Peru Explorer

June 5–13, 2025

So remote and inaccessible that it was left untouched by the Spanish conquistadors, Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Join Smith alumnae as we explore Peru, a land of archaeological, cultural and natural treasures. The highlight of our program is our visit to the mist-shrouded mountain citadel of the Incas.

Trip Highlights

Customize your trip YOUR way with optional excursions in Lima and Cusco.
In Lima Explore the "City of the Kings" and see the Cathedral, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall and visit San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs.
Explore Machu Picchu—journey to the marvelous citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
In Cusco discover Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha and the famous San Pedro market and see the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
In the Sacred Valley, explore Ollantaytambo, a living town and site of massive Incan ruins that still inspire wonder today.

Get a Glimpse

Faculty Host: Javier Puente

Born in Peru and raised in the core of the Andes, Javier Puente joined Smith College in 2019 and since then has become Associate Professor and Chair of the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program. He is the author of The Rural State: Making Comunidades, Campesinos, and Conflict in Peru’s Central Sierra, which received the 2023 Marysa Navarro Best Book Award by NECLAS. When he’s not busy teaching and advising Smithies, he enjoys cooking Peruvian food, hiking through the Sacred Valley, and learning more about Andean cultures of the past and present.

Learn more about Associate Professor Javier Puente

More Information

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Travel Schedule
Day 1	Depart U.S. for Peru
Day 2	Arrive in Lima, Peru
Day 3	Lima sightseeing and free time
Day 4	Travel from Lima to Cusco and Sacred Valley
Day 5	Machu Picchu excursion
Day 6	Travel to Sacred Valley and Cusco
Day 7	Cusco sightseeing and free time
Day 8	Travel from Cusco to Lima; depart for U.S.
Day 9	Arrive in the U.S.

Trip Details

Duration: 9 days
Activity Level: Moderate—there will be walking on uneven surfaces.
Cost: $1,999 per person, based on double occupancy; Single Supplement: $264 per person
Deposit: $350 non-refundable deposit per person, payable to Costsaver; Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure
Co-Sponsors: Exclusive Smith Departure

Registration

To ensure a reservation on one of our trips or to find out more information, contact Sarah Doody, travel program coordinator, at 904-432-3141, or send an email to smithtravel@smith.edu. Reservations may also be faxed to 866-427-4335. We will contact you and send you the final brochure as soon as it becomes available. You can then send in your trip deposit to confirm your place.