Spring to the Sacred Valley

Camping: While camping, students will sleep on sleeping pads inside tents (both provided by Rustic, remember to bring your sleeping bags!) Students will be able to take occasional bucket showers and use a camp toilet. Students will not have access to electricity during the camping portion of the program.

Hotels/ Hostels: All other nights on this program will be spent at hotels and hostels where students will sleep in beds and have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

We have partnered with several communities in the Sacred Valley on a large-scale potable water project that aims to bring drinking water to 5 communities. Students and community members have secured a fresh water spring and installed pipes, and this year will focus on building reservoirs and break boxes, and installing water tanks depending on the speed of our progress.

This program involves service that requires students to be physically active (e.g. construction). 

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.

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.

Students 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.

In the Sacred Valley, where you will be spending most of your time, the weather is usually warm and sunny during the day (60s and 70s F/18-23C) and then at night the temperature drops quickly because of the altitude (20s and 30sF/-3 to 1C). As you will be coming during the end of the rainy season, rain a few times while you are in Peru is highly likely.

Flights: Students joining our Spring Break programs are responsible for arranging their own travel to their destination. You will be provided with specific arrival and departure time windows. Arriving or departing outside these windows may incur special transportation arrangements and fees. The advertised dates for this program include travel time from the USA.

Visa: There are no visa requirements in Peru for students traveling on United States passports. Students traveling with Rustic Pathways on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for determining their own visa requirements. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy.

Internal Travel: There are 2 internal flights on this program. These are included in the program price. Students will spend their first night in Lima and then return to the airport the following day for the short flight to Cusco. Student will fly back to Lima on the last day of their program and then make the connection for their flights home. During the program, students will travel to Lima, Cusco, Urubamba, Pilkobamba, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes. Students will travel via private bus throughout the program as they travel around Peru. To get to Machu Picchu, students will take a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.

Students will have occasional access to wifi on the program, but we want everyone to come to Peru excited to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in this incredible experience. Reception for international plans is spotty due to the mountains and we do not recommend purchasing one for this trip. Parents will have access to our 24/7 emergency number and will also receive updates from our staff over the course of the program.

All activities in this itinerary are included. Checked luggage fees, personal gifts, laundry, and snacks are not included. We generally suggest $200 of spending money for souvenirs and snacks.

Students will not have access to laundry and should bring enough clothing for the duration of the program.

The key to Peru is layering! During the day, sneakers, jeans/leggings, a t-shirt and a hoodie/zip up is a safe go-to. At night, swap the t-shirt for a sweater and add a puffy jacket and you will be warm and comfortable. For camping, a set of long underwear is a great idea. Remember, you will be coming during the final days of the rainy season so a rain jacket and water-resistant footwear is a must.

Remember to bring your sleeping bag. A stuff sack is also a great way to condense it in size so it’s easier to travel with.