Day 1-4: Orientation in LimaOur 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.
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