Peru

Journey from the Atacama desert coast to the snow-capped Andes and learn from Peruvian artists, dancers, musicians, and historians in the Land of the Inca.

Photo of Experimenters hiking near Machu Picchu

Orientation in Lima

Spend the first three days using your Spanish in artisan markets, meeting with local students, and exploring Lima’s diverse neighborhoods. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, engage in a photographic exploration of Lima’s art and architecture, and learn to play the traditional Cajón Peruano.

Homestay in Trujillo

Travel north to the capital of Peru’s La Libertad region known as La Cuidad de la Eterna Primavera for its temperate climate and sunny weather. Surrounded by adobe ruins and pyramids, multicultural Trujillo becomes your home for the next two weeks. Living with a Peruvian family gives you intimate access to a colorful community rich in art, history, and archeological wonder.

Sample activities:
Visit pre-Columbian archaeological sites and the adobe pyramids of Huacas del Sol y de la Luna; learn about the ancient Moche and Chimú cultures; spend a day on the Huanchaco beach; attend sporting events with host siblings.

Arts and Community Service

In Trujillo, you meet local artists, dancers, musicians, and historians to learn about the unique culture, Afro-Peruvian rhythms and artistic heritage of the region. Your Spanish language improves as you work with locals on a meaningful volunteer project.

Sample activities and projects:
Learn the Marinera, Tondero, and Huaylas folk dances with a Peruvian dancer; meet with musicians from the Trujillo National University; work with a local nonprofit serving the community of Otuzco; play with children at a local orphanage; paint and repair community buildings.

In the Footsteps of the Incas

Your Peruvian Experiment concludes with an exciting week in the dynamic city of Cusco and magnificent Machu Picchu. Considered the archaeological capital of The Americas, Cusco is a fascinating mix of pre-Columbian and colonial history, art, and architecture. Whether it’s exploring shops along the Plaza de Armas, participating in colorful festivals or meeting Quechua-speaking locals in outdoor markets, the narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant culture of Cusco come alive. Then, hike the steep mountain passes to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” to experience one of the most treasured historical and archaeological sites in the world.