PERÚ

Today the group will depart for Lima, Perú. Meet your expert T1D program leaders at the designated group departure airport, and buckle up for an unforgettable journey ahead! Upon arrival to Lima, we’ll catch a connecting flight to Cusco, where the group will be joined by our expert local leader and the adventure begins!

Hola! Welcome to the former capital of the Incan Empire, now known for its beautiful archaeological ruins and Spanish colonial architecture.We’ll start acclimatizing to the altitude and begin our in-depth program orientation. During orientation, we will cover a variety of topics including cultural norms, useful Spanish phrases, health and safety, group dynamic, behavioral expectations, and more. We will also cover important topics like managing your blood sugars in high altitude, cold temperatures, and during high-exercise activities. Then we will dive right in to exploring all the city of Cusco has to offer. 

We will kick off our explorations with a guided walking tour of the historic city center before heading to the famous Quechua ruins of Saqsayhuaman. We’ll then conclude the day practicing our moves and continuing to acclimatize at a fun Latin dance class.  

Get ready for one of the most breathtaking hikes of your life! Today, we take on the challenge of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a vibrant natural wonder nestled high in the Andes. Along the way, you’ll encounter wild llamas and be supported by our expert guides, ensuring a safe, energizing first Andes hiking experience. After reaching the summit for some epic views and photos, we’ll descend for a well-deserved lunch and siesta.

Today we will depart Cusco and make a few stops to see beautiful Valle Sagrado sites and markets before arriving in our homestay community, Ollantaytambo. We will meet our families in the central plaza and after a short introduction, we will settle in with our hosts. In the afternoon, we will have a walking orientation of the community and get ready for our full day of service the following day.

Our service day will be spent in the heart of our homestay community, where we’ll roll up our sleeves and dive into meaningful projects that make a real impact. We’ve also built in plenty of free time to connect with your host family, bond with your fellow travelers, practice your language and inter-lingual communication skills, and explore the incredible surroundings.

The adventure rolls on as we head to Chinchero, a charming town above the Sacred Valley, where we’ll be treated to an incredible weaving demonstration by the local women known for their vibrant textiles. Next, we’ll explore the stunning salt pools of Salineras and the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray. Afterward, we’ll descend the Sacred Valley—either by bike or van—and make our way back to our host community. Tonight, we’ll wrap up our time together with a fiesta de despedida, celebrating with our host families. For the daring, there’s a chance to try cuy, the Andean guinea pig, a true local delicacy!

Spend the day exploring the busy and bustling capital city with a longtail boat ride through the small canals of Chao Phraya River which will take us to a variety of floating markets. Visit the impressive Grand Palace and the famous religious temples Wat Pho and Wat Arun and top the day off with a group dinner at the Night Bazaar.

Today, we leave the charming town of Ollantaytambo and make our way to the start of the legendary Salkantay Trail. Buckle up for stunning views as we drive through the Sacred Valley, where snow-capped peaks and lush landscapes set the stage for the adventure ahead. Once we reach the trailhead, we’ll lace up our boots and begin trekking toward Salkantay Pass, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness. This first leg of the journey will give you a taste of the incredible challenge and beauty that lies ahead, as we make our way toward Machu Picchu on one of the most epic treks in the world!

Today is the ultimate challenge, but we’re ready! We push our limits as we ascend to the Salkantay Pass, reaching over 15,000 feet. It’s a tough climb, but the views are out of this world—snow-capped peaks and sweeping valleys as far as the eye can see. After conquering the pass, we descend into the cloud forest, where we’ll set up camp for the night and enjoy a delicious meal around the campfire.

As we leave the high mountains behind, we enter the lush, vibrant jungle. The trail takes us through tropical forests and across rushing rivers, with birds and wildlife all around. We’ll hike through coffee and banana plantations before reaching our campsite, where we can relax and enjoy the warmth of the jungle air. Tonight, we rest up for the next leg of our journey.

Today is all about recharging. After a solid morning of hiking, we’ll spend the afternoon soaking in natural hot springs—your muscles will thank you! It’s the perfect way to recover from the intense days of trekking. We’ll also explore some local villages and connect with the incredible people who call this region home.

We’ll wake up early and hit the trail for our last stretch, making our way through breathtaking scenery until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. You’ll feel the excitement building as we get closer to our final destination—Machu Picchu is just around the corner! We’ll settle into town, rest up, and get ready for tomorrow’s big moment.

The day we’ve all been waiting for! At sunrise, we’ll hike up to Machu Picchu, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Explore the ancient ruins, take in the sweeping views, and feel the incredible energy of this sacred site. It’s the perfect culmination of an unforgettable trek. After soaking it all in, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus back to Cusco, leaving with memories to last a lifetime.

As our incredible journey comes to a close, we’ll make our way from Cusco to the airport, reflecting on the life-changing experiences we’ve shared. From conquering mountains to connecting with our host families and embracing new cultures, it’s been an adventure we’ll never forget. After some final goodbyes and a last glimpse of the Andes, we’ll board our flights back to the USA, carrying with us not only our bags but the stories, friendships, and strength we’ve gained along the way. Safe travels home, adventurers, Perú will be awaiting your return!