Accommodations The students will stay in several different types of accommodations during their program. Here are the highlights: Hotel in Ollantaytambo Students will stay in the Tunupa Lodge Hotel located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Ollantaytambo. The hotel is at the foot of the mountains and is near the archaeological ruins in the region. The hotel includes Western amenities and daily breakfast. Students will be split in rooms by gender. Hotel in Cusco The next stop is the Anden Inca Hotel located near the main square in Cusco. This boutique hotel showcases Peruvian artworks in its decor and has Western amenities, including wifi. Guesthouse in Ausangate While the students near Ausangate Mountain they will stay in a guest house with basic amenities. This is among the areas in Peru where wifi may be limited in this region. Jungle Lodge The last accommodation is a jungle lodge. Students will be sleeping in beds on open-air platforms and will have access to toilets, cold showers, and limited electricity. All students will be provided with bug nets. Here the students will be immersed in the rainforest amid the local flora and fauna, including many tropical bird species.
Service Projects The program will include about 8-hours of service with a girls education program. Each year Rustic Pathways works with the local community’s leaders to identify the most-needed projects. This year we’ll work on projects focused on improving educational opportunities for girls in rural regions of Peru. Rustic Pathways Country Director Alex Ball is the founder of a nonprofit educational dormitory that aims to provide school access for Peruvian girls from indigenous communities. This summer students will be working on infrastructure improvements and an organic garden for the girls. The nonprofit organization provides access to high school education for girls from remote rural communities where there is no secondary school. The Rustic Pathways students will spend the morning working while the girls are in class, and then they’ll share a lunch with the Peruvian students and have the afternoon to get to know them a bit and finish up the service work.
Food Students will eat at a variety of locations and will enjoy both Peruvian and international fare. Breakfast is the lightest meal of the day, which usually includes eggs, bread, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a soup followed by a main course (a typical meal called a “menu” in Spanish), and dinner is usually just a main course. Peruvian food incorporates a lot of potatoes, quinoa, and chicken, but most importantly, it’s all delicious! Come ready to try new foods, along with plenty of juice and tea. Students also will be provided bottled and purified water while in Peru–as much as they can drink! Tap water is fine for showering/brushing teeth. Please remember to bring your reusable bottle water so we can minimize our plastic usage.
I used to like hiking. Now I love hiking and want to do more. I never was a soccer person and now I love soccer. I didn’t previously try new foods and now I’ve tried guinea pig… It’s time to go with the flow and live in the moment. – Mackenzie Bernhardt, Rustic Pathways Alumni
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees
Heart Button Peru: Sacred Valley Service Service and immersion in the Andes Age 14-18 $4,495 plus Self-Managed Airfare