High school service Location
Peru
Programs
Work with Indigenous Quechua people on projects that help protect their agricultural livelihood. Spend your days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the base of the Andes, where you’ll explore ancient ruins and move beyond tourism through genuine immersion and shared service.
- Spanish Immersion & Indigenous Cultural Insights
- Andes Mountains, Hikes to Ruins, Artisan Markets
- Irrigation Canals, Adobe Construction, Time with Kids
Program dates
Peru 1
Dates
June 15 - June 22
Length
8 Days
Service hours
20 - 25
Tuition
$3,190
Peru 2
Dates
June 27 - July 15
Length
19 Days
Service hours
60 - 70
Tuition
$6,190
Peru 3
Dates
July 20 - August 1
Length
13 Days
Service hours
40 - 50
Tuition
$4,790
Peru 1
Dates
June 15 - June 22
Length
8 Days
Service hours
20 - 25
Tuition
$3,190
PERU 2
Dates
June 27 - July 15
Length
19 Days
Service hours
60 - 70
Tuition
$6,190
PEru 3
Dates
July 20 - August 1
Length
13 Days
Service hours
40 - 50
Tuition
$4,790
Going to Peru and becoming part of the community was eye opening and fulfilling. We didn’t just build irrigation canals, we built a family. I took home with me an experience and inspiration that will forever push me to do greater things.
Connect deeply
Living among direct descendants of the Incan Empire, one embraces ancient heritage and time-honored traditions that resonate through this breathtaking landscape.
friends become family
For more than 25 years, collaboration between VISIONS and the community of Urubamba has woven a tapestry of shared experiences. You’ll be welcomed by local friends eager to share projects and activities. Each day carries a family-like atmosphere, from communal meals and project accomplishments to shared goals and unforgettable outings.
EXPLORE ADVENTUROUSLY
Andean peaks, indigenous cultures and vast ruins—Peru offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Going beyond
The connection to ancient culture is palpable. You’ll explore Machu Picchu and visit other vast Incan ruins, tour Salinas de Maras where salt is still harvested in cascading mountain ponds, spend time in the old capital of Cuzco, shop at centuries-old artisan markets, and wander highland villages where life continues much as it has for generations.
Activities & excursions
- Learn Pottery, Weaving & Chocolate-Making
- Explore Moray, Chinchero & Machu Picchu Ruins
- Walk Through Ancient Salt Flats
- Shop at Vibrant Artisan Markets
- Play Soccer with Locals & Explore Town
- Immerse in Rural Life During a Family Day Stay
- Stargaze Under Remarkably Dark Skies
I had a great time with the afternoon and weekend excursions. The adventures kept my mind and body occupied and I thoroughly enjoyed learning and seeing new things. There was beauty in every aspect of the trip.
Andrew Zhen
WORK HARD
Service matters
We work on projects with extraordinary impact. Miles of irrigation canals stand as proof of the success our teen volunteers have had in helping to preserve the livelihoods of farming communities that depend on water conservation. The work is hands-on and offers insight into ancient traditions. You’ll also learn adobe construction—the most common historic building method in the Andes—while working on projects at local schools, another core service initiative.
I loved how while helping build the canals I got to know the people who would benefit from what we were doing. It made the work personal and gave me even more incentive to do a great job.
Reviews
“I gained a perspective about what is important, it is not landscape or architecture that make life and journeys special, it is the people you form bonds with and help. This trip will always be memorable not because of the places I saw but the people I met.”
Katelyn W.
“I made great friendships on my trip. I remember how our group bonded so quickly and I want to commend the counselors and teens for working so well together and creating relationships that will hopefully last a long time.”
Maria R.
“This summer was absolutely the best summer of my life. I made amazing friends and learned so much about myself and others. This trip was much more than just community service.”
Jesi L.
Local spotlight
where you’ll live in peru
The Urubamba Valley was settled in the 14th century by the Inca, who make it the breadbasket for their people. Today it bustles with activity and indigenous traditions.
You’ll be surprised how quickly the cobblestone streets of Urubamba feel like home. Our long-standing community relationships create a foundation of trust that lets you connect through everyday experiences—shopping at the farmers market, working with maestros on service projects, cooking traditional meals with Neyda, learning Incan history from our project manager Nico, and playing soccer with local kids. We live in town in a rented home with bunk rooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and common area. Read more about your Peruvian home away from home.
Local spotlight
where you’ll live in peru
Local team spotlight
Nico Jara, Peru Project Coordinator
When VISIONS began working in Peru in 1999, one of our first connections was with Nico Jara. He started as our driver and quickly became project coordinator, bringing deep knowledge of the Sacred Valley.
Nico is with us every day, digging in at worksites, sharing laughs, and leading spirited soccer games. Of Quechua descent, he speaks fluent Quechua and Spanish but little English, giving teen volunteers plenty of chances to practice Spanish as they become his friends.
His favorite part of summer is helping rural communities in Yanahuara, where VISIONS supports irrigation and water conservation projects that sustain local farmers. Nico is passionate about this work, knowing its direct impact on crops and livelihoods.
His tireless energy is matched by optimism that proves infectious. Generations of VISIONS students and leaders have left Urubamba carrying Nico’s belief that anything is possible, a spirit that continues to ripple far beyond the Sacred Valley.
Related blog posts
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VISIONS is taking a careful look at the food we serve during our community service programs for high school students, and we aim to reduce our dependence on factory farm-based animal products by 75%.
Reviews, Testimonials & Love Letters from Alumni
VISIONS teen summer programs have earned top reviews from students, parents, and even community members, reflecting years of meaningful experiences and positive impact.
What is your VIA?
What is your VIA? At VISIONS, VIA means Vision, Impact, Action—helping teens discover their purpose, make a difference, and create lasting change through service.
Spotlight: Emily, VISIONS Peru Alum
Emily was inspired to join VISIONS Peru because of her passion for environmental science and sustainability. She put her all into the worksites and practicing Spanish, and came home with even more plans for her future after high school.