Meet the descendants of the Incas, who've retained rich traditions of language, colorful dress and lively music in stunning diverse landscapes, from the highest snow dusted peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle. You’re sure to see monkeys, flamingos, condor, llamas and the elusive vicuna.
You'll contribute to meaningful community development during our volunteer project in the Sacred Valley, trek the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, explore the Amazon while on expedition in Manu National Park, connect with the rhythms of rural life during a community stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and wander ancient plazas and markets in Cusco and Arequipa improving your Spanish while bargaining for cosy llama-wool ponchos. To finish things with a bang, you will visit the mysterious Nazca Lines and try sandboarding the dunes at Huacachina.
Conquer the iconic Inca Jungle Trail with a thrilling combination of mountain biking and trekking. Soar through lush rainforests, navigate exhilarating whitewater rapids, and witness the breathtaking grandeur of Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey is the ultimate test of endurance and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and ancient history.
Experience the warmth and hospitality of the indigenous Kichwa community during a unique homestay on Capachica Peninsula, Lake Titicaca. Share in their daily life, learn traditional crafts, and gain a profound appreciation for their rich heritage.
Work alongside local communities to conserve the environment and promote sustainable development. Immerse yourself in Andean culture, learn about llama herding, and contribute to a project that makes a real difference. This transformative experience will ignite your passion for social responsibility and inspire you to be a global citizen.
This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program. The order in which the activities occur might vary.
Click download to view the full 3 week sample itinerary.
Download Sample Itinerary
On arrival at the airport in Lima you will be met by your Program Instructors and transferred to our central accommodation. A comprehensive program orientation commences, before we take an excursion to explore the historic center of Lima, visiting key sites. In our first days together we’ll focus on getting to know each other really well, and creating a supportive group culture from which we’ll each be nurtured to realize our goals and hopes from this experience.
We begin a fantastic journey to Machu Picchu on the Inca Jungle Trail. An early morning flight takes us to Cusco and then by van into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting historic sites and ruins, before we overnight in the town of Ollantaytambo. The next morning we bike downhill through cloud forest and exotic fruit plantations to stay in the small jungle village of Santa Maria.
Leaving Santa Maria, we trek approx. 6 hours to Santa Teresa, enjoying local hot springs along the way. We have a day here to explore and take a ziplining tour through the forest canopy. Our final trekking day is approx. 6 hours traversing jungle, canyons, spectacular waterfalls, hot springs, mountain views and Incan archeological sites. The trail brings us to Aguas Calientes, gateway town to Machu Picchu, and a night to rest our weary trekking legs before exploring this incredible site.
We hike up to Machu Picchu, for sunrise and a breathtaking start to the day. After an informative tour of the sacred site, we’ll have plenty of time to explore independently, and climb Wayna Picchu for birds-eye views of Machu Picchu. Mid-afternoon we depart Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Urubamba.
Based from the cosy Llama Pack House with project founders Alejandra and Jorge and some pet llamas, we spend our time learning about and contributing to the project's valuable initiatives. Llama Pack Project's focus is to recover traditional uses and breeding of carrier llamas. They work with local communities in environmental education and sustainable rural development, and in the conservation of Andean mountain ecosystems in the Sacred Valley highlands.
Our project focus will be helping with the construction of Llama Park – where the goal is to create a replica Andean village, so local and international visitors can come to learn about Andean ways of life, without trekking high into the mountains. It will be home to llamas, typical crops, traditional houses etc., and have an education center for local people. Our volunteer work may include building trails, reforestation, developing crops fields, or building a fence around the area. Proceeds from visitors at Llama Park will go towards funding Llama Pack projects, so this is a really great social enterprise to support.
At the end of the project we head to Cusco for two nights – a chance to rest, do laundry, connect with family and friends back home via Wi-Fi – and to wander the cities fascinating plazas and markets.
For full program details, please request the information booklet.
Request Information Booklet
Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer program!
Our accommodation will vary from welcoming lodges and camping with shared facilities, to hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms. Laundry and Wi-Fi will be available frequently, except while at our volunteering projects, trekking trips and community stays. Accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to fit our needs.
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