Description

Service on the Lake
Shrouds of morning mist rise to reveal the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Llamas and alpacas quietly graze on the altiplano, and condors soar past the snow-capped peaks and jagged cliffs of Colca Canyon. Local fishermen push off into the tranquil blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Young children happily giggle while herding sheep out to pasture, and brightly clothed women tend to cooking fires in dimly lit adobe homes. These are the sights and sounds that will greet you in Southern Peru.

Join us for a tour of Southern Peru's highlights while immersing yourself in indigenous cultures and participating in meaningful and memorable community service in this remote region.

Cusco and Machu Picchu
The tour starts in the Andes, where you will overnight in the town of Ollantaytambo. Stroll the streets of this 'living city of the Incas,' relax, and adjust to your new surroundings before heading to Machu Picchu, one of the true cultural treasures of Peru. An early morning climb through one of the seven man-made wonders of the world is the perfect way to acclimatize to the high-altitude Andes and prepare for the next two weeks of community service and adventure.

Where the Water Meets the Sky
Cradled between the snow-capped mountains of Bolivia and the high altiplano of Peru, Lake Titicaca is one of Peru's legendary highlights. Traditional villages that exist much as they did 100 years ago are scattered along its shores, and you'll immerse yourself in the traditional way of life of the hardworking people who live here. You'll participate in a variety of community projects developed by local people. These projects might include teaching English to eager students who have never had native speakers as instructors, refurbishing classrooms, and painting educational murals alongside local students.

Floating Villages and Picturesque Islands
After saying goodbye to your new friends on shore, it will be time to take a boat to visit Lake Titicaca's island inhabitants. Thousands of visitors come to these floating islands each year islands which are constructed entirely of reeds but we'll take you to a few of them that rarely see tourists. The people living on these seldom-seen islands subsist much as they have for centuries, and we are honored to be invited to share in life here. A floating field will provide a unique setting for a rousing game of volleyball against local children this is sure to be an experience you will never forget! After you have visited the villages on reeds, you will head off to more solid ground at the nearby community of Taquile.

This island of approximately 2,000 inhabitants is home to pre-Incan ruins, world-renowned textiles, and a truly egalitarian community that has maintained customs and traditions that date back hundreds of years. You will settle into the tranquil life of the Taquileños while you are here. Play games with and teach English to colorfully capped children before watching the sunset with these island dwellers the perfect end to your day at the world's highest navigable lake.

Canyons and Condors
After leaving the high-alpine lakes, the altiplano slowly morphs into Peru's canyon country. Colca Canyon plunges to twice the depth of the Grand Canyon and is home to soaring Andean condors, terraced valleys, and snow-capped peaks. After rising early for condor sighting and mountain biking, soak in local hot springs and reminisce about the past two weeks of travel and service in Southern Peru. This is a trip that you will surely remember forever!

Highlights

EXPERIENCE the isolated islands and indigenous cultures of spectacular Lake Titicaca and travel through its blue waters.

EXPLORE the mysterious ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu during an unforgettable journey to the top of the Andes.

PERFORM rewarding service projects on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Work and play with bright young school children and improve lives on meaningful community development projects.

VIEW majestic Andean condors soaring high above El Cañon del Colca, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

PLAY a friendly game of volleyball with eager local children on an unbelievable floating island made of reeds.

Travel Types

• Hiking
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Native Culture Studies
• 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

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

3,195+ 465 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
• Guest House
• 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