Central and South America

NEC Travel Writing in Peru

LAS 7: “#OnTheRoad: Travel Writing, Blogging, and Digital Writing in Peru
Date:
May 4 - May 12, 2025
Duration:
9 Days
Interests:
Student Travel
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Humboldt Penguins
Ollantaytambo
Cusco
Sacsayhuamán
Women selling handicrafts in Cusco
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Salt Mines of Maras
Pucusana
Inca Tern
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About this trip

Home to historic colonial cities, remains of ancient civilizations, and rich Indigenous culture, Peru’s natural wonders and layered human history are the backdrop for hands-on exploration in cultural studies. Join New England College on this 9-day educational program that provides exciting opportunities to discover the varied dimensions of Peruvian culture both past and present. Learn about anthropology and archeology while visiting the iconic Machu Picchu complex, listen to local families explain how they integrate ancient languages and traditions with modern culture, and observe the engineering feats of the Inca at the Ollantaytambo aqueducts. Bring history to life as you walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca!

Highlights

  • Discuss the mysteries surrounding the Machu Picchu ruins.
  • See the results of genius Inca engineering that are still used today while visiting the town of Ollantaytambo.
  • Explore the highlights of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America.
  • Journey through history while exploring the Sacsayhuamán ruins by bicycle.
  • Meet local families, sample regional produce, and experience an ancient ceremony with a shaman.

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Cultural immersion

Immerse yourself in local traditions and beliefs through authentic hands-on experiences

Value for your money

We offer the highest quality educational content in the world of academic travel

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

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Lima
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Miraflores, a suburb of Lima.
NONE included
Wasi Hotel
Lima
After an early breakfast and orientation at the hotel, drive south through the Peruvian desert to the significant fishing village of Pucusana. Board a small but sturdy outboard motor-powered fishing vessel and cruise around the protected harbor. View Pacific seabirds including Inca Terns, endemic to the Humboldt Current area, and Humboldt Penguins, a very vulnerable species. Learn how the Humboldt Current affects this ecosystem and discuss human interaction and threats to the species. Next visit the fish market to see the fresh catch arrive and get categorized and washed. Have a boxed lunch en route back to Lima. Upon arrival, visit the Plaza de Armas and the Monastery of San Francisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to a church and monastery, it also contains a library and catacombs and is the site where Jude the Apostle is venerated. Visit the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest standing colonial mansion in Lima. The house has been owned and occupied by the Aliaga family and their descendants since Francisco Pizarro granted the land to Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Wasi Hotel
Urubamba
After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Cusco. Bid your Lima guide farewell. Upon arrival, meet your Cusco guide and transfer to the Sacred Valley, stopping en route at the Awanakancha Center to learn about South American camelids and products made using traditional and modern techniques such as dyeing, spinning, and weaving. Stop at the colonial town of Pisaq, where a popular handicraft fair takes place with wares displayed on vividly colored and patterned textiles. After lunch visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo, which showcase the engineering genius of the Inca. The town has original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated for their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the aqueducts, terraces are still farmed, and the pinnacle above the town is a burial ground. Learn about its ancient heritage while walking the narrow streets and observing numerous aqueducts that remain unchanged. Late this afternoon head to the hotel and eat dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Amaru Valle Hotel
Urubamba
This morning visit a local market at Urubamba. Discuss the importance of the Sacred Valley as a market for the Inca Empire and learn about the fruits and vegetables unique to the region. If this day is a Sunday, visit Chincheros Market instead. Continue to Maras, a small town known for its nearby salt evaporation ponds that have been used since Inca times. Visit local houses and farms and meet with local families. Depending on the season and needs of the community, you may help local families with farm work, help create baskets made of corn leaves, and even share a typical lunch. In May and June, you can help in building the Huatias traditional Peruvian earthen oven, which dates back to the days of the Inca Empire. The most traditional construction (although perhaps not the most common today) is to carefully build a dome or pyramid over a dirt pit using gravity to hold it together. A fire is built inside with heat-resistant rocks such as volcanic rocks, food (meat and potatoes) is placed inside and buried when the dome collapses. The food cooks for many hours, soaking up flavors from the soil. End the day with an earth payment, an ancient Pachamama ceremony custom of indigenous Andean cultures. The ceremony, led by a shaman, begins with an offering of small amounts of Andean cereals, grains, and fruits with coca leaves, and ends with the ritual burning of the offering and burial of its ashes to complete the cycle.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Amaru Valle Hotel
Aguas Calientes
Early this morning, travel to Ollantaytambo for a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Take a short bus ride up to the ruins to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, arguably the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. The quality of the stonework and abundance of ornamental sites indicate that Machu Picchu was an important ceremonial center, but archaeologists are still uncovering details. Break for lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge, and then continue exploring the ruins. In the late afternoon, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and check into your hotel. Please note: there are luggage restrictions for the train ride to Aguas Calientes. Individuals are allowed a maximum of one hand-carried bag weighing no more than 11 pounds and measuring no more than 62 linear inches or 157 centimeters (length + height + width). Please be prepared to pack a light overnight bag. Excess baggage will be left at the hotel or in one of our field offices.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Flowers House Mapi Hotel
Cusco
This morning, return to Machu Picchu to explore on your own. Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes, and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by bus.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Amaru Cusco Hotel
Cusco
Spend the morning exploring by bike (about 3.5 hours total). Begin at Qenqo Amphitheatre, then head to Sacsayhuamán, a former fortress overlooking Cusco that hosted one of the fiercest battles between the Inca and the Spanish conquistadors. Visit Puca Pucará to see superb views, followed by Tambomachay, also known as Baños del Inca, a site for ritual bathing. For participants who cannot bike, the bus will be available to meet the group along the way. Have lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free to explore Cusco. Attend your farewell briefing before having dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a music lesson to learn about Andean music and Inca instruments.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Amaru Cusco Hotel
Cusco/Lima
After breakfast, explore Cusco on foot, beginning at the main square to San Pedro Market. Learn about the rows of produce, flower, and shaman stalls while trying out a few local words. Visit the Temple of the Sun, which was once one of the most important Inca temples. This golden courtyard was covered with gold and silver sculptures of llamas, corn, babies, and the sun; the sculptures were later destroyed by the conquistadors. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the airport for the flight to Lima and your international connection.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Arrive US
What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
  • All tips
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • Carbon Offset
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 11 participants in triple/quad occupancy.

Full payment of $2075 is due to hold space on this trip. This payment is not refundable; 100% cancellation fee.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Final payment due date: January 29, 2025

Travel Info

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Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Tourists must provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

For visits fewer than 90 days, you will be issued a tourist card, called the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), upon arrival in Peru. It is important not to lose this document, as it can be time consuming and inconvenient to replace.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Peru for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Peru.

The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Peru.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 7,500 feet. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 6,500 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Dengue is common in Peru in the tropical and sub-tropical areas during the rainy season, especially in urban and suburban areas. Mosquitos that spread dengue do not usually live at elevations above 6,500 feet, so the risk of dengue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is low. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. For higher elevations, consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts (lightweight for sun and mosquito protection; heavier weight for higher elevations)
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Medium to heavy weight cotton pants for the highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Many—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
PLEASE NOTE:  There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage on the train transfer to Machu Picchu. Please be prepared to pack an overnight bag for the night spent in the Machu Picchu area. Your bag must weigh no more than 11 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + height + width). You can safely store excess luggage at the prior night’s hotel, or at one of our field offices.
The knowledge of guides was extraordinary, so the trip was truly a learning opportunity.
- Pat V.
Peru ,
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