The Expedition
Welcome to the land of the Inca — a complex civilization that has enticed National Geographic explorers for nearly a hundred years. In the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, discover the archaeological mysteries and colorful indigenous culture of the Peruvian highlands. Against a backdrop of soaring Andes, venture into a network of incredibly sophisticated temples and fortresses, and encounter magnificent Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient past and vibrant contemporary culture of Peru through an On Assignment project of your choice — Photography, Writing, or Archaeology & Ancient Culture.
LIMA
2 days. Our program kicks off in the heart of Lima, where we'll get acquainted as a group and form our exploration teams. Then delve into the ancient world of the Inca at an archaeological museum. Enter the laboratory of National Geographic grantee Guillermo Cock, a Peruvian archaeologist whose ground-breaking discovery of thousands of Inca mummies was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in May 2002.
THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO
10 days. Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. We'll make ourselves at home in Ollantaytambo, a lively village that has been occupied continuously for more than 500 years. With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system of working aqueducts, Ollantaytambo is the finest living example of Inca town planning. Presiding over the village is a fortress built from massive boulders, where Emperor Manco Inca scored a rare military victory over Spanish conquistador Hernando Pizarro.
During our time in the valley, follow old Inca trails to forgotten ruins and isolated stone villages where families live as they have for centuries. Hike to the base of some of the Southern Hemisphere's highest peaks — considered sacred protectors by the Inca — and view glaciers that spill into valleys where llamas and alpacas graze. Raft the Urubamba River and explore important archaeological sites such as Pumamarca, Pisac, and Chinchero. In vibrant markets, discover indigenous foods and colorful textiles. Meet artisans in their workshops, and learn the secrets of Andean weaving and pottery. We'll also have a chance to give back to the community by improving access to ruins, clearing ancient aqueducts, tending crops with farmers, teaching English at the local school, and playing soccer or basketball with new village friends.
CUSCO
5 days. Ascend to the imperial city of Cusco, known by the Inca as the "navel of the Earth." Our National Geographic expert Peter Frost joins us here to help us explore the city. Visit Coricancha, the golden temple at the heart of the Inca Empire, and step into a colonial cathedral built with stones from the original Inca walls. Visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa's textile center and learn about the traditional art of weaving. See ancient baths, roads, and temples carved with mysterious markings. Then explore the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest.
MACHU PICCHU
3 days. Travel by train to Machu Picchu, a citadel built atop cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the cloud forests below. Recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated by a team from National Geographic. Follow Peter Frost into the maze of temples and dwellings to unlock some of its mysteries. Examine the impossibly precise stonework, and hike the surrounding slopes for a different perspective on this incredible site.
As our adventure concludes, we'll gather as a group to share our On Assignment projects. After a final night in Cusco, return to Lima for our flight home.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Create a photo essay that captures the spirit of Peru. Take to the streets with your team to photograph campesinos in traditional garb, old stone villages, bustling markets, and jagged peaks. Get a new angle on Machu Picchu, one of the most photographed sites in the world.
WRITING: Fire up your imagination and write your story. During workshops in the field and one-on-one critiques, learn to incorporate a sense of place into your writing. Envision scenes in an ancient temple. Interview an elderly villager about her younger days. Tap into your five senses to describe markets and festivals you visit.
ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Set out into the community as a team for an in-depth examination of Peruvian culture — past and present. Meet indigenous people and discover their customs and beliefs. Shadow a teacher at the village school. Visit working digs to learn about the restoration of ancient ruins.
