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Peru
SECRETS OF THE SACRED VALLEY
FEBRUARY 16-23, 2025
WHAT'S IN THIS PACKAGE?
A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR
It is with great excitement that we introduce you to Operation Groundswell and welcome you to your program. In fact, we’re doing a jig right now as I write this!
Why do we organize programs like these? We’re eager to show you and your colleagues what ethical travel means to us. We’re on a mission to create transformative educational experiences in the global south that support community initiatives and grassroots organizations. And our hope is to nurture a new generation of travellers who are socially, environmentally, and politically aware of their place in the world and their power to change it.
So, no, this isn’t another cookie-cutter vacation with five-star hotels. It’s about uncovering the mystery of a new place in a genuine, authentic way. It’s about learning from different perspectives. It’s about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone so that you might discover parts of you that you never even knew existed.
This isn’t your standard pat-yourself-on-the-back volunteer trip either. This is a chance to immerse yourself in a different culture by working alongside our local partners and soaking up the knowledge they have to share. Our partners aren’t just stops on a bus tour. They are our friends and family and you are invited to the reunion! We will share stories, break bread, and envision a better shared existence together.
And it’s going to be outrageously fun. I mean, it’s backpacking with a purpose, how could it not be!?
As you read through this package, you’ll start to realize that in just a few short weeks, you’ll be sitting in front of your departure gate with an overpriced coffee in your hand and a lightly-packed backpack by your side with that feeling of wings tickling your tummy. Maybe you’ve got an active imagination like me and you’ve already started to think about that inevitable shuffle off the plane and onto the tarmac in Peru, your waving Program Leaders at the arrival gate, and the bus ride through the streets of Antigua to our friendly guesthouse. And that’s just the first hour. There is so much more that awaits you in Peru. This package is to help you prepare. Read it carefully, ask us questions, and get ready for one incredible adventure!
Oh and welcome to our zany, geeky, quirky global family, welcome to the groundswell.
Sincerely,
Ben Sampson
YOUR PROGRAM
WHAT'S IN THIS SECTION?
* Click to jump to each section *
Highlights
Your Itinerary
A Critical Look
HIGHLIGHTS
An epic adventure is about to begin and these are just a few of the amazing things you can expect!
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Wander the beautiful cobblestone streets of Cusco and immerse in the flavours and rythmes of this distinctly Peruvian city
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Meet the activists from Derechos Humanos Sin Fronteras and dig into the impacts of international mining for local communities.
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Work on an organic farm in the altiplano and get a crash course in sustainable agriculture and plant-based medicine from the Ccapa family.
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Visit the “lost city” of Machu Picchu and explore the structures and terraces of this archeological wonder.
ARRIVALS & ORIENTATION – LIMA & CUSCO
We’ll meet the group in Lima before flying to the highland city of Cusco to begin our adventure. In the former capital of a once mighty empire, our group will acclimatize to the sights, smells, sounds, and altitude of the region. We’ll walk the city’s cobblestone streets and learn about the country’s colonial history before hiking to the Temple of the Sun and Moon for a glimpse of the valley’s Incan past. We’ll spend the cool nights in our warm guesthouse.
FIND YOUR WAY
Here's where we'll be heading on our adventure! Soon enough we’ll be on the ground doing that route for real.
A CRITICAL LOOK
Best known as the home of Machu Pichu and the cradle of the Incan empire, the Sacred Valley contains a lot more than just relics from Peru’s past. From ancient ruins to modern cities and innovative highland farms, we’ll travel to Cusco’s lesser-known knooks and crannies and experience diverse ways of life, old and new.
We’ll taste Andean cuisine, hear about traditional medicine and get our hands dirty in sustainable agriculture and construction. We’ll work on innovative community initiatives and see how indigenous communities in an ancient valley are tackling a variety of modern challenges. Are you ready to see the secrets hidden in the world’s most famous valley?
A CRASH COURSE ON PERU
WHAT'S IN THIS SECTION?
* Click to jump to each section *
Highlights
Your Itinerary
A Critical Look
QUICK FACTS
Population: 32 million
Capital City: Lima
Major Languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the main languages spoken in the Andes. There are also numerous indigenous Amazonian languages
Major Religions: 81% Roman Catholic, 15% other Christian beliefs. In many areas, Catholic traditions and beliefs have merged with indigenous ones.
Monetary Unit: Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time Zone: UTC – 5:00
PERU: THE WAY WE SEE IT
From the Amazon Basin to the Andes and down the coast, Peru is a backpacker’s dream. Though it is an increasingly popular destination each year, Peru has a past and current history of indigenous oppression and racism, environmental exploitation, and most recently, an internal conflict spanning two decades.
The history of modern Peru begins with Francisco Pizarro and his conquest in 1523. After Pizarro gained control of the area, Spain continued to rule Peru for 200 years. In 1821, Peru declared independence from its European founders and has since moved back and forth between military dictatorship and democracy. As is the case in most developing countries, the Caucasian minority (15% of overall population) forms the upper class and has historically taken the top roles in politics and business, leading to distrust within the poverty-stricken indigenous majority. This turmoil came to a head in 1980 when Peru’s 20-year internal conflict kicked off.
Peru’s leaders since the mid-eighties have continued Peru’s sad tradition of misrepresentation and dishonesty towards their people. It was not until 2001 when Alejandro Toledo became the first native president of Peru that the acts of mass violence that occurred from 1980 to 2000 was finally formally recognized – a huge step towards national reconciliation.
After a long 500 years, Peru has been witness to successive dictators, abusive colonial powers, and terrorism from native Peruvians who perhaps saw violence as the only response to centuries of corrupt government and a failed political system.
Despite their turbulent past, the Andean people are extremely resilient and bear much of their difficulty with grace. Peru is, as you will see, emerging and finding its feet on the world stage. As the country comes into the twenty-first century, Peru and its people remain hopeful.
GETTING IN & OUT OF PERU
WHAT'S IN THIS SECTION?
* Click to jump to each section *
Highlights
Your Itinerary
A Critical Look
FLIGHT INFORMATION
The program begins in Cusco on Feb 16.
Your Program Leaders will meet your group in Lima at 6am local time and accompany you on the flight to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ).
The program ends in Cusco Feb 22.
Program Leaders will accompany the group from Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) to Lima before delivering you to Jorge Chavez International Airport (LAP) before 5:45am local time.
Your group organizer at UTM is coordinating international flights so if you have any questions about return travel from Toronto to Peru, please reach out to your group organizer.
VISA DETAILS
For citizens of Canada and the U.S.A., a valid passport usually grants entry to Peru for a stay of up to 90 days. We advise that you confirm this directly with your embassy.
Remember, you are personally responsible for obtaining a visa and confirming your visa requirements. Resources such as www.visahq.com and www.apply.joinsherpa.com provide helpful resources but it is always best to consult your destination’s embassy directly.
While your program fee does not cover visa costs, we are here to answer any questions you might have if a pre-trip application is necessary. If there are any special documents required to receive a visa for your destination, let us know! While we can’t guarantee your approval, we will help out in any way we can. The sooner you let us know what you need from us, the sooner we can get back to you.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
You will need a valid passport with an expiry date of no less than 6 months after your estimated time of return. If you have not done so already, you should immediately begin the process of acquiring/renewing your passport as it can take some time.
For Canadian citizens applying for a passport visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html
For American citizens applying for a passport visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
For all others, please check with your government’s travel agency to clarify requirements.
WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?
We’ll be sleeping in every kind of place imaginable! In Lima, we will be staying in hostels that are fairly basic but always safe and comfortable. In Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Lima, we'll be staying in local travel hostels. In Maska, we'll be staying in an adobe house with running water but no electricity. Wherever we are, we’ll make it into our second home in no time!
PACKING LIST
WHAT'S IN THIS SECTION?
* Click to jump to each section *
Highlights
Your Itinerary
A Critical Look
Backpack and Daypack
Because we’re backpackers, not wheelie-baggers, we recommend bringing a 45-65L backpack as your primary hauler. It’s also essential that you bring a smaller daypack (15-25L) for shorter trips and daily use.
Whether you borrow one from a friend or invest in the purchase of a new/used one, try it on, put some weight in it, and walk around to make sure it fits and feels good.
ESSENTIALS
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Sleeping bag (optional)
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1 bath towel (quick-dry adventure towels are the lightest)
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Flashlight (headlamps are popular and recommended)
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Min. 1L reusable water bottle
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Medication/EpiPen if you need it
SHOES
If you buy new shoes, be sure to break them in before the program.
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1 pair of sturdy hiking boots/trail shoes (for work and trekking around)
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1 pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet, like sandals or flip flops
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1 pair of comfortable casual shoes
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
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Passport (valid beyond 6 months from the start date of the program)
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Extra passport photos (if you have them)
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Copies of passport/tickets/credit cards (you want extras in case you lose a document)
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Customer service numbers for credit cards/insurance
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Proof of vaccinations
GENERAL CLOTHING
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Socks and underwear for a week
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1 pairs of shorts (please try to keep them knee length, short shorts don’t go over too well in some areas and we want to be culturally sensitive)
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2-3 t-shirts/tank-tops (revealing clothing isn’t your best bet, but we also know that it gets hot during the day. Just find the balance that’s right for you.)
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1-2 pairs of comfortable pants for hiking and mucking around.
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1 pair of jeans or khakis and a nice shirt for when we meet community leaders/important folk.
GENERAL CLOTHING CONT'D
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1-2 longer sleeve shirts as it can get cold at night and it’s good to layer. Quick drying synthetics are best.
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1 sweater – A good quality fleece is great because it’s warm but light
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1 waterproof jacket (a shell that you can layer a sweater underneath is probably the best!)
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A hat to protect you from the sun
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A warm and/or wool hat/toque and light gloves or mittens can be nice for early morning hiking in the highlands
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Optional: a bathing suit that you feel comfortable wearing
PERSONAL HYGIENE & TOILETRIES
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Optional: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, etc. *Unless you have a preferred brand/formula, these are all readily available in Peru.
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Any vitamins, meds, and prescriptions that you might need. *Refrigeration may not always be available, so check in with your Program Leaders)
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your puffer or Epipen if you have Asthma or a serious allergy
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Toothbrush & toothpaste
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1 extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts/contact solution (if required)
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Tampons & pads
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Bug spray & after bite
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Sunscreen
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Immodium/Pepto Bismol for stomach stuff
OPTIONAL ITEMS
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Smartphone for calls home, music, pictures, and navigation
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Camera
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Ear plugs/eye mask if you’re a light sleeper
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Buff or bandana for those sweaty working and trekking days
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Lightweight scarf/sarong (great for warmth, sun protection, or as a towel)