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Sustainable Agriculture in the Andes

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Work on an organic farm in the altiplano and get a crash course in sustainable agriculture and plant-based medicine from the Ccapa family.
  • Wander the beautiful cobblestone streets of Cusco and immerse in the flavours and rythmes of this distinctly Peruvian city.
  • Hike into the Andes to see pre-Incan wall paintings, hear local stories of the Inca and find hidden mountain lakes!
  • Meet the activists from Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras and dig into the impacts of international mining for local communities.
  • Make memories you will never forget and lifelong friends


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

We’ll work on innovative community initiatives and see how indigenous communities in an ancient valley are tackling a variety of modern challenges.

Best known as the home of Machu Pichu and the cradle of the Incan empire, the Sacred Valley contains a lot more than just relics from Peru’s past. From ancient ruins to modern cities and innovative highland farms, we’ll travel to Cusco’s lesser-known nooks and crannies and experience diverse ...

About the program

Best known as the home of Machu Pichu and the cradle of the Incan empire, the Sacred Valley contains a lot more than just relics from Peru’s past. From ancient ruins to modern cities and innovative highland farms, we’ll travel to Cusco’s lesser-known nooks and crannies and experience diverse ways of life, old and new. We’ll taste Andean cuisine, hear about traditional medicine and get our hands dirty in sustainable agriculture and construction. Are you ready to see the secrets hidden in the world’s most famous valley?

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 projects we will be involved in on this program:

- Learn from our partners Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras to think more critically about our environment and human rights. They will share important insights about the impact of multi-national mining companies and the conflicts they are causing. Of course, we will also learn about what DHSF is doing to counter these detrimental effects!

- We will get our hands dirty working alongside the Ccapa family on their various projects. The Ccapa family runs a sustainable organic farm called Kausay Punku 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

Program itinerary:

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1: Orientation in Cusco
We begin our ...

Typical day

Program itinerary:

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1: Orientation in Cusco
We begin our journey in Cusco, the capital of the mighty Incan empire, where our group will acclimatize to the sights, smells, sounds and smiles of the 3,400 m/11,000 ft-height city. We'll explore the cobblestone streets of Cusco while learning about the complexity of Peru's colonial history. We will hit the streets learning how to bargain hard in local markets and end our day learning how to cook one of Peru's signature dishes.

Day 2: Culture & Traditions - Cusco
We will wake up in our cozy guesthouse in the mountains and take in the breathtaking view of the Andean city with a cup of coca tea. We will continue our exploration of traditional food by learning about the health benefits of various grains and plants, followed by a hands-on opportunity to make our own energy bars. From their we will meet with our partners Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras.

Day 3 - 4: Environmental Sustainability & Traditional Medicine at Kausay Punku in Maska
For the next three days we will live on the organic family farm at Kausay Punku. Our first day will be spent learning from the Ccapa family about sustainable agricultural methods, traditional medicine and the real story of the Incas.

Day 5 - 6: Adobe Construction & Distillation at Kausay Punku
After waking up in our cozy adobe huts, we will enjoy delicious meals made from locally grown produce. We will spend the day harvesting eucalyptus, and learning about the distillation process of medicinal plants into pure essential oils. We will also learn about the environmentally sustainable adobe construction projects on the farm and continue discussions about the traditional Incan way of life that the Ccapa family has committed to preserve.

Day 7: Going Off the Beaten Path: Part 1 - Maska to Paru Paru
After a hearty breakfast, we'll set off on an epic hike through the Pisac region. Guided by our partners at Kausay Punku and friend, Silvestre, we'll be shown sights rarely seen by tourists, including pre-Incan wall paintings and secret mountain lakes! We'll learn about histories from the region and hear stories passed down for generations. We will trek to Silvestre's home-turned-guesthouse on a beautiful lake in the town of Paru Paru where we'll enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night in a unique and cozy corner of the Andes.

Day 8: Going Off the Beaten Path: Part 2 - Paru Paru to Pisac
Rise and shine! We'll continue our trek through the Andes, finishing above the Pisac ruins with a view of the old Inca city overlooking the Pisac Valley. The ruins are considered to be one of the finest remaining Inca archeological sites in the country, with vast agricultural terraces and the largest known Inca cemetery of 20,000 caves carved into the side of the mountain. Then, we'll make our way down into the valley and spend the night in the town of Pisac where we'll rest our tired legs and weary minds. We will fill our bellies and sip on Pisco sours as we tell stories and share lessons learned. Of course, we'll also sit under the stars thinking about our impact and what we can do to bring it home.

Day 9: Departures - Pisac, Cusco
Finally on our last day, we'll have one last walk around the famous Pisac market before making our way back to the Airport in Cusco. Get ready to say adios and adelante!


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:
  • Explore ...

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:
  • Explore ancient ruins
  • Hike through the mountains
  • Shop in local markets
  • Take cooking/yoga classes

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 

  • 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 Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

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

Accommodation

Accommodations in the Sacred Valley are as diverse as the valley itself. In the city and smaller towns, we’ll be sleeping and eating as a team in clean, cozy hostels and guesthouses that reflect a backpacker’s ethos. When we’re on the farm, we’ll be staying in small adobe huts, without electricity or hot showers. Here, creepy crawlies can sometimes drop in and comfy beds can’t always be guaranteed — so come prepared. Wherever we are, our friends will help us feel at home!

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 accommodate 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 Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. 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

    • AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2023
    • OCTOBER 7 - OCTOBER 15, 2023
    • NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023
    • FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 25, 2024
    • MARCH 2 - MARCH 10, 2024
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week 2 days 1,939€
Average fees 1,508€/week

Program fees

1,508€ per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 1 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

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 ...
This program hands down changed my life. Whenever someone asks me about it I get overcome with joy. My personal values could not align more with the values of the company and the program. I truly support everything they stand for and do (even down to offsetting the carbon footprint of your flight). ..
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 ...
Vicki rating5

2019 at Join the Food Revolution

Visiting Ecuador and focusing our trip on food revolutions was educational, spiritual, and amazing! You are participating in community service that is requested by the partners you are working with so when you leave it is not as if you are leaving halfway completed projects that will never be ...
Laura rating5

2019 at Explore Mayan Culture

Traveling with Operation Groundswell to Guatemala was truly one of the most valuable experiences I have had. I learned more in those 15 days than could ever be possible in my 4 years of University in a classroom setting. I have long been searching for a volunteer program that doesn't feel like the ...

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