Peru

Peru: Andes to Amazon

Q: Is Peru: Andes to Amazon Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 15-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart for Peru

Meet your fellow travelers in Miami and take an overnight flight to Peru, arriving in Lima the next morning.

Fly to the Sacred Valley

Welcome to Peru! After clearing customs and meeting your program leaders, catch a one-hour flight to Cusco, the old Incan capital located high in the Andes Mountains. Once we arrive in Cusco, we will jump on a private bus and be transported to Ollantaytambo, a small town located in the heart of the famous Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, learn more about the adventure ahead from your program leaders. Settle into a comfortable hotel for the next three nights. You will have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

School Service

We'll dive into service today, spending the day working on educational projects. Complete infrastructure tasks and tend to an organic garden at a dormitory for indigenous girls. Share lunch and connect with Peruvian students. Then engage in an educational exchange with local students to learn more about their culture and the schooling opportunities available in Peru.

Paddle and Pedal

Today, we will see a completely different side of this beautiful region. We will head up early for a morning paddle on a pristine mountain lake. With views of the surrounding glaciers, this will be a morning you will never forget. Bike through the rolling hills to the site of our picnic lunch before arriving to explore the historic salt terraces that have been producing salt for the region since the pre-Incan cultures populated the area.

Machu Picchu

Today is a full-day adventure to Machu Picchu. Wake up early and take a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Hike from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour of the ancient citadel. After an incredible day of exploring Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas. In the evening, you will re-board the train and return to Ollantaytambo where you will spend the night.

Cusco

Start the day with an exhilarating challenge of scaling the rocky valley walls. Harnessed in, the group will ascend hand over hand up an iron ladder attached to the granite walls. From the top, enjoy incredible views of the Sacred Valley, and zip line back down. Truly a unique and thrilling experience. After lunch, we will ride to Cusco, stopping in Chinchero for a workshop on the traditional methods of weaving and dyeing that the area is known for. You will check into your hotel in Cusco, where you will be staying for two nights. Students will sleep in beds and have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

Capital of the Incan Empire

Enjoy this mix of the past and present as you explore Cusco's 16th-century cathedrals, ancient Inca temples, and colonial streets—a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, visit the Chocolate Museum and make your own handmade chocolates from Peruvian cacao. In the evening, enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the traditional delicacies and international fusion that Peru’s food scene has become famous for.

Rafting and Apu Ausangate

Today, we will journey to the rural community of Pacchanta at the base of the Ausangate Mountain. The ride to Ausangate will be split up with an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the class II and III rapids of the upper Urubamba River. After the 3-hour rafting trip and lunch along the river, we will continue to climb into the Andes to Abra Cuyuni. At the top of the pass lies the small town of Cuyuni. In the evening, we will arrive at the small hamlet at the base of the glacier and take a quick dip in the hot springs before bed.

Ausangate Trek

Today, you wake to the view of the magnificent peak of Ausangate. After a warm breakfast, the group will gear up for the day’s adventures. Leaving Pacchanta, we will hike to a few of the glacial lakes at the base of the glacier. At an elevation of over 13,000 ft, we will walk slowly, but have the chance to see turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and wildlife such as Andean geese, deer, and with luck, an Andean condor—the biggest flying bird in the world. After a rewarding day outside, we can relax our muscles in the all-natural hot springs before climbing into bed.

From the Andes to the Amazon

After spending our last night at altitude, we will journey down the eastern slopes of the Andes through many microclimates and deep into the Amazon Basin. Students will watch as the landscape changes dramatically as they descend into the basin.

The Heart of the Amazon

Head up to a secluded jungle lodge located in the spectacular Las Piedras watershed. Upon our arrival at the lodge, we will get settled into our accommodations. Relax and listen to the sounds of the Amazon until it is time to prepare for our first excursion into the jungle in search of animals and insects. After dinner, we’ll head out on a guided tour in search of the forest’s nocturnal life. The next three days will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly experience and learn about the Amazon rainforest. For the next 3 nights, you will stay in the jungle lodge, where you will sleep in beds on open-air platforms. Students will have access to toilets, cold showers, and limited electricity. All students will be provided with bug nets.

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Sights and Sounds of the Jungle

Each day, we’ll head out on excursions to learn about the forest and those that live there. The daily schedule will vary based on weather and local conditions, but below are some activities you can expect to do during your time in the jungle. These excursions will be led by experienced local guides and conservationists excited to help you explore the jungle. Colpe Visit: Waking before sunrise, head to the local clay lick, where parrots and macaws come to feed on the mineral-rich clay to help counteract the toxins in the fruit they eat. Listening to the forest come alive with sound and movement is truly an unforgettable experience. Caiman Excursion: Explore the river at night in search of caimans and nocturnal fauna. Floating Down Las Piedras: Constructing a raft and floating down the river as macaws fly overhead and the sun sets over the Amazon is the perfect way to end the day. There will always be a support boat with us for safety. Visiting with Local Communities: The forest is home to amazing wildlife, but also to people who make a meager living off the land. Learn about how they live their daily lives and the challenges they face in this remote area.

From the Jungle to the City and Home!

Today we will pack up our things and say goodbye to the friendly jungle staff before we return to Puerto Maldonado. Head back to the airport and catch a plane back over the Andes to the Peruvian capital of Lima. Enjoy a last meal with your group before boarding your overnight flight back home.

Arrive Home

Wake up in Miami and make your connecting flight home.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Peru

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Peru: Andes to Amazon Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Peru?

Peru offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Peru Americas 2026

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