PERΓ
14-Day High Andes Trekking & Cultural Immersion Adventure
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Incan ruins & culture in the breathtaking sacred valley
- Trek the world-famous high Andes Salkantay Trail
- Watch the sunrise AT UNESCO World Heritage site machu picchu
- Earn 20 service hours on impactful community service projects
2025 Program Dates:
Teens: June 14-27
Young AdultsΒ (YAs): August 7-20
Availability:
Teen Program: OPEN
YA Program: OPEN
Β
Program Tuition:
$4,623 USD
Ages:
Teens: 15-18
YAs: 18-23
Β
COVID-19 Vaccine:
RECOMMENDED
14-Day PerΓΊ Adventure
OVERVIEW
Immense, rugged, colorful, and imbued with an incredible history, PerΓΊ will undoubtedly come to hold a special place in your heart. Its diversity in geography, culture, and ways of life make Peru an unforgettable country to explore. Make lasting connections with program leaders and new friends while trekking through the Vilcabamba mountain range in the high Andes, take a moment to reflect on the boundless possibilities of life while gazing out over majestic Machu Picchu. Build skills as you hike, dance, swim in hot springs, and engage with locals. With one of the most vibrant cultures in the Americas, a trip to PerΓΊ offers a unique opportunity to explore a place steeped in fortitude, mysticism, and a deep connection to the earth.
Come discover what makes everyone say βviva PerΓΊ pe!β
ITINERARY
Today the group will depart for Lima, PerΓΊ. 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.Β
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.Β Β
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, weβll 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 weβll roll up our sleeves and dive into meaningful projects that make a real impact. Weβve 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 weβll be treated to an incredible weaving demonstration by the local women known for their vibrant textiles. Next, weβll explore the stunning salt pools of Salineras and the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray. Afterward, weβll descend the Sacred Valleyβeither by bike or vanβand make our way back to our host community. Tonight, weβll wrap up our time together with a fiesta de despedida, celebrating with our host families. For the daring, thereβs 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, weβll 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 weβre ready! We push our limits as we ascend to the Salkantay Pass, reaching over 15,000 feet. Itβs a tough climb, but the views are out of this worldβsnow-capped peaks and sweeping valleys as far as the eye can see. After conquering the pass, we descend into the cloud forest, where weβll 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. Weβll 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, weβll spend the afternoon soaking in natural hot springsβyour muscles will thank you! Itβs the perfect way to recover from the intense days of trekking. Weβll also explore some local villages and connect with the incredible people who call this region home.
Weβll 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. Youβll feel the excitement building as we get closer to our final destinationβMachu Picchu is just around the corner! Weβll settle into town, rest up, and get ready for tomorrowβs big moment.
The day weβve all been waiting for! At sunrise, weβll 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. Itβs the perfect culmination of an unforgettable trek. After soaking it all in, weβll 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, weβll 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, itβs been an adventure weβll never forget. After some final goodbyes and a last glimpse of the Andes, weβll board our flights back to the USA, carrying with us not only our bags but the stories, friendships, and strength weβve gained along the way. Safe travels home, adventurers, PerΓΊ will be awaiting your return!
Itineraries are subject to adjustment due to factors like weather, current events, and health and safety considerations.
ACTIVITIES
All Type 1 Way Ticket program activities are designed to be fun and inclusive for all travelers, regardless of prior experience. We create opportunities for our travelers to try new things, develop new skills, find new passions, and hone their independent health management skills. Anyone with an interest in the outdoors, culture, wildlife, and an enthusiasm for new experiences, will have a great time on this program. Due to the altitude and trekking component of this program, we do require that travelers are able to carry a 30-pound backpack for long periods of time.
SIGHTSEEING
TREKKING
COMMUNITY SERVICE
HIKING
HOT SPRINGS
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
LOCAL CUISINE
LATIN DANCE CLASS
WILDLIFE
ACCOMODATIONS
T1WT adheres to intentional guidelines when selecting program accommodations to facilitate fun and comfortable experiences for our travelers. We partner with locally-owned, locally-operated, three-star-equivalent hotels and guest houses which offer great locations, comfort, and safety. Travelers stay in shared accommodation with 1-2 roommates of the same gender. Unless noted, all accommodations have running water, electricity, WiFi, and access to refrigeration for insulin. Program leaders brief and prepare travelers in advance of stays without electricity or refrigeration.Β
- 5 nights in urban guest houses
- 5 nights camping (no WiFi, no refridgeration)
- 3 nights in homestay homes
PROGRAM FEE
$4,623 USD
We recognize the financial impact of diabetes healthcare and strive to make our programs accessible. As such, we offer two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Need-based financial aid may also be available. Please contact us for more information.Β
12-Day PerΓΊ Adventure
PAY IN FULL
Pay a $500 deposit after submitting your application and the remainder of the program fee in full after your interview.
12-Day PerΓΊ Adventure
INTEREST-FREE PAYMENT PLAN
*Must enroll by October 1, 2024. Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and begin a 12-month interest-free installment plan.
- Not included in program tuition: International flights, travel insurance**, diabetes management and medical supplies, low blood sugar treatments***, snacks, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport fees, laundry, souvenirs.
**All travelers are required to have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the program. Proof of travel insurance must be supplied to the T1WT office prior to the program start date. Read more about our travel insurance guidelines and recommendations under “Resources.”Β
***Building independent diabetes travel management skills is core to our programs. As such, we require our travelers to bring enough of their preferred low blood sugar treatments to last the duration of the program. Common portable go-to’s like juice boxes and glucose tablets can be hard to come by abroad. However, there will be ample opportunities to replenish low treatment supplies with local goodies. We require our travelers to keep low snacks and extra medical supplies (pump site changes, extra sensor, etc.) with them at all times. OurΒ leaders always have extra low treatments on-hand as backup.Β