Welcome Home

In Peru’s Sacred Valley, Strive student-athletes will enjoy settling into their Andes lodging in the colorful town of Pisaq.  Located at over 9000 ft. (3000m) above sea level and about 40 minutes down the mountain from the ancient city of Cusco, Pisaq is best known for its Sunday market and giant Inca fortress towering on the hill overlooking town.  With imposing (sometimes snow-capped) mountains in every direction, patch-work fields rimmed by vast 500-year-old terracing, and a night sky you have to see to believe, it’s easy to lose track of time as you take in the beautiful views.

Service

All service work begins with learning how to serve others. Before we pick up a shovel or step into a classroom, we’ll make sure we understand the complex idea of what it means to offer help as an outsider, what we’re qualified to do, and how to make sure our work is creating a positive, long-term, sustainable impact.

The service projects that we do work on are always community driven and therefore often change from year to year. Projects that our students have undertaken in the past include working as teachers’ assistants in local school, helping tutor local students in free after-school programs, and even promoting health and fitness through local sports days and our annual Pisaq 5K road race.

Lastly, there may be days where you need to “get dirty” – clearing the local running track of brush, helping paint a building, or even helping dig at an ongoing Inca ruin excavation.

Athletics

The dirt roads hugging the curves of the Urubamba River will be your main training grounds if running is your passion.  If you’re not a runner, the training facilities on-site are available to meet your needs. You’ll be able to work out daily in the gym or even take a bike out along the river roads. There truly is something for every athlete: basketball courts, soccer fields, and just about anything your inner athletic soul could desire.

Adventure

The daily views and experiences are only the beginning of your adventure. On the weekends, you’ll enjoy day-trips through the Sacred Valley which may include: attending a professional Peruvian soccer match, hiking up a 14,000 ft peak, exploring the Pisaq ruins, or simply spending your free time bartering in the market and immersing yourself in Andean culture. The Sacred Valley always has more to offer than the time you have in country.

Finish your trip with a 4-day hike to Machu Picchu that travels over some original Inca trails and see why this incredible city was recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Accommodation

Upon initial arrival in Peru you’ll meet your group leaders in Lima and fly as a group to Cusco where our private transportation will meet us and bring us directly to Pisaq. You’ll stay at the beautiful Chaska Wasi Hotel, a tranquil location on the river banks with the rooms set around a beautiful, sunny courtyard perfect for a game of cards, a solitary reading session, or a group meeting.

Language Opportunities

You don’t need to know Spanish in order to participate in Strive-Peru programs. That said, some knowledge of Spanish will help and you’re certain to get more out of your trip if you try to engage with the local people. If you have studied Spanish in the past, being surrounded by the language during this program will only enhance your ability to converse. It’s a wonderful opportunity to surround yourself with Spanish to improve your language abilities.

If you are new to Spanish or wish to improve your Spanish before your trip, we highly recommend taking part in the Strive Spanish Immersion Program. Many of our students have voiced enthusiasm over learning Spanish during the trip, with a majority expressing a wish for a longer program. With this in mind, we have added an optional week-long program for students who wish to immerse themselves in Spanish language during their trip. 

If you’d like to improve your language ability, but don’t have time to take part in the Spanish Immersion Program week, Spanish lessons can also be arranged during the main Strive program as well for an additional hourly fee.

Every Strive Peru program follows a carefully designed progression while remaining flexible enough to respond to the group, our local partners, weather, travel conditions, and opportunities that emerge on the ground. The sequence below describes the general rhythm of the experience rather than a fixed daily itinerary.

Arrival and Acclimatization

Students meet their leaders and trip-mates at the designated U.S. departure airport and travel together to Peru. After arriving in Cusco, the group continues by private transportation to its home base in Pisac.

The opening portion of the program is intentionally paced to help students adjust to the altitude, become comfortable with their surroundings, and begin building trust within the group. Activities include orientation, exploring Pisac, meeting community partners, setting individual goals, and gradually returning to athletic training.

Finding Our Rhythm

Once students have acclimatized, the program settles into a balanced rhythm of athletics, community engagement, cultural learning, and reflection.

Most mornings begin with training while temperatures are cool. Runners explore the dirt roads along the Urubamba River, while other athletes pursue individualized workouts using available facilities and equipment. Training is adapted to each student’s sport, experience, goals, and response to altitude.

The central part of the day is generally devoted to community-based learning and service. Projects are shaped by local priorities and may include supporting teachers and students, assisting with youth activities, contributing to community facilities, or helping organize sports and wellness events.

Evenings give students time to recover and reconnect. Depending on the day, the group may share a meal, participate in a Strive Talk or guided reflection, play games, explore town, or simply relax together.

Exploring the Sacred Valley

Excursions throughout the program deepen students’ understanding of the Sacred Valley and provide opportunities to stretch beyond familiar routines.

Possible experiences include exploring Cusco and Pisac, visiting local markets and archaeological sites, attending a Peruvian sporting event, hiking in the Andes, cycling or running between valley communities, and relaxing in the thermal springs at Lares.

The specific excursions vary according to local conditions, group readiness, and the opportunities available during each session.

Growing Into Leadership

As the program progresses, students take greater ownership of their experience. Leaders encourage them to make thoughtful decisions, support one another, communicate across differences, and reflect on how they are showing up as athletes, travelers, and community members.

Students may help shape group activities, support local sports events, lead reflections, or take responsibility for elements of a shared project. This gradual increase in responsibility is central to Strive’s approach to student development.

The Machu Picchu Trek

The culminating adventure is a multi-day trek through the Andes toward Machu Picchu. Students travel through high mountain landscapes, camp beneath the stars, and rely on the resilience and relationships they have developed throughout the program.

The trek offers both challenge and perspective. Reaching Machu Picchu is memorable, but the deeper accomplishment is recognizing how much the group has learned and grown along the way.

Routes, campsites, and timing may change based on permits, weather, trail conditions, and other safety considerations.

Reflection and the Journey Home

Before departing Peru, the group gathers to reflect on the experience—what students learned about themselves, how they developed as athletes and leaders, and how their understanding of travel and service has changed.

Students return home with new friendships, greater confidence and independence, and a clearer sense of how they want to engage with the wider world.

2027 Program Dates

To be confirmed. Dates will be finalized in coordination with participating schools and their academic calendars.

Program Tuition

$7,495

Estimated Group Airfare

Approximately $2,500. International airfare is arranged and billed separately from tuition.

Tuition Includes

Small-group, high-touch leadership and mentorship; lodging; meals and beverages served with meals; in-country transportation; athletic coaching and individualized training support; community-based learning and service; excursions and entrance fees; training facilities; local programming; group gratuities for planned in-country assistance; and 24/7 in-country supervision.

Tuition Does Not Include

International airfare; travel or medical insurance; passport or visa-related expenses, when applicable; baggage fees; snacks and beverages outside scheduled meals; personal spending; optional massage or sports-therapy services; personal phone or internet charges; and gratuities for optional, individually arranged services.

Payment Schedule

Enrollment deposit: $500 due upon acceptance and applied toward tuition.

Remaining balance: Due date to be announced.

Payment Plans

Payment plans are available upon request. Contact us to discuss an arrangement that works for your family.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and need-based financial assistance may be available to qualified high-school applicants. Visit our Financial Aid page for eligibility information and application details.

View our frequently asked questions here

View our Language Immersion Program here