PERU
SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Explore the ancient Inca empire while working alongside local communities to create lasting impact.
Program Overview
Experience Peru’s Andean highlands in the ancient Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire. Go on an epic train ride to Machu Picchu and experience this iconic wonder of the world. Look around more, and you’ll learn Peru has areas of need – poverty and economic development issues are common in rural areas. You’ll come to see that Peru is more than its wild landscapes and ancient arts: The generosity and lively culture of its people are what have truly endured the last several centuries.
On GLA’s Peru: Service Expedition In The Sacred Valley program you will:
- Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu and camp among snow-capped peaks
- Whitewater raft through a stunning river valley
- Explore Cuzco’s cobblestone streets and bustling artisan markets
- Learn about Peru’s traditional agricultural, artisanal and spiritual practices from locals
Program Menu
PERU
SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY
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! We’ll drive to our first Home Base in Cuzco where we’ll meet our local staff and fellow GLA students. Get settled in and then take a walking tour before your first Peruvian dinner.
Day 2: Maras Salt Mines, Cuzco Exploration & Orientation
Today marks our first full day together in Peru as a group! We’ll kick off with a student orientation and continue our day by visiting the famous Maras Salt Mines that have been active since Inca times! Afterward, we’ll return to the imperial city of Cuzco where we’ll eat lunch and receive a guided tour of the historical center. \
Day 3: Community Tour & Andean Ceremony
Today, we’ll drive to our Home Base in the Sacred Valley. After settling in, we will visit the nearby ruins that tower over our town and participate in a traditional Andean ceremony to pay tribute to Mother Earth.
Days 4-5: Service, Cultural Exchange & Local Artisanal Markets
Service begins! In the next few days we’ll visit our service site and work on infrastructural and environmentally-focused projects that enhance community development. We’ll meet the community members we’ve been serving over the next two days and explore our hometown’s main square and artisanal market in smaller group while also practicing your Spanish with local vendors.
Day 6: Whitewater Rafting Adventure & Pisac Market
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.Â
Days 7-9: Service & Dance
These will be your last service days before you embark on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go the extra mile to give back to the local organization in the Sacred Valley and connect with those around you! Take a dance class where we’ll learn the traditional rhythms and steps of dances from across Peru and immerse yourself in the Peruvian coast, mountains and jungle sounds!
Days 10-11: Lares Trek
¡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 before heading to Machu Picchu the following day!
Day 12: Machu Picchu
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!Â
Days 13-14: Departure
On the final days 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!
Program Map
PERU
SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Community Service
Indigenous populations in Peru, particularly in remote rural areas, face significant economic challenges. On this program, you’ll work alongside local Peruvian community members and leaders on an infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the community’s quality of life. You’ll contribute to rural communities’ well-being and witness firsthand how collaborative projects can bring meaningful and sustainable change.
Hands-on Learning
Outside of service, learn firsthand about Peru’s rich culture rooted in the Incan empire. Visit a local weaving cooperative where beautiful handwoven textiles are produced. Learn to cook traditional dishes and dance to Peruvian musical genres. Meet a local healer and take part in a traditional Andean ceremony. Engage with local leaders to deepen your understanding of contemporary Peruvian culture.
Adventure
The Sacred Valley surrounding Cuzco is home to stunning landscapes and archaeological marvels. You’ll tour ancient ruins and hike to the spectacular site of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two-day trek passes through traditional Quechua villages and awe-inspiring valleys, and you’ll wake up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. You’ll also enjoy an epic whitewater rafting adventure through a scenic river valley.
Lodging & Meals
Home Base is a locally-owned property in the Sacred Valley with plenty of space for group activities, discussions and meals. Students will stay in gender-segregated rooms with access to shared bathrooms featuring hot and cold water. During weekend hiking excursions, students will sleep in tents and local lodges. Students will be served fresh, local foods like soups, meats, potatoes, rice, vegetables, fruits and juices.
PERU
SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
June 19 – July 02, 2026
July 06 – July 19, 2026
July 24 – August 06, 2026
Program Details
More Information
Region: South America
Program Location: Peru
Program Theme: Community Development, Outdoor Adventure
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 Systemâ„¢
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
“Service in the sacred valley had to be the best possible way to spend a part of my summer and it may have been my best summer yet. Being apart of this program has made me realize how much I like working with children, and how I want to incorporate that into my future. The same goes with traveling: once you’re bit by the travel bug, there’s no going back. GLA offers you an opportunity to discover what you’re passionate about or, if you have that passion already, to further discover the best way to incorporate what you love into your future. I would definitely do this again.”
Michaela | Student | 2015
PERU
SERVICE EXPEDITION IN THE SACRED VALLEY
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