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.

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.

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.

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).

During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: simple hotels, hostels and a village community house.

While in Peru, we will travel by private bus with a professional driver, and travel by train when visiting Machu Picchu.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine such as chicken, rice, beans, soups and fresh fruit.

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.

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.

No. US Citizens do not need a visa for this program.

Peru is GMT-5 which is the same as Central Time in the USA.

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.

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.

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.