Andean Cultural Immersion – 30 Days

Andean Cultural Immersion - 30 Days

Description:

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!

General facts

Location:

Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco

Altitude:

Highest elevation, Cusco at 3,400 m (11,200 ft)

Group size:

5-20 individuals

Transportation:

Bus, Train

Active:

All year long

Overview

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.

Gallery

Itinerary

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

General information

Included

Everything written in the program
Private guide and transportation
Train tickets
Bus tickets
All entrance fees
All meals mentioned
Accommodation
Personal attendance

Not included

Airplane tickets
Other meals not mentioned
Tips or gratitudes for guide, driver and assistant
Travel and health insurance
Extra expenses

Why us?

Our programs encourage healthy and sustainable, long-term local development.
We strive to improve the standards of living in the communities we visit.
We aim to protect and preserve the ancient heritage of the Andes is built into everything we do.
Our personal connections throughout Cusco and the Sacred Valley allow us to create intimate and unique experiences.
Many of our programs are able to be modified to meet your specific needs.
We are recognized locally, domestically, and internationally for our practices in sustainable and socially responsible tourism.

Any questions?

We are here to answer and advise, do not hesitate to contact us