Peru: Mystic Mountains

Trip Name
Peru: Mystic Mountains

Who It's For
High school students (grades 9–12)

2026 Session
Session 2: July 2 – July 17, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, Peru

Trip Length
16 Days

Service Hours
25–35

Tuition
$6,295

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Travel to Lima, Peru, either independently or on an escorted group flight from a major U.S. city (details released after enrollment). Leaders meet all participants at the airport. We settle into our hotel and begin to get to know each other.

Day 2: Cusco & Sacred Valley
Fly from Lima to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. From there, we drive to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. We take in the views and get oriented in our new mountain surroundings.

Days 3–6: Service & Adventure in the Sacred Valley
We partner with a local nonprofit focused on education access in the Andes. Alongside time spent with students and staff, we paddleboard a high-altitude lake and mountain bike through the surrounding hills.

Day 7: Weaving & Natural Dye Workshop
Travel high into the Andes to visit a women’s weaving cooperative. We learn traditional weaving techniques and see firsthand the challenges girls face to access education. Enjoy a traditional mountain lunch before returning to Ollantaytambo.

Days 8–10: Rural Camping & Infrastructure Service
We hike into a remote mountain community to support a potable water project. These days include rustic camping, hands-on work, and meaningful connection with locals.

Day 11: Rest & Reflection in the Valley
After returning to the valley, we take time to rest and reflect after several challenging days of service and camping.

Day 12: Machu Picchu
We travel by train to Aguas Calientes and hike to the entrance of Machu Picchu. A guided tour brings the ruins to life before we return to Ollantaytambo for the night.

Day 13: Via Ferrata & Zip Lining
We climb 400 meters up a cliff face and zipline down—a high-adrenaline way to cap off our mountain adventure. Afterward, we continue on to Cusco and explore the city’s historic streets.

Day 14: Explore Cusco
We visit Incan and colonial sites, walk through cobblestone alleys, and stop by the Chocolate Museum to make handmade Peruvian chocolates.

Day 15: Lima & Final Celebration
Fly back to Lima and explore the capital city’s museums and neighborhoods. Enjoy two traditional meals and a final reflection dinner to close out the trip.

Day 16: Fly Home
After an unforgettable journey through the Andes, we head to the airport and fly home.

This trip combines rustic comfort with backcountry challenge.

Hotels + Guesthouses
In Lima, Cusco, and Ollantaytambo, we stay in simple, locally owned hotels. Rooms are shared (2–3 per room) and cozy—think slumber-party style with your crew.

Rural Camping
For three nights, we tent camp in a remote mountain village. It’s basic and beautiful: tents for 2–3, mountain views, and starry skies.

Facilities
Expect a mix of western-style bathrooms and squat toilets, depending on location. Showers are available every few days—more frequent in towns, less so while camping.

Group Life
No single rooms here. Everyone shares space, pitches in, and learns to live as a team.

Meals are fresh, local, and made with care by our in-country partners.

What's On the Plate
Rice, beans, vegetables, fruit, and Peruvian classics like lomo saltado and ají de gallina. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and most allergies. Just let us know in advance.

Camping Meals
While camping, we cook simple meals together—soups, pasta, oatmeal, and more. Everyone takes turns helping out.

Snacks + Hydration
Plenty of snacks available throughout the day. We prioritize clean water and encourage frequent hydration at altitude.

Flights
Families book round-trip flights to/from Lima, Peru (LIM).

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Internal Travel
One domestic flight from Lima to Cusco is required and invoiced separately. We’ll send you the exact flight details to book.

Packing Tips
We’ll send a detailed packing list after enrollment. Most items fit in one duffel and a daypack.

Essentials include:
Warm sleeping bag + sleeping pad
Layers for changing weather
Hiking shoes + sandals
Headlamp, water bottle, sunscreen

Luggage
We recommend one checked duffel bag and one small carry-on backpack.

Forms + Waivers
After enrollment, you’ll get access to the RLT Portal with all required forms:

Medical forms
Waiver and Code of Conduct
Emergency contacts

All forms must be completed before departure.

Medical Clearance
No doctor visit required unless there’s a new or complex condition. Our team reviews each participant’s info.

Medications
All medications (prescription or OTC) must be documented. Trip leaders manage and dispense daily.

Passports + Vaccines
A valid passport is required.
Routine vaccines per CDC guidelines are expected. No additional vaccines are required unless advised by your doctor.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Device-Free = Fully Present
Phones and personal electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end.

Why we do this:

Build stronger group connections
Stay grounded in the experience
Practice confidence without constant tech

Photos
Bring a digital or film camera—anything without internet is fair game. Leaders take and share photos in a private gallery after the trip.

Communication
We’ll keep families updated throughout the trip. For emergencies, our on-call team is available 24/7.