Peru Immersion Excursion

2020 Cancelled

Join the Purdue President’s Council for an epic educational adventure to actively support and experience a scientific expedition with the Arequipa Nexus Institute, a partnership between Purdue University and the Universidad Nacional de San Agustin (UNSA) in Arequipa, Peru.

Package Highlights & Inclusions:

• 1 night at Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Hotel with a walkway from the airport terminal to allow for anytime flight arrival
• 3 nights at Casa Andina Premium Arequipa, a unique 18th-century colonial mansion in the heart of the historic district and walking distance to the Plaza de Armas
• 3 nights at Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel. On the banks of the Urubamba River, this restored 17th-century hacienda combines colonial architec-ture with the mysticism of ancient Incan civilizations
• University Trustee JoAnn Brouillette and Purdue faculty members will be joining us on the trip
• President’s Council Cocktail Reception at UNSA
• Daily breakfast and Wi-Fi at all hotels
• Additional meals include five lunches and two dinners with a variety of local cuisine
• Custom land package combining Purdue-led scientific research projects and Peru’s beautiful cities with rich histories, plus Inca civilization sites
• Sightseeing with experienced English-speaking local guides, all entrance fees, transportation, porterage, all taxes and service charges
• Iconic PeruRail Vistadome train journey to and from Machu Picchu
• Economy air group flights from Lima to Arequipa, Arequipa to Cusco, and Cusco to Lima
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and all included meals
• Purdue President’s Council and Global Tracks staff

Purdue University & UNSA Partnership:

This President’s Council immersion excursion into Peru is a chance to support and experience a scientific expedition with the Arequipa Nexus Institute, a partnership between Purdue University and the Universidad Nacional de San Agustin (UNSA) in Arequipa, Peru. This partnership is working together on key challenges to create a sustainable future in the areas of food, water, energy, and the environment. See the research in action as you dig soil samples with researchers, discuss wine production improvements, and assess the influence of climate on harvesting quinoa.

Custom Land Package Itinerary:

Day 1 // Arrive Lima, Peru
Arrive anytime and take the walkway from the airport to the hotel.
Overnight: Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel

Day 2 // Lima – Arequipa
After flying into Arequipa, explore the remarkable colonial city on a walking tour. Visit two striking 16th-century structures in the historic Plaza de Armas—the massive cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery, beloved for its vividly painted façades. This evening enjoy an exclusive President’s Council Cocktail Reception at UNSA. Local faculty and students will share information specific to the research partnerships to prepare for our hands-on experiential learning in Arequipa.
Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (B, Reception)

Day 3 // Arequipa
Visit an area where the sustainability of water resources is a significant challenge in Arequipa. Work with researchers on a systems approach to water resource management through rural water purification. See how researchers are manipulating the water cycle and building systems of canals and terraces to grow crops under harsh environmental conditions as the Incas have done for thousands of years. Enjoy lunch on the full-day immersion and dinner at Chicha.
Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (B, L, D)

Day 4 // Arequipa
Visit the CIEPA agricultural research center in Majes, the future site of the Purdue-UNSA NEXUS Institute for Sustainable Food, Energy, Water, and the Environment in Arequipa. Together we will explore how novel digital soil mapping and data visualization techniques developed at Purdue will help modernize and expand commercial winegrape production in times of climate change and other environmental challenges facing the people of southern Peru. Learn hands-on about ancient and modern Peruvian wine and brandy-making techniques—including guided tastings of local wines and Pisco spirits followed by a traditional lunch. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (B, L)

Day 5 // Arequipa – Cusco – Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and journey into the magical Sacred Valley. Stop at the Pisac Ruins, an amazing Inca archaeological site, and stroll through the famous Pisac local handicraft market with free time to try authentic specialties such as empanadas. Arrive at the Aranwa Sacred Valley with time to relax before dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (B, D)

Day 6 // Sacred Valley
Start the day in Maras, a remote Andean town, famous for its unique salt pans. Fixed in geometric shapes on terraced hills, the surreal, photogenic pools were created by the Incas 2,000 years ago, and the mines are still harvested for their pink salt. In case of inclement weather visit the town of Chinchero. In the Traditional Textile Center meet native weavers to see artisanal techniques as they weave beautiful textiles. Enjoy lunch at Hotel Posada del Inca before continuing on to visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins to see examples of Inca masonry.
Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (B, L)

Day 7 // Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley
Board the Vistadome train in Ollantaytambo for a stunning journey through the Andes with breathtaking views through domed windows to the “Lost City.” Lunch is at the Sanctuary Lodge at the base of the imposing Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. A guided comprehensive tour will bring to life the history, significance, and myths surrounding the site with stops at the best viewpoints. Return by train to the hotel.
Overnight: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel (B, L)

Day 8 // Sacred Valley – Cusco – Lima – Depart
Cross the valley and into the hills to visit Sacsayhuaman, a huge fortress-temple complex of massive stones that zigzags across the side of the mountain. Continue to charming Cusco for a guided tour of the Santo Domingo Convent, built on the most sacred foundation in the Inca Empire, Qorikancha. Stroll through the Cusco Cathedral, an emblematic feature of the main colonial square, Plaza de Armas. Enjoy a farewell lunch followed by free time. Transfer to the airport for our late afternoon flight to Lima.
(B, L)

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Lima Pre-Tour

Day 1 // Arrive Lima, Peru
Upon arrival, transfer to the JW Marriott Hotel, situated in the desirable Miraflores District with sweeping ocean views.
Overnight: JW Marriott Lima

Day 2 // Lima
Morning at leisure. Depart on an afternoon Lima city tour to explore the historic center, a UNESCO Site, including the Plaza de Armas with its impressive cathedral, the government palace, and Aliaga House. See the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. This evening gather for an exclusive President’s Council Alumni Reception.
Overnight: JW Marriott Lima (B, Reception)

Day 3 // Lima – Arequipa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Begin the Main Program
(B)

Inclusions: 2 nights at JW Marriott Lima Hotel with daily breakfast, Lima city tour, reception, airport transfers, porterage, gratuities, tax, and the assistance of pre-tour staff.