At a glance
Embark on an epic six-week exploration of Peru and discover where the Amazon's secrets meet with the majesty of the Andes mountains.
Travel through diverse landscapes – rainforests, ancient ruins, verdant valleys, soaring mountains, arid deserts, and stunning coastline – plus, experience the cosmopolitan energy of Lima and Cusco.
Live with – and learn from – Indigenous people while improving your Spanish, cookery skills, and salsa dancing!
See the Nazca Lines and Sacred Valley, plus trek to the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. See the mighty citadel of a once powerful Inca empire.
- An unforgettable six weeks discovering Peru
- Explore the Amazon, Andes, and the Pacific Coast
- Live and work in the rainforest
- Multi-day Salkantay trek, ending at Machu Picchu
- Stay in vibrant Lima and Cusco
- Learn traditional crafts and skills from Indigenous people
- Get hands-on with Inca heritage
- Stay in a mix of hostels, lodges, hotels, and homestays
- Program leaders will support you every step of the way
- Download the full itinerary
Add Bolivia to this trip. View the 10-week version of this Gap Adventure.
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Trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu
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Ride the rapids in the Urubamba Valley
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Explore the Paracas National Park
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Dune buggy to a desert oasis
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Walk the unique and colorful Rainbow Mountain
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Live with local people and learn traditional crafts
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Live and work inside the Amazon Rainforest protecting nature
Overview
Peru is the traveler's dream with its powerful blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.
Moving from the coast to the Amazon and the Andes, you'll meet wildlife, pass ancient monuments, enter the rainforest, raft along rivers, and breathe pure mountain air.
Benefit from guided access to the diverse natural beauty, fascinating history, and incredible culture of each region you visit.
Our carefully crafted six-week itinerary delivers the very best of Peru, with an emphasis on going beyond the guidebook for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
You’ll meet more than the local people; you’ll become one. Live with host families, trek ancient trails, adopt traditional crafts, and take part in vital archaeological and environmental projects that preserve Peru’s nature, history, and heritage.
Learn Spanish and salsa dancing, white water raft, make chocolate, dune buggy to a desert oasis, explore cities and nature, and much more.
Don’t just travel, be transformed.
Your journey
A six-week passage through the best of Peru, where ancient civilizations, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes await.
Explore from Lima to Cusco via the Paracas National Park, Huacachina oasis, and the world-famous Amazon Rainforest.
Explore the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain before concluding with a multi-day trek through the Andes and a day in the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Week 1 — Coastal Wonders
Begin your Peruvian journey in the vibrant capital city of Lima, exploring its UNESCO-listed center. Enjoy your welcome meal and get acquainted with your new city and friends!
Then, head south to Paracas and witness the incredible biodiversity of Isla Ballestas, home to playful sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds.
Venture further south to uncover the mysteries of the Nazca Lines before heading north for a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding in the enchanting Huacachina oasis.
Weeks 2 to 3 — The Amazon Rainforest
We’ll fly you to Puerto Maldonado and dive deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Once you're in the rainforest, you'll contribute to reforestation efforts, learn wildlife conservation techniques, and care for rescued animals at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve.
Experience the jungle's nocturnal wonders on night walks and climb the tallest canopy walkway in South America.
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Travel deep into the Amazon by boat
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Live and work inside the rainforest
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Learn from local conservation experts
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Feed and care for the wildlife
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Collect data on different plant and animal species
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Conquer the tallest canopy walkway in South America
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Tend crops on a pilot farm
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Join starry night-time jungle walks
Weeks 4 to 6 — The Sacred Valley & Andes Adventure
Fly to Cusco, where you'll experience a homestay, take cooking classes, and explore the Coricancha Sun Temple.
Embark on a one-day practice trek to Pumamarca, go white-water rafting, and tour Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. Engage in a three-day archaeology project in the Sacred Valley, protecting ancient walls and ceramics.
Marvel at the colorful Rainbow Mountain and spend a week with an Indigenous Quechua community, learning weaving, farming, and ancestral traditions. Then, move on to the challenging five-day Salkantay Trek to the awe-inspiring ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu, complete with a guided tour.
Your trek will conclude in Cusco, where you’ll use your ‘tourist ticket’ to visit up to 16 attractions in your own time.
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White water raft on the Urubamba River
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Take the five-day Salkantay trek through the Andes
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Visit the colorful rainbow mountain range
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Discover the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu
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See the Qaqawiñay mountain salt mines
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Wander amongst Inca ruins in the Urubamba 'Sacred' Valley
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Participate in archaeological workshops
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Learn arts and crafts from local people
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Explore Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca
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Meet the Indigenous Quechua people
What makes our Gap Programs so special?
They are the perfect blend of adrenaline, exploration, and meaningful connection. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver authentic, unforgettable experiences – with safety, support, and the freedom to explore.
Each program contains our Gap Components, the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.
Gap Components focus on five essential aspects:
- Adventure — outdoor activities that boost confidence
- Community — make a positive impact, and develop real connection through relationships
- Exploration — go off-grid, embrace nature, and build resilience through new experiences
- People & Planet — learn about global issues, local responses, and different cultures
- Transformation — personal growth, new skills, and self-discovery
For more information, read What are Gap Components?
Why Projects Abroad?
With over 30 years of experience connecting people with purpose, we’re no strangers to the transformational power of travel.
We believe for transformation to take place, your experience must be authentic. Likewise, the best experiences unfold where there is a real connection to other people, places, and the planet. And, when done well, travel benefits everyone involved.
Our global network means we have the two things to give you the experience, security, and connection you crave — local experts and local knowledge.
Of course, we know the sights, and you’ll see these. But you’ll be more than a tourist. You’ll be immersed in a local culture and way of life — so you won’t just see the world, you will feel it too.
- Relax, we’ve got this — we handle the planning so you can focus on the fun stuff.
- Budget-friendly — honest pricing means no nasty surprises. Accommodation, activities, meals… all included.
- More than just photos — return with new friends and unlock a whole new outlook, passion and perspective on this planet you call home.
Meals & Accommodation
Experience authentic Peruvian hospitality with home-cooked meals and comfortable accommodations.
Stay in a mix of hostels, lodges, hotels, and homestays, fostering connections with friendly hosts and fellow travelers.
Savor a variety of local specialties and more familiar foods, with all dietary needs catered for.
From street stalls to vibrant restaurants, your culinary journey will be as diverse as the landscapes you explore.
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Lomo saltado (popular stir fry combining Asian and Latin flavors)
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Ahí de gallina (chicken stew)
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Ceviche mixto (mixed ceviche, traditional seafood in Peru)
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Arroz chaufa (fried rice)
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Bedroom
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Kitchen
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Typical homestay in Cusco: Living / Dining area
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Taricaya Ecological Reserve
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Interior of Taricaya Ecological Reserve accommodation
FAQs
What's included?
The cost of your trip covers everything except your flights, visa(s), insurance, and spending money.
You'll get:
- Picked up from the airport, and taken back again when it's time to go home.
- All internal travel such as coach, ferries, and flights.
- Three meals a day.
- Accommodation.
- 24/7 support in destination.
- Regular social events, excursions, and workshop activities.
- Access to 16 museums in Cusco.
- Visa support and advice.
- Full induction and orientation by experienced staff upon arrival.
- A minimum of at least two Program Leaders with you during your trip.
For a full list, read What's included in the price?
How do I pay?
All that is needed to secure your place on any Gap Program, Gap Project, or Global Gap Year is:
- Pay a $295 deposit today.
- This deposit is taken off the final balance of payment for your trip.
- The remaining balance is due to be paid three months before you travel.
You can choose how much, and when to pay, up to three months before your start date.
This means you have complete flexibility to save up or pay in installments at a time that suits you.
There is no interest, no credit, and no fees. You are in total control.
Read Payments made easy for more information.
What are Gap Components?
Our Gap Components are the DNA of our philosophy around transformational travel.
Each Gap Program contains five essential components:
Adventure
Leave your comfort zone in the dust! We're talking about hiking epic trails, rafting down rapids, dune buggies, and ziplining through incredible landscapes. This is more than just an adrenaline rush. These adventures are designed to build your confidence, strengthen your friendships, and give you life skills that will stay with you long after you unpack your bags.
Community
Ready to make a difference? Get involved and give back to the incredible places you'll visit. Roll up your sleeves and join beach cleanups, help protect endangered forests and wildlife, or teach, build, and lend a hand in local communities. You'll learn about giving back, see the world through a whole new lens, and leave a positive footprint, wherever you tread.
Exploration
Time to go wild! Picture camping under the stars, spotting rare animals, trekking into the remote wilderness, and experiencing life in a homestay. It won't always be easy, but that's the point. These programs are designed to build your resilience and ignite your sense of adventure. You'll push your limits, ditch the digital world, and stretch yourself further than you ever thought possible.
People & Planet
Ready to go beyond sightseeing? Dive headfirst into the real issues facing our planet, learn from local experts, and immerse yourself in vibrant communities. Get hands-on, open your heart, and experience different cultures for yourself. These programs will shake up your perspective, inspire you to act, and help you understand your own place in this awesome, interconnected world.
Transformation
This gap year is your chance to invest in yourself. Homestays, workshops, excursions… These aren't just activities; they're stepping stones to uncovering what makes you tick, setting goals, and building the skills that will help you become the best version of yourself. Think boosted confidence, newfound independence, and a global mindset that'll open doors down the road.
Unlock the power of the Project Expert
Complete the form below to connect to your dedicated Project Expert who can answer any questions about your Gap Adventure.
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