Peru

Spring to the Sacred Valley

Q: Is Spring to the Sacred Valley Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Welcome to Peru!

Depart from the United States to Lima, Peru’s capital. Upon your arrival you will be met by Rustic Pathways staff. After a group orientation, ice-breaking activity, and review of the week to come, enjoy a good night’s sleep in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure to the Peruvian highlands. Your first night will be spent in a comfortable hotel in one of Lima’s nicest neighborhoods. Students will stay in shared rooms separated by gender and will have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

Into the Mountains

Welcome to your first full day in Peru. After a continental breakfast it is off to the airport to catch a one hour flight to Cusco, the old Incan capital located high in the Andes Mountains. Once we arrive in Cusco, we will jump on a private bus and be transported to Urubamba, a small town in the heart of the famous Sacred Valley. In Urubamba we will have a delicious buffet lunch before continuing on to Soccma, a small community from where we will begin our hike to Pilkobamba. The day will wind down with a group discussion about life in rural Peruvian communities and the service work that you will begin tomorrow. Pilkobamba will be your home for the next three nights. 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, but will not have access to electricity.

"Dig" Into Service Work

Today you will begin work on a service project that has been pre-approved by the community members and is supported by the local government. This year, students are continuing work on a potable water project that was started in 2015. One of our most ambitious service projects, providing access to clean drinking water to multiple villages in the Sacred Valley will help improve health conditions and quality of life. While many of the inhabitants of Pilkobamba still speak the native language of Quechua, many also speak Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish though, don’t worry, we have Spanish speaking staff and with a little imagination, it won’t be long until you master the art of non-verbal communication.

Saying Goodbye to Pilkobamba

Today will be dedicated to service as you complete work on the potable water project. Work your hardest to provide access to clean drinking water to your host community members. This day will culminate with a farewell celebration. The group will share a typical Incan meal and enjoy roasting marshmallows around a bonfire with the community members and local children. On this day, you will also have the opportunity to try the specialty of the region, guinea pig!

Travel by Train

Head down from Pilkobamba to Ollantaytambo and board the train for a scenic ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, the group will pass under the majestic Veronica Peak and along the intense bottom section of the Urubamba River. Nestled in the cloud forest amidst jagged peaks, it is amazing to think that you are just a short ride from the drier alpine village of the past week. The rest of the day will be spent in and around Aguas Calientes. The activities will vary based on the interested of the group, but may include shopping at the local market, visiting the Machu Picchu museum, or hiking to a nearby waterfall. Spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel. Students will have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

Machu Picchu

You will wake up early in the morning and travel the windy road up the mountain to the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu. The group will be there in time to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and long enough to explore the magnificent ruins. In the afternoon, you will re-board the train and return to Ollantaytambo. You will spend the night in Ollantaytambo in a comfortable hotel. Students will have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

Cusco Touring

Upon arriving to Cusco, you will go on a walking tour. As part of the tour, you will explore the cobblestone streets of Cusco and visit temples and cathedrals that date back to the Incas and colonial period of Peru. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and Peru’s world famous textiles and handicrafts at the local artisanal market. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner with your group and reflect on the last week in Peru. You will spend tonight in a hotel in Cusco. Students will have access to electricity, showers, and flushing toilets.

Bye For Now, Peru!

On the final day, it’s time to say goodbye to Peru. Head to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and then board your flight home. We hope you had an incredible time in Peru and hope you take away more than just souvenirs from your time in the Land of the Incas.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Peru

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly 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 →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

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.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

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

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

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

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

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

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Spring to the Sacred Valley Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Peru?

Peru offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Peru Americas 2026

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