Description

Welcome to Peru!
Snow-capped mountains tower over ancient Incan ruins and small rural villages in the Sacred Valley. Smoke wafts into the crisp mountain air and through the thatched roofs of adobe houses. Brightly dressed women and men herd goats, tend to crops, and prepare lunch over open fires. Guinea pigs scamper underfoot and children play outside. This is life in the remote villages near Ollantaytambo - get ready to live it!

Service in the Sacred Valley
Step off the tourist trail to Machu Picchu on one of Peru's most popular programs and discover hidden valleys, stunning scenery, and rural villages. You may make guinea pig coops, build an irrigation canal, or help out with various other community development projects. You'll also get to know the village children while working in schools and playing educational games. The work will be hard, but the sight of the local people's smiles will be a welcome reward.

Life in camp will be rustic but comfortable, and delicious food will be prepared for you after satisfying days of service. Practice your Spanish and learn Quechua while you integrate into village life. When not working, you can hike into the surrounding mountains and valleys and discover spectacular vistas, hidden ruins, and remote mountain villages that offer further insight into the history of this region and its kind-hearted people.

Adventure in the Valley
A highlight of your group's time here will be exploring the Sacred Valley. Whitewater raft through the valley, mountain bike down peaceful country roads, hike across giant Incan terraces, and take a dive on the highest bungee jump (optional) in the Americas. After nearly two weeks exploring the valley and village, say goodbye to your new friends and catch the train towards Machu Picchu.

Magnificent Machu Picchu
Whether bathed in sunlight or shrouded in mountain mist, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are sure to take your breath away. Summit the peak of Wayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring, bird's eye view of the city before grabbing a hearty meal in Aguas Calientes. One of the world's new seven wonders, Machu Picchu is the perfect way to cap off your Peruvian service adventure. Machu Picchu alone makes this trip incredible, but it will be the rewarding service projects, the rugged landscapes, and the gracious, welcoming Peruvian people that will open your eyes and remain in your heart forever.

This trip involves camping, physical labor, and living in remote locations at high altitudes, so you should be prepared for a challenging and physically demanding two weeks.

Highlights

MARVEL at the sight of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.

IMMERSE yourself in colorful, off-the-beaten-track villages near Ollantaytambo and get to know the friendly locals.

HELP construct adobe buildings and learn this ancient building technique under the guidance of community members.

RAFT and mountain bike your way through the Sacred Valley.

CAMP in rural villages and breathe in the clean mountain air.

EXPLORE Incan ruins scattered throughout the Sacred Valley.

FLY over the snow-capped Andes into colonial Cusco.

Travel Types

• Rafting
• Student Tours
• Tours

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$:

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
• 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