Incas. Excursion through the city of Cusco. The center of Cusco is a history lesson. Modern and colonial buildings are built on top of Inca foundations, and colonial churches dominate the central square.

Enjoy some free time to explore Cusco before reconvening at the appointed time for a pre-dinner presentation by a local expert on the history of Inca and Andean musical instruments.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet featuring various types of breakfast foods including pastries and fruit, plus water, coffee, and juice.

At a café in the main plaza where you can enjoy the colonial architecture of the city.

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner with a typical two course Peruvian plated dish, juice and water

Day 17 Program Concludes, Flights to the U.S. In Flight

The flight from Cusco to Lima takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The weight limit for checked luggage on this flight is 50 lb. Transfer to the airport is approximately 45 min.There is no hotel stay for this day. Please book flights departing Lima after 9:00PM. If you have chosen a morning flight out of Lima and need hotel accommodations, please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 toll free or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com to book these services.

Independent exploration; time at leisure to rest or explore Sol Avenue or the historic Plaza de Armas. The center of Cusco is a history lesson where modern and colonial buildings were built on top of Inca foundations and colonial churches dominate the central square.

We will transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima and say goodbye to our group leader. Upon arrival to Lima we will connect with our evening flights out of Jorge Chávez International Airport to the U.S. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

In the hotel dining room.

On your own.

On your own.

Day 18 Arrive to the U.S. In Flight