Description

An Incredible Combination
Peru is one of the most diverse destinations a traveler could hope for, and this program will carry you from the wild heart of the Amazon Rainforest to the stark beauty of Peru's desert coast. A perfect combination of two of our most fascinating South American programs, the Amazon Explorer and the Lunahuana Service Project, this diverse and exciting two-week adventure will be an unforgettable Peruvian journey! While written with the Amazon Explorer program first here, these programs can be combined in either order.

Into the Jungle
The adventure begins as you take off from the capital city of Lima and head to the jungle port of Puerto Maldonado. You'll hop on a boat and cruise up the Tambopata River into the depths of the Amazon Basin. Leave the bustle of city life far behind as you enter a world lost in time! With over 200 different kinds of birds and mammals, over 2.5 million species of insects, and one of the highest concentrations of plant species on earth, the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Keep a keen eye for monkeys playing in the trees, flocks of parrots flying overhead, and capybara grazing along the shores.

During your time in the Amazon, you will visit many of the best and most exotic locations in the area. This relaxing but busy week will showcase both the diverse wildlife and the fascinating cultures of the Amazon. Local guides will teach you about the vital importance of this imperiled natural resource, and you will see first-hand the wildlife that this ecosystem sustains. Search for colorful macaws, prehistoric-looking caimans, lumbering tapirs, and graceful river otters during daily excursions into the jungle. You will also get to know the indigenous people of the Amazon during rewarding service projects with local communities. We believe that every conscientious student who sees and experiences the wonders of the Amazon will become a better guardian of the natural treasures of our precious and fragile planet.

Service in the Desert
After a week, you will emerge from the heart of the Amazon and fly back to Lima to prepare for the second half of your adventure. Located a short three-hour drive south of Lima, the quiet valley of Lunahuana sits nestled among the rugged foothills of the Andes Mountains. This desert landscape offers the perfect contrast to the lush jungle of the past week. Here rocky mountains climb to the sky and villagers farm and herd amidst the arid hills and river valley. With the sound of the Cañete River in the background, you will work with the valley's children on various service projects. Spend your mornings volunteering at an impoverished primary school, where you will teach basic math, work on art projects, and help students with English comprehension. In the afternoons, join the locals in light-hearted games of futbol or volleyball. When the service ends you will have time to get your adrenaline fix while rafting the whitewater of the Cañete River or exploring hidden ruins in the foothills of the Andes!

Who Should Come?
The Amazon Explorer and Lunahuana Valley Connection is perfect for students looking for two weeks of touring and service in two very different regions of Peru. Explore the depths of the Amazon Rainforest and then work with the children of Lunahuana during meaningful service projects. Combine this program with one of our other great adventures in Peru or Costa Rica for the ultimate South American summer!

Highlights

COMBINE two of our most exciting Peruvian trips into one unforgettable two-week program that will take you from the lush Amazon Rainforest to Peru's spectacular desert coast, showcasing the country's vast diversity and natural beauty.

JOURNEY into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest by river and discover a lost world teeming with exotic plants and animals.

HELP out at small schools in Peru's Lunahuana Valley  provide art materials and school supplies and open up educational opportunities for the local students you work with.

RAFT the whitewater of the Cañete River and hike through the majestic foothills of the Andes as you savor the stark beauty of Peru's desert coast.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Hiking
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

2,895+ 495 Internal Airfare+ International air

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983