Description

Desert Service
Join us for a summer of service in the foothills of the Andes! Here crystal-clear rivers carve an oasis in desert mountains and oxen plow the fields for the year's grape harvest. Excited children chase futbols through the dusty fields, and weathered pre-Incan ruins guard the hillsides beyond. The whitewater of the Cañete River carries rafters through the valley, and fishermen dive in search of the local delicacy, camarones. At the end of each day, the setting sun morphs the arid hills into a fiery blaze of reds, pinks and purples as bells toll from centuries-old cathedrals.

Into Lunahuana
Tucked among the rugged peaks of one of the highest tropical mountain ranges in the world is the Cañete Valley, home to a resilient group of people who manage to sustain an existence out of the desert lands. The people of the small towns that dot this valley survive mainly on agriculture, but it can be difficult to nurture growth in these desert mountains. Many residents live off very meager earnings, and the valley is still recovering and rebuilding after a large earthquake in 2007.

Much assistance is needed here. You will lend a hand on a variety of service projects, but much of your time will be spent working with the children of the valley in local schools. Teach English, play educational games, and provide art supplies and other materials that will open up learning opportunities the schools can't often provide with their budget restraints. You may also help out with an after-school program that encourages students to spend time outside of school constructively. Play sports, tutor basic math, or paint a mural in town. Whichever project you work on, you will take away lasting memories and connect with the welcoming students you meet here.

When you take a break from work with the local children, you will have a chance to get involved in several other community projects. You may find yourself refurbishing buildings affected by the 2007 earthquake or contributing to environmental projects designed to protect the river ecosystem.

Life in the Valley
An adventure sports hub, the Lunahuana Valley offers a plethora of exciting activities that will keep you busy and entertained from dawn to dusk. The whitewater rapids of the Rio Cañete will provide an exciting ride, or if you prefer to stay on dry land, hike to the rarely explored pre-Incan ruins that are hidden in the desert landscape. Lunahuana's many culinary specialties will be a welcome treat after days of service and adventure. Sip on delicious maracuya juice, feast on the local crayfish, and if you're feeling adventurous, sample one of the area's delicacies, roasted guinea pig! As the sun sets and the stars come out to play, relax around a campfire with your new friends and swap stories about adventure and service in the valley.

Who Should Come?
The Lunahuana Service Project is perfect for those students who are looking for meaningful community service and rewarding cross-cultural learning in a seldom-seen and magnificent area of Peru. The accommodations on this program are comfortable but basic, and you should be prepared to spend a good portion of your time working with local children. If you would like to experience both the desert coast and the Amazon Rainforest, we strongly recommend the Amazon Explorer and Lunahuana Valley Connection for the perfect two-week service and adventure combination in spectacular Peru!

Highlights

TEACH English and basic math skills to local students and help rural schools maintain art classes by providing essential supplies.

CREATE lasting memories for young children as you join them in sports matches and educational games.

RAFT the clear waters of the Cañete River and hike through the rugged foothills of the Andes.

INDULGE in the local cuisine as you devour a plate of delicious camarones or one of the other regional delicacies.

EXPLORE pre-Incan ruins and share in a traditional pachamanca.

SHARE stories around the evening campfire after a game of soccer or Frisbee with your new friends.

MARVEL at the stunning landscape that surrounds this town while listening to the rushing river in your backyard.

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
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,495 USD + International airfare

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

• Dormitory
• Group living

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