Amazing Details

Peru Summer Community Service Program for Teenagers

Specific projects and partners are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described. Duration may vary depending on needs upon our arrival.

The Amazon Jungle*

Engulf yourself in the Peruvian Amazon – part of the largest ecosystem in the world. It has been estimated that during the course of the last century we have managed to destroy half of the world's rainforest and, based on current forecasts, we look set to destroy the rest within the next 25 years unless we dramatically do something to stop this destruction. As a group we will assist the locals in reforestation and preservation of this valued eco system.  Our Lodge on the Tambopata River offers great opportunities to spot exotic wildlife such as giant river otters, monkeys, anteaters, toucans, sloths, and tapir. Some of our trip members in previous summers cleared passages to form a new trail with their machetes, while others helped dig holes and place wood for the base layer of the new center for AMTUSET.

Fish for piranhas, build a balsa raft and float down the river viewing wildlife exclusive to the rainforest. Follow your tribal guide on a “Creature of the Night” walk and gather beads to create local crafts. Awake to the amazing sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest during this incredible stay.

Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon Shelter*

Puerto Maldonado, a bustling tropical frontier town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers.  Rehabilitation of jungle animals is our service at the Amazon Shelter.  Projects will include building additional homes and preparing food for the animals.

Cusco: The Ancient Inca Capital

Whitewater raft down the Urubumba River. Tour the narrow cobblestone streets and explore the Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Armas, Qoriccancha, La Catedral of this ancient Incan capital.  Bring cheer to the residents of a local orphanage. Past groups have painted classrooms and dorm rooms and interacted and played games with the children while establishing a special connection sure to be remembered for a lifetime. Learn the skill of making and weaving wool and work in fields or herd the flock in a local Inca village.

Aquas Calientes Gateway to Machu Picchu

Board the train to the town of Aguas Caliente the gateway to one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.  Machu Picchu has become the most important attraction in Peru and will leave you breathless and in awe of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

Pisac and the Sacred Valley

Pisac is a pretty Andean village best known for its handicrafts and serves as a base to our community work in the village of Chumpi.  Nestled in the mountains of the Sacred Valley we will be immersed in the local community and learn the ancient technique of constructing adobe buildings from mud.  The structures we build will serve to benefit the community for many years to come.

Puno, Lake Titicaca and Uros Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the largest in the world above 6,000 feet.  Kayak near the floating islands of Uros constructed entirely of reeds by local islanders.  Join the local community to preserve these treasured man made wonders and learn how they live, prepare their meals and farm while living in the middle of the lake.  Enjoy canoe races against the islanders before we depart this wondrous community.

Arequipa

Arequipa, surrounded by 3 snowcapped volcanoes (Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu), is Peru’s second largest city.  Arequipa is well known for its glistening white buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic rock, which gives the city its nickname 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Here you will enjoy the pedestrian street, markets, and all the good things in life, especially the region’s spicy food, stylish boutiques and nightlife. The pulse of city life is upbeat and best exemplifies modern Peru. Our project at a home for the aged is where we will interact with these cheery residents and share their language, culture and life stories. In previous summers, we danced with the seniors, played games, read newspapers with them and socialized. We served lunch and our group put on a performance of singing while the seniors ate.

Huacachina Sand Dunes

Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes nestled next to a picturesque lagoon where we can rent paddle boats and then be thrilled while sand boarding and enjoying dune buggy rides on the grand sand dunes.

Lima Farewell

Our farewell stay is at the chic Miraflores neighborhood overlooking the Pacific.  The highlight of our Lima city tour is the Catacombs at San Francisco. Look back with pride at our final banquet of all we have accomplished, Spanish we have mastered and grown together as a tight knit group during the 4 weeks enjoying the wonders of Peru.

*Please note the 21 day program does not go to the Amazon Jungle or Puerto Maldonado.