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Peru

Conservation of Mountain Ecosystems
see info below

Program Details

DATES
June 19-July 2, 2025

14DAYS

SERVICE HOURS
100
TUITION
$5199* (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, the Llama Pack Project, you will learn about indigenous peoples, sustainable tourism, and conservation while trekking with llamas through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will immerse you in stunning mountain landscapes of the Sacred Valley where you will support the work of the Llama Pack Project with high-Andean agricultural and pastoralist communities in the Urubamba Mountain Range which is parallel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

While in Urubamba, you will spend time learning about sustainable rural development, conservation of mountain ecosystems, and sustainable tourism through the work of our partner, the Llama Pack Project. You will have the opportunity to complete a multi-day llama trek to remote villages while taking part in the Llama Pack Project’s Sustainable Tourism Program and support the teaching of environmental education to local schools. You will also have the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu and learn about the impact of tourism in the area.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Practice speaking Spanish while meeting with residents and local leaders.

Explore the Urubamba Mountain Range, a recognized conservation hot spot.

Learn about the llama as a tool for sustainable rural development and conservation.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will learn about indigenous peoples, sustainable development, and the conservation of mountain ecosystems.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
5
TREKKING
You will complete a multi-day trek to a high-Andean community through high-altitude mountainous terrain. It is critical that you actively prepare prior to travel so they are physically fit.
5
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will stay in a hostel for volunteers in shared rooms with bunks. You will also camp in tents during the llama trek.
5
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in Cusco, you will drive to Urubamba. After that, you will take a train to Machu Picchu. Finally, you will trek to the project site before returning by van to Urubamba and then Cusco.
5
REMOTENESS
In addition to several days spent in the small city of Urubamba, you will spend seven nights camping at high altitudes in remote Andean communities.

Itinerary

1

Depart from Miami

2

Arrive in Cusco. Drive to Urubamba and meet the team of the Llama Pack Project. Evening in Urubamba hostel (2,871 m/9,420 ft).

3

Project introduction. Introductory Quechua lesson. Walk through Urubamba town. Evening in Urubamba hostel (2,871 m/9,420 ft).

4

Full-day visit to Machu Picchu, one of the seven world wonders. Evening in Urubamba hostel (2,871 m/9,420 ft).

5

Visit the Inca city of Ollantaytambo, followed by transportation to the beginning of the trek—evening camping in the High Andean Community (3854 meters / 12641 feet).

6

Environmental Education and Service Work at local school. Evening camping in the first High Andean Community (3854 meters / 12641 feet).

7-10

Environmental Education and Service Work at local school. Evening camping in the second High Andean Community (3970 meters/13024 feet).

11

Llama Trek Day 1. After breakfast, you will meet the llamas and start the 7-9 hour trek (8.9 k.m. / 5.5 miles). The trekking route will take you over Pachacutec Pass (4,702 m. / 15,422 ft.) to the third High Andean Community where you will camp at (3,980 m. / 13,054 ft.)

12

Llama Trek Day 2: After breakfast, you will meet the llamas and start the 2-4 hour trek (6.5 k.m. / 4 miles) from the community (3,980 m. / 13,054 ft.) to your final destination (3313 m. / 10,866 ft.). Upon completing the trek you will be transported in van back to Urubamba. Evening in Urubamba hostel (2,871 m/9,420 ft).

13

After breakfast, you will leave Urubamba and head to Cusco City, where you will spend the day walking through the picturesque streets of the historical center before your return flight back to Miami.

14

Arrive to Miami

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Peru : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.

Inspiration and Community in Cancha Cancha

We’re finally back home in Urubamba after four nights camping in the high-Andean community, Cancha Cancha. After getting dirty and working hard in the community, the whole group is not only satisfied with the work we have accomplished but also more inspired than ever by the people we worked with. On...

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Meaningful Mountains

Today we travelled to Chincero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo to explore ancient Incan ruins. Our group experienced a different side of Peru, getting a taste of this country’s rich history and also seeing a much more touristy side of the Sacred Valley. Fortunately, our trusty pal Augustine from the Llama...

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Communication and connections

It's amazing how we find different ways to communicate with each other. While some students in our group speak Spanish very well, others just know the basics. As a non-Spanish speaker and someone who has not taken a Spanish class since the 6th grade, I can honestly say that it was nerve wracking goi...

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Lesson Planning and Touring Urubamba

Day 3! After getting hardly any sleep following a full 24 hours of travel, day 2 was a bit of a blur. Today sort of felt like day 1. I'd like to start by recognizing just how amazing the food is here. Our cooks have yet to give us a meal that wasn’t enjoyed by everyone. I believe all fears of not li...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $4999
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $5199

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $900

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.  

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application.  Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions, please CLICK HERE.

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