South America Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
- Peru
- Cusco
- Machu Picchu
- Ecuador
- Galapagos
- Quito
- Guayaquil
About Program
Embark on an enriching journey during your South America gap year program, as you explore the captivating cultural and natural wonders of Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands.
This program offers students the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant lives of indigenous Andean and Amazon communities while honing your conversational Spanish skills. Engage in valuable volunteer projects initiated by local communities, meander through the historic streets of Quito and Cuzco, and be awe-inspired by the majesty of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Galapagos Islands. From trekking through Andean peaks and the Amazon rainforest to kayaking, cycling, and snorkeling along the Galapagos beaches, you'll traverse diverse environments like never before.
Build meaningful connections, learn about the region's history, and contribute to sustainability and conservation efforts.
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
BIPOC Support
LGBTQIA+ Support
Neurodivergent Support
Accessibility Support
Impact
Sustainability
We recently embarked on a Net Positive Benefit project where we are qualifying what impacts our groups have on the local communities, taking into consideration carbon emissions +/- social impacts +/- conservation impacts +/- community impacts. On our programs, students engage with non-profit organisations such as Litter Intelligence, Scholars of Sustenance, Ulu Mau puanui, Llama Pack project where they directly work for a better future - planting trees, eradicating invasive weed species, helping local communities and food banks.
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- Spanish language immersion while traveling through South America
- Conservation and sustainability with Llama Pack Project in Peru
- Galapagos Islands immersion: visiting islands, kayaking, snorkeling, and up-close wildlife encounters
- Rafting expedition on the Jatunyacu River in the Amazon Basin
- Experience the history and culture of Lima, Peru, and Ecuador’s cosmopolitan capital, Quito. Visit an indigenous community at Lake Titicaca and gain insight into traditional Peruvian culture
I don't think the program has an option for a whole year. That being said, someone could go with the program then stay afterwards for however long they wanted. As always, emailing someone who works for the company that this person is interested in going with, would result in the most accurate answer!