Compare Peru and Machu Picchu Family Vacation by Adventures by Disney vs Peru Children of the Andes by Discover Corps

Day 1

Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel, Miraflores

Arrive at the Lima International Airport

Upon exiting customs, you will be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and escorts you to the JW Marriott Miraflores.

JW Marriott Hotel Miraflores

Unwind while your Adventure Guides check you into your fine hotel in the Miraflores section of Lima. If your flight arrives early, take some time on your own to explore the diverse shops and restaurants in this vibrant neighborhood or enjoy the pool or spa* at the hotel. Ask your Adventure Guide for suggestions.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Fly To Cusco

After a short flight, arrive in Cusco (Elevation 11,200 feet or 3,413 meters above sea level). To begin your journey to the Sacred Valley (8,000 to 9,200 feet or 2,438 to 2,804 meters above sea level). A motor coach takes you to the Center for Traditional Textiles (12,500 feet or 3,810 meters above sea level) for a memorable experience and delicious private lunch of traditional Peruvian foods.

Center For Traditional Textiles

This important center preserves the age-old customs of local Andean communities. Master weavers demonstrate their intricate art, as well as how to spin and dye alpaca wool. You may purchase fine textiles woven in the distinct patterns of different villages at the center's friendly shop.

The Sol Y Luna Lodge & Spa

This peaceful hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful Andean mountains. Relax in your comfortable bungalow or enjoy some time on your own in the hotel's pool or fully equipped spa.* If you feel more energetic, the Sol y Luna offers horseback riding and biking,* which you may choose to do independently.

Welcome Dinner

In the evening, you and your fellow travelers celebrate the beginning of your adventure with a traditional Andean feast known as Pachamanca. Learn the history behind this event, then watch Teatro Sol y Luna perform the dances and stories of the Incas.

*Additional charges apply. Horseback riding and other activities have limited availability. They are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked directly with the hotel.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Raft Trip Down the Urubamba

Enjoy the view and hold onto your hat as you raft down the Urubamba River (Class I - Class II rapids). The experienced guides explain the fascinating cultural and natural history as you glide along this scenic route.

or rafting, you must be at least 7 years of age. Size restrictions apply.

Ollantaytambo Buffet Lunch at Casa Huacatay

Following a hearty buffet lunch explore this quaint town's narrow cobblestone streets and the amazing Inca ruins on the hill above. The hike up the ancient steps is taken at a leisurely pace, enabling you to observe the dramatic surroundings and impressive architecture while minimizing the possible fatigue due to the altitude. (Elevation is 9,160 feet or 2,791 meters above sea level.)

Junior Adventurer's Dinner

Later at the hotel, Junior Adventurers can enjoy their own special dinner and Disney Movie Night. Adults may join them for the movie after their own dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Moray

Start the day with a visit to the ruins of Moray and learn about its unique circular terraces and the history of agriculture in the region.

Salt Pans of Maras

Tour the fascinating salt pan terraces where local families have been mining salt for over 500 years. If you choose, you can view more of the salt pans by hiking with an Adventure Guide downhill on a dirt trail into the Sacred Valley.

Lunch at Sol y Luna

After a ride on the motor coach back to Sol y Luna Hotel, join fellow Adventurers for lunch at the hotel. Later, you may want to enjoy a stroll in the delightful gardens.

Taste Of Peru And Pizza Making

Begin the evening with a Pisco Sour tasting for adults and local fruit juices for Junior Adventurers. Afterwards, watch a demonstration of Peruvian cooking and taste some of the delicious local specialties. End the culinary evening by preparing your own pizza, rolling the dough, adding your favorite toppings and then eating your savory creation!

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Train to Machu Picchu

Enjoy the memorable and scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, where you board a coach to Machu Picchu—"the lost city of the Incas" and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World

Machu Picchu

As your motor coach climbs to the site of Machu Picchu, anticipate the extraordinary sight of these magnificent structures surrounded by green peaks glazed by a soft mist. (Elevation is 8,000 feet or 2,438 meters above sea level.) You may even see llamas peacefully grazing among the terraces. Spend the morning with a local expert exploring the fascinating ruins and stunning views on your own. Remember that this amazing hike is at a high altitude and requires climbing and descending steep, uneven stairs. Take time to sit and marvel at the wonders around you.

Lunch At Sanctuary Lodge

Join your fellow Adventurers for lunch at the eco-friendly Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located next to the ancient Incan site. After lunch, continue exploring the endless wonders of Machu Picchu.

Dinner At Sol Y Luna

After a train ride and motor coach back to Sol y Luna Hotel, enjoy a leisurely dinner and share tales from the day with your fellow Adventurers.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Pisac Market

On the way to Cusco, stop at lively Pisac Market where you can shop for local crafts, silver jewelry and alpaca sweaters. Practice your bartering skills or simply enjoy browsing at the colorful stalls.

Awana Kancha Camelids Center

In the Camelids Center (elevation 9,160 feet or 597.4 meters above sea level), get up close and personal with llamas, alpacas and even the rare and precious vicuña. See how the soft wool from these South American "camels" is used to make beautiful woven textiles

Lunch At A Local Peruvian Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a favorite neighborhood Peruvian restaurant.

Arrive At Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Built in the cradle of the Incan Empire, this hotel was once a palatial, 16th-century estate. It's surrounded by extraordinary historical sites that you'll soon encounter.

Explore Cusco On Foot

Discover historic Cusco with a local expert. (Elevation is 11,200 feet or 3,413 meters above sea level.) View the charming Spanish buildings and the amazing stone foundations of the original Inca city. Afterwards, stroll through the cobblestone streets of this colonial jewel and discover more treasures on your own. Again, pace yourself for the high altitude and occasional steep streets. The town is filled with wonderful places to rest.

Dinner On Your Own

Venture into beautiful Cusco for dinner on your own in this lively traveler's destination.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

The Stones of Sacsayhuaman

Just outside Cusco is the imposing Inca fortress Sacsayhuaman, where 200-ton stones were moved miles with no modern machinery. Wander through the ruins and take photos of the panoramic views. A local expert is there to explain the history and answer your questions. Afterward, you may choose to join an Adventure Guide for a downhill walk back to town.

Lunch on Your Own and Afternoon Activities

Spend your final afternoon on your own in Cusco discovering its many charms. Your Adventure Guides can suggest where you can enjoy a family lunch.

Dinner at Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel

Dine on delicious local and international cuisine in your hotel's historic colonial restaurant. Junior Adventurers have their own special menu.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Farewell Lunch

Following a short flight to Lima, enjoy a special farewell lunch with your fellow travelers at Casa Aliaga. This magnificent 16th-century colonial mansion is the longest continually inhabited family home in Peru. Pay attention, though, because the mansion is rumored to be haunted! Cap off your exciting week with a splendid meal and musical entertainment.

Afternoon in Lima

Following lunch, you check back into the JW Marriott Hotel located in the trendy Lima neighborhood of Miraflores. Spend a relaxing afternoon in Lima on your own. Your Adventure Guides will be happy to assist you should you choose to independently explore the sites of this coastal capital.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel, Miraflores

Breakfast At The Hotel

Enjoy a last breakfast in Peru with your fellow travelers.

Transfer To The Airport

Relax as your Adventure Guides handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the Lima airport.

Day 1:

You will arrive at the airport in Cusco where you will be met by a member of our staff and be taken to our guesthouse in Cusco for the evening. After a delicious welcome dinner, we will discuss the schedule for the week and give you an overview of the volunteer project.

Day 2:

Wake up to an authentic Peruvian breakfast prepared by our local staff and take in the fresh mountain air and views of the Andes. We’ll take our time in the morning to adequately adjust to the altitude and learn a bit about the area and its fascinating history. After lunch, we will orient ourselves with this impressive city and visit the most important sites in Cusco: the Cathedral, San Blas Church, and Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun.

A Picturesque Community in the Heart of the Andes

In a small town, narrow stone walkways meander through traditional Peruvian houses. Children dance around the fountain in the town center amongst old men deep in discussion. The Andes soar in the distance contrasted against the bright mountain sky. This is the location of the Discover Corps Home Base. The town is most renowned for its 17th century cathedrals. But look beyond the lavishly decorated cathedral and you will find small markets selling traditional Peruvian goods and the scents of home cooked food wafting into the air.

In the afternoons, we will visit dynamic non-profit organizations that are working on health issues in the region, engage local children in activities such as soccer, and even sample guinea pig - a local delicacy! One afternoon, we’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class and even help to make a watya, an earthen stove used to make potatoes. Another afternoon, we’ll meet with women’s groups and make traditional dolls using the colorful fabrics that Peru is famous for. You’ll even have a chance to try traditional Andean dance.

Evenings are reserved for discussion, relaxation and reflection. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian style dinner cooked by the local Home Base staff while reminiscing in the day’s activities around the fire pit outside. Some evenings will feature a guest speaker from a local non-profit or leader in the community. Topics range from local health initiatives to the colonial History of Peru.

Days 3-5:

Awake to the sounds of church bells ringing through the streets and fresh mountain air. Relax before breakfast in one of the lush gardens around the Home Base, a century old Peruvian hacienda. We’ll spend the mornings engaging with the local community and culture. Visit a shaman and learn about age old Incan spiritual rituals, learn to sew handmade dolls using colorful fabrics with women from the community and visit a nearby orphanage that takes care of and mentors abandoned children from the community.

After lunch, we will help out at the community after-school program. Engage directly with the students through a combination of language lessons and educational games that will allow you to not only contribute directly to the curriculum, but develop strong bonds with the local children. Whether it’s telling stories as part of an English class or reading a book together, your sheer presence will create a memorable learning experience for the class as a whole.

We’ll return to our Home Base each evening for a delicious Peruvian meal cooked by the in-house chef and relax by under the stars by the fire pit.

Days 6-7:

After breakfast, we’ll head out to a women and children’s development project in the community run by a local artist and his wife. Experience the innovative ways this couple is economically empowering women in the community, including making hand-sewn Peruvian dolls and selling them on the international market. You’ll spend a morning at one of the women’s’ houses learning to make a local dish and seeing how they live.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our projects with the children in the after-school program. Be creative with the lessons and see how the students get more comfortable practicing their English as the days go on.

We’ll invite guests over for dinner each night, including our students and the women from the community development project. 

Our Peruvian Home Base 

The Discover Corps Home Base is located in the heart of a quaint Andean village called Andahuaylillas, just outside Cusco. Set amongst the soaring Andes Mountains, the Home Base is a hacienda complete with vegetable gardens (which we use for meals), peaceful nooks to read and relax in and a fire pit for our evening discussions.

Our in-house chef will prepare authentic Peruvian cuisine, which is among the most diverse and delicious in the world. While breakfasts are very simple and typically include fresh rolls, eggs and jam, the lunches and dinners feature a wide variety of flavors found in traditional Peruvian cuisine. Be ready for a culinary adventure - you won’t be disappointed!

Meals will be hearty and healthy, locally-grown, consisting of meats, beans, lentils, rice, chapatti, vegetables, and fruits.

Day 8:

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Cusco for tour of its most important sites: the Cathedral, San Blas Church, and Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch back in the town square and visit the open air markets to purchase local clothes or just take in the invigorating pace of local life. This evening we will hold our farewell dinner, as the two groups will be departing early for their separate ways.

Day 9:

(10-day program) We will rise early in the morning to take a train through the mountains and into the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the afternoon taking in the breathtaking surroundings and reflecting on the complexity of this iconic archeological masterpiece. Later in the afternoon, we will take the train back for dinner back in Cusco before departing the next day.

(14-day program)  We’ll also get out of town and discover more ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley: Pucapucara, Qenqo, and Tambomachay. Along the way, we’ll even have a chance to see and learn about the animal that Peru is best known for at a local llama farm.

Day 10:

(10-day program) Travelers will be taken to the airport for their return flights home.

(14-day program)  After breakfast, we will take a scenic two-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, a village that has lots of shops and very impressive ruins.  After a short break, we start the climb up the 13,000 foot pass adjacent to the glacier “Wakay Willca”, also known as “Veronica”. On a sunny day you get an amazing view of this massive, but receding, chunk of ice. We descend about 6,000 feet in less than an hour and arrive at the Pacha Conservancy camp, a non-profit, environmental conservancy organization. Here we have an amazing lunch, hear a short talk about the work of the Pacha Conservancy and admire the rescued and replanted orchids, the organic tea plants, and the Inca-style walls.

After lunch, we drive the final three hour leg and arrive in Santa Teresa in the late afternoon. Santa Teresa is considerably lower elevation so the weather is warm. The town also has three large, naturally fed hot springs that sit in the bottom of a large valley, adjacent to a 100 foot wide river. After soaking and watching stars, we’ll grab a simple dinner in town and get to bed early in anticipation for the hike the next day.

Days 11-12:

From Santa Teresa, it’s a short drive to our trailhead. We’ll walk the entire day along the river and railroad tracks. Take in the scenery as we hike through the mountains and slowly descend into the rainforest. After lunch, we’ll continue our hike onwards to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu where we will spend the night.

Wake up the next morning for the final leg of the journey into Machu Picchu. Spend the afternoon taking in this wonder of the world and it’s incredible surroundings.  Later, we’ll catch catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and onwards to Cusco for the evening.

Day 13:

Wake up rejuvenated after a night’s rest back at the Home Base. Today, we’ll have the chance to pick up some final souvenirs, have a coffee in the town center, or relax in a park to the sounds of cathedral bells in the distance. We’ll enjoy our final dinner together with the family of our staff.

Day 14:

We’ll take travellers throughout the day to the airport for their flights home.