Peru, Ecuador and the Galápagos Service

We’ll kick off this incredible program in the Sacred Valley! Visit the amazing sites of the area, including the ruins in Ollantaytambo and Moray, where archaeologists theorize that the Inca conducted agricultural experiments.

Explore legendary Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! This imposing Incan city perched in the clouds will take your breath away, it’s nothing short of incredible! Hike to the legendary Sun Gate for sweeping views of the ruins, and reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs to finish off a perfect day!

Balance your sightseeing experiences by immersing yourself in the small communities that define the diverse cultural identity of Peru! We will be welcomed in the warmest way you can imagine, with open arms and big smiles, into the village of Misminay. Our first project in the small community will include providing hands-on help in various projects like building houses, kitchen improvements (construction work) and farming. One of the nights we will help the community prepare the “pachamanca,” a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in the earth. During our stay in Misminay, we will be sleeping in our own private rooms attached to some of the local family homes, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the local community.

Cusco is one of the most important cities in the Sacred Valley, so wake up and get ready to explore the historic Incan empire! Wander through a beautiful mix of Incan and Colonial architecture, before checking out Coricancha, the most important temple in the Incan Empire, which is dedicated to the Sun God, Inti.

Enjoy a hands-on chocolate making class and make your own tasty creations. At the handicraft markets in Cusco, sharpen your bargaining skills to get unique souvenirs for your family and friends! You’ll even spend a day channeling your inner Indiana Jones as you roam through incredible Incan Ruins, getting off the beaten path to explore some of these ancient cities.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito will charm you with its stunning scenery, well-preserved colonial district, and welcoming residents. Nestled between the Andean Mountain peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America! We will explore this city and discover its intricate architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful markets.

One of the most unique aspects of Quito is that it is home to “la Mitad del Mundo,” the Middle of the World, where you can be both in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time! After straddling both hemispheres, we will visit the Intiñan Museum, where you will learn more about the indigenous culture of Ecuador and be able to participate in some unique experiments that can only be done at latitude 0°.

The next destination on our journey is the magical Galápagos Islands! We will spend time on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands and discover what makes the Galápagos such a coveted travel destination.

On Santa Cruz Island we’ll take the trail to the gorgeous Tortuga Bay where we will sunbathe, swim, and even spot marine iguanas along the shore. We’ll also visit the Charles Darwin Station on the island. This famous center is a wealth of information on habitats and local conservation, and home to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes.

The second island we will visit is San Cristóbal, where we will visit the Galapaguera, a Tortoise breeding center and home to the largest species of giant tortoise in the world. We’ll also explore the misty Junco Lagoon, a freshwater lake located in the middle of a volcanic caldera. You’ll spot seabirds bathing here to wash the salt from their feathers.

While on the islands, we will have plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear water. We’ll snorkel with some fascinating marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and different species of tropical fish. One of the beaches we visit is home to a large number of lazy sea lions basking on the sand, so you will be able to observe these beautiful creatures up close.

After enjoying everything the Galápagos have to offer, there is no better way to complete our journey than by giving back to these beautiful islands that have given us so many incredible memories! We will volunteer with several different projects dedicated to helping the local community.

We’ll spend time at a sustainable farm dedicated to preserving the environment and providing food for the local community. We will help out with several projects on the farm, including recycling and preparing food in a traditional mud oven.

Our projects will allow us to form a deeper connection with the community and to better understand the island’s unique culture. After completing our service we will come full circle and head back to Quito for one final night together in the city where we began our adventure.

After our exciting time in the Galápagos, we’ll return to Quito for one last day of adventure! Head to Mindo, a town located in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains, where we will zip-line, take a chocolate tour, and do last minute souvenir shopping. We’ll have an upscale final dinner in Quito to celebrate the end of the trip.