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South America Semester: Andes & Amazon (Gap Year)
The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at extremes. From sparkling glaciers to lush tropical forests, this Gap Year program takes you through a dizzying tapestry of landscapes and cultures, exploring the links between land and people, past and present. The ancient Land of the Incas encompasses a fascinating blend of history and vibrant cultures, placed in a modern context of ...
The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at extremes. From sparkling glaciers to lush tropical forests, this Gap Year program takes you through a dizzying tapestry of landscapes and cultures, exploring the links between land and people, past and present. The ancient Land of the Incas encompasses a fascinating blend of history and vibrant cultures, placed in a modern context of political change and social transformation. Through intensive Spanish language courses, trekking through a wide range of ecological backdrops, exposure to remote indigenous communities, and an extended home-stay, Andes & Amazon students connect deeply with the local culture while exploring a rich panorama of Andean and Amazonian realities. Dragons students will also examine current political t...
Program Highlights
Hike through remote stretches of the Andes Mountains, honing your trekking skills while taking in some of the most dramatic vistas on the planet
Settle into the rhythm of life in an agricultural community, living with a family, deepening your language skills, and exploring an Independent Study topic of your choice.
Engage with issues in resource management, modernization and globalization, indigenous movements and political representation, urbanization and rural poverty, environmental conservation, and more.
Travel by canoe along tropical waterways in the Amazon Rainforest while learning from indigenous elders.
Explore land use and relationships, social and political activism, and indigenous identity and representation. Delve into pre-Incan and Incan history and culture, the coca leaf, and more.
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Quick Details
- Cochabamba, Bolivia
- La Paz, Bolivia
- Rural Areas, Bolivia
- Sucre, Bolivia
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- During High School
- Post High School
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Spanish
- Study Abroad
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Amazing Gap Year Experience in South America!
April 20, 2026by: Alyson Woolley - United StatesOver 10 years ago I had the most incredible gap year experience in Bolivia and Peru with Where there be Dragons. The knowledge I gathered during that trip continues to inform my thinking and career path today. My time in Bolivia and Peru, learning about international development through the lens of host families, local NGOs, civil society organizations, and the Where there be Dragons staff themselves inspired me to pursue an undergraduate degree (and now graduate!) in international studies, Spanish, development, and policy. I have spent 10 years living, working, and studying in Washington DC and continue to reference this experience in job interviews and graduate program applications. Shockingly, all of this isn't even the best part of the experience. Instead, it's the relationships and friendships built that continue to last the test of time. In the past year I've seen three dragons friends around the US, and over the past ten years there's been countless reunions and catch ups. Would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for experiential learning opportunities that seamlessly blend intense outdoor exploration, independent study, and cultural immersion- as well as of course lifetime friendships.
Life changing experience
February 07, 2026by: Tiger Locheart - United StatesMy time with where there be dragons completely changed my life. During the three months I spent traveling I learned more about the world and my place in it than I ever had in traditional schooling. I was faced with discomforts and challenges that most people never get the opportunity to face and grow from and it helped me become a better human. These programs are designed incredibly well, there is so much intentionality, time, energy and love put into creating a transformative experience for each student. I cannot recommend dragons more!
Best thing I’ve ever done
February 06, 2026by: Isaac Kniss - United StatesMy Dragons trip was the best and coolest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. All of my instructors were incredible and personable. They all wanted nothing more than to see us happy and to see us succeed in whatever we were doing. The itinerary was amazing, and we got to experience some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Cochabamba, Bolivia
- La Paz, Bolivia
- Rural Areas, Bolivia
- Sucre, Bolivia
Types and Subjects
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Spanish
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Academic Credit
- Transcript Fees
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Tuition & Fees
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Ready to Learn More?
The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at extremes. From sparkling glaciers to lush tropical forests, this Gap Year program takes you through a dizzying tapestry of landscapes and cultures, exploring the links between land and people, past and present. The ancient Land of the Incas encompasses a fascinating blend of history and vibrant cultures, placed in a modern context of political change and social transformation. Through intensive Spanish language courses, trekking through a wide range of ecological backdrops, exposure to remote indigenous communities, and an extended home-stay, Andes & Amazon students connect deeply with the local culture while exploring a rich panorama of Andean and Amazonian realities. Dragons students will also examine current political t...
Where There Be Dragons
Where There Be Dragons
Ready to Learn More?
The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at extremes. From sparkling glaciers to lush tropical forests, this Gap Year program takes you through a dizzying tapestry of landscapes and cultures, exploring the links between land and people, past and present. The ancient Land of the Incas encompasses a fascinating blend of history and vibrant cultures, placed in a modern context of political change and social transformation. Through intensive Spanish language courses, trekking through a wide range of ecological backdrops, exposure to remote indigenous communities, and an extended home-stay, Andes & Amazon students connect deeply with the local culture while exploring a rich panorama of Andean and Amazonian realities. Dragons students will also examine current political t...
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