Peru: Andean Service and Culture

Peru: Andean Service and Culture

This program gives students the opportunity to delve into Andean culture, the stunning Peruvian landscape, and the challenges and inequities community members here face. Focusing on access to education and traditional gender norms, explore the experiences your peers in the Sacred Valley must overcome to attend school. Participate in meaningful service projects with our partner, the Sacred Valley Project, as you work to address these issues. Hike through majestic mountains and visit Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu was definitely a highlight. It was totally surreal to walk around and wonder, ‘How is this a real place?’ It was so cool learning about it in history class and then seeing it in real life.

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Sacred Valley Service Project

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, the descendants of the Inca Empire are faced with many obstacles and often lack access to public services like education, especially indigenous girls.

While boys often move to urban centers to pursue a secondary education, only four in 10 girls do. Women’s education is so important because they pass on what they learn to their children and help reduce the cycle of poverty. Studies show that an educated woman is more likely to have a smaller and healthier family, a stronger voice in family negotiations, and the ability to advocate for herself and her children.

The Sacred Valley Project has been providing girls access to secondary education since 2009, and Rustic Pathways is proud to support this important work.

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience.

Carry-On

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Travel Documentation
Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (14)
  • Underwear (14)
  • Thermal base layer (1 set)
  • Pants/capris (2)
  • Jeans (1-2)
  • T-shirt (3-5)
  • Long-sleeved shirt (5-7)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Soft shell jacket
  • Micro puff jacket
  • Fleece/hoodie
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Quick dry towel

Toiletries

(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream

Miscellaneous

  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Sleeping bag (15 degree)