July 2: Departure Day, Miami to Cusco
Group Meeting:
At 11:00 PM, meet your leader and fellow students at the LATAM Airlines check-in counter (outside of security) at Miami International Airport (MIA). This is the official start of your Putney program!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on LATAM Airlines flight #2461 departing Miami (MIA) at 2:05 AM on July 3, arriving in Lima, Peru (LIM) at 6:40 AM local time on July 3. The group will continue on LATAM flight #2123 departing Lima at 8:50 AM and arriving in Cusco, Peru (CUZ), at 10:25 AM local time on July 3 (9 hours, 30 minutes en route).
July 3: Pisac
Upon landing in Cusco, transfer via chartered bus to Pisac, approximately 1 hour from the Cusco airport. Get settled in at your residence and take it easy the first day as you acclimate to the altitude. Visit the world-renowned craft market and explore the imposing Pisac ruins to familiarize yourself with Incan history and culture.
July 4–12: Collaraqui
From Pisac, head deeper into the valley to the picturesque village of Collaraqui. Work together with the host community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects. Evenings are spent immersing ourselves in the local culture through activities and events such as learning to cook a traditional Andean meal, playing fútbol with our local friends or hiking remnants of ancient Incan footpaths in the surrounding mountains. Go on short excursions on the weekend to explore some of the incredible sites the Sacred Valley has to offer. Throughout your time in the village, engage in an independent project of your choosing to learn more about a particular aspect of local culture and life.
July 8 & 9: Cusco
Take a weekend excursion to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco is still a vibrant Andean city, where campesinos from neighboring mountain villages converge to sell their goods at the city’s extensive markets. Marvel at the confluence of ancient and modern as you take in the colonial architecture and nearby ruins, such as the golden temple of Qoricancha or the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try eating “cuy,” a traditional Peruvian delicacy more commonly known in English as guinea pig.
July 13–14: Aguas Calientes
Board a scenic train to Machu Picchu through the spectacular Sacred Valley. Learn about the lifestyle of the Inca people as you visit the fascinating ruins. Spend time exploring this ancient citadel and discover its maze of temples and dwellings. Hike the surrounding slopes for different perspectives on the site.
July 15: Ollantaytambo
Bid farewell to Machu Picchu and head to Ollantaytambo for a final day and night. With its cobblestoned roads and massive Inca ruins, the quaint village of Ollantaytambo is the best remaining example of Inca city-planning. Visit indigenous markets and meet with Andean artisans in their workshops. Explore the nearby ruins at the Temple of Ollantaytambo and relax in the town’s central plaza as you practice your Spanish with local kids.
July 16: Travel Day, Cusco to Miami
Group Flight:
The group will fly on LATAM Airlines flight #2068 departing Cusco, Peru (CUZ), at 7:35 PM local time on July 15, arriving in Lima (LIM) at 9:10 PM local time on July 15. The group will continue on LATAM flight #2464 departing Lima at 12:40 AM local time on July 16, returning to the International Arrivals Area of Miami International Airport (MIA) at 7:20 AM on July 16 (10 hours, 45 minutes en route).