Peru – Sanitation, Education and Food Security The remote nature of this region means there is little to no support from nearby towns. As part of your experience, you’ll contribute to projects aimed at enhancing educational facilities for local children, including ongoing efforts at the high school, elementary school, and kindergarten. Additionally, you’ll assist in building greenhouses to support sustainable food production. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Peru – Sanitation and rural housing improvement The small rural community in Moray is extremely poor with no basic sanitation or sewerage. You’ll get involved with projects such as renovating houses and constructing toilet blocks in each of the houses in the village, providing families and vulnerable elderly residents with proper sanitation facilities. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Peru – School improvements Over the years we are proud to have made some real improvements to the school in the community, and that is work that is still going on. Dining rooms, toilet facilities and improving classroom infrastructure is our focus. The community also has difficulties with water supply and sanitation, and we are working with the community in those areas. UN Sustainable Development Goals Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Peru – Community Development and Conservation The river running through the community is in the Peruvian government red “at risk” list and we are working to protect its banks. That involves building protective structures and working in reforestation of the hillside above it. Additionally, we are engaging with the community by working closely with the local school and establishing greenhouses that are integrated with the reforestation project. UN Sustainable Development Goals Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
What makes the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition unique? The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers an unparalleled combination of living cultural heritage, Andean landscapes and meaningful community development work. Students contribute to real projects alongside Quechua communities, while also experiencing the history, traditions and natural environment of one of South America’s most iconic regions. The expedition typically includes a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What kind of project work will students do in the Sacred Valley? Students work on community development and educational projects alongside Quechua communities in the Sacred Valley region. This may include building or refurbishing schools and community facilities, supporting agricultural projects and cultural exchange activities. All projects are co-designed with our long-term local partners to address genuine community-identified needs and ensure lasting impact beyond each expedition.
How fit do students need to be for the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition? A good level of general fitness is important. The Sacred Valley sits at high altitude, typically between 2,800 and 3,500 metres above sea level, and students will need time to acclimatise on arrival. Project work involves physical activity including construction and agricultural tasks. No technical trekking or climbing skills are required, but students should be physically prepared for working and travelling at altitude.
Is the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Peru since 2015 and brings over 23 years of experience running international school expeditions safely. Our Peru programme is delivered by experienced locally based in-country teams who are knowledgeable about altitude safety and local conditions. Comprehensive risk assessments are reviewed before every departure, 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place and we follow UK FCDO travel advice throughout.
What’s included in the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition cost? The cost includes international flights, accommodation, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons, 24-hour emergency support and entry to key cultural sites including Machu Picchu. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
How does Camps International work with local communities in Peru? Our community work in the Sacred Valley has been developed through sustained partnership with Quechua community leaders and trusted local organisations since Camp Peru opened in 2015. Projects are co-designed to respond to real community priorities rather than the preferences of visiting groups, and are structured for long-term impact that continues after each expedition. This relationship-first approach has been at the heart of how Camps International has worked since 2002.
Will students visit Machu Picchu on the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition? Yes. A visit to Machu Picchu is included in the expedition and is one of its most iconic moments. Rather than taking the standard tourist route, students trek the spectacular Salkantay route to reach the ancient Inca citadel. The Salkantay Trek is one of the world’s great high-altitude trails, passing through cloud forest, glacial landscapes and Andean mountain scenery before arriving at Machu Picchu. It is a genuine physical achievement as well as a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. Entry to Machu Picchu is included in the expedition cost.
What is the Salkantay Trek and how challenging is it? The Salkantay Trek is one of the most celebrated high-altitude trekking routes in South America, passing through diverse Andean landscapes including glacial valleys, cloud forest and mountain passes before descending to Machu Picchu. Students on the Sacred Valley Peru Expedition trek this route as their adventure challenge, reaching altitudes of around 4,600 metres at the Salkantay Pass. It is a demanding multi-day trek that requires a good level of fitness and mental determination. Our experienced local guides lead the route throughout, and students will have already spent time at altitude during the expedition, helping with acclimatisation before the trek begins.
