DAY 1

VISIONS students arrive at the Lima airport, where VISIONS leaders meet participants and fly with them to Cuzco. Everyone makes a quick call home and is greeted by our professional driver and project coordinator, Nico Jara. We then make the gorgeous hour-long drive into the Sacred Valley and our homebase in Urubamba. We settle in, do an exciting scavenger hunt in town, and do our program orientation, including our first Circle meeting. 

We then come together for a Cena de Bienvenida that our dinner cook, Neyda, prepares.

DAY 2

Our primary project includes building an irrigation canal network in the charming rural community of Yanahuara. This is more than mere construction; it’s about preserving an agriculture-based livelihood for communities of the Sacred Valley. 

A memorable start to the day is the Pachamama ceremony which is a tribute to the earth and brings the community together to begin work. Additionally, we participate in “homebase crew” days with rotating teams that help prepare meals, maintain our living area, and shop at local markets for fresh produce.

After work, we head to the ruins of Chinchero, with incredible views of the Andes, local artisan shops, and then an engaging demonstration by Quechua women about traditional weaving processes.

DAYS 3 – 4

Worksites and homebase crews continue, and we make significant headway on the canales with our Quechua partners. 

One afternoon after work, we head out to the Moray archaeological ruins. Imagine concentric terraces etched into the earth like a natural amphitheater. These terraces once acted as an ancient Inca lab for agriculture, with each level creating its own unique climate for different crops to flourish.

We then take a scenic hike downhill to Salineras de Maras, where over 3000 salt ponds, active since the Incan Empire, transform the landscape. Community-run small shops offer various types of salt, and you’ll get to interact with the folks who are keeping the Inca traditions alive.

Another afternoon includes “Bamba time” in our hometown, where we check out a famous pottery studio, have an optional soccer game, and might even have time for a chocolate-making workshop!

Read more about daily life on VISIONS programs.

DAY 5

A favorite experience during our program is our “day stay” with local families. Partnered with another VISIONS participant, you’ll dive into the Quechua culture through the eyes of your host family, who welcomes you like a friend. Starting after breakfast, you’ll spend the whole day with your host family, building connections and creating memories. Even if your Spanish skills are just starting to advance, the excitement of forming new bonds will fuel your interactions. 

“The homestay was one of my favorite moments on the trip. I loved talking with my homestay family and learning what their lives are like. The kids in my homestay family were really fun to be around and I got to chat with them in Spanish.”

DAY 6

Our Machu Picchu excursion! We hop on an early morning train to Machu Picchu’s mountainside town of Aguas Calientes, where we head up to this 15th Century Citadel for a professional tour and taking in the sights. If time allows, there will be an option to hike up to Machu Picchu from town (about 1.5 hours) instead of riding the bus. 

There will also be time to explore the markets of Aguas Calientes before hopping on a late afternoon train to return to home sweet home.

DAYS 7 & 8

Pack up, clean our living space, and head to Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere. After checking out the historic district and nearby ruins, we head to the airport for afternoon flights to Lima, where departures begin late-night and continue the next morning. A leader accompanies the group in order to see everyone off from Lima. Flights start in the late evening and go on until the following morning. Day 12: You’ll be back home (if you’re in the U.S.), regardless of whether you had a late-night flight or an early-morning departure.

We hope you’ll carry your newfound skills and passion for service with you to every community you touch. Take what you’ve learned and be the spark that brings brighter days and deeper connections. 

Until next time, Hasta la próxima!