PERU
FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL HEALTH
Work on public health campaigns serving the residents of Peru’s Cuzco region.
Program Overview
This program offers a real opportunity to learn about public health as a basic human need while helping carry out critical health campaigns in one of the world’s most culturally rich landscapes. Work alongside local medical professionals to provide care for remote highland communities through traveling clinics. When not gaining hands-on experience in the field, students will explore Cuzco, raft among the Andes and visit the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
On GLA’s Peru: Foundations Of Global Health™ program you will:
- Gain hands-on healthcare experience in rural Quechua communities
- Explore the cobblestone streets and bustling markets of your hometown in Peru
- Meet friendly alpacas and local artisans at a nearby textile cooperative
- Participate in an earth-based ceremony with an Andean healer
- Take a train to visit the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu
- Whitewater raft through a stunning river valley
Program Menu
PERU
FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL HEALTH
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Welcome To Peru!
Fly into Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the mystical Andes. GLA staff will be at the airport waiting to greet you and then we will drive to Home Base, where we’ll meet more staff and fellow GLA students and settle into our new home. Take a small walking tour through the surrounding historic neighborhood before your first Peruvian dinner!
Day 2: Orientation & City Exploration
Today is our first full day in Peru, starting with team-building activities and program orientation. After lunch, enjoy a guided city tour, including the Historical Center and San Pedro Market. In the evening, join a discussion on public health in Peru to prepare for upcoming service and shadowing work.
Day 3: Reality Tour, Clinic Workshop & Andean Ceremony
Today, meet representatives from our partner organization and take a Reality Tour of health and education sites in and around Cuzco to understand urban–rural disparities. Back at Home Base, join a workshop preparing for our first community clinic, including basic Spanish and Quechua phrases. In the afternoon, meet a local healer to learn about Quechua traditions and take part in a ceremony honoring Mother Earth.
Days 4 - 5: Shadowing Pop-Up Medical Clinics & Guest Speaker
For the next two days, shadow doctors providing free medical care in remote Andean communities, rotating through stations like triage, dental, pharmacy, and education. In the afternoons, take part in leadership reflections and hear from a guest speaker on public health in Peru. Evenings include cultural activities, personal reflection, and small-group discussions.
Day 6: Cooking Class & Music Workshop
Join a local cooking class to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients, then in the evening, experience Andean culture through music and dance.
Day 7: White Water Rafting
It’s time for some adventure! Whitewater raft through a stunning river valley as you navigate Class II and III rapids. The glacial water will be chilly, but a warm sauna and homecooked meal will await you back at the river lodge!
Days 8 - 9: Shadowing Pop-Up Medical Clinic & Dance Class
Over the next two days, shadow and assist doctors at a local clinic, practicing medical Spanish while supporting free health checks and basic exams. Evenings include Peruvian dance, personal reflection, and small-group discussions on your experiences in Peru.
Day 10: Maras Salt Mines, Friendly Alpacas & Peruvian Textiles!
Embark on a two-day adventure toward Machu Picchu, visiting the Maras Salt Mines and a local Andean community to learn about traditional textiles and enjoy lunch. Spend the evening in Ollantaytambo with dinner and a day debrief.
Day 11: Ollantaytambo Hike
Celebrate your accomplishments with a hike around Ollantaytambo, enjoying terraced hillsides and mountain views in the Sacred Valley. End with a hearty meal and reflection on your experiences and lessons learned.
Day 12: Machu Picchu
Today we take an early train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus to explore Machu Picchu with a guide. After lunch and a visit to the local market, enjoy a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, arriving at our Home Base in the evening.
Day 13: Final Reflection & Celebration
As our program comes to an end, we’ll engage in some final leadership activities to reflect on our experience in Peru. Pack your bags before a final farewell celebration hosted by our Home Base family!
Day 14: Departure
Our Peruvian adventure must come to an end! Head to the airport with memories that will last a lifetime and a broader understanding of global health. Staff will assist with checking in and accompany students until they have safely departed for their gates. ¡Buen viaje!
Program Map
PERU
FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL HEALTH
Community Service
Shadow medical professionals as they deliver holistic health campaigns and raise medical awareness. Learn about traveling clinics that provide free, quality care to remote Andean communities without access to healthcare.
Hands-on Learning
You’ll immerse yourself in diverse health settings and learn how disparities across communities shape public health. Engage directly with local residents, hearing firsthand about the public health challenges they face. Shadow local medical professionals in community clinics, learning diagnostic techniques and essential Spanish medical terminology. In the evenings, reflect on your experiences, discuss real cases, and prepare to take meaningful steps toward improving global healthcare access.
Adventure
Explore the Cuzco Region, home to bustling markets, quiet stone corridors and landmarks like the Sacred Valley, filled with breathtaking mountain views, Quechua communities and ancient Inca sites. You’ll visit the famous Inca sites of Maras and Moray, and the iconic Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel that has fascinated travelers for decades. Raft down the steep-walled, scenic river valley.
Lodging & Meals
Home Base is a locally owned and operated hotel in Cuzco City. The Home Base offers an ample common space for activities and meals. Students will share rooms and have access to bathrooms with hot and cold water. Meals will be local and fresh, including soups, meats, potatoes, rice, vegetables, fruits and juices.
PERU
FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL HEALTH
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
June 19 – July 02, 2026
July 06 – July 19, 2026
Program Details
More Information
Region: South America
Program Location: Peru
Program Theme: Medicine & Public Health
Enrollment: Apply Now
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“My Peruvian adventure was beyond words. This was my first time traveling abroad alone and it was my first time in South America. My favorite part of the trip was the trek into the Andes mountains at the end. I have never hiked in such a beautiful and remote environment and I was so happy to be doing it with my Peruvian family. The hardest part was leaving but our group decided that this wasn’t going to be goodbye. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for pure adventure, perspective, life-changing experiences, and a whole lot of fun with amazing people. I hold the memories of my trip and the people I meet along the way forever in my heart.”
Victoria B. | Student | 2016
PERU
FOUNDATIONS OF GLOBAL HEALTH
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