JESUIT DALLAS
“ENCUENTRO”
QUISPICANCHI, PERU
Retreat #1 - May 29 - June 7, 2026
Retreat #2 - June 27 - July 6, 2026
THANK YOU for your interest in the Quispicanchi Project “Encuentro” Retreat Program!
We are excited to accompany you through this experience as you learn more about the beautiful people, culture, and traditions of the Quispicanchi region.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
(Applicants must have or a valid passport or have started their renewal application in order to be considered for travel.)
The following forms and information are required for travel to Quispicanchi, Peru. Students and parents will be provided with all trip forms upon your acceptance to the Encuentro Retreat Program:
Retreat Participant Agreement - DUE February 13
Parent Permission Forms (must be notarized)
Retreat #1 (May 29 - June 7) - DUE February 13
Retreat #2 (June 27 - July 6) - DUE February 13
* Peru Hotel Stay Form(s) - Due April 15th
Volunteer Waiver and Photo Release - DUE February 13
Copy of passport photo page
IMPORTANT FORMS
*In order to comply with Peru's anti-human trafficking laws, this form is required when minors are traveling in Peru with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian.
An original copy of your Hotel Forms must be submitted to the Service Office at Jesuit Dallas. Trip chaperones will carry the forms throughout the trip.
SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY
(Note: The order of itineraries may differ depending on the dates of your trip.)
DAY 1 - Travel (DFW - Lima)
DAY 2 - Travel (Lima - Cusco)
Tour of Cusco City
Trip Orientation
Evening Reflection & Community Time
DAY 3 - Exploring local culture
DAY 4 - Project Agency Support
Morning Exchange with Fe y Alegria Primary School
After School Program Support
DAY 5 - Rural and Indigenous Communities
Exchange Day with Virgen del Rosario (Sullumayo)
DAY 6 - Project Agency Support
CEBE Special Education Center
After School Program Support
DAYS 7 - 9 - Sacred Valley Tour
Trip specific itineraries will be available in April.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Trip Deposit - $500 (February 6, 2026)
Second Payment - $1650 (March 6, 2026)
Final Payment - $1650 (April 3, 2026)
TOTAL : $3800*
*Parents will also be provided with a Project donation receipt.
Payments can be made online using the link below.
Additional Methods for Payment: You may also make a trip payment by check, through a qualified charitable distribution or in stock. Contact Lily Riemer for additional information.
Trip Payments
Detailed below is the payment schedule for program participants. A portion of your trip fee directly benefits the communities where we serve.
We have partnered with the National Christian Foundation to receive and process non-cash gifts such as stocks and mutual funds on our behalf.
NCF has also enabled us to be able to receive stock and other non-cash assets such as distributions from IRAs and donor advised funds and non-traditional, complex gifts.
We welcome these forms of payment and we will gladly assist you in the process!
FAQs
What is the weather like?
The weather is beautiful! Between the months of May and September, the afternoon high temperature is typically 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows in the low 40s or upper 30s. Occasionally the temperature will dip below freezing. This is also the dry season with little rain and mostly sunny clear skies.
Is it safe to travel to Peru?
Yes! The Project closely monitors news from Peru, information released by the US State Department, and information provided to us by our regional partners. Peru is among the safest countries to visit in South America. Andahuaylillas, where we will stay for most of the retreat is a small pueblo of roughly 2000 families. It is a quiet town and our Project staff are active members of the local community. Retreat participants are free to explore the town between the hours of 6 AM - 5 PM. The retreat center where participants stay has a private, gated entrance, with overnight security.
How do I stay healthy during my trip?
There are several things you can do to maximize your health while traveling to Quispicanchi. This is a high altitude experience, so drinking plenty of purified water and staying hydrated is very important. Regularly wash your hands and avoid touching/petting animals. It’s also important to be careful about what you eat. Most produce has not been properly washed so it is advised not to consume any fruits that cannot be peeled (i.e. berries, grapes, apples, etc.). Also be sure to get plenty of rest each night. The days are long and you will want to be well rested.
What are the accommodations like?
Our retreat groups will stay at the retreat center at the Jesuit parish of Saint Peter the Apostle. Each room houses 2 - 3 retreat participants and has a private on suite bathroom. During your tour, you will be staying at the hotel El Albergue in Ollantaytambo, a small historic hotel and cafe right next to the train station for our trip to Machu Picchu.
What is the food like? Can I bring my own?
Retreat participants can expect a high protein, high starch diet. Potatoes, rice, and pasta are common components of many dishes. We encourage all participants to be open to new experiences, including new culinary experiences. One of our Project core values is to be open to local culture and what we are offered as guests of our regional partners. If a retreat participant has particular dietary restrictions, we encourage you to communicate in advance with Project staff to understand what accommodations are possible.
What if my summer plans change?
Good question. We understand that occasionally, plans change due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event your plans change and you are no longer able to participate in the retreat, the Project will do its best to recuperate as much of the program fee as possible. Please be advised that your first payment of $500 is non-refundable and non-transferable. Additionally, fees paid for tourist activities are also non-refundable and non-transferable.
Bag Size Restrictions for Peru
