Aerial view of Machu Picchu
Americas Fall Land
Travel
September 03 - September 11, 2023

Ancient Civilizations of Peru

Joanne Pillsbury S72, Andrall E. Pearson Curator of Ancient American Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art

A specialist in the art and archaeology of the ancient Americas, Joanne Pillsbury was previously associate director of the Getty Research Institute and director of Pre-Columbian Studies at Dumbarton Oaks. She has published widely, including Guide to Documentary Sources for Andean Studies, 1530–1900; the Alfred H. Barr, Jr., Award recipient Ancient Maya Art at Dumbarton Oaks; and Past Presented: Archaeological Illustration and the Ancient Americas, which was awarded the Association for Latin American Art Book Award. Her 2017 exhibition catalogue, Golden Kingdoms: Luxury Arts in the Ancient Americas (prepared with Timothy Potts and Kim Richter), was the winner of a PROSE Award for Excellence.

About the Journey

When Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru in 1532, the Inca Empire was the largest in the world, with more than ten million subjects from southern Colombia to Chile. Yet it was less than a hundred years old. Centuries before the Incas rose to power, other advanced civilizations had prospered in Peru, building stone temples and palaces that rival Machu Picchu in sophistication and beauty.

We invite you to join us on a journey to the time before the conquistadors and explore these pre-Inca sites. In Lima, tour fascinating museums devoted to both indigenous and colonial culture, and dine at one of the best restaurants in the world. Spend two nights in the Sacred Valley acclimating to the altitude as we explore Inca fortresses and temples and meet local artisans. Take a scenic train ride down to Machu Picchu, the abandoned city rediscovered in 1911. Spend two days at this awe-inspiring royal retreat before returning to Cusco, ancient capital of the Incas, where we will visit iconic sites.

Please note: Princeton travelers will be joined by participants from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accommodation

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru
Set in a verdant garden atop a towering cliff, Belmond Miraflores Park is a five-star urban sanctuary.

Tambo del Inka Hotel, Urubabma, Peru
Luxury resort nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes, Peru
Described as an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest.

Belmond Palacio Monasterio, Cusco, Peru
Built as a monastery in 1592, Belmond Hotel Monasterio retains the charm and ambience that has existed for centuries whilst boasting a reputation as one of the world's finest hotels.

Reservations

To reserve your space, please contact our partner tour operator Arrangements Abroad at 1-800-221-1944.

Trip Details

  • Dates
    September 03 - September 11, 2023
  • Activity Level
    Active - Environment
  • Cost
    from $7,149 per person, double occupancy
  • Deposit
    $1,000 per person
  • Contact