Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Experience the majestic landscapes and ancient history of Peru on an expedition spanning from the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes. This professionally-led journey offers active high school teens ages 14–18 a safe and immersive discovery of Lima, Cusco, and the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Experience a masterclass in contrasts on an epic 12-day expedition through the heart of the Inca Empire. This journey spans from the misty Pacific cliffs of Lima to the sun-drenched peaks of the Andes, offering a seamless blend of adrenaline and ancient history. One day you are navigating a desert oasis in a dune buggy and exploring the "Galapagos of Peru" at the Ballestas Islands; the next, you are flying into the high-altitude majesty of Cusco—the "Navel of the World." Beyond the role of a traveler, you will become a student of history as you uncover the mysteries of pre-Hispanic ceremonial centers and stand in awe before the stone architecture of Machu Picchu. Supported by our expert directors and a carefully managed transition from the coast to the clouds, this is the definitive Peruvian experience for the active student adventurer.
Program Location: Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, & Machu Picchu
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 8–12 participants (Min: 5 / Max: 15)
Focus: Active Discovery, Ancient History & High-Altitude Exploration
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous: Includes high-altitude walking and desert adventure.
Accommodation: Vetted Homestays in Lima & Boutique Hotels in Paracas, Huacachina, & Cusco
Arrival & Departure Airport: LIM (Jorge Chávez International Airport)
Room & Board | Onsite Director & 24/7 Support | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | Roundtrip Airfare to Cusco | International Medical Insurance
8:00 AM: Traditional breakfast with your Lima host family.
9:30 AM: Historical Immersion: Walking tours of the Lima Historical Center or the bohemian district of Barranco.
1:00 PM: Authentic Peruvian lunch, including our signature "Ceviche 101" class and contest.
3:00 PM: Active Exploration: Exploring pre-Hispanic Huacas (ceremonial centers) or sandboarding the dunes of Huacachina.
7:00 PM: Dinner and evening reflection with your host family or group.
9:00 PM: Curfew and rest for the next day.
5:30 AM: Internal flight from Lima to Cusco to maximize our time in the highlands.
9:00 AM: Breakfast and a dedicated Acclimation Day to adjust to the altitude (11,152 ft).
11:00 AM: Ancient Heritage: Guided walking tours of Cusco’s pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture.
1:30 PM: Scenic lunch in the Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes.
All Day: The Machu Picchu Expedition—a full-day immersive journey into the world's most famous Inca citadel.
7:30 PM: Group "Director’s Circle" dinner to process the day’s discoveries.
9:00 PM: Curfew and rest for the next day.
Our Active Core is designed to immerse students in the most significant cultural and geographical landmarks of the Peruvian Andes. Through structured programming focused on high-altitude adventure and Andean traditions, we provide an expedition experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is physically rewarding.
Culinary Arts & Coastal Heritage: A Taste of Lima Dive into the gastronomic capital of South America through a hands-on "Ceviche 101" masterclass and guided explorations of Lima’s historic Huacas. From the bohemian streets of Barranco to the colonial grandeur of the city center, students connect with Peru’s dual identity as a modern culinary powerhouse and an ancient ceremonial hub.
Desert Expeditions & Marine Wonders: The Paracas Frontier Trade the city for the sand as we navigate the "Galapagos of Peru" by boat and the dunes of Huacachina by 4x4. This high-energy phase combines marine wildlife spotting at the Ballestas Islands with the adrenaline of sandboarding down some of the world’s tallest dunes, showcasing the raw, natural diversity of the Peruvian coast.
Andean Legacy & The Sacred Valley: The Road to Machu Picchu Ascend into the heart of the Inca Empire for an immersive journey through Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Guided by experts in Quechua history and high-altitude trekking, students explore the architectural marvels of Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo before reaching the pinnacle of the expedition: the sunrise clouds over the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Adventure is designed to be more than a journey through landscapes; it is an immersive exploration of human resilience and architectural genius. While the adrenaline of the dunes and the beauty of the Andes are unforgettable, the true impact of the program lies in the deeper connections made along the way.
Quechua Heritage & Modern Peru: Beyond the stone ruins, students engage with the living culture of the Andes. By interacting with local communities in the Sacred Valley, participants gain a nuanced understanding of how ancient traditions and the Quechua language continue to shape modern Peruvian identity.
The "Ceviche 101" Culinary Connection: Food is the heartbeat of Lima. Through our hands-on culinary workshops, students don't just eat; they learn about the biodiversity of the Pacific and the fusion of indigenous and global flavors that has made Peru the gastronomic capital of the world.
Resilience & High-Altitude Achievement: Reaching the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is a physical and mental milestone. This experience fosters a sense of grit and self-reliance, as students navigate different climates, altitudes, and terrains, returning home with a newfound confidence in their ability to tackle complex global challenges.
We provide a seamless, all-inclusive expedition where every logistical detail—from Andean flight transfers to archaeological permits—is managed by our professional team. This allows students to focus entirely on the discovery of the Inca Empire while we maintain a secure, high-support environment.
Hybrid Expedition Housing: A combination of authentic, vetted homestays in Lima for cultural immersion and high-quality boutique hotels and lodges in Paracas, Huacachina, and Cusco.
Full Board (All Meals): Three nutritious meals daily, featuring Peru’s world-class gastronomy. Includes our signature "Ceviche 101" culinary class and celebratory group dinners in Cusco.
Internal Transportation & Flights: All in-country travel, including the roundtrip private airport transfers and the critical internal flight from Lima to Cusco.
All-Access Adventure Pass: Entrance fees and professional guiding for the Ballestas Islands boat tour, Huacachina sandboarding/dune buggies, and all Sacred Valley archaeological sites.
The Machu Picchu Expedition: Comprehensive permit management, train transport to Aguas Calientes, and a fully guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Professional Onsite Leadership: Continuous 24/7 supervision and mentorship from our veteran Program Directors, maintaining our secure "Group Bubble" throughout the coastal and Andean phases.
Health & Safety: Comprehensive international medical and accident insurance for the duration of the program, with specific protocols for altitude acclimation.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Lima (LIM) and personal spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.
At Arcos Journeys, the safety of our students is our absolute priority. Navigating the diverse geography of Peru—from the coastal desert to the high Andes—requires expert logistics and a constant, proactive approach to student well-being.
From the moment students land at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) until their departure, they are part of a secure "Group Bubble." Our veteran Program Directors and local expert guides provide 24/7 supervision, mentorship, and logistical management, ensuring a safe and cohesive group dynamic.
We take high-altitude safety seriously. Our itinerary is specifically designed with a dedicated "Acclimation Day" upon arrival in Cusco (11,152 ft). Our staff are trained in identifying and managing altitude-related needs, and we maintain a slow, measured pace during all Andean treks to ensure every student feels their best.
All in-country travel, including our private ground transport and internal Andean flights, is conducted with trusted, long-term partners. We use only high-quality, vetted accommodations—from our signature homestays in Lima to secure boutique lodges in the Sacred Valley.
Every student is covered by a premium international medical insurance policy with Cigna Global. This includes access to a 24-hour emergency response network and top-tier medical facilities in both Lima and Cusco
Our headquarters team and on-site Program Directors provide a seamless, high-support arrival and departure experience in LIM (Jorge Chávez International Airport). From real-time flight monitoring and professional airport transfers to direct WhatsApp communication with parents and students, every aspect of your transit is supervised by our veteran staff to ensure a safe, coordinated journey from the moment you land until your final departure home.
Born in the historic port of Callao, César Velasquez is a veteran of the study abroad field with years of experience directing programs for U.S. universities in Peru. An Economics graduate from USMP University, César combines logistical expertise with a deep passion for social equity and community development. He is dedicated to sharing the "mysteries and wonders" of his homeland, ensuring every Arcos student gains a profound and secure understanding of Peruvian culture and history.
"Getting to hike to Machu Picchu and take a selfie with a llama were definitely highlights of the program. I felt challenged, safe, and completely immersed in a culture that is so much more vibrant than any guidebook could describe." — Eden, 12th Grade, York Preparatory School, New York, NY
"The variety of this program is what makes it incredible. One day we were on the ocean on the coast of Lima, and a few days later we were exploring ancient Inca ruins in the clouds. The 'Ceviche 101' class in Lima was a huge highlight—I didn't just see Peru, I actually got to taste it and live it!" — Jonah, 11th Grade, Austin High School, Austin, TX
"Going from the sea-level cliffs of Lima to the Andes was the most intense and rewarding experience of my life. I loved the balance of high-energy adventure in Huacachina and the deep history of the Sacred Valley. It was the perfect way to spend a summer." — John, 10th Grade, Lincoln Park High School, Chicago, IL
We prioritize health and safety by building a dedicated "Acclimation Day" into our itinerary immediately upon arrival in the Andes. Our staff are trained to monitor students closely, and we maintain a slow, measured pace for all activities in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. We also provide parents and students with a pre-departure guide on how to prepare for the change in altitude.
To offer the best of both worlds, students stay with vetted host families in Lima for a deep dive into Peruvian daily life and culture. During the travel phases to Paracas, Huacachina, and the Cusco region, the group stays in secure, high-quality boutique hotels and lodges, maintaining our "Group Bubble" and ensuring comfort during the more active legs of the journey.
This is an active expedition that involves significant walking, often on uneven terrain and at high altitudes. While you do not need to be an elite athlete, students should be comfortable walking several miles a day and participating in high-energy activities like sandboarding and trekking. We recommend a basic level of physical activity in the months leading up to the program.
