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Peru stands out in the Americas for its geographic and cultural diversity. Its coastal desert is punctuated by fertile valleys once inhabited by pre-Incan civilizations and leads eastward to the foothills of the Andes.
Rising up from the coast and running from its northern border to Lake Titicaca in the south, the Peruvian Andes are home to millions of highland Indians who preserve much of their traditional way of life and still speak their ancient tongue of Quechua.
Frequently referred to as the "Land of the Incas," Peru is famous for its numerous architectural wonders. The semester program is based in the Incan capital, Cusco, which means "navel of the universe," and boasts cobblestone streets and walls of Incan stonework.
Within a few hours of Cusco lie the enchanting Incan cities of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, and the archeological complex of Machu Picchu, among numerous others.
Peru is home to over 20 unique Amazonian peoples, in addition to its coastal and highland cultures. Amidst this cultural richness, just east of the Andes, is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, the Peruvian Amazon. In fact, Peru boasts 84 of the world's 104 known bio-zones.
These conditions lead to poverty for many Peruvians, and make it difficult for the country to provide its citizens with basic health care, education, sanitation, and other social services.
- A visit to Incan Ruins in the Sacred Valley
- A tour of the Major Incan ruins around Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman
- Trips to Andean forests, lakes, and glaciers
- A trip to Machu Picchu and Hiking the Inca Trail
- Community development projects
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