Peru – Children of the Andes

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Grassroots Expedition

10 Days / 9 Nights

$4,195 Adult / $3,995 Child

Live amongst the Quechua people while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Andes.

The Experience

In the heart of the Andes is the town of Cusco, where remnants of a well-preserved historic civilization are abundant and Peruvian culture is alive and well. Only 45 minutes away lies a small town where cobblestone streets meander by traditional Peruvian houses. This pueblo will be your home for the majority of the trip.

Learn to make dolls using colorful traditional fabrics, visit innovative non-profit organizations serving the local community, and experience the famed Machu Picchu. Visit off-the-beaten path locales and lend a hand to local teachers to help students learn English. Meet local artisans, mystical shamans, and grassroots leaders who’ll share their contributions to Andean society. We’ll also venture out to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

An Inspiring Journey Across Peru’s Must-See Sights

This trip is truly a balance between the iconic sights of Peru including Machu Picchu and the majestic Sacred Valley with off-the-beaten track locales that give you a completely unique, local experience. This is a Peru that very few travelers get to see.

Our Impact

Education is key to unlocking economic doors in this small Andean village. To achieve our purpose of cultural interaction, friendship exchange, and uplifting youth in the village of Andahuaylillas, assist with an informal after-school program that helps local children continue to develop. Help with English homework, play educational games, and get involved in other activities. For many, this type of cultural interaction is only made possible by Discover Corps travelers, so get ready for a day of sack racing or kite flying – you never know what the kids will be up to when you arrive! . (Please Note: Due to the pandemic, service projects may differ to ensure safety of the group and local community. Alternative projects include developing clean burning stoves and chicken coops to provide sources of income for the local villages during these difficult times. Please inquire with us for more information.)

Where You’ll Stay

Most of your time in Peru will be spent in the heart of a quaint Andean village called Andahuaylillas, just outside Cusco. Set amongst the soaring Andes Mountains, the private hacienda is complete with vegetable gardens (which we use for meals), peaceful nooks to read and relax in, and a fire pit for our evening discussions. Our in-house cook will prepare authentic Peruvian cuisine, which is among the most diverse and delicious in the world. Be ready for a culinary adventure – you won’t be disappointed! In Cusco, stay in a charming, locally-owned hotel walking distance to Plaza de Armas in Central Cusco.

Itinerary Overview

Arrive in Cusco and take a walking tour of the city before a delicious welcome dinner together. Spend the next six days immersed in the Andean village of Andahuaylillas. We’ll split our time helping out with our after-school program and exploring the local culture. Make traditional Peruvian dolls, visit a non-profit working to educate and care for boys in the area and meet the founders of the innovative Q’ewar Project.

Each night we’ll have dinner together under the clear, starry mountain skies. We’ll end the trip with a full-day excursion to the iconic ruins of the Sacred Valley. Continue on to the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and witness just why this is considered one of the top sights to see on Earth.

Your Expert Local Guide

Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey.

Miguel Revatta

Miguel is a native of the Cusco area and is here to connect you with his family, friends and love of the area. Miguel has worked in various tourism-related roles throughout his career and has a sincere interest in showing the best of Cusco and the surrounding Andes mountains to travelers. You might also meet Miguel’s brother, Julio, who helps with the administrative side of things and loves to get out and meet the groups. When not hosting Discover Corps travelers, you can find Miguel working to raise animals (including guinea pigs and hedgehogs) as well as exploring the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

Optional post-trip extensions

Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.

Traveler’s Journal

“Each day I thought we had reached the high point of the trip, but then the next day always offered another rich experience. Broadening my knowledge of Peru and its people was very important. The trip exceeded any expectation that I had…the warmth, generosity, skill, knowledge of the guide, Miguel, the variety of experiences we participated in – Inka history, social projects, connection with the people, and especially the children – made for an unforgettable trip. Rainbow Mountain was one of the most deeply spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. I’m saving my money for my next Discover Corps trip!”

Karen G.

Putney, VT

Read More Discover Corps Reviews

Rating: 5/5 stars

Dates and Prices

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$4,195 Adult

$3,995 Child

  • Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
  • Single Room Supplement = $450

What’s Included:

  • All meals included: 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
  • 9 nights lodging in rural Andes
  • Service project: all supplies, materials and 20 volunteer hours
  • All activities: 3 guest speakers, 5 hands-on workshops
  • Airport transfers and all ground transportation
  • Features: excursion to Machu Picchu, tour of Sacred Valley and Cusco
  • All gratuities for hotels, meals, baggage, Discover Corps Host & transportation
  • All land transportation during the trip with licensed drivers
  • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline & turnkey support

What’s Not Included:

  • International airfare
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for Discover Corps guide and driver

Dates

Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.

STS = Solo Traveler Savings. Single Supplements are waived on these dates.

2024 Dates

March 24-April 2, 2024

May 19-28, 2024

June 30-July 9, 2024

August 11-20, 2024

September 1-10, 2024

December 26, 2024-January 4, 2025

2025 Dates

February 16-25, 2025 STS

March 23-April 1, 2025

May 18-27, 2025 STS

June 29-July 8, 2025

August 10-19, 2025

August 31-September 9, 2025 STS

December 26-January 4 , 2026

Want to learn more?

Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More

Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.

Customized Private Trips

Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.