Day 1 – Sunday: Welcome to Cusco!
Arrive at Cusco, where you'll be warmly greeted at the airport or bus station and transferred to your volunteer residence or host family. Take some time to settle in, unpack, and relax. From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., enjoy a fun orientation and walking tour of the city to get familiar with your new surroundings!
Day 2 – Monday: First Day at the Project
Start your volunteer journey!
Our local coordinator will pick you up around 8:00 a.m. and guide you to your project site, introducing you to the local staff and showing you the route. You'll travel by public bus, giving you an authentic experience of daily life in Cusco!
Days 3–13: Immersive Intercultural Volunteer Work
Dive into a meaningful experience by contributing to local projects focused on helping families in rural and marginalized urban areas. You’ll be working in rural nursery schools, providing much-needed support to teachers with classes of 20 young children aged 3-5 years old. These kindergartens are simple, with basic infrastructure, but your presence will bring warmth and care.
During the final weeks of December, January, and February, you’ll also lend a hand at rural day care centers, caring for babies as young as 6 months and children up to 4 years old.
For two weeks, you'll spend four hours each day, Monday to Friday, providing love, care, feeding assistance, helping children with hygiene, and offering support to the local staff. Your presence will have a lasting impact on these children's lives.
Day 14 – Saturday: Farewell to Cusco
On your final day, take the morning to say goodbye to Cusco, do some last-minute shopping, or prepare for the next leg of your journey around Peru. You’ll have this morning to savor your last moments at your homestay before heading off to new adventures!
Weekend Tours: Adventure & Discovery
Day 6 – Friday: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Adventure
Today, embark on a magical hike through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes! You'll witness stunning views of alpacas and llamas grazing, red mountains, snow-capped peaks, and glistening lakes.
We'll pick you up at 4:30 a.m. from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco and journey through the scenic Andean countryside to Pitumarca, where a hearty breakfast awaits. From there, we continue to K’ayrawiri (4326 m / 14,192 ft), the starting point for your unforgettable 3-4 hour hike. As you ascend to the summit (5020 m / 16,469 ft), immerse yourself in the colorful culture of local communities, spot wild vicuñas, and capture awe-inspiring landscapes. After reaching the summit, explore the striking Red Valley on your way back, where the vibrant mountain hues will take your breath away. Return to Cusco by 6:30 p.m., with memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 7 – Saturday: Free Day in Cusco
Take a well-deserved break or explore Cusco’s vibrant markets, historical sites, and hidden gems on your own. This is your day to rest, recharge, or dive deeper into the rich history of this ancient city!
Day 8 – Sunday: Sacred Valley Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes
At 6:00 a.m., set off for a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover the majestic sites of Moray, Maras, Chinchero, and the Ollantaytambo ruins while learning about ancient Inca traditions and customs. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the valley before boarding the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you'll stay overnight, preparing for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Day 9 – Monday: Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Early in the morning, a short 15-minute bus ride takes you to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A guided 2-hour tour of this breathtaking site will reveal the secrets of this ancient Inca citadel. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore, hike to the Sun Gate, or simply soak in the majesty of this iconic site. You’ll return to Cusco around midnight, after a day you’ll never forget.
Day 13 – Friday: Humantay Lake Hike
End your journey with an epic hike to the crystal-clear Humantay Lake, located near the towering Salkantay Mountain (6271 m). Known for its stunning turquoise waters, this lake is a sacred site for locals. We'll pick you up early from the Plaza de Armas and travel to the charming town of Mollepata for breakfast. Then, enjoy a 2-hour scenic hike surrounded by majestic mountain views. After savoring the beauty and tranquility of the lake, descend back to Soraypampa for lunch and return to Cusco in the late afternoon, refreshed by nature’s splendor.
Important information
The dates indicated in this itinerary may be subject to change due to the daily visitor limits set by the Peruvian government for Machu Picchu. For this reason, we kindly ask our participants to remain flexible regarding potential date adjustments. However, we assure you that the four mentioned tours, including the hike to Vinicunca Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, the Sacred Valley, and the visit to Machu Picchu, will all be fulfilled.
The specific details regarding the tours to the four mentioned destinations will be provided at the travel agency 24 hours before each departure. This will include important information such as the departure time, meeting point with the guide, guide’s name, return time, and more. The information is given 24 hours in advance to ensure it remains fresh in your memory, helping to ensure that the entire group is well-prepared for the experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.