At a glance
Enter ‘Tawantinsuyu’ (the Land of the Four Quarters) on this epic ten-week quest across the Land of the Inca...
...uncover the largest empire in pre-Columbian America (1492 AD) covering much of modern-day Peru and Bolivia, as you wind your way through four unique ecosystems of desert, coastline, rainforest, and mountain.
Witness the impact of the Inca civilization on their landscape. Learn how the unique geography of each ‘quarter’ has combined to leave it littered with engineering marvels, sacred monuments, lost cities, and a more recent Spanish colonial legacy — yours to explore.
Here are some of the highlights:
- An epic ten-week adventure through Peru & Bolivia
- Explore the Pacific Coast, Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, and Salt Flats of Bolivia
- Multi-day hikes to iconic locations
- Learn traditional crafts and skills from Indigenous people
- Protect the environment and Inca heritage
- Stay in a mix of hostels, lodges, hotels, and homestays
- Program Leaders to support you every step of the way
- Download the full itinerary
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Trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu
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Three-day trip across Salar de Uyuni salt flats
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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 locals and learn traditional crafts
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Stay on a floating island at Lake Titicaca
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Live and work in the Amazon Rainforest, protecting nature
Overview
Forget sightseeing — this is travel you can feel!
Move through hundreds of miles and hundreds of years of Inca history in just ten weeks as you explore the four quarters of their incredible empire, including the ancient capital city of Cusco.
Picture this... Hiking ancient Inca trails to Machu Picchu, racing across endless salt flats, dune buggying through a desert oasis.
There’s hands-on archaeology too. Plus meet the locals, floating islands on Lake Titicaca, and hang out with Humboldt penguins. And, so much more.
We really can't do it justice here, so keep scrolling for our ten-week overview featuring all the best bits!
You'll go deep, learning how empires clash, how delicate ecosystems operate, and how incredible traditions survived against all the odds. From rainforest conservation to starry mountain nights, you'll see how people and the planet are connected — and how you can make a difference.
From Lima to La Paz, this is an expedition that will take you to places that guidebooks just can’t touch.
Learn some Spanish, make lifelong friends, and boost your skills with action-packed workshops. You'll leave knowing more and ready to take on the world.
Are you ready to write your own story? Let's go!
Your journey
Embark on this ten-week passage through the heart of Peru and Bolivia, where ancient mysteries, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes await.
Explore from Lima to La Paz via Cusco, venturing into the depths of the Amazon rainforest and trekking through the majestic Andes.
This is a journey that will ignite your spirit of adventure and leave you with so much more than memories and photos.
You’ll take home confidence, friends, knowledge, new skills, and a smile!
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 7 — 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. Travel on to Lake Titicaca, where you’ll join the Uros floating island community for an overnight stay. Then it’s time to cross the border to Bolivia!
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Stay with the Uros floating island community on Lake Titicaca
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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
Weeks 8 to 10 — Into The Wild: Bolivia’s Remote Deserts
Start your Bolivian leg in La Paz with cable car rides, the bustling San Pedro Plaza, and the intriguing Witches Market.
Explore historical sites, ancient ruins, and colonial silver mines. Join a multi-day hike through the Frailes Range, discovering cave paintings and weaving villages.
Immerse yourself in the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni with a three-day jeep tour. Witness the Train Cemetery, boundless salt flats, flamingos, and surreal desertscapes.
Visit Oruro before concluding your journey in La Paz, where you can reflect on your incredible adventure.
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 and Bolivian 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(s).
- 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 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 those 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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