Overview Peru is world-renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity and historical heritage, yet off the beaten tourist track live communities struggling to keep the balance between past traditions and modern realities...

Cuzco, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, is home to beautiful colonial architecture and Incan ruins, where modern businessmen and indigenous Quechua alike walk ancient cobblestone streets. Lifeworks students spend some time exploring the beauty of this city and the surrounding Sacred Valley, including excursions in horseback riding, biking, whitewater rafting and, of course, spectacular Machu Picchu!

But behind the beaten path of the tourist attractions live struggling children and families often unnoticed in the eyes of the tourist. It is here that Lifeworkers really engage their hearts, hands and minds.

An estimated 25% of Peruvian mothers are under the age of 18. Two out of three Peruvian women are victims of abuse. Often women and children lack adequate support at home and in the community. Many are overwhelmed by a social stigma. Babies are abandoned; impoverished mothers and children resort to begging on the streets to meet their basic needs.

Overwhelming, yes, but beyond staggering statistics are hopeful foundations working for change and a brighter future. At the Cuzco center for teenage mothers, known as Casa Mantay, founders Raquel and Sergio work to arm single, adolescent mothers with the skills needed to succeed in their future. At Aldea Yanapay, inspirational director Yuri, works to alleviate the social injustices faced by the children of Cuzco through alternative and after-school programs.

Lifeworkers assist organizations like these in a number of ways. We help out with childcare, cooking, construction and building maintenance projects. We teach English and build confidence and skills in children by playing games and leading arts and crafts activities. Our support gets projects off the ground and invests in the dreams of local leaders. Most importantly, we have the chance to explore in greater depth the culture of the local communities and learn from them in ways we never knew imaginable.

Our stay in Peru would not be complete without a visit to the majestic high Andes. Often the highlight of our stay, we embark on breathtaking hikes and get a glimpse into rural Peruvian life. These small and tranquil villages transport us back in time, away from many modern conveniences where locals show us how they live off the land.

Here, too, poverty remains unchecked. There is much work to be done. We assist where we can and learn plenty along the way. Cleaning, painting and playing at schools will bring smiles to the local children's faces. Mixing clay, water and straw, we construct adobe bricks which are used for building in the communities. The work is hard yet satisfying. When our work is done, we retire to a campfire at night and marvel at the blanket of stars. It's one of the many ways Lifeworks opens your mind and expands your horizons in awe-inspiring Peru!

Itinerary