Peru: Sacred Valley Service

Students stay in a mix of homestays and simple hotels/hostels during the Peru: Sacred Valley Service program. In the homestay portion, students sleep in beds in a private room shared with other Rustic students and have access to flushing toilets, non-heated showers, and limited electricity. On other nights, hotels/hostels provide beds, regular electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

All lodging is vetted by Rustic Pathways for safety and suitability for teen travelers. Specific properties may vary by session and are subject to change based on availability and community needs.

Students complete approximately 20 hours of community service focused on locally prioritized needs. Rustic Pathways partners with community leaders and organizations to ensure student work is helpful, age-appropriate, and aligned with long-term goals.

Infrastructure Service: Current projects support a large potable water initiative in the Sacred Valley that aims to bring drinking water to several communities. Depending on timing and needs, tasks may include site preparation, trenching, laying or securing pipes, helping with break boxes or small reservoirs, installing water tanks, or related improvements. Project details can change based on partner requests and on-the-ground conditions.

This program includes adventure activities and service work that require daily physical activity. Students should expect walking on uneven terrain, working outdoors at altitude, climbing stairs, and spending several hours on their feet most days.

No advanced fitness is required, but students should be comfortable with active days in a high-elevation environment.

Students eat a variety of Peruvian and student-friendly meals. Breakfast is usually light (eggs, bread, fruit, tea, coffee). Lunch often includes soup and a main dish (“menú”), and dinner is typically a main course. Peruvian cuisine features potatoes, quinoa, chicken, vegetables, and fresh juices. Come ready to try new foods, along with plenty of juice and tea.

Dietary Requirements / Food Allergies:  Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free students are easily accommodated on this program. Vegans – please bring snacks as options will be limited, and also your understanding and flexibility as veganism is not a widely understood concept in Peru. With advance notice, most allergies are able to be accommodated on this program as well. Please note all allergies and food restrictions on medical forms so our team has time to arrange different food options if necessary.

Water: Bottled or purified water is provided for drinking. Tap water is fine for showering and brushing teeth. Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Rustic Pathways offers escorted group flights from Miami (MIA) to Lima (LIM). The advertised program dates include international travel time. On arrival, students connect on a short domestic flight to Cusco (CUZ). At the end of the trip, students fly back from Cusco to Lima and connect to homebound flights.

Internal Flights: Two internal flights (Lima ⇄ Cusco) are included in the program price. The group also travels by private bus in the Sacred Valley and takes a scenic train along the Urubamba River to reach Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.

The same group of students stays together for the full program itinerary.

Students may bring phones but must follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Coverage in the Andes can be spotty, and Rustic encourages students to stay present and engaged with the group.

Wi-Fi is occasional and not guaranteed at all sites. Parents receive updates from Rustic staff and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line if needed.

Most core costs—accommodations, most meals, in-country transportation (including internal flights), and scheduled activities—are included. Students should budget for personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional treats.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing about US $150 per week for incidentals. Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). Families often exchange money before departure or use ATMs in major towns.

Expect sunny, dry-season days and cool to cold nights at altitude. Daytime highs are often in the 60s–70s °F (18–23 °C), while nights can drop quickly into the 20s–30s °F (−3 to 1 °C).

Pack breathable layers for daytime, a warm jacket for evenings, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), and comfortable walking shoes. Hydration and a slower pace on arrival help with altitude adjustment.

Laundry is not guaranteed. Some hotels or local services may offer paid laundry, but availability depends on the schedule and location. Students should pack enough clothing for most of the 12-day program and bring quick-dry items they can rewear.

In emergencies, staff can help students arrange laundry at their own expense (typical costs vary).

It is winter in Peru during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Plan for layering: daytime outfits (sneakers, jeans/leggings, t-shirt and hoodie) and warmer layers at night (sweater and puffy jacket). A set of long underwear is helpful for colder nights or camping.

To be respectful ambassadors, avoid clothing with inappropriate words or images. Shorts and tank tops are generally not recommended due to cooler temperatures and cultural norms in some communities.

Rustic Pathways prioritizes student health and safety through trained staff, vetted partners and accommodations, established risk-management protocols, and 24/7 support throughout the trip.

Families can review Rustic Pathways’ detailed Health & Safety measures for more information about supervision, emergency response, and medical resources abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan to help protect against covered situations such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and certain travel delays.

Coverage and limits vary by policy. Families should review the full documentation from Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.