Peru: Andes to Amazon (College Program)

Peru: Andes to Amazon (College Program)

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2024 Programs

June 18 – July 2, 2024 Limited Start Here

Journey across southern Peru from the high Andes mountains to the depths of the Amazon rain forest on this exceptional service adventure. Get to know your group through community service, breathtaking mountain views, and an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu. Say goodbye to the mountains as you travel deep into the Amazon rainforest and truly experience nature. See wildlife up close as you volunteer at an animal rehabilitation center, then journey to an ecolodge and work alongside the jungle community on conservation projects to help protect this treasure. The perfect trip for adventurers looking to experience parts of Peru on—and off—the map.

Students love visiting secluded Peruvian villages and spending time in the jungle!

Program Profile
Program Profile

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Carry-on

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

It is winter in the southern hemisphere and we’ll be spending significant time at high altitude and camping. Come prepared for cold winter nights. Think of how you can pack for wearing layers to allow you flexibility depending on how warm or cold it is.

  • Socks (14) Including a couple longer pairs.
  • Underwear (14)
  • Shorts (1-3)
  • Loose pants/capris (2-3)
  • Jeans (1)
  • T-shirt (5-7)
  • Long sleeve shirt (5-7)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Rain jacket
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Micro puff jacket (evenings can be very cold at these altitudes)
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers/Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat for sun
  • Winter hat
  • Winter gloves/mittens
  • Quick dry towel
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Sleeping bag rated to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (consider one rated to 0 if you get colder when you sleep)

Toiletries

(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo (biodegradable)
  • Conditioner (biodegradable)
  • Body wash (biodegradable)
  • Face wash (biodegradable)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
Important Reminders
  • *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.