Peru
Program Details
| Dates: | July 2 – July 15 July 19 – August 1 |
| Duration: | 14 days |
| Tuition: | $3,995* |
| Arrive: | Miami |
| Depart: | Miami |
| Grade | 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
Program Highlights
- Assist in a Greenhouse Construction Project in a Remote Quechua Village
- Discover the Wonder and Breathtaking Vistas of Machu Picchu
- Lead Activities and Mentor Students at a Primary School
- Whitewater Raft the Exhilarating Urubamba River
- Walk in the Footsteps of Incas in the Famed Sacred Valley
- Experience Age-Old Traditions of Peruvian Culture
- Wander the Cobblestone Streets of Cusco
- 30 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Project
Greenhouse Construction Project
After years of work installing clean stoves in friends’ homes, the local community has let us know they have a new need! This year we have been given a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture through building a greenhouse that will expand the local community’s access to diverse, nutritional food sources. Food sovereignty is the right to have access to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound methods. The diverse foods grown in the greenhouse will be shared by local families and supplement school lunches, which currently include little to no fresh fruits or vegetables. By providing nutritious meal options, students are more likely to attend their classes and families live healthier lives. Due to the high altitude of the Sacred Valley, citrus and strawberries can’t be grown without a greenhouse, which will add additional sources of nutrition to the families’ diets. This project allows us unique access to work alongside a rural Peruvian community very different from ours at home.
Program Overview
On the Peru summer service program, explore a land of flourishing ancient empires and cities of gold. Immerse yourself in the lives of Quechua villagers and assist with development of a greenhouse that will increase their access to more diverse, sustainably grown foods. Ride the scenic zigzag train route through lush hillsides of the Peruvian Andes. Arrive at the gateway to Machu Picchu with the rising sun and explore its mesmerizing archaeological ruins. Enrich the lives of others while tutoring students and making improvements to a village center. Conquer the exhilarating rapids of the legendary Urubamba River. Visit remote villages once inhabited by the Incas and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Discover Peru’s hidden wonders through this unique South American journey.
Video
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Exploring the Sacred Valley & Greenhouse Construction Project
We begin our Peru summer service program in Miami and travel together as a group to the Spanish colonial city of Cusco. We explore Cusco’s cobblestone streets, visiting the Inca’s Sun Temple; an ancient stone ruin overlooking the colorful rooftops of this mountainous town. We begin our journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, making our way through rural villages before we arrive at a very special service project. Welcomed into an indigenous Quechua community, we work directly with families of the community to build a greenhouse that will increase sustainable food production and diversify the diet. Our work is invaluable to the community because of the high altitude of the Sacred Valley, which limits the variety of fruits and vegetables that the community can grow without a greenhouse. We also have the opportunity to engage with community members by teaching English, swimming in the nearby lake and playing soccer with local children.
Discover Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
Upon completion of our service project, we travel through lush green cloud forests, emerging through the peeks of the Andes mountain range. We arrive at Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a labyrinth of mysterious stone palaces, towers, and temples. We explore this incredible wonder alongside some of Machu Picchu’s famous residents and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu’s majestic structures before riding the historic railway train back to Cusco. 
Rafting the Urubamba River & Urubamba Service Project
After a layover day in Cusco, we are well rested for our next service project, working at a primary school for underprivileged children in Chinchero. Here we mentor and tutor students, contributing to their education. Tasting typical Peruvian dishes, and learning traditional dancing with the locals also make for an unmatched cultural experience. Our adventure ends with a thrilling day on the Río Urubamba, where steep canyon walls and giant boulders surround us, and non-stop Class III+ rapids mark our way downstream. We celebrate our accomplishments with a farewell feast and say goodbye to our Peruvian friends before catching our flight home the next day.
Program Reviews
“The cultural experience is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life and through travels to come.”
— Liz L., ARCC Student“This was by far the most rewarding experience of my life. This was my first ARCC trip and it far surpassed my high expectations. I have gained an understanding of the impact a small group of individuals can make on the world.”
— Liz B., ARCC Student“This trip has given me new friends and new stories, but more importantly I am returning home with a sense of self I’ve never felt before.”
— Andrew R., Providence, RI – ARCC Student“I think that the trip was amazing at pushing my limits and helping me grow. Without ARCC I would have never realized how much strength I actually have.”
— Sophie K., ARCC Student“Thank you for the invaluable experience you afforded Carly. She had a great time and enjoyed every facet of the well organized and well orchestrated program.”
— Parent of Carly M.“In all regards ARCC ran an organized, instructive, fun filled adventure. Students learned lifelong lessons; all the while having a wonderful time.”
— Parent of Dustin F.
Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their summer program with ARCC:
Experiencing Machu Picchu!
We went to Machu Picchu yesterday! We woke up early to take a bus ride to a village called Ollantaytambo, where we caught the train and had a scenic ride that included incredible mountain views and a rushing river. We arrived in Aquas Calientes for lunch, and afterwards continued on a windy bus ride up…Read more
Helping Families in the Sacred Valley!
We spent the last four days in a village in the Sacred Valley. All of us slept in a room in the community center and ate delicious traditional Peruvian food. During the day we split up into three groups and built stoves for the locals. Before we came, families used inefficient burning stoves that filled…Read more
Thrilling Rapids & Good Food!
Yesterday, we rafted the Urubamba river! The group took a two hour bus ride through mountains along the river. Rafting was very fun. We learned how to trust each other, especially when several of us fell off the boats and relied on our friends to pull us back in. The scenery was beautiful! After rafting,…Read more
Work Hard, Play Hard
We have had an awesome time in Cusco so far. Today is the end of the third day of our trip. We had a wonderful time today at our “Helping Hands” community service project. We worked with the children and helped construct an addition to the school. Everyone worked really hard and gave it their…Read more
Common Questions
What is the packing list for Peru?
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. Please click here to view the Peru: Sacred Valley Service packing list.
What is the weather like in Peru?
We travel to Peru during the dry season, though there can be occasional showers. The climate will vary from warm and sunny during the day (60 – 70 degrees) to cooler temperatures at night (30 – 40 degrees). Since Cusco’s elevations is over 11,000 feet, the sun is strong during the day and it tends to cool down significantly at night.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in Peru for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals and small communities who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. The specific service projects that each group will work on depend on what is most needed in these communities at the time. This year we will be assisting the community in efforts to construct a greenhouse to increase food diversity, working with a school to tutor students and lending a hand in building a greenhouse.
What kind of health precautions should I take before traveling to Peru?
Peru is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
Where do we sleep?
During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: simple hotels, hostels and a village community house.
What is the transportation like once we are in Peru?
While in Peru, we will travel by private bus with a professional driver, and travel by train when visiting Machu Picchu.
What is the food like?
We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine such as chicken, rice, beans, soups and fresh fruit.
How much spending money should I bring?
For Peru, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $150 of spending money and $50 for travel to/from Miami. You should bring this money in the form of cash (small bills are best) and also bring an ATM/debit card with you. Peru uses the Nuevo Sol. As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card cancellations.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, all students traveling to Peru need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this program. It normally takes six weeks to process a passport application.
Do I need a visa?
No. US Citizens do not need a visa for this program.
What is the time difference between Peru and the USA?
Peru is GMT-5 which is the same as Central Time in the USA.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.
Do I need to speak Spanish to join this program?
No. You will be able to participate in all the activities even if you do not speak any Spanish. However, if you study Spanish in school, you will have many opportunities to practice your language skills with the locals you encounter during your program. Having some basic conversational skills will enable you to form stronger bonds with the local people you will be meeting and helping.
What kinds of goods and supplies can we bring to donate for the people we meet?
We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.
