Journey through Peru's Sacred Valley
Your Gap Year in Peru
A Country of Ancient Marvels
In Peru’s sacred valley, you’re surrounded by rich heritage and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Machu Picchu and the historic city of Cusco to the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the lush Amazon rainforest, it’s clear why Peru captivates travellers seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The blend of Incan history and diverse natural beauty makes Peru an unforgettable destination for those on a gap year.
As one of the fastest-growing South-American countries, significant strides have been made in reducing poverty. However, challenges such as social discrimination and inequality persist, especially in rural communities.
Be part of something bigger—join us in making a difference and helping to create positive change in Peru’s sacred Valley.
Volunteering in Peru
Programme Overview
GapGuru Peru combines authentic cultural immersion with impactful work and opportunities for bucket-list adventures. You’ll be based at our hub in Urubama, supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. You’ll contribute towards our long-term development goals and support for local communities.
During your time in our hub, you’ll work running interactive activities with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas, supporting sustainable change in the community.
Our Adventure Week will take you to Macchu Picchu via the iconic Salkantay Trek. This is your perfect immersion in Peruvian history, culture, and adventure, promising memories that will last well beyond your gap year.
Ready to travel with Impact? Apply now to be part of something bigger and begin your adventure. Let’s make a difference together
Induction
In Urubamba, your first few days will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the local community and learn about the work of the FutureSense Foundation in Peru. You’ll explore Urumaba, enjoy a welcome dinner, receive an overview of health and safety protocols and learn some Spanish phrases. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with the team you’ll be working with in Peru!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week during your project delivery, you’ll be based at our hub in Urubamba. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll help inspire change in the Impact Areas you have selected by engaging local learners in diverse activities outside the traditional classroom structure. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon previous students’ work and be part of facilitating lasting change in our communities.
Adventure Week
You couldn’t visit Peru without experiencing the wonders of Macchu Picchu. On our adventure week, you’ll get the chance to complete the iconic Salkantey trek through Peru’s sacred valley to Macchu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 5 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some local wonders like the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountains, the fascinating Maras Salt Mines or Cusco, the historic capital of Peru and home to the Inca civilisation.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In Peru you can choose to make an impact in:
- STEM
- The Arts
- Conversational English
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sports
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with our Salkantay Trek adventure week! This incredible journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru to the iconic Machu Picchu. This adventure is the perfect introduction to Peruvian culture and trekking, combining physical challenge, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty for an experience you’ll never forget.
- DAY 1: Start your trek in Mollepata and hike to Humantay Lake at 3,800m. Enjoy a relatively easy trek and your first glimpse of Salkantay Peak.
- DAY 2: Trek through the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,600m, soaking in views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, then descend to Challway at 3,000m.
- DAY 3: Hike from Challway to Lucmabamba, crossing streams and waterfalls, and camp at an archaeological site with stunning landscapes.
- DAY 4: Trek from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes, with a chance to visit the hot springs at Santa Teresa, the first town encountered on the trek.
- DAY 5: Wake up early for the final ascent to Machu Picchu. Arrive at sunrise, explore the site, then take the train to Cusco for a celebratory night.
- DAY 6-7: Explore Cusco before heading back to Urubamba
In Peru, you’ll be supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. The Peru team are based at the FutureSense Foundation hub in Urubamba, a small town located in the Sacred Valley, where they live and work in the community year-round.
The Peru team supports 700 students on projects including STEM, English, Climate Action, WASH, and Physical, Social and Emotional Wellbeing support.
When you visit Peru, you’ll be part of something bigger. By contributing towards the long-term sustainable development projects of the FutureSense Foundation you’ll get to see their work first-hand.
You will be staying at our local guesthouse. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other participants. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with western toilets, hot showers and a sink. There is plenty of space for you to relax in your spare time, including a large outside courtyard and welcoming reception area.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned with plenty of spaces for you to relax in your spare time, however the amenities aren’t the same standard that you might be used to.
Meals
All of our meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint. You’ll eat a lot of the local cuisine which is delicious across the board!
Breakfast
We keep breakfast simple to give you time in the morning. Expect toast, jam and eggs with coffee and tea.
Lunch
Lunch will either be local Peruvian meals back at your accommodation or will be a packed lunch that you will take with you to your project.
Dinner
Dinner is a bigger affair, where our in-house cooks prepare delicious local meals with meals centered around quinoa, potatoes, and corn—staples of the Peruvian diet—alongside a variety of seasonal local vegetables. You’ll have the opportunity to savor dishes like quinoa salad, lomo saltado (stir-fried vegetables and potatoes), and causa rellena (layered potato dish), all prepared without meat.
What's Included?
Prices Include
- A GapGuru Mentor during your stay
- Clean and safe Accommodation
- 3 x nutritious meals from Monday –Friday in the hub
- Training & orientation
- Support before, during and after your trip
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- In-country transport
- All pre-travel materials
What we can help you with
- International Flights
- Visa and Travel insurance fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transport and Travel
- Any Personal Expenses
- We know that sorting this stuff out can be hard so we’re more than happy to help!
Experience Peru
Why Make an Impact With GapGuru
- Support Local Communities
- Ethical and Sustainable
- Part of Something Bigger
Your Gap Year in Peru
A Country of Ancient Marvels
In Peru’s sacred valley, you’re surrounded by rich heritage and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Machu Picchu and the historic city of Cusco to the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the lush Amazon rainforest, it’s clear why Peru captivates travellers seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The blend of Incan history and diverse natural beauty makes Peru an unforgettable destination for those on a gap year.
As one of the fastest-growing South-American countries, significant strides have been made in reducing poverty. However, challenges such as social discrimination and inequality persist, especially in rural communities.
Be part of something bigger—join us in making a difference and helping to create positive change in Peru’s sacred Valley.
Volunteering in Peru
Programme Overview
GapGuru Peru combines authentic cultural immersion with impactful work and opportunities for bucket-list adventures. You’ll be based at our hub in Urubama, supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. You’ll contribute towards our long-term development goals and support for local communities.
During your time in our hub, you’ll work running interactive activities with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas, supporting sustainable change in the community.
Our Adventure Week will take you to Macchu Picchu via the iconic Salkantay Trek. This is your perfect immersion in Peruvian history, culture, and adventure, promising memories that will last well beyond your gap year.
Ready to travel with Impact? Apply now to be part of something bigger and begin your adventure. Let’s make a difference together.
Induction
In Urubamba, your first few days will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the local community and learn about the work of the FutureSense Foundation in Peru. You’ll explore Urumaba, enjoy a welcome dinner, receive an overview of health and safety protocols and learn some Spanish phrases. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with the team you’ll be working with in Peru!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week during your project delivery, you’ll be based at our hub in Urubamba. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll help inspire change in the Impact Areas you have selected by engaging local learners in diverse activities outside the traditional classroom structure. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon previous students’ work and be part of facilitating lasting change in our communities.
Adventure Week
You couldn’t visit Peru without experiencing the wonders of Macchu Picchu. On our adventure week, you’ll get the chance to complete the iconic Salkantey trek through Peru’s sacred valley to Macchu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 3 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some local wonders like the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountains, the fascinating Maras Salt Mines or Cusco, the historic capital of Peru and home to the Inca civilisation.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In Peru you can choose to make an impact in:
- STEM
- The Arts
- Conversational English
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sports
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with our Salkantay Trek adventure week! This incredible journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru to the iconic Machu Picchu. This adventure is the perfect introduction to Peruvian culture and trekking, combining physical challenge, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty for an experience you’ll never forget.
- DAY 1: Start your trek in Mollepata and hike to Humantay Lake at 3,800m. Enjoy a relatively easy trek and your first glimpse of Salkantay Peak.
- DAY 2: Trek through the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,600m, soaking in views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, then descend to Challway at 3,000m.
- DAY 3: Hike from Challway to Lucmabamba, crossing streams and waterfalls, and camp at an archaeological site with stunning landscapes.
- DAY 4: Trek from Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes, with a chance to visit the hot springs at Santa Teresa, the first town encountered on the trek.
- DAY 5: Wake up early for the final ascent to Machu Picchu. Arrive at sunrise, explore the site, then take the train to Cusco for a celebratory night.
- DAY 6-7: Explore Cusco before heading back to Urubamba
In Peru, you’ll be supporting our charity, the FutureSense Foundation. The Peru team are based at the FutureSense Foundation hub in Urubamba, a small town located in the Sacred Valley, where they live and work in the community year-round.
The Peru team supports 700 students on projects including STEM, English, Climate Action, WASH, and Physical, Social and Emotional Wellbeing support.
When you visit Peru, you’ll be part of something bigger. By contributing towards the long-term sustainable development projects of the FutureSense Foundation you’ll get to see their work first-hand.
You will be staying at our local guesthouse. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other participants. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with western toilets, hot showers and a sink. There is plenty of space for you to relax in your spare time, including a large outside courtyard and welcoming reception area.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned with plenty of spaces for you to relax in your spare time, however the amenities aren’t the same standard that you might be used to.
Meals
All of our meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint. You’ll eat a lot of the local cuisine which is delicious across the board!
Breakfast
We keep breakfast simple to give you time in the morning. Expect toast, jam and eggs with coffee and tea.
Lunch
Lunch will either be local Peruvian meals back at your accommodation or will be a packed lunch that you will take with you to your project.
Dinner
Dinner is a bigger affair, where our in-house cooks prepare delicious local meals with meals centered around quinoa, potatoes, and corn—staples of the Peruvian diet—alongside a variety of seasonal local vegetables. You’ll have the opportunity to savor dishes like quinoa salad, lomo saltado (stir-fried vegetables and potatoes), and causa rellena (layered potato dish), all prepared without meat.
Want to learn more
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Need Gap Year Advice?
Want some help planning your gap year? Whether you’ve already booked a gap experience with us, or are wondering where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to our fantastic GapGurus! We’ve got plenty of gap year experience and nearly 20 years of turning dreams into reality. Chances are, we’ve heard your question before. Drop us a message and let’s make the most of your gap year!
