Community Service Peru by 360° Student Travel
Location
Peru
Description
Peru is one of the most spectacular and geographically diverse countries in the world. From exploring the Amazon Jungle to kayaking on sacred Lake Titicaca at 12,500' in the Andes, and to sand boarding and dune buggying in the desert oasis of Huacachina, we experience it all! Of course there is our fascinating visit to the ancient archaeological treasure of Machu Picchu! But above the beauty and history are the friendly Peruvians who greet us warmly and welcome us as we interact with local children and seniors to make this a most meaningful and memorable summer!
Our community Service programs are a great way to give back, help those less fortunate and make a difference in the lives of others. Be immersed in the local culture and experience glacier hiking in Alaska, spotting the "Big 5" in Africa, surfing in Hawaii, exploring Machu Picchu in Peru and relaxing in mud baths and hot springs in Costa Rica.
Highlights
* Cultural Exchange & Community Service
- Entertain children at a local orphanage and assist in renovations
- Bring cheer to seniors with a game of BINGO interaction and story telling
- Learn how to make, dye and weave natural wool
- Make adobe bricks and help build homes in a local community
- Help preserve the Amazon Jungle
- Volunteer in an Amazon wildlife rehabilitation center
- Help maintain the floating islands of Uros by laying reeds
* Adventure and Touring Highlights
- Build a raft and float down a river in the Amazon Jungle
- Fish for piranhas and look for Sea Otters in Lake Tres Chimbadas
- Dare to go on the "Creatures of the Night Walk"
- Marvel at the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu
- Whitewater raft on the Urubumba River
- Kayak to a remote beach and the Uros floating islands
- Explore the many markets and bargain for crafts and other local items
- Sandboard and ride Dune Buggies on one of the largest sand dunes in the world
- See dolphins, penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat of Islas Ballestas
- View the mysterious Nazca Lines
- Experience the majestic Condors above Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest
- Relax in the thermal Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Amazing Details:
* The Amazon Jungle
Engulf yourself in the Peruvian Amazon - part of the largest ecosystem in the world. It has been estimated that during the course of the last century we have managed to destroy half of the world's rainforest and, based on current forecasts, we look set to destroy the rest within the next 25 years unless we dramatically do something to stop this destruction. As a group we will assist the locals in reforestation and preservation of this valued eco system. Our Lodge on the Tambopata River offers great opportunities to spot exotic wildlife such as giant river otters, monkeys, anteaters, toucans, sloths, and tapir.
Fish for piranhas, build a balsa raft and float down the river viewing wildlife exclusive to the rainforest. Follow your tribal guide on a "Creature of the Night" walk and gather beads to create local crafts. Awake to the amazing sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest during this incredible stay.
* Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon Shelter
Puerto Maldonado, a bustling tropical frontier town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers. Rehabilitation of jungle animals is our service at the Amazon Shelter. Projects will include building additional homes and preparing food for the animals.
* Pisac and the Sacred Valley
Pisac is a pretty Andean village best known for its handicrafts and serves as a base to our community work in the village of Chumbe. Nestled in the mountains of the Sacred Valley we will be immersed in the local community and learn the ancient technique of constructing adobe buildings from mud. The structures we build will serve to benefit the community for many years to come.
* Aquas Calientes Gateway to Machu Picchu
Board the train to the town of Aguas Caliente the gateway to one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has become the most important attraction in Peru and will leave you breathless and in awe of this World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the Aguas
Calientes Hot Springs
* Cusco: The Ancient Inca Capital
Whitewater raft down the Urubumba River. Tour the narrow cobblestone streets of the and explore the Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Armas, Qoriccancha, La Catedral of this ancient Incan capital. Bring cheer to the residents of a local orphanage. Learn the skill of making weaving wool and work in fields or herd the flock in a local Inca village.
* Puno, Lake Titicaca and Uros Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the largest in the world above 6,000 feet. Kayak near the floating islands of Uros constructed entirely of reeds by local islanders. Join the local community to preserve these treasured man made wonders and learn how they live, prepare their meals and farm while living in the middle of the lake. Enjoy canoe races against the islanders before we depart this wondrous community.
* Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Arequipa, surrounded by 3 snowcapped volcanoes (Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu), is Peru's second largest city. Arequipa is well known for its glistening white buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic rock, which gives the city its nickname 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Here you will enjoy the pedestrian street, markets, and all the good things in life, especially the region's spicy food, stylish boutiques and nightlife. The pulse of city life is upbeat and best exemplifies modern Peru. Our project at a home for the aged is where we will interact with these cheery residents and share their language, culture and life stories. We will visit Colca Canyon to view the famous Andean Condors soaring high above one of the world's deepest canyons (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon).
* Huacachina Sand Dunes, Nasca lines and Islas Ballestas
The world famous 'Nasca Lines' are series of extensive lines and figures etched below in the images of birds, creatures and flowers. The lines were not 'discovered' until spotted from above by aircraft in 1939. They are thought to have been drawn by the Nasca civilization (which reached its peak about 700 AD).
Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes nestled next to a picturesque lagoon where we can rent paddle boats and then be thrilled while sand boarding and dune buggy rides on the grand sand dunes.
From the seaport of Paracas you will board a boat to the Ballestas Islands the home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. There are also large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales.
* Lima Farewell
Our farewell stay is at the chic Miraflores neighborhood overlooking the Pacific. The highlight of our Lima city tour is the Catacombs at San Francisco. Look back with pride at our final banquet of all we have accomplished, Spanish we have mastered and grown together as a tight knit group during the 4 weeks enjoying the wonders of Peru.