This month-long immersive program is designed to give participants a profound experience of the people and places of the Andes – from the cultural heritage site of Cusco to the famous “Lost City” of Machu Picchu. During the course of this program, you will live with local families; attend interactive educational seminars to learn about the history, customs, and general culture of the region, in both an urban and rural setting; visit cultural and historical sites of Incan significance; work alongside families and farmers in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; participate in volunteer service within the community; and trek to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail!
Elements of the Andean culture and history are transmitted to program participants via various interactions and connections to the people and places of the region. This program is truly a cultural immersion experience!
The Andean Cultural Immersion Experience is particularly appropriate for those who want to deeply immerse themselves into the culture of the Andes, and experience something on a level beyond ‘tourist’. It also provides a great opportunity to improve one’s Spanish in a practical way. It is very popular as a summer experience for high school students before they enter college, or between semesters for college or university students.
This initial phase of the program is comprised of activities that introduce participants to the people and culture of Cusco and environs – the Heart of the Andes, and the center of the once powerful Incan Empire. Participants will be paired and placed into host families for the duration of Phase One, and will gather each day for interactive and engaging seminars on aspects of Andean culture and history, architecture, astronomy, Andean religion, ancestral medicine, music and dance, cooking, Spanish and Quechua lessons, and more!
We transfer as a group to the ancient Incan city of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to continue our learning of Andean culture. Within view of the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, we will spend three glorious days with local families (small groups of participants staying with each family) sharing meals, learning about agriculture and methods of farming, working in the fields (making an offering to Pachamama before doing so), and more.
During the community service portion of the program, we will return to Cusco to your individual host families, where you will be placed in community organizations to serve. Typical service projects include orphanages and schools.
We depart for the beginning of a trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail
We return to Cusco to our host family in order to prepare for your departure. The next couple of days give you the opportunity to buy gifts, visit friends, take care of laundry, and other sundry tasks before the end of the program.
This day is reserved for handling last minute details for your departure, including goodbyes to friends, and a farewell celebration with families and other program participants.
Transfer to the Cusco airport for flights homeward
Program fee includes:
- All program activities
- Airport transfers to/from Cusco
- Private guides and transportation
- Home stay accommodations in Cusco and Ollantaytambo
- Train tickets
- Bus tickets
- All entrance fees to archeological and historical sites
- All meals mentioned
- All other accommodations during the program
- Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
- In-country personal attention and support
Program fee does not include:
- Air travel between your home country and Cusco
- Other meals not mentioned
- Tips or gratuities for guides, driver and assistants
- Traveler's insurance
- Extra expenses
Common questions:
Yes. You must be at least 16 years old to travel with us on the Andean Cultural Immersion Experience 30-day program. Historically, the majority of participants on the program average 18 years of age.
No. Although our programs are geared towards those who have some basic understanding of the language and a desire to improve their language skills. There are many opportunities to practice with local people in real life situations, for example, during the homestays, and on your service project.
Yes. Although friends and classmates have traveled together with us in the past, our groups are typically comprised of individuals. An additional benefit of the program is that you will likely make friends with other participants.
Yes. Silvia is our in-country director that will be the lead on the program.
No. In both Cusco and Ollantaytambo, you will be placed with one or more program participants in a family home.
Yes. We will meet you at the airport in Cusco on your scheduled arrival day. At the end of the program, we will provide a transfer to the Cusco airport as well.
Participants are
Yes. Due to the elevation of Cusco and the activities on the trip that require you to walk long distances and be on your feet for much of the day, we suggest that participants be in good physical condition before joining us.
Yes. Our Program Director will be there for you! There are a lot of good hospitals and clinics in Cusco to handle any medical eventualities. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover any unforeseen situations.