Arrive in Arequipa and transfer to our accommodation on the coast. Celebratory welcome meal and opening ceremony. Orientation activities to include important cultural norms, health and safety guidelines, and group intentions and norms.
A Journey into Ecological and Cultural Diversity
Unlike many Peru programs that focus only on the Andes, this course traces Peru’s full cultural diversity. We will experience coastal ecosystems, where maritime economies have sustained communities for centuries, deep canyons, where Andean agriculture thrives on ancient terraces, and high-altitude plateaus, where Quechua-speaking communities practice traditional farming, weaving, and herding in a rhythm deeply tied to the seasons and cycles of nature. Our travel will immerse participants in both pre-Columbian traditions and also modern aspects of rural and urban Peru. We will reflect on how different communities navigate time, tradition, and change in a land shaped by deep histories and contemporary challenges.
Through hands-on activities, direct engagement with local communities, and focused discussions on sustainability, students will explore Peru’s ecosystems, cultural practices, and communities. They will gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between environmental change, conservation, and cultural preservation. This experience will help students develop meaningful connections with Peru’s people and landscapes, cultivating a sense of global citizenship, self-awareness, and leadership.
