The Sacred Valley of the Incas Itinerary
Day 1	We arrive in Lima and transfer by car to our hotel for overnight rest.
Day 2	We take an early morning flight to Cusco with a mid-day orientation after settling into our hotel and then an afternoon walking tour of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Day 3	Our Spanish lesson begins after breakfast.  Each day we are in Cusco and the surrounding environs, we will work together each morning to expand and deepen our fluency with Spanish.  In the afternoons, we will practice the day’s lesson as we explore this ancient city—its plazas, churches, museums, markets, and artisan shops.  In the evenings, we will explore the nightlife of Cusco, e.g., learn the salsa at one of the local clubs, visit with a famous local artist, etc.
Day 4	Our Spanish lesson begins after breakfast.  In the afternoon, with a local guide, we will visit Sacsayhuaman, an ancient fortress and temple built from gigantic granite stones precisely laid without the use of mortar.  We will participate in a traditional despacho ceremony near the ruins at the end of the day.
Day 5	In the morning we will hold our Spanish lesson at Tipon, a little-known Inca site noted for its ancient system of terraces and aqueducts.  After eating a traditional meal featuring roasted guinea pig, we will spend the afternoon exploring the newly excavated archaeological site of ritual significance known as Quillarumi.  We will also attend another traditional ceremony at the site.
Day 6	With a local healer, we will travel to the village of Chinchero, a community known for its weavers.  After our Spanish lesson, there will be time to visit the colorful market on the plaza.  We’ll have a lunch of cheese, bread, and local potatoes cooked in the earth while visiting with members of the Cusi Hauyna Youth Group.  Afterwards, we’ll observe the traditional dance, song, and ritual of the Andes that these young people are trying to preserve.
Day 7	We travel to Ollantaytambo via private bus.  On our way we will stop at Tambo Machay, a ceremonial stone bath.  We will also visit the ruins at Pisac, one of the most picturesque sites in the Sacred Valley.
Day 8	After our Spanish lesson, we will spend the day in Ollantaytambo with a renowned local artist who will teach us how to make pottery using the ancient ways.
Day 9	During the day we will visit the massive fortress and temple areas of Ollantaytambo and visit the weekly crafts fair in the main plaza.  Our Spanish lesson will be held in the afternoon and throughout dinner.  In the evening we will depart by train to Aquas Calientes, the entry point to Machu Picchu.
Day 10	We spend the day with our guide at Machu Picchu the most prized Inca religious center and most spectacular archaeological site. We return to Aguas Calientes to visit the town and take in the natural thermal springs.
Day 11	After our Spanish lesson, you have the opportunity for a second visit to Machu Picchu where you can wander around the main ruins, hike up Huayna Picchu at the back of the ruins, or just relax in a magical atmosphere.
Day 12	We will return via train traveling past lush tropical forests along the Urubamba River and stay at a retreat center in the Urubamba Valley to relax, explore the environment, integrate our adventures, and continue our deepening of the Spanish language.
Day 13	We will continue our study of Spanish and have the day to explore the immediate area in the valley.
Day 14	We will return to Cusco and fly back to Lima, arriving in the afternoon.  You will have free time to visit some of the historical and cultural attractions in Lima, e.g., the historic city center, one of the historic mansions, or one of the museums.
Day 15	We will visit Pachacamac a pre-Incan site near Lima and an important ceremonial center when the Spanish arrived.  We will close our journey with a group dinner before leaving for the airport to travel back to the United States.
NOTE:  Given local weather conditions, changes in the itinerary may have to be made at the last minute.