Bridge Peru 2011

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Discover the treasure of Peru!

At the crossroads of the ancient and the modern, Peru fascinates, intrigues, and beguiles the traveler. The Sacred Valley has endured for centuries as a testament to the cultural brilliance of the Incan Empire. The terraces, temples, and palaces of Machu Picchu beckon adventurers from all corners of the earth. The markets of Cusco and Ollantaytambo echo with the sounds of Spanish and overflow with the vibrant colors of traditional handcrafts. In the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains give the setting a supernatural feel. For 26 days this summer, Windsor Mountain student travelers will live, learn, push their limits, make new friends, and have ridiculous amounts of fun in this breathtaking location—The Sacred Valley of Peru.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Improve your formal Spanish during top quality Spanish language classes
  
  
• Jumpstart you conversational Spanish skills through daily personalized tutoring sessions and hands-on language assignments
  
  
• Learn about rural life in Peru by living and working in the tiny village of Almeria
  
  
• Dance, sing, and have a blast while participating in traditional Folk Festivals with your Peruvian hosts
  
  
• Explore Ollantaytambo, the living Incan City
  
  
• Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Waynu Picchu, and Putucusi
  
  
• Paddle a sea kayak across the highest navigable lake on earth—Lake Titicaca
  
  
• Test your leadership skills by creating and leading a Windsor Mountain Friendship Camp for the children of Almeria Solidaria

2011 ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival. Travel from JFK to Cusco via Lima with your new group.

Days 2 - 4: Orientation in the Sacred Valley. Explore Ollantaytambo, “the living Inca town”, learn about your group, prepare for intercultural immersion, visit ruins and get acclimated.

Days 5 - 10: Spanish, Service, Leadership and Discovery in Cusco. Take Spanish classes in the morning, volunteer at San Juan de Dios School for Boys in the afternoon, chill out with your group in the evening.

Days 11 – 17: Service and Leadership in Almeria. Take a couple of days to learn about day-to-day life in rural Peru. Work in the greenhouse cultivating vegetables in the morning, and in the evening, brainstorm ideas for the upcoming Friendship Camp. Learn to make adobe bricks the old fashioned way—can you say MUDFIGHT!! Spend quality time getting to know the local kids. Based on your new knowledge, create and lead Camp Windsor Mountain.

Days 18-20: Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience an unforgettable journey filled with the mystery, beauty, and magic of the ancient Incan Empire.

Days 21-24: ea Kayaking and Quechua Culture at Lake Titicaca. Stay in rustic cabins in the village of Llachón, your outpost for hikes. Paddle across Lake Titicaca to the Uros, or floating islands.

Day 26: Departure. Fly back to JFK with your group and say “adios”.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, and language opportunities. Students should join this program ready to immerse themselves in Peruvian culture as they connect with Spanish-speaking peers on travel excursions and community service projects. Students should arrive with an open mind, prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, and try new foods! Due to the high elevations included in this itinerary, students with serious cardiac or respiratory limitations are strongly urged to consider a different Bridge program.

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2011 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at 404-549-9197.