

PERU
SECRETS OF THE SACRED VALLEY
A 15-Day Cultural Immersion Program





Peru

Program Details
Dates: | June 29 – July 13 July 19 – August 2 |
Duration: | 15 days |
Tuition: | $3,995* |
Arrive: | Miami |
Depart: | Miami |
Grade | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th |
*Airfare for group flight from Miami additional
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Program Highlights
- Explore the Breathtaking Vistas of Machu Picchu, an Ancient Wonder of the World
- Live in an Andean Community and Try Your Hand at Traditional Ceramics
- Hike the Colorful Ridges of the Famous Rainbow Mountain
- Get a Bird’s-Eye View Scaling and Via Ferrata, Descending by Zipline
- Walk in the Footsteps of the Incas in the Famed Sacred Valley
- Experience Age-Old Peruvian Farming Techniques
- Wander the Historical Ruins and Cobblestone Streets of Ollantaytambo and Cusco
- Learn to Cook Authentic Peruvian Dishes Alongside a Professional Chef
Spotlight Project
Andean Community Stay
Outside of bustling Cusco is the lesser-known South Valley of the Peruvian Andes. Throughout the valley, communities and villages are known for their outstanding culinary arts. There is a community specializing in cuy (guinea pig), another that specializes in cheese, another in bread, and one that specializes in another art form: artisanal ceramics. Raqch’i was home to the Pukara people, who are recognized for having developed the world’s earliest artistic tradition. As a group, we stay in the community while learning the traditional customs of the Quechuan people by attending a ch’alla ceremony to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Under the tutelage of expert potters, we will try our hand at the potter’s wheel to create our own masterpieces to take home with us full of memories of time spent in Peru.
Program Overview
Explore a land bursting with ancient wonders of the world, friendly people, and living history. Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Quechuan community member, working hand-in-hand with the community to learn about sustainable agriculture through experience. Bike downhill along the shore of the Urubamba River, experiencing the beautiful vistas. Board a scenic train that zig-zags through the lush hillsides and snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes. Experience a “Wonder of the World” while exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Witness the mesmerizing archaeological ruins perched high above the valley as they emerge from the clouds. Visit remote villages once inhabited by the Incas and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets filled with colorful goods and smiling people. Hike the famous geological wonder Rainbow Mountain. Discover all this and more as you unlock Peru’s hidden treasures and journey through the world-renowned Sacred Valley on this unique summer program.
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Program Details
Arrival In Cusco
Our summer program in Peru begins in Miami, where we meet our trip leaders and travel together as a group through Lima to the Spanish colonial city of Cusco. Once there, we settle into our accommodations and meet our guide to begin exploring the city’s intricate array of cobblestone streets on a walking tour. We visit colorful markets, visit iconic locations in the city, and navigate stalls packed with a huge variety of foods and crafts sold by local merchants and artists.
Sacred Valley & Cultural Immersion
The Sacred Valley of Peru stretches from the quiet terraced city of Písac to the bustling gateway of Machu Picchu at Aguas Caliente. Over the course of our program, we work our way through ancient ruins and breathtaking sites, retracing the footsteps of the Incas. Traveling to Lamay, we explore the city’s stunning landscape as we learn about the daily life of community members. Here we visit a traditional Quechuan Village and try our hand working in the fields of various high-altitude crops. We take the opportunity to study the local dialect while in Spanish classes to enhance our cultural exchange with the communities with whom we will interact. Ending our days, we listen to our hosts share local stories and folklore.
Local Cuisine & Mountain Biking
The town of Ollantaytambo sits in the shadow of the famously well-preserved Incan temple and namesake of the town. As a group, we explore the meandering cobblestone and sundrenched streets, practicing our Spanish through conversations with our local hosts. Our taste buds guide us to experience Peru through a dive into local gastronomy. Studying under professionally trained chefs, we learn the flavors, spices, and methods that set Peruvian cuisine apart. Full of knowledge and sustenance, we head to a trail beside the shores of the Urubamba River for an adventure-filled afternoon. Once outfitted with all the necessary equipment, we mountain bike along the gentle bends of the river valley. While on the trail, we are treated to spectacular views of the dramatic granite cliffs cradling the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Discover Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
With eager anticipation we board a scenic train that winds its way through the Andes mountain range along the Urubamba River. After our ride, we arrive at Aguas Caliente, the gateway city to Machu Picchu, and settle into our hotel to rest up for our early morning start. Waking before sunrise, we take a bus up the steep, winding road that deposits us among some of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the planet! Known as the Lost City of the Incas and one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”, Machu Picchu is a labyrinth of mysterious stone palaces, towers, and temples. We wander alongside llamas, some of Machu Picchu’s famous residents, as we explore this incredible wonder, learning how its various structures were constructed in accordance with the cosmos and used to enact rituals believed to bring prosperity to the Incan civilization. After taking in the breathtaking panoramic views, we hike down through the jungle to Aguas Caliente and board the historic railway back to Ollantaytambo.
Andean Community Stay and Rainbow Mountain
The lesser-known South Valley of the Cusco Region is where we explore the harmonization of cultures in the Andes. During our community stay with an Andean Village, we have the opportunity to learn firsthand how to make artisanal ceramics. The master potters share their specialized craft that has been passed down through generations. A visit to the South Valley is not complete without hiking Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). This gorgeous and colorful geologic wonder is surrounded by a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Leaving the South Valley we make our way back to Cusco, taking in the scenic vistas of the countryside. We relish in the experiences we’ve shared together over the past two weeks as we enjoy a festive final feast of traditional Peruvian dinner before we begin our special closing ceremonies.
Our final night is spent celebrating our accomplishments and recounting the friendships we have made during our time in Peru. We share a farewell feast recounting stories from our experience and say goodbye to our Peruvian guides and friends before taking our flight home to Miami the following day, which brings our summer program in Peru to an end.
Program Reviews
“The cultural experience is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life and through travels to come.”
— Liz L., ARCC Student“This was by far the most rewarding experience of my life. This was my first ARCC trip and it far surpassed my high expectations. I have gained an understanding of the impact a small group of individuals can make on the world.”
— Liz B., ARCC Student“This trip has given me new friends and new stories, but more importantly I am returning home with a sense of self I’ve never felt before.”
— Andrew R., Providence, RI – ARCC Student“I think that the trip was amazing at pushing my limits and helping me grow. Without ARCC I would have never realized how much strength I actually have.”
— Sophie K., ARCC Student“Thank you for the invaluable experience you afforded Carly. She had a great time and enjoyed every facet of the well organized and well orchestrated program.”
— Parent of Carly M.“In all regards ARCC ran an organized, instructive, fun filled adventure. Students learned lifelong lessons; all the while having a wonderful time.”
— Parent of Dustin F.
Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their summer program with ARCC:
Experiencing Machu Picchu!
We went to Machu Picchu yesterday! We woke up early to take a bus ride to a village called Ollantaytambo, where we caught the train and had a scenic ride that included incredible mountain views and a rushing river. We arrived in Aquas Calientes for lunch, and afterwards continued on a windy bus ride up…Read more
Helping Families in the Sacred Valley!
We spent the last four days in a village in the Sacred Valley. All of us slept in a room in the community center and ate delicious traditional Peruvian food. During the day we split up into three groups and built stoves for the locals. Before we came, families used inefficient burning stoves that filled…Read more
Thrilling Rapids & Good Food!
Yesterday, we rafted the Urubamba river! The group took a two hour bus ride through mountains along the river. Rafting was very fun. We learned how to trust each other, especially when several of us fell off the boats and relied on our friends to pull us back in. The scenery was beautiful! After rafting,…Read more
Work Hard, Play Hard
We have had an awesome time in Cusco so far. Today is the end of the third day of our trip. We had a wonderful time today at our “Helping Hands” community service project. We worked with the children and helped construct an addition to the school. Everyone worked really hard and gave it their…Read more
Common Questions
What is the packing list for Peru?
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. This thorough list will be made available in the Pre-Trip Welcome Packet.
What is the weather like in Peru?
We travel to Peru during the dry season, though there can be occasional showers. The climate will vary from warm and sunny during the day (60 – 70 degrees) to cooler temperatures at night (30 – 40 degrees). Since Cusco’s elevations is over 11,000 feet, the sun is strong during the day and it tends to cool down significantly at night.
Is there a community service element on this program?
ARCC has been three main foci when creating our programs. Peru: Secrets of the Sacred Valley is a cultural immersion program in which we commit our time to activities that give us the opportunity to experience an array of experiences within this dynamic country. Therefore, this program does not include community service.
What kind of health precautions should I take before traveling to Peru?
Peru is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
Where do we sleep?
During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: simple hotels, hostels, homestays, and a village community house.
What is the transportation like once we are in Peru?
While in Peru, we will travel by train and private bus with a professional driver.
What is the food like?
We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine such as chicken, rice, beans, soups and fresh fruit. ARCC works with local partners and restaurants to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How much spending money should I bring?
For the Peru program, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $75 of spending money for each week of travel. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). Most students opt to bring small amount of cash, as well as personal debit or credit cards.
As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card freezes
Do I need a passport?
Yes, all students traveling to Peru need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this program.
Do I need a visa?
No. US Citizens do not need a visa for this program.
What is the time difference between Peru and the USA?
Peru is GMT-5 which is the same as Central Time in the USA.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. Everyone must be able to carry all of their own belongings which is more comfortable and efficient with a backpack.
Do I need to speak Spanish to join this program?
No. You will be able to participate in all the activities even if you do not speak any Spanish. However, if you study Spanish in school, you will have many opportunities to practice your language skills with the locals you encounter during your program. Having some basic conversational skills will enable you to form stronger bonds with the local people you will be meeting and helping.
What kinds of goods and supplies can we bring to donate for the people we meet?
We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
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Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
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Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC