About Peru: Peru is known for its welcoming people, rich pre-Columbian and Incan history, network of awe-inspiring ancient ruins that dot the landscape from north to south, and its colorful music, arts, and crafts. Although rapid modernization in recent years has improved the economic situation for the average Peruvian, for many, everyday life still consists of chronic poverty, unemployment, and limited access to health care. In the highland villages of the Sacred Valley, just beyond the reach of the dollars generated by tourism and industry, the challenges are especially acute. These mountain communities are home to many families who face serious challenges accessing education, healthcare, jobs, and diverse sources of nutrition.

The Project: The program begins in the lively rural village of Ollantaytambo. The group spends three days getting acquainted with Peruvian culture and geography by visiting the Museo CATCCO, rafting the Rio Urubamba, climbing the steep terraces of the Inca fortress, taking in the vibrant Ollantay Raymi festival, exploring indigenous markets, and interacting with locals along the narrow 500 year-old cobblestone streets. The group then travels to its host village, where students work in small groups alongside local friends and skilled craftsman on a variety of community service projects. Last summer students constructed a much needed classroom space, made adobe bricks, taught English in the local schools, assisted at the trucha fish farm, and learned traditional weaving techniques. Living conditions are extremely simple; the group resides in a small school building, and works with local cooks to prepare Peruvian meals. When the work day is done, students have the opportunity to join in a pick-up game of soccer, explore the picturesque mountains surrounding the village, practice Spanish and learn the basics of Quechua, or attempt to play the challenging Peruvian flute, the quena.

Excursions & Machu Picchu: On weekends there is time to explore the many wonders of the Sacred Valley, which may include a group trek to 14,700 feet past mountain lakes to the hot springs of Lares. Students also have the opportunity to learn about traditional Peruvian weaving, to experience the salt mines of Las Salinas, and to visit the breathtaking archeological sites and ruins of Moray, Pisac, and Pumamarca. The final week of the program takes the group to the imperial city of Cusco, where they volunteer at a center for children and explore Cusco’s many nearby wonders including the fortress of Saqsaywaman. The program ends with an unforgettable journey by train to Machu Picchu, where students spend two days exploring the incredible citadel.