August 1-11, 2024
August 1-5, 2024 in Lima and August 6-10 in Cuzco. Includes a visit to Machu Picchu,
Costs
To be determined, but here is an initial estimate. Costs will be finalized by February 2024.
$1,700 for both Lima and Cuzco portions. Airfare to Lima is not included. Registration does, however, cover airfare from Lima to Cuzco and back. Costs include hotel, ground transportation, and most food. Some lunches will be on your own.
Single occupancy add $400.
The unit of currency is the Peruvian Sol (Sun). The exchange rate (US dollar to Peruvian Sol) is $1 = S/. 3.77 as of December 2023.
Registration
Registration is limited to 15 people from the Gulf Coast Synod. Once the event fills up, we will start a waiting list. Click here to register: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/8518955.
Additionally, a group from Wisconsin (LaCrosse Area Synod) and a group from Canada (British Columbia Synod) will be joining us.
Flight schedule
UA 854, Thursday, August 1, 2024, departing Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) at 4:30 pm, arriving Lima 11:00 pm.
UA 855, Sunday, August 11, 2024, departing Lima Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) at 12:55 am, arriving Houston 7:35 am.
Description
Each year we take a group for a cultural and ecclesiastical immersion to our companion church, the Lutheran Church in Peru. Due to the pandemic and then recent political upheaval, we have not gone in a few years.
In November 2023 the President of the Lutheran Church in Peru, Pastora Ofelia Davila was with us in the Gulf Coast Synod. At that time we began to make plans for our next immersion.
They requested that we bring no more than 30 people between the three synods. The LaCrosse Area Synod and the Synod of British Columbia are also companions to the Lutheran Church in Peru. Lacrosse is bringing 12, and BC 3, so we can bring 15 people this time around, including Bishop Mike. We propose 5-7 congregations sending 2-3 people each. 
Itinerary
We will go first to Lima, where the majority of ILP (Iglesia Luterana en Peru) churches are located. On Saturday, we will take part in a large children’s event with participants from various parts of Lima where congregations are located. Sunday we will visit churches. Monday, we will learn a little bit about the local culture.
DRAFT Schedule – Subject to change
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Fly to Lima.
Shuttle to Hotel Las Palmas.
Friday, August 2, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel
9:00 – Devotions at the Hotel
9:30 – Welcome from Lutheran Church of Peru President Ofelia Dávila and other church leaders. History and current state of the church. Spanish lesson 1. Orientation.
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Preparation for the Children’s Festival on Saturday
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group time
Saturday, August 3, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel
9:00 – Travel to Belén
10:00 – Children’s Festival
4:00 – Return to Hotel.
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group time
Sunday, August 4, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Worship at various congregations
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – More visiting with your congregation
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group Time
Monday, August 5, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Devotions
9:30 – Learning time. Spanish Lesson 2. Accompaniment.
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Visit the Catacombs. Tour Lima. Downtown. Lovers’ Park.
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group Time
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast at Hotel
9:00 – Devotions
9:30 – Learning time. Theology. Spanish Lesson 3.
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Visit Pachamac Incan Ruins and Museum. Shopping.
6:00 – Dinner
9:00 – Those returning to US depart for airport. Others to hotel.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast at Hotel
8:30 – Devotions
9:00 – Shuttle to airport
11:20 – Fly home or to Cuszo
Cuzco
12:40 – Shuttle to hotel
1:00 – Lunch
2:00 – Nap or walk the city (acclimate to the altitude)
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group time
Thursday, August 8, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Devotions
9:30 – Cuzco City Tour
11:00 – Visit Talitha Kumi
12:00 – Lunch with Talitha
1:30 – Taxi to Ollantaytambo
2:00 – 90 minute train ride to Aguas Calientes
3:30 – Walk Aguas Calientes
5:00 – Rest
6:00 – Dinner
7:30 – Group time
Friday, August 9, 2024
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Devotions
9:30 – 30 min. Bus ride up to Machu Picchu
10:00 – Machu Picchu
11:30 – 30 min bus ride back to Aguas Calientes.
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Hiking in Aguas Calientes
3:00 – Shopping
5:00 – Train back to Oyantaytambo. Light dinner on train.
6:30 – Taxi to Cuzco
7:30 – Group time
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Fly Cuzco to Lima
Fly Lima to Houston
REGISTRATION will go live once the trip is confirmed.
Stuff to know
Coming Soon
- What you need to know, bring, wear
- Understanding Accompaniment
What makes this trip special
This trip will enrich your understanding of Peruvian history and relationships with Lutheran Church in Peru. You’ll pick up some Spanish, see the Andes and make new friends.
Email bishop@gulfcoastsynod.org for more information.
Bishop Michael Rinehart 