Peru Summer Program: Spanish Immersion, Volunteering & Adventure Travel

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa,  Puno,  Ollantaytambo,  Sacred Valley of the Incas,  Amantani Island,  Machu Picchu,  Incan ruins,  Rural Areas

Term: Summer 
Dates: Offered in July every year - register now for July 2009 or July 2010

Description: This summer program gives you the chance to experience Peru's incredible cultural, social and environmental diversity. We immerse ourselves in Spanish, volunteer and homestay with local families, bike and trek an Inca jungle trail to Machu Pichu, explore Mediterranean-like islands at 12,000ft on Lake Titicaca, wander the ancient cobbled stones streets, plazas and markets of Cusco and Arequipa, hike into the spectacular Colca Canyon, visit mysterious Nazca, sandboard the dunes at Huacachina and head off-shore to the Ballestas Islands. This travel-study abroad summer or gap year program is suitable for students, graduates and non-students 18-25 years.

Peru is a "Land of Contrasts" vibrantly alive with enchanting and heart warming-friendly people, many of whom are descendants of the Incas and retain rich traditions of language, colorful dress and lively music. It has stunning, diverse landscapes, from the highest snow dusted peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon jungle. The food is fantastic. The language, surprisingly easy to pick-up. Wild life abounds - you're sure to see flamingos, condor, llamas and the elusive vicuna.

Highlights:
* 1 week of Immersion Spanish Language. All levels catered for.
* Homestay with local families in Cusco to enhance your language acquisition.
* Volunteer afternoons during language week with organizations in Cusco supporting orphans and disadvantaged youth.
* Explore historic Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire.
* The Inca Jungle Trail - mountain biking and trekking through the jungle to spectacular Machu Pichu
* 3-day white water rafting trip down the Apurimac River, camping on the riverbank.
* Homestay with indigenous islanders on Amantani Island in the middle of Lake Titicaca.
* Condors, camping and hiking in Canyon Del Colca (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon)
* Soak up the charms of beautiful Arequipa.
* Mysterious Nazca - pre-inca cemetery and the option to fly over the Nazca lines
* Sandboarding at Huacachina
* Ballestas Islands boating
* Very personalized small group experience (compare with other programs of up to 40 in group)
* Fantastic program leader supported by great local guides

Cost in US$: 3,850

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-25 ideal

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement: Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we aim to provide and assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded: 2001