Blog

During the first couple of days of our journey through Peru and Ecuador, our trip leaders Hope and Nathan asked me how I felt about my 22nd birthday happening while we were in South America, away from my friends and family. I had to think about the question for a moment. Part of me was excited and open to the new experience of being so removed from my everyday life, being that I am not one for big celebrations to begin with. Another part of me was a bit disappointed beca… Read more

When we first arrived in Peru, we were given a very specific/odd warning. Our rad instructors said to us, "Getting accustomed to the food, altitude, the long hikes and the culture will make this first week feel like one of the longest weeks of your lives. However, after this week, time truly flies so try your hardest to be present and enjoy every second of this trip." At first none of us really knew how to take this advice, you know? We had all just traveled for more th… Read more

As we clamored down a rocky jetty, the unmistakable ocean breeze hit my nostrils and immediately relaxed my mind- reminding me that I was once again near the water as I have been for most of my life. For our group however, Lake Titicaca offered more than just new scenery- it provided what water has always been a symbol of, renewal. After a week of unintentionally isolating ourselves in our homestays in Cuzco, we were stuck on a 6-hour bus ride and an hour and a half van… Read more

It took less than a week in Cusco to become accustomed to the city lifestyle. I've never been much of a city fan (not that Cusco is even that big), but as I was forced to navigate my way around over the course of a few days, I became more and more comfortable -- and excited -- about being there. Our 20 hours of Spanish classes didn't hurt either. Every day, I found myself communicating in Spanish in ways that I didn't even know I could, to the point of not even having to… Read more

The story of the first week of our South America adventure, told through photographs. September 21st After dozens of hours of traveling, two days of orientation and acclimatization, we finally immersed ourselves in our first trek through the lands of Peru, with the Llama Pack Project. Many of us saw llamas for the first time and we unanimously agreed that they're insanely photogenic. Scout: the cutest dog who followed us all the way on our trek downwards. September … Read more

The early morning clouds part like the removal of a bridal veil and there it is: Machu Picchu. Majestic green mountains and fleecy white clouds envelop the ancient empire, seemingly protecting it from what lies beyond its mysterious edges. One gets the sense that they have just stumbled across this wonder and discovered it for themselves. Indeed, our physically demanding four day sojourn along the Inca Jungle Trail, which included mountain biking, soaking in hot springs… Read more

Buen Día a Todos Pacific Discovery Viajeros! My name is Kate and I'll be one of your program instructors throughout South America this Fall. I thought I'd take the opportunity to introduce myself - after all we will be living together, rafting rivers together, traveling by every form of transportation and maybe even having to endure a bout of traveler's diarrhea together. I'm sure by the end of our semester together we will all know one another maybe a bit too well! Le… Read more

Hey Everyone! My name is Lee and I will be one of your instructors on our South America Fall Semester. Our adventure is quickly approaching and I wanted to introduce myself before we all come together in Lima. Since I was very young, I've dreamed of exploring foreign lands, speaking new languages and eating exotic foods. I've been lucky enough to combine my love of travel and adventure into a career...it's awesome. Over the past seven years, I have worked as an Outdoor… Read more

¿Que tal chicos? Hola from the highlands of Peru. I'm Nathan Heath and I will be the second half of your instructor duo on our adventures through South America. I am currently exploring some of the mountains that will be our stomping ground over the next two months. And the more I explore the more I am stoked to pick you all up from Lima and start our journey in just a couple weeks! I would love to get a sneak peak into who you all are, so if you find the time please i… Read more

¡Bienvenidos a Sudamérica! Hey all! My name is Hope and I am one of your instructors for the South American Semester this Fall. I hope you all are getting  ready to plunge into the crystal blue waters of the Galapagos Islands, climb our way into the misty Andean Mountains, rappel off waterfalls - immerse ourselves in these beautiful places and cultures - I’m excited to explore with you! A bit about me - After graduating high school I moved to Bolivia for a year. During… Read more