Peru

Peru: Andean Adventures and Machu Picchu — Custom School Trips

Q: Is Peru: Andean Adventures and Machu Picchu Right for This School Group?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

How Do Flights Work? School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there. What Meals Are Included? All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not Included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International Flights Not Included

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Experience all the adventures that the Peruvian Andes have to offer. Hike through the mountains, scale the valley walls, and paddle over the pristine alpine lakes. On this program we will explore the former capital of the Inca empire, marvel at the remains of the lost citadel of Machu Picchu and taste, see and feel the richness of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

I loved the intensity of the travel, all the activities we did (my favorite was mountain biking) and how close we got as a group.

Custom School Trip

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 9-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart Home Airport

Travel to Peru

Welcome to Peru!

Arrive in Lima · Flight to Cusco in the Andes

Travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Arrive in Cusco · Descend into the Sacred Valley · Acclimatization afternoon · Overnight: Hotel, Sacred Valley

Historic Landscapes

Andean highlands hike · Visit traditional mountain communities · Learn regional history and ecology · Overnight: Hotel, Sacred Valley

Paddle in Huaypo, Mountain Bike and Explore Salt Flats

Kayak on Lake Huaypo · Mountain bike through Sacred Valley · Explore Maras salt terraces · Overnight: Hotel, Sacred Valley

Experience Machu Picchu

Train to Aguas Calientes · Guided exploration of Machu Picchu · Return train through Sacred Valley · Overnight: Hotel, Ollantaytambo

Rock Climbing, Ziplining and Traditional Arts

Via ferrata rock climb and zipline over Sacred Valley · Traditional weaving workshop in Chinchero · Travel to Cusco · Overnight: Hotel, Cusco

Explore the Capital of the Inca Empire

Cusco historic center exploration · Chocolate making workshop · Farewell dinner and Rustic Ties ceremony

Return Home

San Pedro Market visit · Return flight

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Peru

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies?

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Is Peru: Andean Adventures and Machu Picchu Right for This School Group?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Peru?

Peru offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.

What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not Included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Peru Americas Adventure

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