DAY 1

The adventure begins at Lima airport, where VISIONS leaders welcome participants before continuing together on a connecting flight to Cuzco. After a quick call home, we meet our longtime partner, Nico Jara, and travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley to our home in Urubamba.

Once settled, we kick off orientation, get to know one another in our first Circle meeting, and enjoy live Andean music and a traditional meal cooked by Neyda, our beloved chef.

DAY 2 – 4

Local experts (our maestros) show us how to mix cement, work with adobe, and handle bricks and tools while building irrigation canals and assisting with upgrades at a preschool. On the first day at the canals, we join in a Pachamama blessing, an Andean ritual that honors the Earth and unites volunteers.

Rotating “homebase crews” keep our living space running smoothly, taking turns cooking, cleaning and shopping at markets. 

Afternoons and evenings include soccer games, short hikes, exploring town during “Bamba time,” and stargazing under the dark Andean sky. We also dive into taller workshops like pottery, carpentry, jewelry-making and chocolate-making. 

Read more about daily life on VISIONS programs.

DAY 5

A highlight of our teen summer program in Peru is spending a full day with a Quechua host family. Paired with another student, you share meals, join daily routines, and experience home life through genuine connection. Language barriers fade as kindness and curiosity open doors.

 “I truly loved the homestay because I feel like I was able to go back to a time period when people journey around the world for education.” – Jocelyn Rockman

DAY 6 

After a relaxed morning, we head out to explore some of the Sacred Valley’s wonders. First is Moray, a unique archaeological site of circular terraces that once served as an agricultural testing ground for the Incas.

From there, we hike down to Salineras de Maras, where thousands of salt pools cascade across the mountainside.

DAYS 7 – 9

Worksites buzz with momentum. Teen volunteers work alongside local partners and projects are paired with laughter and teamwork.

Outside of service hours, workshops and cultural experiences continue. One afternoon takes us to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, where massive stone walls showcase the engineering skill of the Inca. Evenings bring karaoke, time with friends, or relaxed wandering in Urubamba’s Plaza Central.

DAYS 10

No Peru teen travel program would be complete without Machu Picchu. We take the train to Aguas Calientes and ascend to the legendary citadel for a guided tour of temples, terraces, and breathtaking vistas. 

After exploring the ruins and browsing the markets of Aguas Calientes, we return to Urubamba by evening train.

DAYS 11

Our final day of high school community service is filled with accomplishment. Projects wrap up with pride, and we gather that evening for a heartfelt farewell dinner with community partners who have become close friends.

DAYS 12 & 13

We pack up, clean our homebase, and make our way to Cuzco for flights to Lima. Leaders remain with the group until every student is safely on late-night or next morning departures out of Lima. Those who depart in the morning will stay in an airport hotel with leaders.

You’ll carry friendships, cultural insights, and the confidence gained through service and adventure. 

Day 13: Arrival home (if you’re in the U.S.), regardless of late-night flight or departure the following morning. 

Hasta la próxima!