Peru: Sacred Valley Service

How do flights work?

U.S. students can join a chaperoned group flight from Miami to Lima. International students fly independently to Lima, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. At the end of the program, U.S. students return to Miami on the chaperoned flight, and Program Leaders ensure the safe departure of all other students. International flights are not included in program tuition; in-country flights between Lima and Cusco are included.

What’s included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 9 nights), all meals, in-country flights (Lima–Cusco), all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, 24/7 staff support, gratuities / tipping.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. 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 →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program price is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

Who’s supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

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.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime.

How will I know they’re okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations. Expect limited connectivity during village homestays and in rural areas.

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

The group is limited to 18 students, aged 14-18. Most students on this trip are 15-17 years old. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.

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

Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 53 countries. International students fly independently to the arrival airport, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport and destination, so contact a travel advisor for guidance.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Most are nervous at first. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly, and everyone has a place in the group.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in a mix of hotels and a village homestay, with 2–4 students sharing gender-separated rooms and access to shared bathrooms, electricity, and showers (with more limited amenities in the homestay). Rustic Pathways Program Leaders sleep on-site to provide 24/7 supervision. All accommodations are vetted for safety and proximity to program activities. .

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests accepted during enrollment.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

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

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment and shared with meal providers.

How much spending money?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Do we need a visa?

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Peru, but travelers from other countries might. Contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion →

Which students thrive on this program?

Students who want hands-on community service, are curious about Andean culture, and are ready to live with a host family on a highly-structured cultural immersion program.

What will students do each day?

Community service work in rural Sacred Valley villages, homestay life with host families, and local cultural learning through markets and workshops. Exploration days include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco, plus a guided train trip to Machu Picchu, stand-up paddleboarding on a mountain lake, mountain biking, and a via ferrata and zipline. Rustic Pathways uses a graduated independence model. Students begin with closely guided activities and take on more autonomy as they demonstrate competence.

Who might this program not suit?

Students who prefer unstructured travel, need constant phone access, or are uncomfortable with group-based schedules and early mornings. Expect active days with hiking to rural communities, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, and a via ferrata climb.

Why this location?

The Sacred Valley and Cusco region offers a direct window into Inca and pre-Inca history while connecting students to living Andean communities through village life, local markets, and daily cultural exchange.

What does the service or learning involve?

Service work is rooted in rural communities in the Sacred Valley, where students contribute to locally prioritized projects and learn through shared daily routines with host families.

How is the experience structured for teens?

Students rotate between a village homestay and established hotels in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco, creating a consistent base for service days and guided excursions.

What cultural experiences are included?

Pisac market visit, Chinchero weaving workshop, Cusco chocolate-making workshop, and a guided train visit to Machu Picchu.