Adventure Tours in Lima, Peru

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

"Join one of the most accessible and affordable volunteer programs in South America with International Volunteer HQ. Trusted by more than 147,000 volunteers worldwide, IVHQ’s Lima-based volunteer projects give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while living in Peru’s vibrant capital city. With 6 unique volunteer opportunities to choose from—including Childcare, Medical Outreach, Animal Care, Construction & Renovation, Community Support, and Teaching English—there’s a project suited for every interest and skillset. Programs run from 1 to 24 weeks and are a great fit for those who thrive in urban settings and want to explore Peru’s cultural richness without venturing into more remote areas. Your all-inclusive experience covers airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily meals, and 24/7 in-country support. Volunteers are placed either in a shared house with fellow participants or in a Peruvian homestay for a more immersive experience. Even before you touch down in Lima, your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will help guide your preparation—from travel planning to pre-departure training—ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Spend the week on beautiful Beach Peñascal just outside of the capital city of Lima. Soak up the sun and learn to ride waves with a staff of highly experienced local surfers. One of the top surfing zones in Peru, the San Bartolo area has excellent year-round weather and offers varying surf breaks to suit surfers of all levels - from beginner onwards. The 6-day surf school program includes: - Bilingual, certified instructor - All surf equipment - 4 hours per day of group instruction - Groups classes of 3-4 students - Transportation between the office and surfing sites

Experience the road less traveled on a Peru adventure! Get to know the Peruvian culture in an authentic way through a homestay in Calca. Here, you work alongside community members on sustainable service projects; get ready to apply your Spanish skills in a real-life context! Beyond an unforgettable and authentic community collaboration, you discover all the wonders of Peru on this teen travel program. Get your camera ready for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and explore the small city of Cusco through markets, sights, and more!

Volunteer to help impoverished women and their children in Peru with GoBeyond. Casa Mantay, a Cuzco center founded by Raquel and Sergio, serves as a refugee center for teenage mothers and children. Here, they are taught sustainable skills that will help them survive and even succeed in the future. Yuri, an inspirational director at Aldea Yanapay, helps alleviate the social injustices faced by the children through alternative and after-school programs. Earn the Presidential Service Award upon completion of this 100-hour service trip.

Explore the richness of Lima, the colors of Cusco, and the exotic heights of Machu Picchu! Join us for a Peruvian journey like no other! Follow the history of the Inca starting in Lima, the modern-day capital of Peru, and culminating at the heights of majestic Machu Picchu. This program includes community service while in Lima, where you’ll explore the historic center and the pre-Hispanic ceremonial sites of the Inca. Boat to the islands off the striking Pacific coast and travel to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Visit the mysterious Nazca Lines and then head to magical Cusco. This program includes the flight from Lima to Cusco, the former capital of the powerful Inca Empire. Delight in the archaeological feats and with Inca ruins, the stunning sacred valley and charming colonial architecture. Our journey will take us to the heights of Machu Picchu and the Peruvian Andes.

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!