PERU GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
Transformative Service-Learning Experience
About Us
Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment. A More Secure World for Everyone.
Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.
Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation!
It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet
The Challenges Abroad Difference
Student Impact
Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.
Community Impact
Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.
Enviornmental Impact
We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact.
Our Global Citizenship Program enables students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Global Citizenship:
Students broaden their perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and ignite a lifelong drive to make a difference in the world
Cultural Immersion:
Discover, connect & experiencestudents dive into vibrant local cultures, learning through meaningful cross-cultural exchange
Community Engagement:
Lead, inspire & create changestudents deliver hands-on workshops, building skills and leaving a lasting impact on local schools.
Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, theFutureSenseFoundation
Participants on a Challenges Abroad programaretherefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.
Peru: Land of the Incas
Peru is a land of ancient Incan ruins, lost civilizations and stunning landscapes. It’s home to part of the Amazon Rainforest and the legendary Machu Picchu - one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Day 1
Arrival
Arrival Airport: Cusco Airport
Transfer: ~ 2 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Local guest house
Location: Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Touch down in Peru! Welcome to the Sacred Valley - once the heartland of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by towering Andes peaks, ancient terraces, and vibrant villages, this region has been home to thriving communities for centuries
After meeting your group mentor at the airport, travel through spectacular mountain landscapes to Urubamba, a town nestled in the valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu. As you arrive, the fresh mountain air and dramatic scenery signal that your adventure has officially begun As the evening sets in, gather for your Welcome Dinner - your first taste of Peruvian cuisine.
Urubamba
Cusco
Machu Picchu
Week 1: Community Engagement
Days 2-3
Program & Cultural Orientation
Accommodation: Local guest house
The Sacred Valley was the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire, chosen for its soil and climate - and many of the terraces you’ll see are still used for farming, over 500 years later!
Wake up in Urubamba, a lively Andean town home to traditional Quechua communities. Here, you’ll dive into Peruvian culture, meet our Hub team supporting you throughout the week, and learn about the communities you’ll be working alongside This is where the real impact of your journey begins to take shape!
Days 4-7
Days 4-7
Urubamba
The Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Local guest house
Accommodation: Local guest house
Spend four immersive days embedded in the local community, supporting local schools by running interactive workshops With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom feeling ready to contribute in a meaningful way - learning just as much from the community as you share
Spend four immersive days embedded in the local community, supporting local schools by running interactive workshops With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom feeling ready to contribute in a meaningful way - learning just as much from the community as you share.
Beyond your workshops, soak up Peru’s vibrant traditions and landscapes - wander colourful markets bursting with textiles and handmade crafts, and visit remarkable Incan sites You’ll take part in traditional cooking and creative painting workshops, and experience daily life alongside the people who call this valley home.
Beyond your workshops, experience Nepal’s culture in the most authentic way Learn to cook traditional momos, try your hand at pottery and take part in henna and pot painting. Evenings offer time to reflect and connect through everyday moments that shift perspective. By the final day of your community project, you’ll see the real difference you ’ ve made and leave with a new confidence you didn’t know you had.
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations.
Weekend: Bucket List Moments
Explore Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Days 8-9
Spend the next couple of days exploring Cusco, a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy. Wander through colourful markets filled with handcrafted textiles, souvenirs, and traditional foods, or lose yourself in the charm of cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture built upon ancient Incan foundations. Around every corner, you’ll discover the unique fusion of Incan heritage and Spanish influence that defines this remarkable city
Through both guided visits and free time, you’ll gain deeper insight into Cusco’s past while having the freedom to explore at your own pace. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the plazas, and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Cusco so unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your journey while embracing the culture and energy of one of South America’s most iconic destinations
On Sunday evening, you’ll travel to Urubamba, where the team will be waiting to welcome you back to our Hub. Take time to settle back into familiar surroundings as you prepare for another impactful week in the community!
The city of Cusco sits at over 3,400 metres above sea level, meaning you’re literally exploring one of the highest cities in the world - so don’t be surprised if walking up stairs feels like a mini workout!
Week 2: Community Engagement
The Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Local guest house Days 10-14
These five days follow a similar rhythm to the firstcrafting sessions, leading workshops, and coming together as a team to reflect on the impact you ' re making
The difference? You return with stronger skills, growing confidence, and deeper connections, stepping back into the classroom with a clearer sense of purpose Somewhere between the first workshop and the last, you’ll begin to recognise your own growth as a Global Citizen reflected back in the students in front of you
You will also contribute to Climate Action initiatives by raising environmental awareness, leading community clean-ups and tree-planting!
Our programs are Carbon Neutral, as we work with a certified off-set provider to calculate and neutralise the emissions generated for everyone travelling.
Week 3: Salkantay Trek
Day 15
Travel to Cusco & Trek Briefing
Travel Time: ~ 2 hours by private bus | Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer this morning to Cusco where you will meet your trekking guides for a detailed trek briefing, making sure everyone feels well prepared for the journey ahead Pack your gear and get a good night’s rest - tomorrow the adventure continues toward Machu Picchu.
Day 16
Cusco > Soraypampa
Trek: 5-7 hours | 10km
Accommodation: Camping
Travel into the high Andes to the trailhead at Mollepata where your trek begins. Set off across sweeping mountain valleys, gradually climbing toward your campsite at Soraypampa In the afternoon, take an important acclimatisation hike to the brilliant turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, a glacial lagoon framed by jagged snow-capped mountains.
Day 18
Chaullay > Lucmabamba
Trek: 4-6 hours | 15km
Accommodation: Camping
Continue through the Santa Teresa Valley, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs and the path winds past small farming communities With gentler terrain and ever-changing scenery, today offers a chance to soak it all in and connect with the rhythms of life in the Andes
Day 17
Soraypampa > Chaullay
Trek: 9-10 hours | 22km
Accommodation: Camping
Wake early for one of the most memorable days as you climb toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the journey at 4,630 metres. Surrounded by glaciers and alpine scenery, reaching the summit is an unforgettable achievement From here, the landscape transforms as the trail descends from rugged mountains to lush cloud forest valleys.
Day 19
Lucmabamba > Aguas Clientes
Trek: 8-9 hours | 24km
Accommodation: Camping
Follow ancient stone pathways as you climb to Llactapata From here, catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu - a moment that makes it all feel incredibly real. Descend through forested valleys and along rivers before arriving in Aguas Calientes, a lively mountain town
Machu Picchu!
Day 20
Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Hotel
Rise before dawn and travel up the winding road to Machu Picchu As the sun rises, discover the stories, engineering, and mysteries behind this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site Standing here after days of trekking is a powerful moment - a chance to reflect on the journey, the challenges you ’ ve overcome, and the unforgettable adventure. After exploring, begin the journey back to Cusco, sharing stories and celebrating an incredible achievement together along the way.
Day 21
The Final Day
Accommodation: Hotel
Spend your final day back where it all startedCusco. Here you’ll have time to soak in the breathtaking views one last time, grab any final souvenirs for your friends and family back at home, and make sure everything is packed. You’ll enjoy one last dinner as a team, savouring the tastes of Peruvian food, before getting a good nights rest.
Day 22 Departure
Airport: Cusco Airport
Transfer: ~ 1 hour
Your journey home offers time to reflect on the skills you ’ ve developed, the experiences you ’ ve shared, and the perspectives you ’ ve gained Recognise how much you ’ ve grown as a Global Citizen, carrying the lessons, friendships, and memories of this adventure with you as you journey home
Global Citizenship Programs
Key Objectives:
Developing the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Providing a structured & reflective experience for students, as they apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact
Working towards achieving the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, supporting the FutureSense Foundation
Mutually Beneficial Programs
Ensuring that there is mutual benefit and learning for the local community and student participants.
of students think that their Global Citizenship journey was a lifechanging experience that has inspired them to experience the world more!
Global Citizen,Nadia
As the name suggests, of course there are challenges, but the problemsolving skills and confidence that come out of the experience are unmatched.
We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:
Students will tackle real-world challenges hand-in-hand with local communities, seeing the direct impact of their contributions
Students will step into a different world, experiencing new cultures firsthand and building genuine connections that change how they see the world.
Students will strengthen emotional development and self-awareness through reflective and collaborative experiences
Students will push beyond their comfort zone, discovering resilience, confidence, and capabilities
Students will examine their own perspectives on privilege, equity, and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Students will build authentic skills through daily interactions, learning to communicate & work effectively across cultural differences
By far the best thing I have done! Peru as a whole one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, I felt safe the entire time I was there and there is so much to do and see.
Global Citizen, Jack
My trip to Peru was incredible! Not only was I able to help make a difference to the lives of young people in the area, I also learnt how easy it can be to communicate with others even when you don't share a language as long as you are open and friendly.
Risk Management
We ensure that...
Every program activity has been risk assessed with safety audits conducted and can provide school with information required to complete pre trip processes
We have real-time safety management system with a robust emergency response process
All participants have 24/7 support from our in-country staff
Every participant has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
We conduct a comprehensive program briefing process to ensure students are well prepared for their program
