2025 GSSM Peru Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | January 8, 2025 - January 18, 2025 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,145 |
Important Reminders
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 8 | USA - Peru | Today the group will travel from the USA to Lima, Peru. After arrival, we will settle into our hotel and rest after the long day of travel. | Lima Hotel |
| January 9 | Lima | We will start our day with our orientation meeting to help us prepare for the days ahead. We will then make our way to the historic center to explore the plaza mayor and the catacombs underneath the convent of San Francisco. Later on, we will explore the Miraflores neighborhood, including the Parque Kennedy, and dine on some of Lima's famously delicious delicacies. | Lima Hotel |
| January 10 | Lima and Cusco | Today we will leave Lima and travel to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Quechua empire. at our hotel in the beautiful San Blas neighborhood to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Later, we will take a guided walking tour of the historic center and marvel at how Quechua, Spanish and modern influences have molded current day Cusco. | Cusco Hotel |
| January 11 | Cusco | Our day will begin touring the famous Quechua ruins of Saqsayhuaman. After lunch, we will practice our moves in a Latin dance class before continuing exploring the the cobblestone streets around the central plaza of Cusco and visit the market and stores in smaller groups. In the evening, we will enjoy local and international food and the comforts of our quaint hotel. | Cusco Hotel |
| January 12 | Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes | The adventures continue as we set out for Chinchero, a small town just above the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a weaving demonstration from the women famous for these local textiles. We will then make our way to Salineras, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountains, and Moray, an ancient Quechua agricultural laboratory. From there we will descend the Sacred Valley in bikes (or vans) before we drive back to Cusco. This evening we will catch a two-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night. | Aguas Calientes Hotel |
| January 13 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco | Today we will have an early start. First, we will catch the bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu. With our local guide, we will learn about the history and significance of this citadel set high in the Andes, and take time to reflect on our journey thus far. After a quick visit Aguas Calientes, we will catch our train back to Cusco to prepare for our departure to the Amazonas tomorrow. | Cusco Hotel |
| January 14 | Cusco - Puerto Maldonado- Amazon | Today we will fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway city to some of the most biodiverse pockets of the entire Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, we will make our way by bus and boat to the eco-lodge, our home for the next three nights in the jungle. We will receive an orientation from the lodge's guides, then set out for a night hike in the forest to experience the vibrant nocturnal wildlife all around us. | Amazon Hotel |
| January 15 | Amazon | We will begin today by exploring the jungle's canopy by hiking through a series of suspension bridges. We will continue onward to a wildlife rescue center, where we may see jaguars, monkeys, bush dogs, tapirs and more, to learn about the work being done to rehabilitate displaced wildlife back into their habitat. Later, we will hike around an agroforestry farm in the area before searching for caiman on the river's edge this evening! | Amazon Hotel |
| January 16 | Amazon | This morning we will venture even deeper in the rainforest to Lake Sandoval, a stunning palm-ringed lake in the heart of the Tambopata reserve. We will paddle around the pristine lake, keeping our eyes peeled for howler monkeys, macaws, hoatzin, and the endangered river otter. Back near the lodge, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating the river, watching for turtles, heron, and capybara. We will end our adventures in the Amazon tonight with lectures from local conservationists on the projects they are working on to preserve this delicate ecosystem before falling asleep to the sounds of the forest. | Amazon Hotel |
| January 17 | Puerto Maldonado - Lima - USA | This morning we will say goodbye to the Amazon basin and begin our journey back to the USA. We will take an afternoon flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima. If time permits, we will leave the airport to enjoy a final meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean before catching our overnight flight from Lima to the USA. | Airplane |
| January 18 | USA | Arrive home. | Your own bed! |
Fundraising
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Learn more here.
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Mami Panchita
Mami Panchita is a family owned and operated colonial style guest house in San Miguel. Conveniently located between the airport and the attractions of the coastal neighborhoods, this hostel offers a cozy retreat from the bustle of the Peruvian capital that students will surely enjoy. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Pension Alemana
Situated in the hills of the San Blas neighborhood, Pension Alemana is a beautiful bed and breakfast overlooking the historic center of Cusco. Representative of the city’s history and culture, this hotel blends Quechua and Spanish colonial styles to provide a stunning setting to relax at 11,000 feet. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge
The rustic lodge at Corto Maltes is a collection of beautifully finished wood bungalows, common spaces, kitchen cabin, pool and garden areas. This low-impact, eco-friendly lodge provides an important balance of comfort and style while enjoying the wild of the Amazon. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the common areas during certain times of day. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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United Airlines
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UA
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6112
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CLT – Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, United States
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January 08, 2025 at 11:45 AM
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IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, United States
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January 08, 2025 at 01:36 PM
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Outbound
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United Airlines
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UA
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854
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IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, United States
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January 08, 2025 at 04:25 PM
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LIM – Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru
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January 08, 2025 at 11:55 PM
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Inbound
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United Airlines
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UA
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855
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LIM – Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru
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January 18, 2025 at 01:50 AM
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IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, United States
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January 18, 2025 at 07:25 AM
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Inbound
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United Airlines
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UA
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722
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IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, United States
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January 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
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CLT – Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, United States
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January 18, 2025 at 03:52 PM
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Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!
CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Warmer jacket
- Warm hat
- Scarf
- Warm gloves
- Rain jacket
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable, everyday pants
- Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
- Durable athletic/walking shoes
- Sandals (optional)
- Hat
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power Converter
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- STUDENT ID
- Spanish/English Dictionary
- Converter (Peru runs 220v, 60Hz AC electricity. Only necessary if electronic device doesn’t have built in converter)
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents. Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.
Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics
Born and raised with a big family in Guatemala, JP spent seven years living and studying in the US where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. JP worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions in the Southwest of the US. After spending two years in New Mexico studying the International Baccalaureate, he moved to Indiana where he spent the next four years at Earlham College. His passion for international affairs brought him to spend a semester in China, and several other Southeast Asian countries. During his time abroad, he spent his summers traveling and backpacking through 15+ different countries, and participating in several service projects. Today JP is based in Costa Rica where he works full time with the Walking Tree team. Juan Pablo also enjoys hosting friends and travelers coming to visit. He’s always down for an exciting road-trip around the country, or even better, around Latin America. He is a long time art and design enthusiast, and a photography aficionado.
Rafael Solorzano
UIGV University, Cusco: Business Management/Tourism
Rafael comes from the city of Cusco in Peru. He enjoys being outdoors and is always eager to acquire new skills. In his early twenties, he had the opportunity to live in New Zealand, an experience that completely transformed his life. It was during this time that he decided to pursue a career that would allow him to be outside and travel.
When he’s not busy with work, Rafael can often be found learning about history, finance, and cars. He also loves embarking on hiking adventures and going on road trips. Traveling is an important part of his life. So far, he’s been to seventeen countries across four continents and hopes to continue exploring different cultures around the world. Rafael firmly believes that traveling is an unparalleled way to educate oneself and, in the process, broaden one’s perspective of the world.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Aishwarya Prabhakaran
- 2 Andrew Braddock
- 3 Christopher Champi
- 4 Crystal Nguyen
- 5 Ella Alexander
- 6 Emily Wilson
- 7 Gabriel Brown
- 8 Gael Valverde Taipe
- 9 Isaac Kanagy
- 10 Jennifer Brown
- 11 Joseph Gresko
- 12 Kaitlyn Reeder
- 13 Kambell Summers
- 14 Kambell Summers
- 15 Kenneth Toussaint
- 16 Lucy Hartley
- 17 Makena Barker
- 18 Maxwell McBurney
- 19 Noah Coleman
- 20 Peter Steinmetz
- 21 Priya Raj
- 22 Roland Yang
Blog and Communication
During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families bak home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.
Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational. As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Peru website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.