Peru Summer Travel Programs for High School Students

Putney’s Peru summer program gives high school students the opportunity to become part of a local community through shared service projects, cultural exchange, and outdoor exploration. Students spend an extended period living and working alongside a local Andean community in the Sacred Valley. In partnership with local organizations, they contribute to projects shaped by community needs, which have included building classrooms and community spaces, painting murals, and supporting agricultural work. Beyond service, students share daily routines with community members, practice Spanish, explore local markets, discover regional foods and traditional crafts, and pursue independent projects based on their interests. Excursions bring Peru’s history and landscapes into focus, with visits to archaeological sites such as Moray and Ollantaytambo, the salt mines of Maras, and the remarkable Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Through time spent with local families and exploration of the Andes, students gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture, history, and traditions.