On day 2 of your adventure, get ready to take things to the next level! You'll be heading to the Huacachina oasis, located in the heart of the Peruvian desert. Here, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at two of the most thrilling activities around: sand-boarding and dune buggy riding.

First up is sand-boarding, which is essentially snowboarding on dunes. You'll be provided with a board and given a quick tutorial on how to navigate the dunes. Then, it's up to you to find the perfect slope and take the plunge! Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or a first-timer, sand-boarding is an exhilarating way to experience the beauty and power of the desert.

Next, it's time to hop in a dune buggy and explore the vast expanse of sand around you. These rugged vehicles are designed to handle the steep inclines and sharp turns of the dunes, and your driver will take you on a wild ride through the desert landscape. Hold on tight as you zoom up and down the dunes, feeling the rush of wind in your hair and sand beneath your wheels.

After a full day of adventure and adrenaline, you'll return to your hotel in Lima feeling exhilarated and invigorated. You'll have plenty of stories to tell about your experiences in the desert, and memories that will last a lifetime. So get ready to raise the benchmark for adventure and embrace the thrill of the unknown!

On this day, you will be leaving Lima behind and heading to the beautiful city of Cusco. After a short flight, you will arrive in Cusco and take a bus from the city to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. 

The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru known for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The valley is home to many ancient Incan ruins, picturesque villages, and breathtaking landscapes. As you travel through the valley, you'll be surrounded by towering mountains, lush green fields, and winding rivers. 

Once you arrive in Urubamba, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and rest for acclimatization. This is an important step in preparing for any activities at high altitude, as the air is thinner and it can take some time for your body to adjust. You can take this opportunity to explore the town of Urubamba, sample some delicious traditional Peruvian cuisine, or just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around you.

As you settle in for the night, you'll be able to feel the excitement building for the adventures that await you in the Sacred Valley. From hiking through the mountains to exploring ancient ruins, this region is full of opportunities for exploration and discovery. So take advantage of this time to rest and recharge, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

On this day, you will have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and make a meaningful impact on the community. You will be participating in a community service project, working alongside locals to help accomplish a project that has been identified as a priority for the community.

The specific project may vary depending on the needs of the community at the time of your visit, but it could involve anything from building a  school to planting crops or constructing irrigation systems. You will work alongside locals to complete the project, learning about their way of life and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

Throughout the day, you will have the chance to interact with locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. You may participate in traditional ceremonies, sample local foods, or learn about traditional crafts or skills. This will be a unique opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the culture and history of the Sacred Valley, and to make a positive impact on the community.

Today we continue the community service project that we started yesterday, working alongside locals to make a real difference. You'll pick up where you left off, continuing the work that you started and seeing the project through to completion. This is a great opportunity to build on the progress you've made and to see the impact that your efforts are having on the community.

In addition to the community service project, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about local trades like pottery and ceramic making. The people of the Sacred Valley have a rich history of producing beautiful pottery and ceramics, using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. You may even have the opportunity to try your hand at making your own pottery or ceramic piece!

As the day comes to a close, you will return to your hotel feeling fulfilled and inspired by the experiences you've had. You will have made new friends, learned new skills, and contributed to a meaningful project that will benefit the community for years to come. This is a truly special way to experience the Sacred Valley, and one that will leave a lasting impression on you for years to come.

Today is the day to fulfill your dream of climbing Machu Picchu in Peru. The iconic Incan citadel is one of the most breathtaking wonders of the world, and reaching the top is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey to the top of Machu Picchu takes about 2-3 hours of hiking, depending on your pace, and the trail is well-marked and non-technical. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes mountain range and the Urubamba river below.

But for the brave few who want to take the adventure to the next level, we will also climb the challenging Huayna Picchu. The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. You'll have a bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that few others can claim.

It's important to note that the Huayna Picchu hike is limited to 200 hikers per day, and it's in high demand, so booking in advance is a must. The hike takes about 1 hour or so to reach the top, but it's a challenging climb that requires caution and attention to your surroundings. The trail is well-marked and steel cables can be held for extra balance, but it's still a steep climb that requires good physical fitness.

At the end of the day, you'll return to your accommodations with a sense of accomplishment and awe at the beauty and majesty of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. This is a truly unforgettable experience that you'll cherish for the rest of your life.

Rafting through the Sacred Valley is a thrilling adventure that allows you to experience the stunning beauty of the Andes Mountains from a unique perspective. You'll navigate through narrow canyons, rushing rapids, and towering cliffs, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you conquer each new challenge.

The rapids in the Sacred Valley range from class 3 to class 4, meaning they are challenging but not dangerous. You'll need to be in good physical condition to take on these rapids, but with the guidance of an experienced guide, you'll be able to tackle each new challenge with confidence.

On your last day in the Sacred Valley, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the region's most impressive Incan ruins. You'll learn about the history and culture of this fascinating civilization, and see firsthand the incredible architectural feats they accomplished. 

After a morning of exploring, you'll have the chance to sample some of the delicious local cuisine. Finally, you'll have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring on your own. You may want to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home, or simply wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere of this unique and beautiful place.

As the day comes to a close, you'll say goodbye to the Sacred Valley with a heart full of memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

On the last day of this unforgettable experience in Peru, we fly from Cusco to Lima and then from Lima to Boston. 

From volunteering in the Sacred Valley to exploring Incan ruins and rafting through the mountains, you've had a truly unforgettable experience.

As you make your way back home, you'll be filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have had this unique experience, and you'll be excited to share your stories and memories with others. You'll be able to reflect on the lessons you learned, the friendships you made, and the beauty and richness of the culture and history of Peru. This is a trip that will stay with you for a lifetime, and one that you'll cherish and remember for years to come.