Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Greetings and welcome to Cusco! You will meet your amazing Group Leader at the airport who will then accompany you to your accommodations to settle in.
Day 2: Exploring Cusco
Kick off your trip with an exciting group meeting in the morning. First, you’ll have an orientation to cover safety and what to expect. Then, enjoy a lively walk around the beautiful Cusco main square, checking out cool spots and getting familiar with the area. Post-lunch, the fun continues with a trip to the Choco Museo for an awesome chocolate-making workshop!
Visit to the Cusco Planetarium for a fascinating journey into the universe, seen from the unique perspective of the Incas.
Day 3: Cusco Market Challenge
Today begins with an engaging Spanish class in the morning, setting the tone for a day steeped in language and cultural immersion. After honing your Spanish skills, the adventure continues with a visit to the bustling Mercado San Pedro. This vibrant marketplace serves as the perfect backdrop for a Spanish market challenge, where you’ll interact with local vendors and residents, practicing your Spanish in an authentic setting.
As evening approaches, the day’s experiences culminate in a delightful cooking class. This evening activity not only allows you to unwind but also offers a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Peru’s rich culinary traditions while enjoying the fruits of your labor in a communal and festive atmosphere.
Day 4: Cusco Reality Tour
Today, we’re going on an exciting adventure to visit some of MEDLIFE’s partner communities. Not only will you get to learn about poverty and global health, but you’ll also have fun practicing your Spanish with the community members!
We’ll take a break for lunch and then enjoy a soccer game with the locals! In the evening, you’ll gather with your group to reflect on the day’s events, and further hone your Spanish skills.
Day 5, 6 & 7: Service Days
Every day begins with an immersive Spanish lesson led by a local Group Leader, designed to not only enhance your language skills but also prepare you for meaningful interactions throughout the day. Following the lesson, you’ll visit a MEDLIFE partner community, where you’ll gain firsthand insight into the local challenges and use your Spanish to connect authentically with the community members.
The afternoon is dedicated to a service project, where you can apply your Spanish in a practical setting. Past projects have varied, including the construction of greenhouses or home renovations, offering a tangible contribution to the community’s well-being.
In addition to the service work, you’ll have the chance to participate in a variety of cultural activities. These may include cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes, community roundtables to deepen your knowledge of the social determinants of health, or educational sessions about Peruvian farming practices. These activities not only enrich your cultural understanding but also provide further opportunities for language practice.
Each evening offers a reflection close to the day. You’ll gather with your group to discuss the day’s events, drawing connections between your hands-on experiences and broader global issues.
Day 8: Machu Picchu
In the morning, embark on a train journey to Aguas Calientes, setting the stage for an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Inca” and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring this ancient marvel, board your evening train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.
Day 9: Departure
Enjoy some final free time to explore or relax. Conclude your adventure with a reflection session, gathering insights and memories, before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
Please contact us if you would like to request a detailed itinerary.
