Gap year in Peru
Are you looking for opportunities to travel, enjoy life, gain invaluable, first-hand experience, and learn a new language? Or are you simply ready for a change in your life, a new adventure, or just plain looking for a break before continuing with higher education or another job? Whatever your reasons are, listen to your inner desires take a Gap Year in Peru, the perfect solution to your woes.
During a gap year program in Peru, you get the chance to experience adventure and travel while learning a new language and live abroad. Our Gap year in Peru combines Spanish language courses, volunteer work or community service, cultural immersion and travel experiences in one of the best travel destinations worldwide: Peru.
Why a Gap year in Peru
Peru is a unique destination for a gap year. Our gap year in Peru program provides a unique opportunity to combine an immersive cultural experience in the depths of Peru while practising Spanish and live a new experience where you can get to know yourself outside of the circumstances that define you. You will learn to speak Spanish and participate in the local community by volunteering in one of our projects. During a gap year in Peru, you will be able to find a new passion, develop an existing passion or find out that what you thought you were passionate about maybe wasn鈥檛 all that you thought it would be鈥�
No matter what your future will bring, a gap year will always benefit you. So head somewhere that will push you beyond your comfort zone, and no matter what, you will learn so much and live a life-changing experience with new people. So, get ready, roll up your sleeves and start learning Spanish right away. In Peru, you can expect a complete cultural immersion as you live in and travel across this stunning country.
Highlights of a gap year in Peru
- Live in the charming capital of the old Inca Empire, Cusco
- Make friends with the friendly locals, and dive into the Inca culture while enjoying the stunning scenery, the cafes and the San Blas quarter.
- Take your Spanish to the next level with Spanish lessons in Cusco; combine group lessons with individual classes
- Combine your stay in Cusco with Lima, the Sacred Valley or with the Peruvian jungle
- Do one of the stunning hikes to Machu Picchu, one of the seven new world wonders
- Explore the Sacred Valley and hike to the top of Rainbow Mountain
- Make weekend trips to the Colonial city of Arequipa, go sandboarding in Ica
- Great place to meet people from all over the world
- #1 location for adventure and outdoor activities
Learn Spanish in Peru during your gap year
Our gap year in Peru includes Spanish lessons, as learning the local language is essential to get the most from the program. We can accommodate all levels of Spanish speakers - from complete beginners upwards. You will be in a class with other students of your level, either beginner, intermediate or advanced speakers.
Speaking Spanish will help you widen your experience in Peru, it allows you to gain a better understanding of Peruvian culture and obtain experiences and interactions with the local people. Apart from this, a Spanish immersion course will look great on your CV.
What does a gap year in Peru look like?
Our gap year itineraries are flexible and can be customized. A sample itinerary starts in Lima, where you start with a Spanish language course. During your free afternoons, you go biking, learn how to prepare typical Peruvian food, how to dance salsa, visit the famous Gold Museum and explore bohemian Barranco. During the weekend, you do an overnight tour to see sea lions at the Ballestas islands and go sandboarding. Extra surfing lessons in Lima are optional.
Your gap year in Peru continues in Cusco, the beautiful former Inca capital, high up in the Peruvian Andes. Once you land here, you know it will be hard to leave. Most of our gap year participants spend between 6 鈥� 16 weeks in Cusco. Split your time between the Spanish language course and volunteering: teaching English, helping children with their homework, be a school assistant, work in a local museum, hotel or travel agency or more.
On your free afternoons in Cusco, you enjoy local cooking and dance classes and explore the hidden corners of this fantastic city. You can choose to live with a local host family, in a student flat, or downtown Cusco's student residence. According to your accommodation, some meals are included. Before finalizing your stay in Cusco, you'll be doing one of the great treks to Machu Picchu. Spend 3-5 days in a small group with a local guide and his team of porters & cooks, and hike your way to the new world wonder, the Inca citadel Machu Picchu.
Do you want more? Travel to Ecuador!
We have partnered with our friends in Ecuador, where the next part of your gap year program continues. Back in Cusco, you take a flight to the colonial, friendly city of Quito. In Ecuador, you can participate in gap year programs that are the perfect blend between travel, adventure, volunteering, activities and Spanish lessons. Combine nature and culture with adventure, fun and action.
Highlights of a gap year in Ecuador
- Spend time in one of South America鈥檚 most beautiful cities: Quito, with views over the Cotopaxi volcano
- Enjoy the great weather in Quito, the friendly local people, the stunning scenery, the beautiful Parquet Metropolitano, the restaurants, bars and the old town, a UNESCO world heritage site
- Take your Spanish to the next level with a group or individual Spanish lessons in Quito, tailored to your wishes and needs
- Meet an indigenous community nearby Otavalo while visiting this traditional village in northern Ecuador
- Go horseback riding around the Quilotoa lagoon
- Travel to the famous travellers destination Banos and enjoy the fantastic waterfall
- Explore the beautiful city of Cuenca, also known as 鈥渢he Athens of Ecuador鈥�, thanks to the charming colonial streets with European flair
If your time and budget allow, reserve some time (and money) during your gap year for the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos islands are so impressive that they almost seem unreal. So take a plane to this small paradise and get ready for new adventures, exploring the culture and nature of this truly unique destination.
Besides learning Spanish, in the Galapagos Islands, you will hike on active volcanoes, learn how to surf and snorkel and go swimming. Also, get to know the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos that carry the secrets of evolution for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights of the Galapagos:
- Explore white-sand beaches and sea life when swimming and sunbathing
- Spot Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and sea lions
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about the archipelago in this the interactive museum
- Visit historic ruins like the Muro de las L谩grmias penal colony
- Explore the islands San Cristobal and Santa Cruz
- Go surfing and snorkelling in beautiful waters next to sharks and sea turtles
- Hike to the active volcano Sierra Negra
- Observe many of the distinctive colourful birds of the Galapagos Islands
- Taste incredibly fresh seafood