My summer trip to Peru was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. For two weeks, I was immersed in a culture rich with history, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and engaged in work that gave me a deeper understanding of both healthcare and humanity. We stayed primarily in Cusco. While the trip included sightseeing and adventure, the most meaningful part of the experience came from the days we spent setting up mobile health clinics in rural areas of Peru.
Over three days, our group organized and ran these clinics, bringing basic healthcare services to communities that often lacked easy access to them. Each clinic had several stations: triage, pharmacy, dental, toothbrushing, and general diagnosis. I rotated between these areas, learning something new at every stop. In triage, I helped record basic patient information and take vital signs. In pharmacy, I assisted in preparing medication under supervision, making sure patients received what they needed and understood how to use it. One of my favorite roles was in the toothbrushing station, where I helped teach children how to properly care for their teeth. Their excitement and curiosity made the language barrier fade away, and it was clear that kindness and patience could communicate more than words.

The most eye-opening experience came in the general diagnosis room. I shadowed a local doctor who allowed me to observe patient consultations, write down prescriptions, and ask questions. She explained each case carefully, pointing out the challenges of diagnosing and treating patients in low-resource areas. I remember one of the doctors explaining how the limited diet in some of these rural areas made carbs, especially potatoes the only option. This led to heart issues, due to clogged arteries. I began to understand the broader impact of limited medical access, not just in terms of health but also in how it affected families, education, and opportunity. The experience deepened my appreciation for global healthcare work and made me realize how much difference small acts of service can make.

Outside the clinics, our group spent time exploring Peru’s natural and cultural beauty. We took a two-day trip to Machu Picchu, a place that felt almost unreal. The ancient ruins, surrounded by clouds and mountains, gave me a new perspective on human history and resilience. We also participated in local activities, music lessons, cooking traditional Peruvian dishes, white-water rafting, ziplining, and visiting Cusco’s markets. These moments helped me connect more deeply with the culture and the people, making the trip not only educational but also incredibly fun.

What made this experience truly unique was how it blended service, adventure, and learning into one unforgettable journey. I was not just a tourist, I was part of something larger, a collaboration between volunteers and local professionals to bring care and hope to those who needed it most. I came home with more than memories of beautiful places, I came back with a deeper understanding of empathy, cultural exchange, and the power of helping others. My trip to Peru reminded me that meaningful experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and opening yourself to the world.

I went to Peru with GLA in June 2024 and quite literally loved every second of it. With 12 other students, I learned about healthcare in rural areas, toured around Cusco, and even learned a bit of Spanish! We did 4 clinic days, where we shadowed medical professionals in pop-up clinics. We got to work with all different ages from young children to grandparents. I think my favourite part of the clinics was getting to spend time with the children and form such a strong connection with them in just one day. While I originally thought that the language barrier could make collaborating and connecting with members of the community difficult, it wasn’t at all. The doctors I was working with were understanding and patient, and helped me when I was confused. One of my favourite memories from my trip is laughing with the children of the village, they are all so funny! I learned how to read, write, and say various phrases in Spanish and even some more complex medicine related ones too. For me, these were my favourite days because this was when I could do my most hands-on work. Seeing the impact we had on the lives of the patients was life-changing, and sparked my desire to work in medicine. If I could change the program, I would want to do more clinic days. They were so special for me, and I wish we could’ve done more so we could’ve had even more of an impact. On top of clinic days, we went to Machu Picchu, went whitewater rafting, saw the Maras Salt Mines and explored Cusco! We also got to explore the town of Ollantaytambo, before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes, the town base of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was amazing! We got there early so we could be ahead of the crowds, and had a guide to tell us about the Incan Empire and Machu Picchu. These fun experiences gave me the chance to bond with others in my group, and in only 2 weeks I made some of my best friends! Most evenings, if we weren’t too tired from the day's activities, we would go on a Cusco outing, wandering around markets, the town square, and seeing all it had to offer. We were frequent visitors of Cusco’s famous market, San Pedro. I bought some souvenirs for my family, and had the best dried mango I’ve ever eaten. It was these fun little experiences that made my trip so special. It gave me the chance to bond with others in my group, and in only 2 weeks I made some of my best friends!

In the summer of 2023, I went on a two-week trip to Peru with 9 other students: all 15-17 year olds. And while it may sound cliché, this trip was life-changing. We spent time in pop-up clinics around Cusco, where residents would come to get medicine and treatment from the doctors there. We spent five days at these clinics, and I wish we had done more over those 14 days! It was such an eye-opening experience that has completely changed my career path to be medical. We also visited Machu Picchu (literally the coolest thing I have ever seen), Rainbow Mountain (an hour-long hike to 17,000 ft above sea level), and whitewater rafting. On top of that, I met some of my favorite people ever; we all became great friends instantly. Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking at a medical career, wanting to make a difference in another community, or just wanting to see another country with friends!

My daughter’s experience with GLA was amazing from start to finish. Pre departure, staff was easy to reach and happily answered all of our questions. I felt the trip was extremely well organized and my daughter had an absolutely transformative experience. The leaders and mentors were excellent and the program provided the perfect balance of service, sight seeing and cultural activities. She returned home energized, full of insights and confidence, and excited to pursue a career in health care. The communication through the daily blogs during the trip offered a wonderful window into what she was experiencing and I felt confident that she was in good hands. I highly recommend GLA!

My 16ye old daughter had a very positive experience with GLA in Peru. From a parent perspective, we appreciated the balance between community immersion, health &safety measures, group explorations, outdoors activities, and the global health focused community service and community engagement.
Highlights for our daughter were global health program clinic experiences, explore local foods and markets, community service, Machu Picchu, and hiking/ camping under the stars experience. Great supervision and program leadership.

Wow! GLA Peru was the best experience of my life. It was filled with growth, learning, service, friends, and fun. Every day of the program was well thought out and planned. I would definitely recommend! It was an amazing experience that allowed me to meet other students who love to travel and help other people! I would a 100% recommend GLA Peru! It was such a life changing experience. We did so many fun activity’s from hiking the Andes to zip lining! This trip was filled with so much servic too! We would do service in the morning and then have an adventure in the afternoon! For example if we did service in the morning somethimes in the afternoon we would go out in the town or have a music lesson! The lodging is very nice, it is a hostel that is just for GLA use! The owners are so nice and the hostel is gorgeous!

I recently went on the 14 day Service in the Sacred Valley trip with Global Leadership Adventures. From the minute I arrived at the airport, I was welcomed by the GLA staff. Over the next two weeks, I grew as a person, had life-changing experiences, and met a great group of people.

This program is excellent for anyone that wants to challenge themselves and learn about a different culture. In the 14 days, I was in Peru; I challenged myself both physically and mentally. It was a very intense program as the work was hard and the altitude did not help. Our determination to serve was so overwhelming that we did our best to help out as much as we could. At the end of our hard work, we were able to see the finished product: a cuy (guinea pig) farm that would help the family financially and would be a source of food. The family was so overwhelmed with gratitude that they even go us a thank you gift. One of the best moments of my trip, better than Machu Picchu or getting spit on by llamas, was helping out that one family and hearing them thank us, even if it was in a different language.

Overall the trip is fantastic! You bond with the people around you, both peers and mentors, and you get to do incredible things while exploring a different country. If anyone is considering the program, I genuinely recommend GLA.

My daughter went with GLA to both Ghana and Peru and loved both of them. She has traveled before on her own, so we weren't that worried about her, but also always knew she was in good hands! GLA made the application process really simple, and we loved all the communication we got! They set up a blog that would be updated pretty frequently! GLA is awesome! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!