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Neuva Esperanza Academy Unforgettable Trip to Peru

A group of students from High School grades 11 and 12 at the Nueva Esperanza Academy Charter High School in Philadelphia, made a special trip to Peru.

This was a leadership group. Each year the school tries to focus on a special area in the curriculum. The study of Peru was focusing on history of Inca civilization etc.

Next, the school will be visiting Cost Rica, focusing on science and the environment.

April 16, 2007

Dear Barbara and Fred,

I want to take the opportunity to thank you both for the tremendous efforts you made to make our trip to Peru the success that it was. You partnered with people who had expertise and wonderful organizational skills that made our trip an exeptional experience and gave our students a life-changing experience abroad.

I especially appreciate the work you both did to customize the items of our itinerary to serve the specific purpose of our trip. Both tour guides Claudia and Fernando were outstanding and they gave us a real taste of the people and culture of Peru.

The planning and excecution of our trip were excellent. You both thought of everything. It was wonderful for you to come to our school to prepare our students. I felt that the personal attention you gave to us, from the minute we began planning the trip, to the follow-up you provided when we returned, added to excellence.

Again, I thank you both for all that you did. I would recommend your services to anyone wishing to travel overseas. I look forward to working with you both in future as we can continue to explore international trips as part of our school's curriculum.

Sincerely,

David Solivan
Director of Instruction
Nueva Esperanza Academy

	Peru Facts Languages – Spanish, English Local Time – Eastern Standard Time Currency - Local currency is The Nuevo Sol. US dollars accepted in restaurants and stores but exchange rate can vary slightly Food - Fresh fish is a favorite coastal dish(Lima). The Andean highlands (Cusco & Sacred valley) feature corm & potatoes with Lomo saltado (beef dish). Pizza is also rather good in Cusco. Entry Documents – passport for US citizens Health – No inoculations required. High altitude travel has risks. Climate and Clothing Lima is mild with no measurable rain (daytime high’s in the mid-70’s) Dress in Lima is informal; more stylish attire appropriate for the evenings Cusco – cooler temperatures and possible rain (daytime highs in the mid 50’s) Layers of clothing are suggested for Cusco; dress is informal all day
Hotels
	Hotel San Augustine Exclusive Calle San Martin 550 Miraflored, Lima 18, Peru
	Munay Wasi Inn Av. Tullumayo 418 Cusco, Peru
	Casona Yucay 3 Plaza Manco II de Yucay 104 Urubamba, Valle Sagrado – Yucay Cusco, Peru

Travel Tips

Luggage

Luggage: One checked piece of luggage (Max. 62” L +W+H and and 50 lbs.); 1 carryon piece(Max. 46”L+W+H and 18 lbs.) plus personal item e.g., pocket book,laptop,personal CD player
Other luggage restrictions: Liquids ,gels & aerosol items-trial size contents –3.4 oz or less available at most drugstores. Items are to be packed comfortably in a quart size clear plastic zip lock bag
Be sure name, address and telephone numbers are prominently displayed (bright colored luggage tags will be given group for easy identification)

Health, Food and Currency

Health: Due to the high elevations, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration (bottled water available on the busses). Aspirin or Zorochipil suggested medications for height sickness-consult Doctor or Pharmacist for other suggestions & questions
Food: Eat moderately in the evening when in the higher elevations. Digestion is slower than normal. Seafood is not recommended in these areas.
Currency: Local currency is suggested for markets and restaurants. Many shops accept US Dollars and credit cards. Your guide will assist you with foreign currency exchange needs.

Itinerary

Neuva Esperanza Academy Trip to Peru


		Day 1 Enroute Motorcoach departs Nueva Esperanza Academy to the airport for a flight to Lima, Peru. After clear immigration and customs you will be greeted by your tour escort and transferred to your hotel in Lima.

Lima- City of the Kinas		Day 2 Lima Half-day city Tour of Colonial & Modern Lima. An afternoon visit to the Archeological Museum In the evening there will be dinner at La Dama Juana Restaurant in Mirafloras district, within walking distance of hotel.

Lima City Tour		Day 3 Lima Half day tour of the Pachacamac Ruins. An afternoon visit at the Gold Museum. Dinner in the evening at at your hotel.

Cusco Cusco - Plaza de Armas Cusco - Archaeological capital of America		Day 4 Cusco At 6:30 am transfer from your hotel to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco your will transfer from the airport to your hotel with time to relax and adjust to altitude the change. In the afternoon there will be a half day City Tour of Cusco and nearby archeological site. In the evening enjoy dinner and Folkloric Dance Show at the Tunapa Restaurant.

		Day 5 Machu Picchu Today you will enjoy a full-day tour to Machu Picchu Lunch will be served at Totos Restaurant in Machu Picchu. In the afternoon you will return to hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley of The Incas). In the evening there will be dinner at your hotel.

		Day 6 Pisac A full day tour to Pisac to see the ruins and visit the Pisac market. Following lunch at Tunapa Restaurant you will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Evening, dnner at Hotel

		Day 7 Chincheros \| Moray \| Maras A full-day tour to Chincheros, Moray, Maras Lunch will be served at Posada Yucay. Evening: dinner at hotel

Cusco Main Square Cathedral		Day 8 Peruvian Cuisine Class Today you will participate in a Peruvian Cuisine Class. Transfer to Cusco hotel. In the evening enjoy dinner at Restaurant Cava San Rafael.

Lima		Day 9 Lima \| Enroute Transfer to airport for flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the Indian Market located in Mira Flores District,where you will have time for some last minute shopping. During the late afternoon you will have day use of hotel room in Lima. In the evening there will be dinner at Mangos Café , after which you will transfer to the airport for your flight home..