Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the exchange rate of 1.33
Returning Summer 2024
Although this program is not operating this summer, you can still add it to your favorites and consider it for summer 2024.
- Peru Community Service 28 Days
Peru Volunteer Program for Teens
Welcome to the world of the Incas. Explore the beauty, culture and warm, friendly people of Peru on this teen community service trip. From working to improve schools to leading activities for local children, this promises to be a meaningful experience. As part of the service-learning framework of this program, our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. We combine meaningful volunteer projects with incredible adventures in Peru, which is one of the most spectacular and geographically diverse countries in the world. From exploring the Amazon Jungle and marveling at the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu to whitewater rafting the Urubamba River, you’ll experience it all on this high school student program in Peru!
About This Program
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What It’s Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
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20 Service Hours
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Service Projects
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Accommodations
Basic hotels & rustic Amazon Rainforest lodge.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Transportation
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
Program Highlights
- • Make adobe bricks to improve communal buildings and schools.
- • Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu.
- • Work with locals to improve a school in the Amazon.
- • Whitewater raft the Urubamba River.
- • Horseback ride in the Sacred Valley.
- • Work alongside locals on a community development project.
- • Go on a nocturnal boat trip in the Amazon.
- • Explore the ancient streets of Cusco.
Service Projects
Activities
Accommodations
Lima, Peru
Welcome to Lima! Enjoy your first night in the Peruvian capital at Britania Miraflores. Amenities include air conditioning and internet access.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The Hotel Tikawasi Valley is located in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, 100 meters from the archaeological center of town. Rooms have comfortable beds, private bathroom, and Wi-Fi.
Aguas Calientes, Peru
As you explore Machu Picchu, you will stay at Hotel Humantay which has Wi-Fi, clean & comfortable rooms and very friendly staff. This hotel has a great view of Aguas Calientes and is a short walk to restaurants and local markets.
Cusco, Peru
While in Cusco, you will relax at the Hotel Tupac Yupanqui. This hotel boasts welcoming rooms with cable TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel is within walking distance to the vibrant city center.
Iquitos, Peru
The Garden House hotel is the perfect place to prep before we head in to the jungle and to relax after. The hotel has Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and is a great jumping-off spot to explore markets & the main square.
Amazon Jungle, Peru
Situated in the Amazon Jungle, get ready to be surrounded by exotic wildlife and immersed in the sounds of nature! Experience the rainforest with indigenous guides and unwind in a hammock surrounded by a lush tropical setting. The Muyuna Lodge is outfitted with mosquito nets and showers, and the staff is extremely friendly and attentive.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.