Program Overview

Peru and Ecuador are two countries in South America rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Join us on this 22-day service trip as we discover what makes each country so vibrant and unique!

In addition to exploring majestic volcanos, gorgeous islands, sacred sites, and vibrant markets, we will visit the jewels of each country as we take in the splendor of sacred Machu Picchu and view the world-famous wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.

We will also have the opportunity to volunteer and give back to several communities throughout our adventures for a total of up to 40 hours of community service. In Peru, we will be welcomed into a community where we’ll form bonds with the families and children and help out with light maintenance projects and farming. In the Galápagos we will help out with a variety of projects at a daycare, elementary school, and sustainable farm allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local life of this tropical paradise very few travelers ever get to see.

Price

$8495 + $1000 Intra-Trip Flights + Airfare

Departures
  • Jun 29 - Jul 19 Very limited
Days

21 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Machu Picchu, Misminay, Cusco, Quito, Nayon Valley, the Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands)

Optional Group Flight There

Miami (MIA) to Cusco (CUZ)

Optional Group Flight Back

Quito (UIO) to Miami (MIA)

Countries

Ecuador, Peru

On This Program You Will:

  • Earn up to 40 hours of community service credits working with local communities in both countries
  • Help improve the village and school facilities in Misminay and Urubamba
  • Volunteer with local students and a sustainable farm
  • Relax in soothing volcanic hot springs surrounded by mountains
  • Make lifelong bonds with the local schoolchildren as you interact with them, helping them learn English
  • Be mesmerized by Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Live like a local during our unique homestay program, as you are welcomed into Peruvian homes and communities
  • Experience the Sacred Valley and its Incan past, exploring Coricancha, Ollantaytambo and Moray
  • Practice your cross-cultural skills in the vibrant local markets
  • Learn how the locals make, dye and weave natural alpaca wool into stunning patterns
  • Stand in both the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time
  • Snorkel and scuba dive with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and a variety of tropical fish
  • See different species of Galápagos tortoise at the Charles Darwin Station
  • Keep your eyes peeled for Darwin’s finches, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds
  • Watch playful sea lions up close as they swim in the water and bask on the shore
  • Enjoy delicious, local cuisine at an authentic hacienda

 

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM MIAMI (MIA)
DAYS 1-4: OLLANTAYTAMBO > URUBAMBA

We’ll kick off this incredible program in the Sacred Valley! Visit the amazing sites of the area, including the ruins in Ollantaytambo and Moray, where archaeologists theorize that the Inca conducted agricultural experiments. We’ll also begin our community service in Urubamba, helping an elementary school with and projects they may need and spending time with the children, instilling English as a second language and playing games.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU

Explore legendary Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! This imposing Incan city perched in the clouds will take your breath away, it’s nothing short of incredible! Hike to the legendary Sun Gate for sweeping views of the ruins, and reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs to finish off a perfect day!

DAYS 6-8: MISMINAY

Balance your sightseeing experiences by immersing yourself in the small communities that define the diverse cultural identity of Peru! We will be welcomed in the warmest way you can imagine, with open arms and big smiles, into the village of Misminay. Our first project in the small community will include providing hands-on help in various projects like building houses, kitchen improvements (construction work) and farming. One of the nights we will help the community prepare the “pachamanca,” a traditional Peruvian meal cooked in the earth. During our stay in Misminay, we will be sleeping in our own private rooms attached to some of the local family homes, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the local community.

DAYS 9-10: CUSCO

Cusco is one of the most important cities in the Sacred Valley, so wake up and get ready to explore the historic Incan empire! Wander through a beautiful mix of Incan and Colonial architecture, before checking out Coricancha, the most important temple in the Incan Empire, which is dedicated to the Sun God, Inti.

Enjoy a hands-on chocolate making class and make your own tasty creations. At the handicraft markets in Cusco, sharpen your bargaining skills to get unique souvenirs for your family and friends! You’ll even spend a day channeling your inner Indiana Jones as you roam through incredible Incan Ruins, getting off the beaten path to explore some of these ancient cities.

DAYS 11-12: QUITO

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito will charm you with its stunning scenery, well-preserved colonial district, and welcoming residents. Nestled between the Andean Mountain peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America! We will explore this city and discover its intricate architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful markets.

One of the most unique aspects of Quito is that it is home to “la Mitad del Mundo,” the Middle of the World, where you can be both in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time! After straddling both hemispheres, we will visit the Intiñan Museum, where you will learn more about the indigenous culture of Ecuador and be able to participate in some unique experiments that can only be done at latitude 0°.

DAYS 13-16: THE GALÁPAGOS

The next destination on our journey is the magical Galápagos Islands! We will spend time on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands and discover what makes the Galápagos such a coveted travel destination.

On Santa Cruz Island we’ll take the trail to the gorgeous Tortuga Bay where we will sunbathe, swim, and even spot marine iguanas along the shore. We’ll also visit the Charles Darwin Station on the island. This famous center is a wealth of information on habitats and local conservation, and home to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes.

The second island we will visit is San Cristóbal, where we will visit the Galapaguera, a Tortoise breeding center and home to the largest species of giant tortoise in the world. We’ll also explore the misty Junco Lagoon, a freshwater lake located in the middle of a volcanic caldera. You’ll spot seabirds bathing here to wash the salt from their feathers.

While on the islands, we will have plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear water. We’ll snorkel with some fascinating marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and different species of tropical fish. One of the beaches we visit is home to a large number of lazy sea lions basking on the sand, so you will be able to observe these beautiful creatures up close.

DAYS 17-20: GALÁPAGOS – COMMUNITY SERVICE

After enjoying everything the Galápagos have to offer, there is no better way to complete our journey than by giving back to these beautiful islands that have given us so many incredible memories! We will volunteer with several different projects dedicated to helping the local community–first at a local school, then at a sustainable farm.

We will work with both the elementary and high school students and play games with them and learn about what life is like for them on the islands. We will also help out with any light maintenance projects the school may need.

We’ll also spend time at a sustainable farm dedicated to preserving the environment and providing food for the local community. We will help out with several projects on the farm, including recycling, preparing food in a traditional mud oven, and even helping with their horse therapy program for children with disabilities.

Our projects will allow us to form a deeper connection with the community and to better understand the island’s unique culture. After completing our service we will come full circle and head back to Quito for one final night together in the city where we began our adventure.

DAY 21: NAYON VALLEY

After our exciting time in the Galápagos, we’ll return to Quito for one last day of adventure! Head to the Valle de Nayón for an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping adventure course. Cross the largest hanging rope bridge in Latin America, go on a canopy tour of the jungle, and of course, feel the wind in your hair as you swing on a Tarzan Swing! We’ll have an upscale final dinner in Quito to celebrate the end of the trip.

DAY 22: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

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Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

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"I want to start with letting you know that receiving your emails and pictures every night is the highlight of my whole day. This is my first experience with TFT. We now know what a wonderful opportunity this is for her. I will definitely be sending her again next year. I have shared my “love” for your program with several different people and they too show interest in next year programs. This was all very new to me and I had so many questions and concerns and all of my questions were answered by all the many wonderful staff members. Everyone was very kind and so willing to help. I spoke with Maggie, Emily, Ned, Seth, just to name a few! Brittany was so kind as to give me her cell phone number and I kept very close tabs with her. So you can see why I am so impressed with the complete program and all of the many many wonderful people that are associated with it. Your professionalism has put my mind at ease and I want to thank you for your kindness. It is not easy sending your teen off to a foreign country but with the peace of mind that I have and the confidence I have in you, you have made it extremely easy and pleasant. I want to thank you very very much. I hope you have a wonderful evening and the rest of your trip. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime for her. Thank you so much for everything!!"

Barbara K. Boynton Beach, FL

"TFT offers a life changing experience for the teens. I think it played a crucial role in my daughter's development over all these years. We will be looking forward to continue traveling with TFT next summer. She loved everything but especially Community service at Misminay village and Machu Picchu. The program was really well organized, we felt that our daughter is safe during the whole time of the trip. The whole group had a strong bond. I've heard nothing but wow-impressions from Peru and all activities they did. Valery and Josh were absolutely amazing. My daughter always felt their support and care. They demonstrated great leadership qualities and were always there for the group members. Thank you."

Yana P. Tampa, FL

"We just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for everything. We finally managed to settle down and read all the emails and we are soooo pleased (and a little jealous). Obviously the children are having a blast. We also spoke to Yousef yesterday and he was ecstatic. He only had good things to say about the supervisors, trip organization, local people, other students, experiences and the FOOD! He also told us about his new friend (Rifie a three year old Peruvian boy). We can’t thank you enough for everything."

Rafik and Rana H. Hawally, Kuwait

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What do students like most about the Peru, Ecuador, & the Galápagos Service trip?

Peru, Ecuador, & the Galápagos Service trip gives students the opportunity to explore two of the most visited countries in Latin America. Visiting the Galápagos and Machu Picchu in one summer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Who can go on this trip? What kind of teen typically goes on this trip?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

What is unique about the Peru, Ecuador, & the Galápagos Service trip?

Students will have the unique opportunity to work closely with the local community at its schools and on a farm. Peru, Ecuador, & the Galápagos Service provides travelers with a unique cultural connection that most tourists are not able to have!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels and hostels are specifically chosen to be in safe areas and well-suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. This means we do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities. We prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

On this program, we will stay in several different types of accommodation, including hotels, lodges and slightly more rustic accommodations (such as a lodge located in the jungle). Our homestay is in the Misminay community, where you will be with other students in a private room of the villager’s home, with shared restrooms and communal meals held in the main center of the village.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for a program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Our Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos Service program is an exciting combination of our 11-day Peru Service program and our 11-day Ecuador & the Galápagos Service program. The flight between programs is not covered in the cost of tuition and is considered part of your international airfare. TFT will have a set group flight path from Peru to Ecuador (or Ecuador to Peru for the Session 2 departure). You can choose to book this on your own, but we recommend booking through our office as we usually are able to get better flight deals.

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!

The food in South America is delicious! Expect to eat corn, potatoes and other tubers, quinoa, rice, meats (beef, pork, fish and chicken) veggies and many other foods flavored with unique Ecuadorian and Peruvian seasonings! Vegetarians will have no issues eating well on the trip. Also, unlike in Europe where a light breakfast of coffee and toast is the norm, South Americans eat big, savory breakfasts—and so will we!

We also love to have picnics al fresco, and do this whenever possible, which is a great way to taste some local food while sitting out in the fresh air taking in the sights and sounds of our surroundings. As always, we are willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

Any US citizen that enters Peru and Ecuador is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa. If you are coming from somewhere outside the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

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