Community Service Teen Summer Program in Peru

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.

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.
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.
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.
Day 12–14
After picking up supplies in the local markets of the Sacred Valley, we travel just a few kilometers to small a indigenous community tucked into the hills of the Cordillera Negra. Here we work in partnership with local community volunteers on service projects designed to improve the quality of life and infrastructure. With smiles, embraces and celebrations, the community graciously welcomes us. We quickly learn that soccer, dancing, music and laughter are universal languages. We teach English, assist in sustainable organic agricultural projects and educate local children about nutrition and preventive health measures. You can see the difference you make in the lives of people you have come to admire and call friends in just three days.
Day 15–23
Travel to the bustling town of Puerto Maldonado where we catch our boat up the Amazon River to Picaflor, an environmental education center where we assist in trail development and maintenance, organic gardening, and plant and animal identification. We also host a school group for an overnight camping adventure where we teach them about the environment, play games and paint murals at the schoolhouse. The lush beauty of the Amazon River Basin is a phenomenal and inspirational setting for our service work. The work can be strenuous, especially in the heat of the Amazon, but intensely rewarding. Take a break to enjoy a traditional meal and watch the Amazon River creep by. We say goodbye to our new friends in Picaflor and travel downstream to a breathtaking eco-lodge to spend our last few days discovering little known animals, laughing in the company of a capuchin monkey and relaxing in hammocks under the shade of a Kapok tree. 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.