CAREER EXPLORATION IN STEM

Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Cuzco (CUZ), where our team will greet you and take you to the Sacred Valley, home to our base. Meet your fellow travelers and settle in, followed by a safety orientation and introductions.

On our first full day in Peru, start with an orientation to review goals, learning objectives, and internship expectations, followed by icebreakers in Mentor groups. In the afternoon, explore Cuzco’s water reservoirs to learn how water management impacts both urban and rural communities. End the day with dinner and a stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas, taking in Cuzco’s Incan and colonial landmarks.

Today, travel to our Sacred Valley Home Base and visit nearby ruins for an introduction to Inca civilization. In the evening, join a traditional Andean ceremony honoring Mother Earth and setting intentions for your time in Peru.

Start the day with a project workshop to learn about the community initiatives you’ll support, their goals, and impact. Meet local community members to build relationships, exchange stories, and understand the perspectives guiding the work ahead.

Today, visit the Maras Salt Mines to admire Incan engineering, then kayak at Piuray Lagoon, Cuzco’s water source. In the afternoon, join a workshop on sustainable construction, learning how local materials like adobe, stone, and salt are used in community water and sanitation projects.

Over four days, work with an Andean community and an engineer to improve sustainable water access for agriculture, learning key engineering principles along the way. Explore neighboring communities to discover traditional backstrap weaving, and in the afternoons, engage in internship curriculum and talks from water conservation and engineering professionals.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Southern Valley of Cuzco! Visit a nearby Quechua community to cook, share stories, and experience authentic Andean life with an overnight stay in adobe homes. The next day, enjoy thrilling Class II and III whitewater rafting before returning to base to relax and prepare for project presentations.

Work with community members and engineers on local agriculture and resource projects. Evenings include cultural activities like Peruvian dance, plus internship projects, curriculum work, and a guest speaker sharing insights on community, conservation, and sustainable development.

Over the next two days, we’ll engage in hands-on workshops and collaborative exercises on engineering, sustainable development, and community impact, with insights from local leaders. Afternoons feature team-building, reflection, and preparations for our Machu Picchu visit, including its history, culture, and architecture. Finally, we’ll review logistics and get ready for the next adventure.

¡Vámonos! We’ll start the Lares Trek from Lares, hiking through farming communities and alpine meadows to our first campsite under the stars. The next day, we’ll reach the pass’s highest point, descend into the Sacred Valley, and take a train to Aguas Calientes to rest before visiting Machu Picchu.

Today is the day! We’ll take a bus to the ruins to explore the Lost City of the Incas. Our guide will be on hand to tell you more about the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. In the afternoon, we’ll eat lunch and visit the local artisanal market before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and returning to our Home Base.

Today, we travel to Cuzco, pack, and reflect on our journey. Enjoy a hands-on Peruvian cooking class with fresh local ingredients, then explore San Pedro Market to taste local fruits and snacks.

Today, we’ll present our final projects to our nonprofit partner, showcasing everything we’ve learned over the past three weeks. The top proposals will be shared with the community for consideration on equitable and sustainable water distribution. In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a final leadership activity before our farewell dinner with local partners and hosts.

Before we know it, our Peruvian adventure has come to an end. Head to the airport today with memories that will last a lifetime! Staff will assist students with their check-in and accompany them until they have safely departed for their gates. ¡Buen Viaje!