Adventure, Culture, and Community: A Life-Changing Journey Through Peru

A group of pupils from Years 10 to 13 have recently returned from an incredible 17-day expedition across the Andes in Peru, which proved to be an unforgettable blend of adventure, physical endurance and heartfelt cultural bonding.

After two long-haul flights, the group was thrilled to reach their first destination, Cusco, once the exotic capital of the Inca Empire.  After a short rest, they set about adjusting to their new surroundings and took to two wheels with a scenic bike ride through the Andes and a visit to a traditional salt mine. The group then set off to tackle white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, an adrenaline-filled experience that tested their teamwork and courage, before heading to the remote Rukha community where they visited a community project they had been fundraising for several months ahead of their trip.

In Rukha, they were welcomed with traditional music and dance, marking the beginning of their community work. Over several days, they planted trees, taught English, harvested vegetables, and supported the local school. Camping at 3,600m in sub-zero temperatures was a challenge, but they fully immersed themselves in the community’s way of life and were grateful to be the first school group to visit Rukha. All spoke of how much they enjoyed spending time with the children in the village; they also christened the new toilet block, a project funded by their efforts, as part of a long-term plan to support sustainable tourism in the village.

Their adventure continued with a tremendous four-day, 75km trek along the breathtaking Salkantay Trail towards Machu Picchu. Highlights included the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, the 4,600m Salkantay Pass, some incredible views and a few very memorable bridge crossings. This high-altitude trek was a significant physical and mental challenge, culminating in a visit to the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu, which was for some an emotional moment for reflection and a huge personal achievement for the entire group.

The final leg of the journey took them to the geologically iconic Rainbow Mountain, where they continued their ascent to an altitude of 5,036m. From there, they travelled by boat to the awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca, exploring the famous floating islands, sharing meals with local families, and experiencing a homestay with the community in Luquina.

The trip concluded with a return to Cusco and a celebratory final meal, marking the end of an unforgettable journey and an incredible cultural experience that will stay with them forever.

One pupil reflected, “We have had the most incredible adventure and experienced so many wonderful things.  Many days, I had moments where I thought, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but we all achieved far more than we ever thought possible. It was amazing!”