At a glance
Embark on an epic four-week summer adventure across Peru's most distinctive regions.
Journey along the Pacific Coast, through the Amazon Rainforest, and across the Andes Mountains, discovering how ancient and modern civilizations have adapted to these environments.
Experience the connection between indigenous communities and nature while exploring some of the world's most remarkable landscapes and archaeological sites.
- Explore Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon Rainforest!
- Visit archaeological sites, meet Indigenous communities, and see natural wonders
- Take boats, planes, and buses between three distinct ecological regions
- Get hands-on with wildlife conservation in the Amazon
- Learn traditional crafts, cooking, and agricultural techniques
- Sandboard desert dunes
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain using Inca trails
- Learn about chocolate from bean to bar, and coffee from bean to cup
- Support vital reforestation and archaeological projects
- Stay in a mix of homestays, hostels, hotels, and eco-lodges
- Program Leaders will support you every step of the way
- Click to download the full itinerary
Overview
Peru is the traveler's dream with its potent blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.
Moving from the coast, through the Amazon, and across 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 and nature of each region you visit.
Our carefully crafted four-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 do more than meet 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.
Your journey
Your journey begins in Peru's capital, Lima, where you'll spend your first days exploring the city and getting to know your fellow travelers. Head south to discover the mysterious Nazca Lines and experience adrenaline-pumping adventures in desert oases.
Next, fly to Puerto Maldonado and venture deep into the Amazon Rainforest by boat, where you'll support vital conservation work and discover incredible biodiversity. Then travel to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco to explore archaeological wonders and support community projects.
Your adventure concludes in the Sacred Valley, where you'll live with indigenous communities, learn traditional skills, and finally reach the magnificent Machu Picchu. Every step of your journey combines adventure, learning, and meaningful connections with local people and places.
Week 1: Coastal Wonders
Begin your Peruvian journey on the coast, in the capital city of Lima. After getting to know your fellow travelers, you'll dive into Spanish language lessons and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.
Head south to Paracas for an unforgettable boat trip to Isla Ballestas. Spot large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds while marveling at unique coastal rock formations. Explore the stunning Paracas National Reserve by land before continuing your journey.
Continue to the mysterious Nazca Lines, where you'll learn from experts about these enormous ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. Visit the local museum to understand pre-Columbian (before 1492) culture in the region.
Round out your first week with an exhilarating visit to Huacachina Oasis. Test your courage with high-octane dune buggy rides and sandboarding adventures before relaxing by the palm-fringed lagoon.
Week 2: The Amazon Rainforest
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and venture deep into the Amazon Rainforest by boat. Your home for the week is an ecological reserve within the Manu Biosphere - the world's largest ecological reserve and one of its most biologically diverse environments.
Work alongside experienced conservationists to conduct wildlife surveys and collect vital data. Climb South America's tallest canopy walkway for a bird's eye view of the forest and join night walks to discover nocturnal wildlife.
Learn to set mist traps and camera traps while understanding the process of recording and analyzing scientific data. Help prepare food and care for animals being rehabilitated for release into the wild. Every day brings new discoveries as you learn about the incredible diversity of rainforest plants and animals.
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Travel deep into the Amazon by boat
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Live and work inside the rainforest
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Learn from local conservation experts
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Feed and care for the wildlife
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Collect data on different plant and animal species
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Conquer the tallest canopy walkway in South America
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Tend crops on a pilot farm
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Join starry night-time jungle walks
Week 3: The Sacred Valley
Arrive in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, perched high in the Andes Mountains. Explore cathedrals, plazas, and markets while visiting important sites like the Qoricancha Museum - once the most important temple of the Inca Empire.
Support local community leaders with vital reforestation efforts in the mountains surrounding Cusco. Learn about protecting natural landscapes and maintaining wildlife habitats while improving your Spanish language skills through immersion.
Work with archaeological experts in the Sacred Valley, learning about cleaning, categorizing, and recording techniques. Explore museum archives and active excavation sites before embarking on a hike to Rainbow Mountain, reaching elevations over 5,000m (16,000ft).
Week 4: Indigenous Communities
Your final week begins with the exploration of various Inca archaeological sites, including the Salineras salt mines, Moray terraces, and the mighty fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Spend three nights with a rural Quechua community in the Andes. Learn traditional textile, agriculture, cooking, and building techniques while discovering how to make chocolate and coffee from scratch. Experience working with alpaca and llama wool, natural dyes, and ancient farming methods.
Your journey culminates with a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu, perched 2,430m (8,000ft) above sea level in a tropical mountain forest. Learn about the sophisticated design and management of this incredible Inca citadel before celebrating your achievements with your fellow travelers.
What makes our Gap Programs so special?
They are the perfect blend of adrenaline, exploration, and meaningful connection. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences – with safety, support, and the freedom to explore.
Each program contains our Gap Components, the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.
Gap Components focus on five essential aspects:
- Exploration—Get off the beaten path! Explore all the incredible sights, hidden gems, and cultural experiences your destinations have to offer.
- Cultural Exchange—Go below the surface! Immerse yourself in local cultures as you engage with welcoming communities at every stop.
- Responsible Travel—Use travel as a force for good! Learn about the principles of sustainable travel and support service initiatives along your route.
- Adventure— Time for adrenaline! Join excursions for some high-octane thrill. Sandboard desert dunes, trek the Andes, set out on safari, and more.
- Personal Growth—Uncover your potential! Guided by our expert team, you’ll discover the world and your place in it.
Why Projects Abroad?
With over 30 years of experience connecting people with purpose, we’re no strangers to the transformational power of travel.
We believe for transformation to take place, your experience must be authentic. Likewise, the best experiences unfold where there is a real connection to other people, places, and the planet. And, when done well, travel benefits everyone involved.
Our global network means we have the two things to give you the experience, security, and connection you crave — local experts and local knowledge.
Of course, we know the sights, and you’ll see these. But you’ll be more than a tourist. You’ll be immersed in a local culture and way of life — so you won’t just see the world, you will feel it too.
- Relax, we’ve got this — we handle the planning so you can focus on the fun stuff.
- Budget-friendly — honest pricing means no nasty surprises. Accommodation, activities, meals… all included.
- More than just photos — return with new friends and unlock a whole new outlook, passion, and perspective on this planet you call home.
Meals & Accommodation
Experience authentic Peruvian hospitality with home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodations.
Stay in a mix of hostels, lodges, hotels, and homestays, fostering connections with friendly hosts and fellow travelers.
Savor a variety of local specialties and more familiar foods, with all dietary needs catered for.
From street stalls to vibrant restaurants, your culinary journey will be as diverse as the landscapes you explore.
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Lomo saltado (popular stir fry combining Asian and Latin flavours)
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Ahí de gallina (chicken stew)
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Ceviche mixto (mixed ceviche, traditional seafood in Peru)
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Arroz chaufa (fried rice)
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Bedroom
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Kitchen
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Living / Dining area
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Taricaya Ecological Reserve
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Interior of Taricaya Ecological Reserve accommodation
FAQs
What's included?
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 coaches, 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 Program Leaders with you during your trip
For a full list, read What's included in the price?
How do I pay?
All that is needed to secure your place on any Gap Program, Gap Project, or Global Gap Year is:
- Pay a $295 deposit today.
- This deposit is taken off the final balance of payment for your trip.
- The remaining balance is due to be paid three months before you travel.
You can choose how much, and when to pay, up to three months before your start date.
This means you have complete flexibility to save up or pay in instalments at a time that suits you.
There is no interest, no credit, and no fees. You are in total control.
Read Payments made easy for more information.
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