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Gap Year Expedition - Peru
Peru in 8 Weeks
Please note: the order of the itinerary and activities are subject to change. 2008 participants should also be aware that visits to Pisco and the Ballestas Islands are dependent on the restoration works taking place since the devastation caused by the 2007 earthquake.
Week 1
The programme begins with a city tour of Lima old town (sights include the central plazas, architecture, catacombs). After this you take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands where we visit the sea lion colonies & wealth of birdlife. The Islands are considered the “Poor man’s Galapagos”. You continue to Huacachina, where there are huge sand dunes surrounding an oasis in the desert. In this beautiful setting you begin your Spanish study.
Week 2
At Ica the group visits a vineyard famous for both wine & Pisco, the local drink. Next you visit Nasca to see the famous desert lines – these are huge, mysterious drawings in the desert left thousands of years ago. Next stop is Arequipa, the beautiful white city with perfect climate and interesting museums.
Week 3
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is a real highlight of the tour. You visit Uros Islands, the floating reed islands inhabited by the local Indians.
Then on to Cusco, famous for its mix of Spanish architecture and Incan history. Here, you start your 4-day alternative Inca Trail trek, which takes you as high as 4100m with spectacular views of the Andes on route. Trekking 4 to 7 hours per day is a demanding but rewarding group experience.
Week 4
The incredible lost Inca city in the clouds, Machu Picchu, awaits you at the end of the trek. After the trek, the group heads to Chinchero for a home stay with local Quechua Indian families - a unique opportunity to see the traditional way of life in the Andes. Here you visit the Chinchero market, where you get a chance to buy locally made handicrafts.
Week 5
This week, you visit an area of Peru to which few tourists venture. The group heads to Ayacucho – a city with a famous reputation for local art on your way back to Peru’s capital city Lima.
Week 6
This week is for intensive Spanish study whilst enjoying the idyllic beach setting, sun, surf, swimming & relaxation. You also have a 1day horse-riding tour to visit nearby mud-pools.
Week 7
In week 7 you spend two days at the Northeast biosphere national reserve of Tumbes where, depending on the season, you can visit the mangrove park or the tropical dry forest. This area is rich in wildlife and plant species and makes an adventurous two days of exploration. Then on to Huanchaco, which is another beach town famous for surfing and stunning sunsets. You spend time relaxing here as well as visiting the nearby Chanchan ruins.
Week 8
During week 8, the group spends 5 days in the Huascaran National Park, the most spectacular part of the Andes mountain range. Here, mountains, glaciers and lakes will surround you. The group partakes in glacier trekking; trekking to stunning mountain lakes, and a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs.
Finally we return to Lima for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Weeks 9 – 12
Optional volunteer work
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