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Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Gap Adventure: Inca Trails

location
6 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Explore the Amazon, Andes, and the Pacific Coast.
  • Multi-day Salkantay trek, ending at Machu Picchu.
  • Learn traditional crafts and skills from Indigenous people.

Highlights

  • Explore the Amazon, Andes, and the Pacific Coast.
  • Multi-day Salkantay trek, ending at Machu Picchu.
  • Learn traditional crafts and skills from Indigenous people.
  • Get hands-on with Inca heritage.
  • Stay in a mix of hostels, lodges, hotels, and homestays.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Embark on an epic six-week exploration of Peru and discover where the Amazon's secrets meet with the majesty of the Andes mountains.

    Peru is the traveler's dream with its powerful blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.

    Moving from the coast to the Amazon and the Andes, you'll meet wildlife, pass ancient monuments, enter the rainforest, raft along rivers, and breathe pure mountain air.

    Benefit from guided access to the ...

    About the program

    Peru is the traveler's dream with its powerful blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.

    Moving from the coast to the Amazon and the Andes, you'll meet wildlife, pass ancient monuments, enter the rainforest, raft along rivers, and breathe pure mountain air.

    Benefit from guided access to the diverse natural beauty, fascinating history, and incredible culture of each region you visit.

    Our carefully crafted six-week itinerary delivers the very best of Peru, with an emphasis on going beyond the guidebook for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.

    You’ll meet more than the local people; you’ll become one. Live with host families, trek ancient trails, adopt traditional crafts, and take part in vital archaeological and environmental projects that preserve Peru’s nature, history, and heritage.

    Learn Spanish and salsa dancing, white water raft, make chocolate, dune buggy to a desert oasis, explore cities and nature, and much more.

    Don’t just travel, be transformed.

    Typical day

    Begin your Peruvian journey in the vibrant capital city of Lima, exploring its UNESCO-listed center. Enjoy your welcome meal and get acquainted with your new city and friends!

    Then, head south to Paracas and witness the incredible biodiversity of Isla Ballestas, home to playful sea lions, penguins, ...

    Typical day

    Begin your Peruvian journey in the vibrant capital city of Lima, exploring its UNESCO-listed center. Enjoy your welcome meal and get acquainted with your new city and friends!

    Then, head south to Paracas and witness the incredible biodiversity of Isla Ballestas, home to playful sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds.

    Venture further south to uncover the mysteries of the Nazca Lines before heading north for a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding in the enchanting Huacachina oasis.

    Next up, we’ll fly you to Puerto Maldonado and dive deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Once you're in the rainforest, you'll contribute to reforestation efforts, learn wildlife conservation techniques, and care for rescued animals at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve.

    Experience the jungle's nocturnal wonders on night walks and climb the tallest canopy walkway in South America.

    Then, fly to Cusco, where you'll experience a homestay, take cooking classes, and explore the Coricancha Sun Temple.

    Embark on a one-day practice trek to Pumamarca, go white-water rafting, and tour Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. Engage in a three-day archaeology project in the Sacred Valley, protecting ancient walls and ceramics.

    Marvel at the colorful Rainbow Mountain and spend a week with an Indigenous Quechua community, learning weaving, farming, and ancestral traditions. Then, move on to the challenging five-day Salkantay Trek to the awe-inspiring ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu, complete with a guided tour.

    Your trek will conclude in Cusco, where you’ll use your ‘tourist ticket’ to visit up to 16 attractions in your own time.

    Free-time activities

    Explore the distinctive regions of Peru: from the Pacific Coast to the Amazon Rainforest and on to the Andes Mountains. Discover each diverse environment while learning how both ancient and modern civilizations have adapted to survive there.

    Learn about ancient civilizations and the profound ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore the distinctive regions of Peru: from the Pacific Coast to the Amazon Rainforest and on to the Andes Mountains. Discover each diverse environment while learning how both ancient and modern civilizations have adapted to survive there.

    Learn about ancient civilizations and the profound connection that indigenous groups have with nature. From conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest, to Inca architectural wonders that blend into mountain sides, you’ll discover how communities have uniquely adapted to each environment. You’ll push your limits with adventure activities and hikes through desert, rainforest, mountains, and valleys. 

    Stay at homestays to learn history and culture first-hand. Gain conservation, navigation, archaeological, and traditional skills from scientists, expedition leaders, professors, and indigenous community members.

    Every adventure will teach a lesson and help you grow as a global citizen. Unleash your inner explorer and conquer your comfort zone!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Best suited for Gap year students (17 to 24 years old)

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The cost of your trip covers everything except your flights, visa(s), insurance, and spending money.

    You’ll get:

    Picked up from the airport, and taken back again when it’s time to go home.
    All internal travel such as coach, ferries, and flights.
    Three meals a day.
    Accommodation.
    24/7 support in destination.
    Regular social events, excursions, and workshop activities.
    Access to 16 museums in Cusco.
    Visa support and advice.
    Full induction and orientation by experienced staff upon arrival.
    A minimum of at least two Programme Leaders with you during your trip.

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    You'll get picked up from the airport, and taken back again when it’s time to go home.

    Accommodation

    We take care of the essentials when you’re with us, taking the stress out of travel so you can focus on having fun. You’ll always have a clean, comfortable, and secure place to stay. Plus, three meals a day and fresh drinking water.

    You’ll stay in a mix of shared accommodation with other participants and fully-vetted local host families. This gives you plenty of opportunity to share your experience with like-minded travellers while getting to know the local cultures.

    Food & Beverages

    Whether home-cooked with love by your host or eating out at a nearby restaurant, your meals will be memorable—you might even pick up a recipe or two! 3 meals a day and drinking water are included. We can cater for Vegan, vegetarian or dietary requirements/allergies. 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    01 February 2026 to 14 March 2026 - 6 Weeks
    13 September 2026 to 24 October 2026 - 6 Weeks
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,440 per week 6 - 6 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    6 - 6 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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