A country of tremendous contrasts, Peru appeals equally to biologists, anthropologists, and adventurers. Within its borders are 83 distinct ecological zones, from arid coastline to high mountain peaks to vast tropical rainforest. Covering 60 percent of the nation’s territory, the Peruvian Amazon is among the most biologically rich regions in the world but is one of the least populated areas of the country. Along with its amazing biological diversity, Peru offers a fascinating array of indigenous cultures and beautiful colonial cities. Some cultural groups have adapted to life among the high plateaus and valleys of the Andes Mountains, living in cities and villages at more than 13,500 feet above sea level. Hidden for centuries in the mountain ramparts, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu tantalize visitors. Modern-day descendents of the Inca maintain vibrant traditions, demonstrating the resourcefulness and tenacity that have allowed them to master the rugged landscapes of this fascinating country.

Crooked Trails has several programs to Peru, each with a homestay in either the Andes or the Amazon. While each program emphasizes a particular focus, the fundamental aspects of the homestay visits remain the same.

Our Andean homestays take place with Quechua-speaking people in one of two mountain villages, Vicos or Chinchero, located in the Cordillera Blanca. In the Amazon, we stay with the Yine people who live along the Madre de Dios River in the heart of the rainforest. Both the Quechua and the Yine people have historically had little or no interaction with outsiders and have maintained their traditional customs. However, the popularity of both regions for adventure tourism is bringing change. These groups have invited Crooked Trails to assist them in creating locally organized and operated sustainable tourism programs. Each of our Peru programs includes time spent working with local communities on these projects.

2010 Trips

The Andes and the Sacred Valley - May 15-30 - Live and work with Quechua communities in the Cordiellera Blanca. Includes Lima, Machu Pichu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Peru Service Program - June 26 - July 4 - a shorter, service-focused program based in the High Andean village of Vicos. Optional Machu Picchu extension.

The Family Program - July 2 - 12 - Live and work with the Quechua community of Chinchero. Includes Lima, Machu Pichu, Cusco, the Amazon jungle and Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Family Teen Program - July 2 - 12 - A trip for older children that includes a visit to Cusco, a travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas on horseback, and working and living in the Quechua community of Chinchero

Amazon and the Inca - Aug 19 - 29 - A great program for those with little time. Visit the ancient ruins of Inca civilizations and journey to the Amazon Includes a home-stay with the Quechua of Chinchero and time with the jungle cultures of the Ese Ejas.

Western Washington University Explorations Seminar - Aug 28 - Sep 18 - A remarkable Exploration Seminar into Peru's Cordillera Blanca, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Amazon Rainforest and the Central Jungle to explore and investigate the issues of tourism/eco-tourism, its environmental and cultural impacts, and its power to help preserve natural area.

Ethnobotany of Peru: A Shaman's Journey - Sep 18 - Oct 2 - In the land of many cultures and ancient traditions, the shamanic healing arts are thriving in Peru. Today, Curanderos (Spanish for curers) can be found in almost every small mountain or jungle community, practicing physical and spiritual healing based on knowledge which has been passed down from master to apprentice over millennia.

Other Trips Available

La Gran Ruta Inca - you will be living and working with the Quechua people in the mountain village of Vicos.

Andes and Desert - See the Andes, Sacred Valley and southern Desert of Peru. Work with the people of Vicos, explore Cuzco and its surrounds, and finish with a relaxing few days in the southern desert river rafting and looking for petroglyphs.

Volunteer Peru - The Chinchero Education Project mission is to construct a boarding school in Chinchero allowing the children of the Highlands to continue their education and receive a daily nutritious diet.

Choquequirao Community Trek - Join Crooked Trails in supporting one of the only hostels and trekking companies started and operated by an original Apurimac family and run by Cachora community members.