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Peru Gap Year Programme

Andes + Amazon

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Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Amazon

This is the ultimate blend of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and meaningful contribution.

Get ready to discover a land where stunning geography meets deep history, a destination that will ignite your sense of adventure. Imagine soaring over the mystical heights of Machu Picchu, marveling at the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain, and immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Our exhilarating 3-week Peru programme is your ticket to an unforgettable off-grid experience that combines iconic sights with meaningful community impact.

Over your first two weeks, you’ll dive into the heart of the Andes in the Sacred Valley. Here, life moves to a different rhythm – one where ancient traditions thrive. Picture yourself wandering through fields sown by hand, meeting women in bowler hats, and getting up close with llamas as tame as family pets. Your days will be filled with a mix of community projects, exploration, and adventure. Stand in awe before the legendary Machu Picchu, conquer the heights of Rainbow Mountain, and immerse yourself in authentic Peruvian culture as you live alongside one of our warm-hearted host families.

For your final week, the adventure shifts dramatically as you plunge into the lush, steamy Amazon jungle. Glide by boat down the Madre de Dios River to your jungle haven at Lake Sandoval. From there, paddle through the jungle's labyrinth of tributaries, exploring the dense rainforest in search of rare wildlife and dazzling birds.

lama and backpaker

Peru's Programme Itinerary

This is a journey to introduce you to remote Peruvian communities tucked away from the tourists' eye, high in the Andes, who will welcome you into their family and value your contribution to help preserve their heritage, before exploring the depths of the Amazon.

The following is a sample itinerary.

Overview

Andes and Amazon

Wks 1- 2 Andes
You'll start your journey in a pretty little town called Calca, nestled amongst the mountains in the Sacred Valley, high in the Andes. It's at 9,600 ft above sea level, on the Urubamba River, known for its temperate climate, checkerboard fertile fields, and towering mountains, such as Mount Pitusiray – considered one of the most sacred places in the valley. Calca is very central which makes it a great location from which to explore Cusco and the other historic towns in the Sacred Valley.

Wk 3 Amazon
Your last week will be spent exploring the Amazon for 4 days, 3 nights, via the entry point of Puerto Maldonado. The plan is to hike and canoe into both the primary and secondary rainforest and around the beautiful Lake Sandoval, seeking out the magical birdlife and wildlife.

You will be looked after by our partners - a dynamic NGO, called the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD), who need your help to implement their projects aimed to enhance and preserve the ancient livelihoods of remote Andean Communities in the Sacred Valley. They are a great team and will show you the real Peru.

Accommodation

In Calca you will live with a gorgeous local family and be treated as a family member. You will have your own room, shared bathrooms and all eat together which will give you an amazing cultural experience. In the Amazon you will stay in a jungle eco-lodge.

Food

3 meals a day provided.

Wk 1

Sacred Valley Community Connection + Hands-On Projects + Acclimatizing Adventures

Week 1: Dive into the Sacred Valley – Community, Culture, and Contribution

Welcome to Calca, nestled in the Sacred Valley at 9,600 feet, where you'll begin your transformative journey surrounded by stunning mountain views and the peaceful Urubamba River.

Making an Impact in the Andes

Partnering with the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD), you'll engage in meaningful projects to help high-altitude communities combat the effects of climate change. At EcoHuella Farm, you'll be hands-on with sustainable farming, from harvesting crops to aiding reforestation efforts, gaining insight into local life and the power of innovation.

Cultural Immersion

Afternoons include tranquil walks along the Vilcanota River and a powerful documentary on Julio Hancco, an inspiring potato farmer. You'll also contribute to the Urco Youth Association's*jewelry workshop, empowering local youth with valuable skills.

Spanish Lessons and Coffee Experience

Daily Spanish lessons at the AASD office will help you connect with the locals. Plus, the Coffee Workshop which will be a deep dive into the coffee trade, ending with a delicious cupping session led by local experts.

By week's end, you'll feel fully acclimatized, culturally enriched, and inspired, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure of impact and discovery.

Food

3 meals a day provided.

Wk 2

High Altitude Communities and Machu Picchu Trekking and exploration

Week 2: High Altitude Adventures & Machu Picchu Magic

This week is all about the stunning high Andes, connecting with remote communities and experiencing the magic of Machu Picchu. Starting with a journey to the Q'engo community, where AASD's greenhouse technology has transformed the village into a thriving producer of flowers and strawberries. After a petal ceremony by the sacred "Lake of Gold," you'll help with their reforestation project and take in stunning views.

You'll also explore the rich textile traditions of Chauwatire and visit the Pisac ruins. Hike the iconic Rainbow Mountain, marveling at its vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes. Venture to Quishuarani village, hike the Seven Waterfalls trail, and relax in the Lares Hot Springs.

Caping off the week with Machu Picchu, exploring the ancient citadel and soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

This week's adventures will leave you deeply connected to the landscapes, communities, and culture of Peru.

Accommodation

Homestay in Calca  and hostel in Ollantaytambo.

Food

3 meals a day provided.

Wk 3

The Amazon Adventure and exploring

Your last week will be spent exploring the Amazon via the entry point of Puerto Maldonado. Here you will spend 4 days at an eco-lodge from which you will explore this stunning environment with the help of local guides and the lodges resident naturalist.

Every day will be different, but all will involve canoeing down the Madre de Dios River to reach the stunning Lake Sandoval. From here you will explore the primary and secondary rainforest to seek out the Red Bellied Macaws as they return to the forest at night (this flock is currently the largest reported in the world - approximately 500-800 macaws), rare black caimans, parrots, parakeets, and monkeys galore.

On your final day you will head back by boat to Puerto Maldonado and return to Calca for your last night, before flying home or further afield.

Accommodation

Jungle eco-lodge.

Food

3 meals a day provided.

Peru Gap Year Programme

Did you know?

Onward travel has never been so easy

Book a programme with us and you will receive a complimentary 12 month subscription to our Backpacking Advice Hub. This Hub is your one stop shop for all things travel advice, itineraries, handy insider hints and tips to really get the most from your travels. It is a must-have resource for independent travel post-Leap.

Our teams never want to come home post-programme and choose to add on a phase of independent travel with their new found friends - making the most of their gap year. Peru is perfectly placed to add on a phase in Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador.

Sunset in the Amazon
The view from the Andes in Peru.
peru lady
Working the local farmers on their organic farms.
Lake Sandoval in Peru

Peru's Programme Details & Costs

Max team size of 12 per departure - so book in early.
Please note you need to be 18 years old or over at the time of travel.

Download Itinerary

Options and costs

Whats included?

Smaller Teams

You will be part of a tight team of between 5-10 like-minded volunteers, who will be on your journey from start to finish.

Off the Beaten Track

Access places that backpackers couldn't normally get to on their own through the NGOs we partner with.

Cultural Exchange

Through living and working beside indigenous communities you will experience traditional Peruvian life and make extraordinary friendships.

Physical Challenge

A journey across Peru which includes trekking, exploring, contributing, and reaching the heady heights of Machu Pichu.

Working Hours and Time Out

Each phase will vary in terms of project hours. Rural communities tend to start work very early and finish in early-afternoon, giving you time to explore in the afternoons.

Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD)

AASD was created in 2010 to support community-led agriculture projects in the highlands of Peru. Ecohuella is their (Ecological Footprint) farm. Co-founded by three siblings, Ecohuella, can also be considered a speciality school for campesino farmers because they provide hands-on trainings and workshops that respect the Quechua language, local learning styles, and traditions.

The spectacular landscapes of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu form the backdrop for this program in this larger-than-life country, but look beyond the stunning environment and you will find evidence of long gone empires and current cultures who are just managing to adapt to the demands of globalization without losing their values and cultures.

Watch our videos

Peru Gap Year Programme

What to expect from our Peru programme

"One of my favorite memories from my trip to Costa Rica was the first time I released a baby turtle into the ocean"

I was immediately lucky because most baby turtles crawl out of their nests in the dead of night, so you don't get to enjoy the sight of seeing them walk to the water when it's so dark out.

When I saw my first baby turtle it was just before the sun went down, so it was still incredibly bright out! Watching all the babies push their little flippers against the sand as they fight to get to the water is something else. They are so excited to be alive! It's something so wonderfully inspiring that I will always remember.

- Madison

"​Amazing, emotional and I would do it all again "

Communication was very good before and during the trip, it was nice to know that the leap would reply quickly plus I felt very safe, the 24/7 security relaxed and settled me in. Stella, Matias and Jimmy were amazing, they made my trip!

The programmes and schools we visited were life-changing and made me appreciate what I have. The fact that we actually made a difference by raising money for an orphanage to build a well is so exciting and rewarding! And the relationships I made with the children and the other leapers I will never forget.

- Bethany

"An amazing group of leapers"

Hi Milly,

I got home last week from 2 months in Costa Rica. I did the Adventure programme and just wanted to send you a quick message to say thank you, I and everyone enjoyed it so so much. We were so lucky to have an amazing group of leapers, we all agreed that 24 was the perfect amount. It was enough to have a party and have a variety of people but not too big so we couldn’t get to know everyone really well. The trip set me up so well to travel independently with friends afterwards, in fact, 18 of us all travelled together for a while after! I will definitely be recommending The Leap to friends.

Thank you for your speedy replies and always picking up the phone!

- Georgina Lound

"I always felt in good hands"

Our daughter has had the most amazing time in Kenya, The Leap group have been fantastic with details and organization throughout, I always felt we were in good hands. The breadth of volunteering and involvement has been wonderful to see and I know this will have changed her life forever. Thank you.

- Tanya Crone

"You felt prepared"

The daily schedule was always written out at the start of the day, so you felt prepared for what was happening when.

- Mimi

"Five stars all the way"

Incredible service, five star all the way, informative, professional and friendly, highly recommend, second daughter that has travelled with them.

- Araminta

"I can’t think of a better company"

Clementine has just finished her Costa Rican adventure with you and has absolutely loved it. She says it was fantastic from start to finish and the group couldn’t have asked for a better team looking after them led by Chris. The same applies to you too. You have been brilliant from the get-go and nothing seems to have daunted you – ever! Getting the children out there was no mean feat and your ability to switch the programme to Costa Rica from Cuba at such short notice was very impressive. The photo at the beginning was a great touch and you have been incredibly responsive to every query however small. Thank you both for everything, I can’t think of a better company to have used for Clementine’s trip.

- Tania ( mum )

"How on earth you have managed to pull this off I don't know!"

But you have all been absolutely incredible. I never could have imagined Charlie being able to take part in such a fantastic project in this, the strangest of years! I have huge admiration in your professionalism and ability to deliver in the toughest of times. Thank you so much, I'm sure the presence of the team will do wonders for the project and wonders for the Team Members... what a fantastic opportunity for them all!!

- Andrew Fairs

"How fantastic you all are"

We really can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to make this amazing adventure happen, and for all the hand holding for Mimi and us along the way! It’s incredible that they have managed to have as close to normal a gap year as it must be possible to have right now and we are enormously enormously grateful to you and everyone at The Leap who has helped make this happen. Thank you. We have been spreading the good word about how fantastic you all are!

- Selina ( mum )

"We’re having an incredible time in Costa Rica "

I just want to quickly thank you very much for the amazing Leap trip. I honestly had the most unbelievable time and feel it is thanks to you for organising it, especially so last minute! I’ve been recommending it to all of my friends as I would do anything to do it all again. You were so kind and patient with both myself and Emma and we are truly grateful for all the help you gave us. We’re having an incredible time in Costa Rica at the moment and never want to leave!

- Clemmie

"Thank you for making this possible despite COVID."

Thank you for the update. As expected George has maintained radio silence so good to hear that they have arrived ok. Also wanted to say how useful your video updates have been. I’m so envious of them launching on their travel adventures. Seems like only yesterday that I was heading off with a backpack. No phones, only a weekly blue airmail letter home. Thanks to all at The Leap for making this possible for them despite COVID.


- Romney Lewis

"Grown in confidence"

I have grown in confidence from meeting new people and I have realised how much of an impact everyone could make with everyday things

- Louisa

"I had the best month with The Leap"

I had the best month with The Leap. It was made so special by our amazing leaders Lizzie and Carmen who were always attentive but made sure everyone was having so much fun. As well as this everyone who I did the trip with was so incredible it was great how well we all got along and how fun we made every experience for each other, from building a shower in Cocal to laughing on a coffee tour in Monteverde to endless blissful beach days in Sámara. I would highly recommend The Leap to anyone looking to travel in a big group and enjoy moving from place to place at a really nice pace.

- Maddy Jones

"This experience was life changing."

Although this is from a personal point of view, I wanted to share the great personal development this trip gave me. I believe travel and unknown/unusual environments affect and shape any individual.

It altered my being in a way i find hard to articulate, it changes you and challenges you that no 9-5 working existence ever could.

- Olivia

"Easy Peasy with The Leap"

You guys always answered questions so fast! Zoe is outstanding!! Made travelling during a pandemic easy peasy

- Hanna

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