Location
  • Peru
Length
2 - 4 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Hotel Lodge
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
4299
Price Details
14-day program: $4,699
21-day program: $6,199
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Sep 08, 2024
Sep 03, 2024
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About Program

Peru's Sacred Valley is one of the most magical locations in South America; it is also home to communities with the greatest need. Work on community development projects in rural communities while becoming immersed in the uniqe and ancient culture here. Explore the Sacred Valley and Cuzco area, take a multi-day hiking and camping expedition to the iconic Machu Picchu and explore a scenic river valley via whitewater rafting trip.

Service Hours: 14-day program = 25 / 21-day program = 45
Program Theme: Community Development

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Learn about Peru’s traditional practices from friendly locals who have kept these ancient ways of life alive for generations
  • Hike & camp your way to the majestic Machu Picchu; whitewater raft and zipline through a stunning river valley
  • Hike the aptly-name Rainbow Mountain and stay overnight in an artisanal village (21-Day Program only)
  • Work to make education more accessible to rural youth through community-led projects
  • Get some face time with the region's lovely llamas and alpacas

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4
  • Support 4
  • Fun 3
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Declan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GLA - Peru Expedition in the Sacred Valley

This service expedition was a great experience in many ways -
I learned a lot about communities in developing countries and was enlightened to the way things work in those areas, of which I'm grateful for. Working there and listening to my mentors invigorated a new passion for learning I never had before, leading me into the school year with a positive attitude. I thought my mentors were amazing and supportive and great role models, that I'll likely never forget.
On top of that the program itself was an amazing experience. From seeing macchu picchu to walking around Cuzco, to hiking the Lares trek, every day offered a sometimes challenging, but always rewarding experience. The service was fun too, with the different activities we did. Sometimes simple things like cutting grass can be more fun than you think and entertain you for hours on end!
If there was anything I had to criticize about the program, it would probably be the social situation and participants' attitude towards service. We were doing a good deed yet so many complained about the program they literally signed up for- I know management likely can't do too much about this, but I think hammering in the gratefulness aspect would prove useful to make the children understand what they have and the opportunity they GET to have here.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Definitely Guinea Pig, but also Alpaca to an extent!
Most people disliked the guinea pig quite a bit and I can't say I disagree, though I could tell when tasting it that it could definitely be an acquired taste to anyone who grew up there.
Alpaca, (in retrospect, unsurprisingly) tasted very similar to lamb and beef, making it a great meat that anyone who goes on this kind of trip should try. It's full of flavor and chewyness.
Pros
  • Lares Trek
  • Cuzco Visit
  • Service, seeing the community center grow
Cons
  • Participant Attitudes
  • SOME food was very bland
  • Flight situation
1 person found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers