Peru: Sacred Mountains

  Peru

Lima,  Machu Picchu,  Puno

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: June 27-August 7

Description: The popular Peruvian saying, "Es el Pais de las maravillas" has two meanings. To understand the first, This is the land of marvels, imagine yourself on a high mountain pass, with the snow-capped Andes behind you, and the site of parrots gliding through a verdant orchid-filled rainforest canopy below you. To understand the second, more colloquial translation--anything is possible-- will take more than imagining the breathtaking beauty of this Andean paradise. The reason this proverb threads itself through the lives of the Peruvian people will only be revealed by engagement in the complex culture, political history and natural diversity that define Peru, in every way, as a land of extremes. Whether hiking through some of Peru's remaining untouched wilderness, fishing from the crystalline reed banks of Lake Titicaca, or listening to traditional stories told by an elder deep in the Amazonian jungle, the wisdom of this expression will undoubtedly assume new meaning throughout our journey.

In the bustling capital city of Lima, we enjoy cultural museums, colorful artisan markets, and visit with directors of local NGOs to learn about important development issues facing Peru today. Heading up windy roads into the heart of the Andes, we stay with families in indigenous mountain villages near the town of Huaraz. We join our host communities in daily activities such as harvesting wheat and baking bread, learning about traditional fishing, music, art and more. We exchange English lessons for Spanish lessons, play soccer with local kids, and complete a collaborative community development service project. Disappearing into the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, we trek for 8 days through elevations over 15,000 feet. Rivers and waterfalls rush past us as we walk through llama-dotted mountain passes and camp beneath the millions of stars visible through the thin air. We pass through remote mountain villages and play with local children, many of whom have never left the valley in which they live, finding ourselves not only challenged physically, but also questioning our role as global citizens. Emerging from the high country, we delve into another of Peru's extreme natural jewels, the Amazon jungle. A small boat guides us through this biodiversity capital of the world, where we stay with families in an indigenous village, fish, try our hands at traditional crafts, and learn about this rich ecosystem. We enjoy the famous Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, while staying in a small town on its banks where we camp, explore the islands by boat, and learn about this famous locale through the eyes of the locals. Weaving down the cobblestone streets of Cusco, passing through lush cloud forests of the Sacred Valley, and exploring the "lost city" of Macchu Pichu, we immerse ourselves in the mysterious history of the magnificent Inca kingdom.

Our exploration of Peru combines interaction with indigenous cultures, acquisition of the Spanish language, locally-guided treks through some of Peru's most remote mountains, and exploration of the mysterious Amazonian jungle. Marked by the spontaneity characteristic of all Dragons expeditions, every day of this trip will be filled with opportunities for both adventure and education. Traveling through Peru's physical and cultural landscapes, you will be challenged in ways that are yet unimaginable (anything can happen) and, in turn, be heartily rewarded. We invite you to join our exploration of the spellbinding, unpredictable wonder that is Peru, el pais de las maravillas.

Highlights: Rugged Travel: 3 stars
Bus, train, truck, boat travel. Extensive hiking, camping, and multiple rustic village stays.

Home Stay: 4 stars
Multiple rural home-stays throughout travels

Trekking/Wilderness: 4 stars
8-10 day trek through high-altitude Cordillera Huayhuash, expedition to Amazon jungle

Language Study: 2 stars
On-going Spanish classes with native-speaking Dragons leader, language instruction exchange with Peruvian youth.

Service: 3 stars
Variety of service projects in rural communities

Survey of Development Issues: 3 stars
Eco-tourism, cultural and environmental preservation, biological diversity, minority empowerment

Internships/ISPs: 3 stars
ISPs facilitated throughout program.

Focus of Inquiry: 3 stars
Andean cultural history, history and geography of Peru, Spanish language

Cost in US$: 6,500

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max 12

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement: Through expertly guided and honest introductions to the cultural and physical landscapes of developing Asia and Latin America, and through Experiential Education that stresses the empowerment of the student, Dragons strives to cultivate cultural awareness and sensitivity, opportunities for personal growth through physical and emotional challenges, and a commitment to the communities through which we travel, providing young adults with a richer understanding of themselves, and of the social and physical worlds around them.

Year Founded: 1992