This 22-day summer program combines adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful community service across Peru and Ecuador. You'll experience some of the world's most iconic destinations—from the legendary Machu Picchu to the world-famous Galápagos Islands—while also giving back to local communities through up to 40 hours of hands-on service work.

Your journey begins in Peru's Sacred Valley, where you'll explore ancient Incan ruins at Ollantaytambo and Moray before reaching the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu. But this program goes deeper than typical sightseeing. You'll spend three days living in the village of Misminay, staying in local family homes and working alongside residents on construction projects, kitchen improvements, and farming. You'll help prepare pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked underground, and sleep in private rooms within villager's homes—a genuine cultural exchange that most tourists never experience. In Cusco, you'll learn chocolate-making, browse handicraft markets, and explore the Coricancha temple, the most sacred site in the Incan Empire.

Next, you'll travel to Ecuador, where Quito's colonial architecture and mountain vistas captivate you. A highlight is standing at "la Mitad del Mundo"—the Middle of the World—where you can literally straddle both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Intiñan Museum deepens your understanding of indigenous Ecuadorian culture through interactive experiments possible only at the equator. Then comes the magic: four days in the Galápagos Islands. You'll snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, and tropical fish. Visit the Charles Darwin Station and tortoise breeding centers, explore pristine beaches like Tortuga Bay, and spot Darwin's finches and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat.

The program culminates with meaningful service on a sustainable Galápagos farm, where you'll participate in recycling and food preparation in traditional mud ovens—allowing you to give back to the islands that inspired Darwin's theories. Before heading home, you'll zip-line through the cloud forests of Mindo and enjoy a celebratory final dinner in Quito.

Throughout the trip, you'll stay in safe, centrally-located accommodations ranging from family-run hotels to jungle lodges. All meals—featuring authentic Ecuadorian and Peruvian cuisine, from quinoa and potatoes to fresh seafood—are included, as are ground transportation, expert guides, and chaperones. This program is designed for high school students (grades 9-12) seeking adventure, cultural connection, and the satisfaction of real community impact. You'll return home transformed, with new friends from around the world, service hours on your record, and memories that will shape your worldview for years to come.