Trip Description

Nothing can prepare you for the spectacular beauty of the Peruvian Andes. On this community service and cultural immersion adventure, the land of the Incas and the People of the Sun will entrance you with its remarkable history, welcoming inhabitants and breathtaking scenery. Once the largest civilization on earth, the legacy of the Inca Empire lives on today in its descendants, the Andean culture and the Inca language, Quechua. Travel back in time, trekking an ancient Incan trail on a journey to Machu Picchu, astounding ruins surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. Explore villages to discover a blend of Inca and Colonial architecture and traditions. In Peru’s Sacred Valley spend time learning Spanish or building on what you already know. Then travel to the far reaches of the Northern Cordillera Blanca to embark on service work with Peace Corps volunteers and Quechua Indians. This extraordinary and rare opportunity allows you to experience Peru in a way few ever can.

• Itinerary & Country Map

• Day 1–3
  

  Our flight into Cusco gives us a bird’s eye view of Peru’s magnificent landscape from soaring snow-capped peaks to expansive valleys. This capital of the Inca World is a city steeped in history where two worlds collide, that of modern day Peru and the once-powerful Incas. As we acclimate to the altitude, we explore cobblestone streets, colonial cathedrals, the historic Plaza de Armas and the bustling Mercado Central. Listen to indigenous musicians play traditional music on instruments made from reeds and wood. Learn the significance of the serpent, puma and condor as you investigate the ruins of once majestic cities — Sacsayhuamán, Qenko and Tambo Machay. Give your Spanish a try, bargaining for crafts with Quechua Indians and exploring the colorful market villages of Pisac and Chinchero.

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  Day 4–7
  After a relaxing dip in natural hot springs, we set off on a challenging, high Andes trek on the Inca Trail through mountains, valleys and rural villages. Hike past cliff hugging ruins in a valley speckled with cloud forests and walls of stone. Visit ancient cities and well-preserved archeological sites. Camp under brilliantly star-filled skies. The highlight of our journey is Macchu Picchu, the world's most awe-inspiring archaeological site that remained hidden until less than a century ago. Wander through the ruins of temples, fountains and terraces built into a staggering mountainous landscape. Climb up Huayna Picchu to gaze back at “The Lost City of the Incas”. The panorama will leave you speechless.

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  Day 8–11
  Before we begin our community service, we head back into the Sacred Valley to the town of Taray, an idyllic setting for our Spanish studies. In this small paradise far from the tourist trail, we practice our new vocabulary amongst the locals. As a group, we live with our teachers, giving us ample opportunities to use our developing language skills as we prepare meals, try salsa dancing, visit the markets or explore the city. We also pick up a few conversational words in Quechua, which will come in handy in the days to come.

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  Day 12–23
  

  Travel to the northern latitudes of Peru to the Rio Santa Valley, nestled in the most beautiful section of the Andes. To the east is the striking Cordillera Blanca, with more than thirty sharp peaks that tower over 16,000 feet. To the west lies the Cordillera Negra. After picking up supplies in the local markets, we travel to small indigenous communities tucked into the hills of the Cordillera Negra to work in partnership with Peace Corps volunteers on service projects designed to improve the quality of life and infrastructure here. With smiles, embraces and celebrations, the villagers graciously welcome us into their communities. Despite any communication barrier, we quickly learn that soccer, dancing, music and laughter are universal languages. We teach English, assist in sustainable organic agricultural projects and educate locals about nutrition and preventive health measures. The service work we do can be strenuous, especially at this altitude, but intensely rewarding. You can see the difference you make in the lives of people you have come to admire and call friends. They live simple lives anchored by age-old customs in one of the most spectacular settings on earth. Take a break to eat a traditional meal with a local family or dance arm in arm with villagers to Andean folk music. This trip immerses you in a world you never knew existed, and it becomes a part of you. You leave with strong memories, friendships and an undeniable sense of accomplishment.

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