Lake Titicaca & Colca Canyou Extension - High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

Dear Mom,
Sea Kayaking on Lake Titicaca should be on everyone’s life to do list. The lake is simply stunning. The high altitude makes the air crystal clear and the water a startling blue. The sky is immense and in the distance you can see Bolivia’s snow capped mountains! As you paddle softly through reeds, along deserted shorelines and past small indigenous communities you truly find harmony with the lake – its nothing like riding on big motor boats from one place to another and overlook nature’s details along the way. Kayaking here is really giving me a sense of my size and place on this vast continent. Being in a completely different country on the calm waters of this lake brings such an amazing sense of independence and inner peace.

Dear Dad,
Today we stopped at the villages on the Amantani and Taquile Islands – in a few words they are incredibly unique and friendly communities that have opened my eyes to a completely different way of living. The generous local people have welcomed us into their homes, and we’ve even been able to catch a traditional ceremony—the energy of the dance and colorful variety of the costumes were amazing! Before we left, we took a hike to the top of the islands and were rewarded with beautiful three hundred and sixty degree views. Honestly, the vistas in this country redefine the word “breathtaking.”

Dear Grandma
You wouldn’t believe what we saw while kayaking back to Puno…floating islands made of reeds. We got out of our kayaks and jumped up and down on the reeds, and the entire island moved in the water! Our guide told us that these islands were originally created as a safe haven for people fleeing from conflicts on the mainland. Amazingly, people still live on the islands, even though the conflicts have long ended. After the floating islands, we kayaked back to Puno and even though I’m sad that our time on the lake has ended, I can’t wait to check out the Colca Canyon—it’s the world’s second deepest canyon and home to the giant condors!

Dear Sis
You are going to be so jealous when I get home and show you all the amazing pictures I took of the giant condors soaring through the canyons. I knew they were the world’s largest flying bird but in person they were far bigger and more impressive than I ever imagined possible. There were also these amazing alpacas and llamas alongside the road and as we were mountain-biking down the canyons, we could see thousands of stone terraces and signs of ancient little villages. It was such a humbling experience, there is so much beauty hidden in these canyons. Tonight we are going to the hotsprings to soak our muscles in the naturally heated pools. It’s the perfect way to end a long but totally worthwhile journey. Can’t wait to come back next year!

PLEASE NOTE: Due to significant travel in high altitude areas, this program can only be added as an extension after the Sacred Valley Service program.

For more information, please email Gabe at gabe@rusticpathways.com

Day 1 Tuesday-
Say Goodbye to old friends and prepare for a new adventure
After saying goodbye to your departing friends from the previous two weeks of Sacred Valley Service there will be a little time to relax. After two weeks traveling, make a call home to your parents, do laundry, or write an email to your best friend. You and your group will get to decide on what to do during the evening while in Cuzco.

Day 2 Wednesday-
Cuzco to Llachon
AM- Today we will transport by private van from Cuzco to Llachon, stopping along the way to visit the Incan temple of Raqchi, and learn about pre-Incan cultures at the Pukara Ruins. Your ride will bring you through scenic Andean Mountains, and into the stark altiplano landscape typical of the Lake Titicaca region.

Early evening, students will arrive in the small town of Llachon where they will overnight in a local guest house.

Day 3 Thursday-
Kayak and Overnight Amantani
After breakfast walk to the blue shores of Lake Titicaca and hop in your sea kayak for a 3 hr. paddle to the Island of Amantani. If you have not kayaked before, don’t worry! We will be lead by professional guides and will have a motor support boat with us at all times.

PM- The Island of Amantani is one of the most welcoming places you will ever visit. This is a very special opportunity to stay with these families and explore the unique culture of this Island. In the afternoon you can hike on the island and take in the view of Lake Titicaca’s clear waters and the snowcapped Bolivian peaks in the distance. During the evening you and another friend will stay with a local family and experience a way of life little changed for hundreds of years. Hike to the top of the island’s tallest mountain and visit ruins dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth) which date to around the time of Christ.

Day 4 Friday-
Kayak and overnight on Taquile
AM-After saying goodbye to your host family, we will kayak to the nearby Island of Taquile. While only a two hour kayak from Amantani, Taquile continues to maintain its own unique dress and customs.

PM- Hike around the Island and learn about the difference between Taquile, Amantani and the mainland. Explore the fusion of ancient Pagan beliefs and Catholicism as you visit ancient ruins and spend time playing with kids at the local school. You may want to grab some gifts for home at the island’s co-op market. The weaving here is world famous and you will notice both men and woman weaving as you walk about the island.

Day 5 Saturday-
Taquile to Puno – Uros floating villages
AM - After about an hour hike across the island we will arrive at a beautiful sandy beach to eat lunch and take the polar bear plunge into Lake Titicaca’s cold waters.

PM - The afternoon ferry boat ride will bring us to the famous floating Islands of the Uros. A small, traditional culture, the Uros began living on floating islands of reeds hundreds of years ago to escape the aggressive Incans and Collas and have lived on them ever since.

You will overnight at a local hotel in Puno this evening.

Day 6 Sunday-
Drive to Chivay and Mountain bike
AM - Drive to Chivay. Along the way, pass through Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca to see alpacas, llamas and the threatened vicunas. After the van climbs to a 4800m pass, it is time to stretch your legs and get ready to bike into Colca Canyon. You will hardly need to peddle as we make the two hour, 1200m descent into the 2nd deepest canyon in the world. In the evening, soak your muscles in the local hotsprings and view the night stars. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep because you’ll be up before the crack of dawn for a bird watching opportunity of gigantic proportions.

Day 7 Monday-
Cruz del Condor to Arequipa
AM - We will be driving through the amazing terraced Colca Valley until we reach Cruz Del Condor. Here, with a little luck, you can view giant Andean Condors soar over your head dive and into the canyon below on the morning drafts. Even if the Condors don’t pay us a visit, the views of the worlds 2nd deepest canyon in the world are well worth the trip.

PM- After viewing some Incan tombs which held mummies and other ruins, it is off to the White city of Arequipa where we will overnight in a basic yet comfortable hotel.

Day 8 Tuesday- Arequipa to Lima- Lima to USA
AM- This is your last day together and the mornings activities will depend how the group is feeling. Some highlights may include visiting the eerie ice mummy, Jaunita or wandering the brightly colored maze of Monasterio Santa Catalina.

PM- After dining on famous Arequipeno food it is time to pack up and catch your flight from Arequipa to Lima. Once in Lima, it is time to join your next adventure in Peru or catch the escorted flight back to the U.S.

Day 9- Wednesday
Arrive in the United States
After your overnight flight from Lima to Houston it is time to exchange final goodbyes and email addresses and head home to your next adventure of the summer.

** Due to the realities of international travel, Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change itineraries without notice to ensure the safety of our students and make our programs the best they can possibly be.