

SOUTH AMERICA
PERU, ECUADOR, PATAGONIA
A Semester Long Gap Year Program








South America

Program Details
Dates: | Spring 2021: March 1 – May 9 Fall: September 1 – November 20 |
Duration: | 80 days |
Tuition: | $14,000 |
Arrive: | Miami |
Depart: | Miami |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for international and in-country flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Delve into the Spanish Language and South America Culture during a Homestay in the Ecuadorian Andes
- Explore the Effects Petroleum Drilling and Gold Mining are having on the Amazon and Its People
- Participate in a Llama Conservation and Village Education Project in the Sacred Valley of Peru
- Walk in the Footsteps of the Incas and Explore the Ancient Ruins of Machu Picchu
- Discover the Uros Floating Islands and Experience Traditional Life During a Homestay on the Shores of Lake Titicaca
- Volunteer on the Grounds of Parque Patagonia, Chile’s Newest National Park
- Trek in the Shadows of the Towering Peaks and Glaciers of Torres del Paine
- Learn the Gaucho Way of Life During a Homestay on a Chilean Estancia
- Whitewater Raft the Turquoise Waters of the World-Renowned Futaleufu River
WAITLIST ONLY FOR SPRING 2021 SEMESTER!
Spring 2021 Update:
The South America program will be traveling to Peru and Patagonia between March 1st and May 9th. Please reach out to margo@arccprograms.com for more details!
Program Overview
Adventure and education collide during our journey through the lush jungles, snow-capped peaks, and enchanting sites of Ecuador, Peru, and Patagonia. Our South America gap year program takes advantage of our nearly 20-year history of exploration in the region and opens doors unimagined by the casual traveler. Navigating Ecuador’s Amazon jungle by canoe, we partner with a local politician to explore the effects that petroleum drilling and gold mining are having on the environment and indigenous communities. Treading in the footsteps of the Inca, we gain insight into an ancient culture as we explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Embarking on a multi-day rafting trip down the famed Futaleufu River, we experience some of Patagonia’s most exhilarating rapids. Settling into a homestay on a traditional estancia, we immerse ourselves in the Chilean gaucho way of life. Exploring the effects of climate change on the melting glaciers in Patagonia and researching the contentious debate surrounding proposed hydroelectric dams of the region’s waterways, we understand the complex conservation issues facing Patagonia. Embarking on a five-day trek amidst the towering peaks and glacial lakes of the famous Torres del Paine National Park, we are awed by the beauty of Patagonia’s natural landscape. The abundance of life around us underscores the rich and unforgettable experiences of this South America semester.
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Program Details
Orientation, Lake Quilatoa and Ziplining
Leaving home behind we fly together to our first country of the semester, Ecuador, and settle into our hostel in the capital city of Quito. Nestled in the Andes at about 9,000 feet and ringed by volcanoes, we spend our first few days acclimatizing to the altitude and our beautiful new surroundings. We then continue our orientation at Lake Quilatoa, a beautiful caldera lake in the Andes, where we enjoy day hikes along the Lake Quilatoa rim trail. During this time we map out our itinerary and set both individual and group goals for the duration of the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Passion Projects, identifying points in the semester where each of our five global themes will be present. After these days of fun, adventure, and acclimatizing, we gear up for our first project in the Amazon Rainforest.
Amazon Petroleum Drilling and Deforestation Study
Heading south to the Amazon rainforest we make our way to Coca where we jump into our first project of the semester focused on the mining of petroleum and gold. From experts in the field, we gain an understanding of the positive and negative effects mining has had on this part of the Ecuadorian Amazon and its communities. We visit oil derrick sites where we have the opportunity to interview employees and see firsthand the groundwater and soil pollution from irresponsible water disposal. Also during this section, we have the opportunity to witness the devastating deforestation and pollution that illegal mining is having on the Amazon.
An Introduction to Life as a Cacao Grower and Rafting
Making our way deep into the Amazon, we settle into our homestays with local Kichwa families. We begin an in-depth anthropological study of cacao growers in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Ecuador makes some of the richest, most delicious artisanal chocolate available today and we have the opportunity to examine this economic market. We not only learn how exporting chocolate upholds the local economy in the Amazon, but we work alongside the cacao growers on their farms and learn about the chocolate-making process from harvest to production, ending with a sampling of this delicious national export. We also participate in a community meeting and present a short workshop on globalization and international markets. To round out our eye-opening section in the Amazon, we head to the rapids of the Napo River, a tributary to the Amazon, for a day of whitewater rafting and cooling off from the heat and humidity of the Amazon.
Homestay and Language School in Otavalo
Leaving the Amazon behind we make our way to Otavalo where we begin our week-long language school and jump into our second homestay of the semester. In the mornings we attend classes customized to our individual language abilities and in the afternoons we have the opportunity to practice our skills through lively intercambios with our local hosts and through explorations of this charming town. During downtime, we play soccer with our host siblings, browse the world-renowned Otavalo market (one of the largest handicraft markets in Latin America), and explore the beautiful landscape of the surrounding area. As the week concludes, we say farewell to our welcoming host families and return to Quito, stopping off for a day of zip-lining through the lush canopies of the Mindo cloud forest.
Cusco Exploration and Peruvian Girl’s Education Initiative
Leaving Quito behind, we catch a short flight to Peru where we spend our first couple days in the charming city of Cusco, exploring colorful plazas and markets, cobblestone streets, and the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman scattered atop the hillside overlooking the city. As we acclimate to this new country, we also revisit our initial semester personal and group goals. We then begin our project working with a local non-profit committed to providing educational opportunities for young girls in Peru. We spend a few days at a hogar (home for children) in Urubamba, which is specifically for girls aged 3-18 years old. At the hogar we have the opportunity to get to know the girls, hear their stories and interview the women who run this special community. We also spend a day with scholarship recipients who are receiving funding from this non-profit to attend university in Peru. These girls, about our age, are often the first in their families to attend university and serve as inspiration for many.
Sacred Valley Exploration and Machu Picchu
Saying goodbye to our dear friends at the hogar, we spend the next two days exploring Peru’s beautiful Sacred Valley. Based in Urubamba, we may decide to participate in cultural activities, work on our Capstone Passion Projects, or participate in day hikes amidst the surrounding peaks. We then board a train for a stunning ride to the sacred Incan city of Machu Picchu, the “Gate of the Sun.” After spending a night in the town of Aguas Calientes, we set off on foot to the sacred temples, plazas and ceremonial baths of Machu Picchu. Hiking up Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) we catch a birds-eye view of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Llama Conservation and Education Initiative
Partnering with an inspiring organization outside of Cusco, we delve into the complex conservation issues surrounding the iconic llamas of the Peruvian Andes. This organization’s mission is to promote the sustainable uses of llamas as pack animals to support the rapidly growing tourism industry. Llamas were traditionally pack animals in rural communities, and the organization’s belief is that through once again using llamas as pack animals, rural communities will have the tools to become economically self-sufficient. Through partnering with this organization we learn about sustainable rural development and help identify solutions to the degradation of these mountain ecosystems.
Lake Titicaca Homestay and Kayaking
Our final section in Peru takes us to Lake Titicaca, the largest high-altitude lake in the world. Upon arrival, we board a boat out to the floating islands, home to the pre-Incan Uros people. The Uros have made their homes on forty-two floating islands, maintained using bundles of dried totora reeds. We learn about their unique lifestyle on the lake, before continuing on to our homestays. Upon arrival back to the mainland, we are welcomed by our host families in a village on the shores of the lake. We spend our days immersing ourselves in the lives of the community and digging deeper into public health issues facing the region. In downtime, we may choose to explore the lakeside area, play soccer with the local children or swim in the lake. To round out our time on Lake Titicaca, we head out on kayaks to explore the pristine waters, soaking up our final days in Peru.
Aysen, Patagonia and Rafting the Futaleufu River
Leaving Peru behind we catch our flight south to Balmaceda, Patagonia, where we begin our orientation to Chilean culture and customs and take in our first deep breaths of Patagonian mountain air. After a down day in the picturesque town of Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region, we venture out on the famed Carretera Austral, known as one of the most beautiful and breathtaking roadways in the world. Taking in spectacular scenery along the way, we wind our way to the beautiful town of Futaleufu, home to some of the greatest white water in the world. In Futaleufu, we explore our charming surroundings, spend two days rafting its turquoise waters, and then meet with the Futaleufu River Keepers where we learn about the contentious issue and ‘sin represas’ movement surrounding hydroelectric dams in Chile.
Parque Patagonia Environmental Service
Continuing south on the Carretera Austral, we make our way to Parque Patagonia, Chile’s newest national park. Our time in Parque Patagonia provides us the opportunity to glimpse first-hand what privately-funded conservation looks like in Patagonia. In a historic donation to the Chilean government, the Tompkins Foundation facilitated one of the largest natural grassland revival projects in the world, recovering land from severe overgrazing that significantly threatened the unique ecosystems of this region of Chilean Patagonia. Once declared a national park, the Tompkins Foundation returned the land to the country of Chile as a protected area. At Parque Patagonia we work in the organic garden that provides vital nutrition for much of the surrounding community while learning about organic and sustainable farming practices.
Estancia Stay and Gaucho Study
Our next stop takes us into rural Aysen, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular and often overlooked provinces. Here we stay in a village populated primarily by sheep, cattle, and hayfields. For the next week, we participate in a village stay where we have the opportunity to experience traditional living while lending our hands on the expansive farms, working in the fields and learning about three important issues facing this part of Chile: food security, urbanization, and resource extraction due to neighboring mining projects. Complimenting our learning, we have the opportunity to experience Patagonia’s more rugged side through day hikes in the mountains and feasting on traditional Patagonian asados.
Student Planned Module
Venturing south to the picturesque town of Puerto Natales we find ourselves surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and expansive fjords of the Region de Magallanes y Antartica Chilena. Here we dive in to our Student Planned Module. This section is completely planned, organized, budgeted and implemented by the students. We can’t wait to see what the group will do!
Torres del Paine National Park and Program Conclusion
As we begin to round out our time in Chile, we make our way to the world-renowned Torres del Paine, one of South America’s most beautiful national parks. Looming nearly 10,000 feet above the Patagonian Steppe, the spectacular granite pillars that make up Torres del Paine tower over the former sheep estancia, which is home to exotic birds, guanacos, and countless other types of wildlife. Celebrated as one of the best treks in the world, we spend five days hiking the famed W Trek and gazing at the incredible panoramas of Torres del Paine.
As we soak up our final days together surrounded by the spectacular vistas and endless valleys of this region of Patagonia, we enjoy our last asados and dulce de leche, snap our final photos and reminisce on our favorite memories of the past three months. There is no doubt that our experiences during this semester will stay with us for the rest of our lives. As we savor our remaining time together, we are excited to head home to share our newly gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at the global issues facing Ecuador, Peru, and Patagonia.
*Please note that the order of the countries and of the projects is subject to change depending on your group assignment.
Program Reviews
“You’re not going to fully understand the semester your taking until it’s over. As long as you don’t forget to pack a positive attitude, nothing will stop you from having the time of your life. There’s bound to be rough patches, but you’ll find yourself with people who will help you land on your feet and laugh about the experience.”
— Reece W., Frisco, TX, University of Texas ’23“Traveling with a purpose is something life-changing, and I am so happy to say that Izzy came back a different person, her eyes open, her heart full of emotions for her fellow travelers. She learned so much about herself and really, about humanity. Thanks so much for taking such good care of her and showing her the world in a way that we could never have done.”
— Parent of Isabella G., Ann Arbor, MI“Zander grew a lot on this semester. He learned not only about the places he visited, but about himself, group interactions, etc. The balance of tourism, service and local connection was really valuable. In addition, the student-led aspect was terrific!”
— Parent of Zander M., Boulder, CO, Bates ’22“Taylor had a wonderful experience and the biggest takeaway was opening up her mind to see things in a different way. That is a priceless part of this trip and the manner in which the trip is organized around immersions and adventure travel allows for those new view points to come through in a very positive way.”
— Parent of Taylor P., Cincinnati, OH, Harvard ’22“Choosing to participate in an ARCC semester has been one of the most important and eye opening experiences of my life. It enabled me to live in a very intentional way working to better myself. Experiencing the world more has given me confidence to move forward in life proudly and with more certainty and clarity.”
— Kathryn S., Northport, ME, Simmons ’21“Choosing ARCC Gap has been one of the best choices of my life. I’ve been able to see and experience countless incredible things I would have missed otherwise, make lifelong friendships with my group, and I’ve become a more globally aware individual.”
— Cameron D., Highlands Ranch, ARCC Gap Student“ARCC has changed me in ways unimaginable and has made me mature in almost every aspect of my life. Through this experience I have gained a new family and now have 13 new brothers and sisters that I will stay in contact with till the day I die. I don’t know any other way I would have liked to l spend this semester.”
— Connor L., Parma, OH, University of Ohio ’20“This was overall one of the most impactful experiences of my life.”
— Maya C., New York, NY, SUNY Purchase ’19“I really loved everything about my ARCC experience. I feel like I’ve learned so much this semester about myself and the world.”
— Meredith B., Raleigh, NC, UNC Chapel Hill ’19“I would definitely recommend ARCC to potential students. I saw, experienced and partook in many once in a lifetime experiences. I also came into this trip wanting to grow as a person, but was skeptical if it was actually going to happen, but I definitely grew and changed for the better.”
— Brooke P., Winchester, MA, UMASS ’19“The highlight of my semester was the [Ecuadorian] homestay. I learned so much about the people and their culture and made some amazing connections. I learned how to farm their crops, fish with their nets, played soccer with the locals, swam in the Amazon with the kids, went for hikes in the rainforest, and learned about their traditional foods and medicines. My family also had a pet monkey which was pretty sweet.”
— Brett C., Hamilton, MA, Harvard ’19“The Gap Semester continued to solidify Maggie’s direction and interests she’s been drawn to…global public health. The semester will certainly enhance her education as she moves forward in college.”
— Parents of Maggie G., Saratoga Springs, NY, SUNY Albany ’19Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC:
Daily log for the Torres Del Paine hike
Day 1 (Looking Outward): Via bus, then boat, we reached the starting line of our first hike. The palpable nervousness is never mentioned, but evident in tightened laughs and longer silences. Despite adequate preparation, tension lingers. Within the first twenty minutes of trekking, conversation naturally gives way to admiration of our surroundings. We walked through…Read more
Exploring the Amazon
On Monday we left the city of Quito headed for Tena, the entry to the Amazon. On the way we stopped for an awesome waterfall hike and lunch. Once we arrived and settled into our hotel we went to dinner, explored Tena, and had some helado (ice cream). On Tuesday we had another super fun…Read more
Gaucho Homestay #1
Hey guys! This week has been our second homestay and it has been great. We were split into two groups: in my house are Alli, Soren, Phil, Johnny and Eric. Typically, wake up time is around 9 am for breakfast where we have some homemade bread, eggs, avocado and coffee. After breakfast we help…Read more
Minas Chupas
I hardly even know where to start in writing about our week in Minas Chupa up in the Andes in Ecuador. I’m Reece, and Carson and I started our reign as Leaders of the Week in this very lovely place. The people of the community have been so extraordinarily welcoming to us, we’ve spent our…Read more
Patabamba Hike
This week has been WICKED!! We started it off with a 7 1/2 hour hike to Patabamba, where we would stay with a local family, teach English to kids, and build guinea pig pens. The hike was certainly something. 5 of us hiked with Kaitlyn, while the rest of us drove with JP. I endured…Read more
Patabamba!
Hiking around Peru is considered a normal form of transportation from town to town, often seeing Quechuan women herding their sheep along the paths. We were given the chance to hike six hours to Patabamba, a local community almost 13,000ft in elevation in the Sacred Valley. Most of us waked the 25km into the village,…Read more
Peruvian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Latin America….Peru, Peru, what a place where the sky is blue…not to mention, we get to celebrate atop Machu Picchu! Aquas Calientes, hot water as we like to say, is the town that draws people in to take them to the stunning holy city of Machu Picchu. Driving by bus, riding by train,…Read more
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