Pachamama, the Quechua word for "Mother Earth," combines community service and exposure to Spanish in a 25-day service learning program in the terraced countryside of Peru. Join us on our summer program tailored especially for teens as we adventure through and explore the famous Incan Empire, whitewater rafting through the Sacred Valley, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, sea kayaking and sailing among the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. Our work while there includes living, learning and constructing an orphanage in a small village just outside of Cusco. Click Read More to learn more about our Peru summer community service program for teenagers!

Cusco, Peru lies in the center of the Andes, the longest and one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage City's name comes from the Quechua word for “navel,” because the Incas viewed it as the center — the navel — of the earth. Host to 83 of the world’s 118 ecological life-zones and one of only nine mega-diverse countries on the planet, Peru is truly awe-inspiring. Upon arrival, we immediately notice the thin, clear, mountain air, a result of the city’s high altitude. One of our first views is of the massive Inca walls that have survived the test of time. Enormous granite blocks carved to fit together perfectly without the aid of mortar beds, give Cusco its rare beauty. Our first day is spent quietly relaxing as we gently acclimate.

The following day, our orientation includes getting to know one another while we familiarize ourselves with the region’s inhabitants and their way of life — living off of Pachamama’s land, or Mother Earth. On our first day, we travel through snow-capped peaks and rolling hills terraced with a checkerboard of tiny agricultural farms. We descend i nto the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River, set up camp by the river and prepare for our adventure ahead.

In the morning, we raft down the Urubamba River. Watched over by ancient Incan ruins hanging high on the hilltops and spotted with traditional settlements along the way, our route is calm — until we encounter the powerful rapids at Ollantaytambo!

We continue to acclimate as we follow a trail that heads past ancient ruins and elaborate Incan terracing, following alongside the Urubamba. No walk anywhere in the world holds such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery as does the trail to Machu Picchu. We take Peru Rail for a stretch and then continue by foot on the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas,” built high among the rugged mountains. We spend the day exploring the impressive Incan houses and temples, observing Peruvians spinning their yarn for weaving.

For many years, The Road Less Traveled has been working alongside native communities in an effort to improve the local schools and medical facilities. This summer our project will focus on an orphanage located just outside Cusco in the Sacred Valley that works to teach transferable work skills to its young inhabitants. Assisting them in their mission, we will partner on the construction of a workspace where these young people can learn valuable skills that will aid them throughout their life. Afternoons and evenings have us teaching English, playing games with the local children and hiking the surrounding terraced hillsides.

Satisfied with our work, we’re off to Lake Titicaca, “The Sacred Lake" and the highest navigable lake in the world, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. According to legend, this lake gave birth to the Inca civilization. We spend two days sea kayaking and sailing the soft blue waters in traditional Andean boats. We visit the exceptional culture of the Uros Islands, man-made floating islands entirely comprised of totora reeds. Protected within the Bay of Puno, Uros claim to have "black blood" making them immune to the cold. We explore these islands, then travel back by boat to the peninsula of Llachon, where we enjoy traditional Peruvian customs and fare as we recount our travels in a final banquet.

Settling In

Meet in Miami; board a group flight to Cusco, Peru; orientation and acclimation; whitewater raft the Urubamba River; day hikes and exploration of area ruins.

Exploration

Day hikes through the Sacred Valley; trek the Inca Trail; explore Machu Picchu; visit the village of Patacancha.

Our Work

Transfer to orphanage outside of Cusco for nine day service project; games, teaching English with local children; cultural activities.

Our Play

Explore Cusco; transfer to Lake Titicaca; sea kayak and sail to Taquile Island; visit the Uros Islands.

El Fin

Final banquet and celebration on Lake Titicaca; group flight from Juliaca back to Miami; homeward bound.

A Certificate of Service indicating 72-80 hours worked will be issued upon completion of the program.