Peru
Homestay and Immersion
About the Program
Experience an authentic immersion into Peruvian culture by living with local families in the Andes. Through daily interactions, students practice their Spanish while gaining unique insights into traditional Peruvian life. This program combines meaningful cultural exchange with language immersion, allowing students to form deep connections with their host families and communities while enhancing their language skills in a real-world setting.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Arrival late night to Lima and meet the Global Works trip Leader and check into the hotel
- Orientation to Peru and Global Works!
- Short flight to Cusco. Private bus transfer from airport to downtown Cusco
- Stop for lunch at local restaurant in Cusco’s famous Plaza de Armas
- Travel by private bus to hotel in Calca with a stop at the mirador for pictures
- Local weaving demonstration and alpaca farm for feeding and fun interactions with the animals
- Arrive to hotel, settle into rooms, and dinner at hotel
- Sacred Valley tour- visit the impressive ancient Pisac ruins; barter for artisan goods; lunch in Pisac Market – try the delicious empanadas!
- Silver ring and jewelry workshop. Learn to make jewelry with a local artisan
- Dinner and preparation for the next phase of the trip- homestays!
- Gather in the town of Calca to meet homestay families. Begin hands-on service work alongside members of the community
- Assist in construction of a food garden or the building of a community kitchen
- Lunch with homestay families
- Settle into homestays and spend the afternoon getting to know the families
- Excursion to indigenous town of Kayllarakay, learn about the traditional Quechua lifestyle, language, and culture
- Share hearty lunches with members of the community
- Afternoon activity at the local school – games and sports!
- Back to homestays for the night
- Continue Service Projects in the indigenous town
- Lunch with members of the community
- Afternoon preparation for final fiesta
- Final ‘despedida’ fiesta with homestay families
- Final morning of service work before departing the homestay community
- Lunch in with homestay families
- Pack up bus and say good-byes
- Travel via private but to town of Ollantaytambo
- Board train to Aguas Calientes, box dinner en route
- Late night briefing at hotel for spectacular Machu Picchu
- Early departure for Machu Picchu
- Full-day guided tour, hiking and exploring of the world wonder
- Buffet Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Evening departure to Ollantaytambo by train, then bus transfer to Cusco
- Check into Cusco hotel, dinner and reflections on the trip thus far
- Cusco tour including a market scavenger hunt and a look at key sites across this culturally significant city
- Depart for the airport according to flight schedules
- Overnight flight back home
Note: Option to extend this itinerary to 14 Days
Educational Focus & Highlights
Live with Peruvian Families
Experience daily life with homestay families in Calca, immersing yourself in the Quechua culture. Participate in family meals and local customs while practicing Spanish.
Serve in Indigenous Communities
Work alongside community members in Calca and Kayllarakay on projects such as building sustainable gardens and community kitchens. Dig into create lasting impact through hands-on service.
Explore the Lost City
Hike and explore the world-renowned Machu Picchu with a full-day guided tour. Immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of this iconic Incan site. An unforgettable experience!
Discover Ancient Wonders
Visit the Pisac ruins and explore the Sacred Valley, learning about the rich history of the Inca civilization while engaging with local artisans and going to markets for unbelievable finds.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels and eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is chosen to provide private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring a supportive environment for our programs. Homestays typically house 2-3 students. Participants stay with families who have long-standing relationships with Global Works.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
