from 3,094€

Outstanding 5rating (26)
Reopening soon

Amazon to Andes

location
5 - 5 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Jump on a relaxing boat ride down some of the most important waterways of the world, leading directly into the Amazon River
  • Work alongside local indigenous organizations that are working tirelessly to defend indigenous rights, keep their cultural practices alive, and strengthen their communities.
  • Learn about how the effects of oil company operations stir up controversy among the Peruvian people while also delving into the issues of LGBT rights in the jungle.
  • Challenge yourself with a trek to the ruins of Wakra Pukara, the region’s best kept secret!
  • Work on a Quechua family farm and learn the ropes of organic farming and sustainable agriculture

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Journey deep into Peru’s jungle and backpack through the Sacred Valley!

As we explore Peru from Amazon to Andes, we'll connect with local communities working to defend indigenous rights and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Our journey will challenge us to think critically about the space we occupy as travelers and how we can leave a truly positive impact on ...

About the program

As we explore Peru from Amazon to Andes, we'll connect with local communities working to defend indigenous rights and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Our journey will challenge us to think critically about the space we occupy as travelers and how we can leave a truly positive impact on the communities we visit.

Our volunteer programs take a learning-first approach. We combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers can explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions. Here are some of the community partners we work with on this program:

- Ecoaldeas Peru is a social enterprise aimed at rural sustainable development. The organization works to empower local grassroots organizations of farmers, women, youth, and native indigenous communities, partnering with local government, private and public institutions. Their goal is to improve rural educational levels, to empower environmentally-friendly practices in small-holder agriculture, and to develop eco-techniques required for a better quality of life.

The Ccapa family runs a sustainable organic farm project in the mountains close to Cusco. The farm serves as a conservatory for ancient grains and seeds, a school of traditional and organic agricultural practices, and a place of practice for traditional Andean medicine. Our time at Kausay Punku will be full of learning as the Ccapa family is an invaluable resource for knowledge on sustainable agricultural methods, cuisine in the sierra, traditional medicine, and the real story on the Incas.


Typical day

Day 1-4: Orientation in Lima
Our program starts in Lima, the capital of Peru and gateway to the colonial Spanish empire of South America. Following pickups from Jorge Chavez Airport, our group will have an in-country orientation: Spanish classes, a crash course in Peruvian culture and politics, and, ...

Typical day

Day 1-4: Orientation in Lima
Our program starts in Lima, the capital of Peru and gateway to the colonial Spanish empire of South America. Following pickups from Jorge Chavez Airport, our group will have an in-country orientation: Spanish classes, a crash course in Peruvian culture and politics, and, of course, our first taste of Peruvian cuisine!

Our lovely hosts at a backpacker's hostel in the coastal district of Miraflores will quickly make everyone feel right at home. We'll explore the city in unconventional ways, greet the grand ocean that runs along the city district, and undertake a tour of the city's less-known side streets and corners. Get ready to immerse yourself in this big bustling city, and see the complexity of Peru's past and present.  We'll also be hitting the markets, learning to haggle and experiencing Latin America in a way only Lima can provide!

Day 4-9: Journeying to San Roque de Cumbaza and Ecoaldeas
We'll say goodbye to the coastal shores of Lima and head inland to Tarapoto and the cloud forests of Peru's upper Amazon. After a little stop in the city, we'll catch a combi and join our partners from Ecoaldeas in the town of San Roque de Cumbaza. Here we'll work alongside the local community and learn how Ecoaldeas is creating environmentally and socially sustainable livelihoods. We'll get our hands dirty on a variety of projects and then hit the trail for a 3-4 day trek into the jungle. Get ready to challenge your body and explore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon - you'll be rewarded with epic views, delicious food and sing-alongs!

Day 9-10: To the Amazon!
We'll head to the port town of Yurimaguas where we board a 1-2 day ferry ride into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon! Interspersed with interesting jungles meals and fun activities, this trip is spent getting to know each other, sleeping in hammocks, and enjoying amazing river and jungle views.

Day 10-16: Rights and Resistance in the Heart of the Jungle
We'll disembark in Nauta, where we'll continue our descent into the lower jungle and the town of Puerto Miguel. Here, we'll meet with several organizations that work to challenge discrimination, and revendicate the local Kukama culture and language while confronting a growing threat to the natural environment. We'll engage with different forms of resistance from community radio, to education and art. Be ready to swat a few bugs, share a few meals, and exchange a few stories with the resilient people living in this part of the Amazon.

Day 16-29: Community Connections in the Northern Amazon
We'll make our way to Iquitos, the world's largest city not accessibly by road! Here, we'll get to know the local markets and learn a variety of issues related to mining, conservation, and human rights while engaging with community-requested projects in the city or out in the jungle. We'll work with a small number of organizations involved in defending indigenous rights, maintaining local cultural practices and building capacity.

In the past, we've worked on small construction projects with local youth groups, hauled wood out of the bush, and learned the 29 different ways to use a machete. As dynamic as the Amazon is, we'll come ready with an open mind and a few good hands, to tackle whatever priorities the communities see as the most pressing! We'll also have the opportunity to meet with Tsanwa, a youth LGBT group, to learn about issues that affect all of us. There will also be day trips into the jungle to see the local flora and fauna.

Day 19-24: Life in the Altiplano
We'll hop on a flight up over the Andes to Cusco, the centre of the once mighty Incan empire. After wandering the cobblestoned streets of Peru's highland capital, we'll head to Kausay Punku. Prepare to get your hands dirty with Don Arcadio and the fam! 

Day 24-28: Hiking Wakra Pukara
We'll travel to the stunning, yet seldom visited, Four Lakes Region of Cusco. We'll continue our immersion in rural Andean life and stay in the friendly village of Chahuay. Only 200 people visit this area in a year. If you're looking for a real off-the-beaten path experience...you've come to the right place! Framed by canyons, Chahuay's landscape hosts ancient ruins, sacred lakes, and breathtaking views of the highlands. There is simply no better place to experience rural life and immerse in Andean culture.

But don't get too comfortable! We'll soon set off on a challenging 2 day hike from Chahuay to Wakra Pukara, a mysterious archeological wonder kept out of sight by the surrounding rock formations. Our route will go between mountains and bring us into the world's deepest canyon. 

Day 28-38: Independent Travel Time
A staple of all OG programs, you can travel independently or in pairs/small groups to explore your own interests. 

Day 38-40: Disorientation
Before heading home we'll regroup to kickback and relax in the coastal desert of Paracas, while sharing memories before leaving for the airport in Lima. 

Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike ...

Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike through Peru's best kept secrets, ancient ruins and the Amazon jungle!
- Try surfing in the ocean
- Take Spanish, cooking or salsa dancing classes
- Explore local markets and historical sites 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Operation Groundswell

Each of our programs include:

  • A comprehensive program itinerary and educational curriculum focused on the issues facing your specific region

  • Experienced, thoughtful and caring program leaders and facilitators with you 24 hours a day

  • All lodging and accommodations, carefully chosen to reflect the place and program

  • Three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street

  • All group tours, entrance fees, and excursions like cooking and language classes

  • All group transportation on the ground in vetted (and varied) modes of getting around

  • Regular discussions and workshops to help you internalize and reflect on your experience

  • Support from OGHQ whenever you need it, however you need it from financial assistance to flights

Airport Pickup at Jorge Chavez International Airport

Your program leaders will pick you up on the first day of the program at Jorge Chavez International Airport and transport you a short ways to our hostel in Lima. Your program leaders will also drop you off at the same airport on the last day of program.

Accommodation

Traveling as much as we do on the Peru program, there will be a number of different styles of accommodation. In cities, we’ll usually be sleeping at clean, safe, and secure guesthouses that will feel like a second home in no time. When we’re trekking or in rural communities, we’ll generally be sleeping under the stars or in the community centre of the town we are staying in. Cold bucket showers are common while continuous electricity can’t always be guaranteed – so come prepared! Though Western comforts should not be assumed, you can expect to better connect with locals and their culture.

Food & Beverages

We provide at least three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street, as well as all the potable drinking water you can drink. You are responsible for any other snacks and drinks. We do our best to provide for all dietary needs.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

May 21 - June 29, 2023

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

5 weeks 5 days 3,094€
Average fees 541€/week

Program fees

541€ per week 5 - 5 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

5 - 5 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Operation Groundswell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Operation Groundswell

Outstanding 5 rating (26 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2016

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Evelyn

About the project

We go backpacking with a purpose! Our programs combine cross-cultural dialogue, critical learning, community service, and of course, travel and adventure!

Meet your organization

Is voluntourism helping or hurting what people called ‘the developing world’? Is there a way for visitors to positively contribute to local initiatives while also thinking critically about international development? What’s the best ice cream flavour, really?

In 2006, we boarded a flight to Accra, Ghana seeking answers to these questions and so many more. When we touched down, we were hit with a barrage of sights, sounds, and smells that shattered our preconceived notions of the ‘global south’. Rather than stumbling into a crumbling landscape, we were greeted by a beautiful, bustling city, rich with culture and brimming with innovation.

At the same time, we could see some of the challenges local communities were grappling with. Why does poverty continue to plague so much of the world while billionaires multiply and millions pour into international development projects that don’t seem to make a difference? We heard that governments, charities, and international organizations often pushed their own agendas without consulting the communities they said they were ‘helping.’

We learned that projects were much more likely to succeed if they were carried out in collaboration with the community. Not as a handout, not as charity – but in solidarity.

We started talking to local NGOs and community leaders about what their real needs were. We cultivated relationships with grassroots organizations, community leaders, and local governments. We began to build a program that wouldn’t just plop a volunteer into a project they knew little about. Instead, we would take a learning-first approach. We would combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers could explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions.

Since that first pilot program in West Africa, OG has run hundreds of programs in more than 20 countries around the world. With all of this experience, we have expertly designed programs that navigate the inherent risks that come with embarking on such an awesome adventure. We bring cool, caring people together who want to explore the world while actively learning to change it for the better. We’re sparking a movement of globally active and socially conscious travellers.

Accessible, responsible and immersive travel is our mission. Go to our website to learn about our financial support options including our Financial Needs Grants that can cover up to 25% of your program fee.

Email us to join our mail list or for the application for our Financial Needs Grant: mail@operationgroundswell.com.

26 reviews · rating5

Dora rating5

2018 at Amazon to Andes

I have no words for how grateful I am to have partaken in this experience. OG really does make a huge impact and in such an exciting and interesting way. The experience is definitely off the beaten track and includes many interactions with locals and local modes of transport. OG also puts a lot of ...
Natalie rating5

2014 at Amazon to Andes

I traveled with OG in May of 2014 to Peru. It was somewhat a spur of the moment decision and I could not regret it! Travelling with OG gave my the opportunity to truly experience a new culture and learn from my fellow group members. We saw so much of the countries amazing nature as well as ...
Ruben rating5

2014 at Amazon to Andes

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect in terms of the group, the food, the transportation, the volunteering, and the amazing group leaders. The group: It's an amazing way to meet great people from a variety of different backgrounds! From my experience, over the course of the six weeks, you ...
I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. My partner and I planned to go 2 years ago, we actually won an Instagram contest haha but it was cancelled due to COVID. We finally made it happen April 23 - May 1! I remember sitting in a coffee shop, submitting our applications and being both ...
Susie Jones rating5

2021 at Sustainable Agriculture in the Andes

Over the course of 9 days I had an experience of a lifetime. OG provides experiential learning opportunities with off the beaten path adventures. I was able to be part of a dynamic group of individuals and explore a whole a new region abroad. I was able to live on a farm and live the slow life while ...
Lauren rating5

2019 at Seed to Shelf

As a fairly experienced traveller before my program with OG, I was worried that I wouldn't get a lot out of the program. I was worried I'd resent the group dynamic, that I wouldn't learn much, and that the promises of real and intimate connections with locals simply couldn't be achieved in this ...

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