Rustic Pathways Spring Break programs are everything you expect in a summer program, but condensed into one action-packed week! They all offer community service…
Where do you want to go this year? Before you answer that, we have a few suggestions. And many are likely places you’ve never…
In 2017, the Rustic Pathways Foundation raised $210,000 to support 11 regional development funds in nine countries! The Foundation is Rustic’s nonprofit arm that…
With college application deadlines just around the corner, it always helps to take a step back and find out what universities are really looking…
My phone rang and I was told there was an accident in Peru. “One of our groups got caught in a landslide and there are…
In contrast to the adrenaline rush of extreme activities, some of the most humbling and meaningful aspects of a Rustic Pathways program include opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and experience a different way of life…
There’s nothing quite like a true adrenaline rush. At Rustic Pathways, we know adventure can take you to new heights (sometimes literally!) and become some of the most memorable moments during immersive travel experiences. This summer…
Showing up to the airport for your first Rustic adventure can be a little nerve-wracking for most of us—after all, you haven’t met the rest of your group yet! You may find yourself worrying about…
Some of the most powerful travel experiences happen when you just can't help but admire a beautiful landscape. Those quiet moments of wonder speak the loudest and become lasting memories…
As Rustic Pathways students embark on another transformative summer, the Rustic Pathways Foundation is pleased to share some exciting news about our funding strategy and—drumroll please—the projects we’ve prioritized with our community partners for 2017 …
Over the next 10 weeks, more than 400 seasonal staff members will help students navigate airports, customs, and new experiences across 19 different countries and 100+ Rustic Pathways programs. This year’s program leaders are the most experienced we’ve ever employed…
Ten years after traveling with Rustic Pathways, we caught up with Rustic alum Heather Lyon to find out how traveling as a teenager forever changed the trajectory of her life. In 2006, Heather traveled to India and participated in two programs with Rustic Pathways. She enrolled in two more programs the next summer in Peru, including Sacred Valley…
Our dedicated Development Ambassadors raised more than $16,000 in support of the Sacred Valley Project in Peru last year. The project provides a safe living space, nutritious meals, and supplementary education to young women in rural communities in the Andes so that they can avoid the often dangerous and time-consuming journey to and from school,…
OLLANTAYTAMBO, Peru—Sacred Valley Project Founder and Rustic Pathways Peru Country Manager Alex Ball was recently highlighted in an article published by Matador Network. He was hailed as a “hero working to empower women throughout the world.” Also highlighted in the article was Malala Yousafzai, the women’s education activist who was shot for defying the Taliban…
Achieving independence is perhaps the most important milestone in any country’s history. It makes sense then that these countries’ independence holidays are characterized by large celebratory events (like fireworks parades, concerts, and contests) and unique patriotic displays you won’t find for any other holiday. Read on for more about how these countries celebrate their independence!…
A collection of Peruvian quirks and attractions from A to Z to give you a window into life in Peru.... Alpaca. Alpaca everything, everywhere. Alpaca socks? You bet. Alpaca leggings? Of course. Alpaca steak? Even better. A common cuisine in the High Andes, alpaca is similar to buffalo in taste. Backpacking. A backpacker’s destination, Peru…
In honor of today, we’re highlighting a few of our high school summer programs that focus on water!
This month’s Alumni Spotlight is shining on Cailey Newton. She is a three-program Rustic veteran after traveling to Peru, Thailand and Laos, and fundraising for the programs on her own. Upon high school graduation and being accepted into numerous colleges, Cailey found herself researching taking a Gap Year and, ultimately, taking the leap. Cailey spent…
Through our Capture series, we have seen some incredible images from Tanzania and Costa Rica. Now we go to Peru with Brooke Warren, one of our photographer guides who worked in Peru last summer. While Machu Picchu tends to steal the show, there is much more to this incredibly diverse and beautiful country, and Brooke's photographs…
For most of our alumni, their Rustic experience doesn’t end just because their program is over. Our alumni return home and create clubs to help support their program’s community service initiatives, make videos about their experiences, start blogs—we even have a few alumni that have done TedTalks! These experiences stay with you, and have inspired…