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Virgen del Carmen Festival Journey
Cusco, Peru
Program Snap Shot
Highlights:
- Team scavenger hunt
- Participate in one of Latin America's most vibrant fiestas in Paucartambo
- Private visit to small weaving and farming community of Chahuatire
- Trekking to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
Program (included in tuition):
- 1 week 4 hrs/day Group classes (Max 4)
- 1 week Private room with host family during classes (3 meals/day)
- 1 week Laundry Service provided by host family
- 1 week Occassional school orgranzied activities (ie: cooking or dance class)
- 11 or 15-day Virgen del Carmen Festival Journey (see itinerary below for details, includes lodging)
- Airport pick-up in Cusco
- All entry fees (museums, national parks, monuments, etc.)
- All ground transportation: private van, boat, taxi, train, raft, bike and horseback.)
- One internal flight
- Emergency message service
Possible Options (extra cost):
- Lima Package:one-way ticket to Cusco, airport transfers, hotel in Lima
- Some meals during 'Virgen del Carmen Festival' Journey
- Upgrade to single room for 11 or 15 day journey, add $330 (11-day) or $450 (15-day)
Start Dates:
AmeriSpan has teamed up with Culture Xplorer's to offer a unique language travel experience. The Virgen del Carmen Festival Journey as described by Culture Xplorer's founder, Jim Kane, is "all about people; about genuine interaction between travelers and locals; about understanding along with adventure." Participants of this program will begin their journey with a one-week language immersion program. After a quick introduction or refresher of the Spanish language in Cusco a perfect base "to explore one of Peru's most exhilarating regions"; participants will embark on a journey that will prove to be "very active, with three days of trekking at altitude for between 2 and 5 hours per day." Jim Kane, along with local, bi-lingual trip leaders will accompany participants and offer their knowledge and expertise in the regions you will visit.
Specific Program Details
Information about Cusco, Peru (Click to view)
Once the capital of the great Inca civilization, Cusco is also home to magnificent examples of colonial architecture. The stone foundations of Inca temples are still visible in the colonial buildings in and around the city. Many international tourists are drawn to Cusco for its close proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to the high elevation, it is cold at night and cool during the day year round. However, this can be a great excuse to seek out the many Indian markets selling the beautiful wool sweaters and textiles of Peru. Surrounded by the wealth of its Inca history and offering the comforts of an internationally known town, Cusco truly is an exciting place to learn Spanish.
Peru shares borders with Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean. The country has three distinct regions: a narrow coastal belt along the Pacific Ocean, the wide Andean mountains, and the Amazon rainforest. Although the coastal belt is a desert, that is where most of the population lives. Peru is renowned as the land of the Incas, but many great pre-Columbian civilizations flourished. Visitors can see the ancient ruins of the Inca capital of Cusco, and explore the lost city of Machu Picchu as well as ruins from a variety of other cultures, including the Nazca and Moche.
Participants: The majority of participants are over the age of 30 and from the USA and Canada.
| Course Name |
1 Wk |
2 Wks |
3 Wks |
4 Wks |
Add'l Wks |
Class Size |
Meals |
| 4 hrs/day Group + Virgen del Carmen Festival Journey |
n/a |
n/a |
$1950 |
$2650 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Program Notes
- Lima Package: = $175
Airport transfers, one night hotel in Lima, & one-way airfare to Cusco. Please book this option w/ at least 2-3 weeks notice. You should arrive in Lima on the Saturday before your classes start.
- During 'Virgen del Carmen' Festival Journey only some meals are included. (See itinerary for further details) . Budget $12/day.
- 'Virgen del Carmen' Festival Journey all lodging - double occupancy in charming, locally run hotels (3 and 4-star equivalent) plus one night in the (very basic) homes of the local community on Amantani Island
- International departure taxes at airport. Budget $30.
- Physical rating: very active. Participants must be able to walk comfortably for 3-4 hours per day at high altitudes of 9,000 to 13,000 feet (check with your doctor before booking this trip)
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