Peru is a country that calls out to the explorer trapped within. Even today, she is defined by vast emerald jungles cut only by the flow of the mighty Amazon, mighty mountains that once were considered home of the gods, and one of the most diverse cultures in South America. A voyage to Peru is an entrance into both mythology and reality. Can you hear her calling to you?
The wonder that draws most to Peru is the majestic ruins of the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. Perched 8000-feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is the most iconic of all the Incan ruins throughout South America. For many, Machu Picchu is a pilgrimage site for modern day explorers. Will you voyage to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World?
Overview
- Sit atop the majestic ruins and see the hand of the Creator.
- Visit a church in the town of Aquas Calientes at the foot of the Andes.
- Take the thrilling train ride to the peak of Machu Picchu.
- Explore the ancient Incas who have left their history within their ruins.
- Serve with a ministry that assists hurting people in Cusco.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Crossing Borders
Welcome to Peru! On our journey to this richly diverse country, we will focus on what it means to “branch out” in our faith and in our lives. The week will contain opportunities that challenge us and help us to grow as we reach beyond the comfort of our homes. Our first steps will require a willingness to cross, not only geopolitical borders, but cultural ones as well. As we travel into the mountains from Lima to Cusco, may our hearts and minds open to crossing borders. - Day 2 – Reaching Others
Light is the source of life for most plants; without light, a plant will eventually die. As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ as the source of light and life. We will spend the day with an organization that has been reaching out with the love of God to some of the impoverished communities around Cusco. As we work alongside them today, let us ponder our own willingness to reach out to those who are desperately in need of light and life. - Day 3 – In Community
As a tree grows, its branches extend beyond the strength and safety of the trunk. Often, the strongest branches are the ones that are protected by or intertwined with others. As we grow toward adulthood, and stretch away from the sturdiness of home, there is strength in community. Today we make the train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town that sits at the base of Machu Picchu. As we travel and explore, may we give thanks for the strength that our community of faith provides for us while we branch out in our lives. - Day 4 – Climbing Mountains
The journey up a mountain can be difficult. During the challenge, it is easy to want to give up instead of persevere. God joins us on the journey, however, and the view from the top is a great reward. Today we travel from Aguas Calientes to the 16th century Incan citadel called Machu Picchu. The views, the architecture and the landscape of this sacred site will fill us with awe and wonder. The journey to the top is worth it! As we return to Cusco in the evening we will discuss the challenges we face in life and how God joins us in the climb to the top. - Day 5 – Hearing Stories
Extending our cultural awareness and understanding is part of branching out. If we view the world from solely our home nation’s perspective, we miss the richness, diversity and brilliance of others cultures. Today we will experience the Peruvian story by celebrating Peruvian Independence day. May we delight in the history, music dancing and food of this amazing country; and may we weave the story of this day into the story of our branching out. - Day 6 – Valleys and Empires
Powerful cultures tend to branch out from a central location. For the Inca, Cusco (Qusqu), in the Sacred Valley, was that city. As empires spread out, however, they are often too far from the sources of their strength. The downfall of these empires should remind us that not every emperor is one in whom we can put our faith. Sometimes, while we are growing in independence, we stray too far from our source of strength. While we explore a variety of sites today in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we will contemplate the need to make God the king in our lives. - Day 7 – Different Yet the Same
As we strive to grow in faith and maturity, one of the challenges is how we respond to those who are different. Our interconnected world reminds us that we are not all the same, but Scripture tells us that every nation, tribe and tongue is beloved by God. Our journey today leads us back to Lima, Peru’s most diverse city. Lima is a great place to be reminded that while on the surface we differ, underneath we are all the same. While we explore today may we rise to the challenge of seeing past the differences, and may we grow in the grace that says we are more alike than we think. - Day 8 – Firmly Rooted
Our Peruvian adventure has reached its end. As we send you back home – back to that place where you are firmly rooted – we do so with a prayer. May you continue to seize upon those opportunities to branch out in your lives. May you do so with the assured knowledge that being firmly rooted in Christ will provide the strength and security for much joy, wonder and success.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Machu Picchu
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.