SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY

Fly into Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the mystical Andes. GLA staff will be at the airport waiting to greet you! We’ll drive to Home Base in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll meet our local staff and fellow GLA students. Get settled in and then take a walking tour around our new hometown before your first Peruvian dinner.

Today marks our first full day together in Peru as a group! We’ll kick off with a student orientation to cover the expectations of GLA and of our host community. In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby ruins that tower over our town to receive an introduction to the Inca civilization! In the evening, participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to pay tribute to Mother Earth and create intentions for your time here in Peru!

Service begins! Spend the next few days working on infrastructure and environmental projects to support community development. Explore the Sacred Valley’s main square and market, practicing Spanish with local vendors. Connect with community members through a hands-on workshop, then wrap up each evening with leadership activities and mentor sessions.

Start the day exploring the historic Maras Salt Mines, where Inca-era traditions live on.

For 14-Day Program Students: Continue to Cuzco for lunch, a guided tour, and a visit to the vibrant San Pedro Market. After settling into a locally-owned B&B, enjoy an evening stroll through the illuminated main square.

For 21-Day Program Students: Journey to the rural Misminay community to engage with local families, learning about their ancestral traditions and deep connection to nature.

Today, we’ll head to the South Valley to enjoy non-stop fun and excitement, bouncing and splashing down Class II and III rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure. The water is cold, but the sun on your back will keep you warm, and a hot sauna and meal await you back at the river lodge! In the afternoon, test your limits as you zipline across the river and back. After an epic adventure, we’ll return to our Home Base for some much-needed R&R!

Wrap up your final service days by giving your all to projects supporting the Sacred Valley community. Before the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu, enjoy a traditional dance class, learning rhythms from across Peru—Cumbia, Marinera, and Huayno—while immersing yourself in the country’s diverse cultural sounds.

¡Vamonos! For the first part of our journey to Machu Picchu, we will be transported to the starting point of our trek in the town of Lares. From there, we’ll hike through traditional farming communities and alpine meadows to the first campsite, where we’ll camp under the stars for the night. The next morning, we’ll continue on the Lares Trek and reach the highest point of the pass. We’ll hike alongside local herds of alpacas before descending into the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in the Ollantaytambo, we’ll return to our Home Base for a hearty meal and to re-pack before heading to Machu Picchu the following day!

On the 21 day program, we’ll catch a 1.5-hour train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and go to bed early before we visit Machu Picchu the day after!

Today is the day! We’ll board an early train to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Take in the majestic scenery and notice how the foliage changes to more deep greens as we descend into the Amazon cloud forest corridor! Once in Aguas Calientes, We’ll take a bus to the ruins to spend more time exploring 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. We’ll arrive at our Home Base in the evening.

On the final day in Ollantaytambo, engage in leadership and reflection activities, then enjoy a festive farewell celebration. After lunch, pack up and prepare for your journey home with lasting memories. Staff will assist with check-ins and accompany you to your gate. ¡Buen Viaje!

Visit a highland village to try molding clay ceramics and explore pre-Hispanic instruments, immersing yourself in local culture. In the afternoon, a guest speaker will share insights on sustainable development in Peru, followed by leadership activities to reflect on your journey. With three days of service left, give your best effort! Meet a local leader who will discuss the challenges of tourism and the importance of community-led initiatives. In the evenings, enjoy cultural activities like a music workshop to learn traditional Andean rhythms and dances, along with leadership sessions to reflect on your experiences.

It’s adventure time! In the morning, travel to Cuzco for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh, local ingredients, immersing yourself in Peru’s culinary culture.

In the afternoon, explore the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins and Cuzco’s main plaza with a guide, learning about the history of these landmarks. Visit the San Pedro Market to try Peruvian fruits and snacks, then stroll through the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisanal workshops. End the day with a restful return to your hotel in Cuzco.

Today is unforgettable! After a full day of Sacred Valley adventures, explore the cobblestone streets and markets of Cuzco. Visit Qoricancha, the Inca Empire’s most sacred temple, before heading to the Raqchi community. Stay with local families, cooking together, hearing their stories, and immersing yourself in their traditions. Experience life in a Quechua community, learn about their Andean worldview, and explore the Wiracocha Temple.

The next day, enjoy a morning of cultural exchange with the community before heading to a river lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, engage in team-building activities by the river, deepening connections and reflecting on your Peruvian journey. End the day unwinding and sharing insights in a peaceful setting.

We’ll engage in final leadership activities to reflect on our journey through Peru. Pack your bags before a festive farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships and memories you’ve made here!

After three wonderful weeks, 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. ¡Hasta pronto!