ENCUENTRO RETREAT
October 9 - 18, 2026
The Quispicanchi Project
Use this webpage as a resource to prepare for your trip to Quispicanchi.
We look forward to accompanying you during your time in Peru!
RETREAT FORMS
Access and submit all your trip forms here.
The following forms are required for travel to Quispicanchi, Peru:
Parent/Guardian Permission Form (must be notarized)
Retreat Participant Agreement
Peru Hotel Stay Form (must be notarized)
Volunteer Waiver and Photo Release
Copy of Participant Passport Photo Page
DEADLINE: forms must be submitted by September 11, 2026. Use the Trip Onboarding and Forms Upload button below.
PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE
PACKING FOR YOUR RETREAT
Linked below is a comprehensive packing list for your time in Peru. We ask that all trip participants follow this packing list. It is intentionally designed to ensure you have what you need and to support retreat formation goals.
IMPORTANT: Retreat participants are limited to one carry on bag, no checked bags are permitted.
Download the Retreat Packing List
Carry on size allowance for domestic flights in Peru is:
55cm x 35cm x 25cm (21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches)
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS
All retreat participants must be current on all standard vaccinations required for enrollment at Regis Jesuit High School.
Additionally, participants must certify that have been fully vaccinated against typhoid fever 10 days prior to trip departure.
MEDICAL AND SAFETY INFORMATION
The Quispicanchi Project provides each retreat participant with volunteer travel insurance which covers emergency and security evacuation, as well as medical expenses associated with illness and accidents.
In the unlikely event that to facilitate medical care on your behalf in Peru, it is important to provide the following information:
allergies (food and environmental)
Conditions which may prevent you from fully participating in retreat activities (example: asthma, altitude sickness)
Medications (prescription or OTC ) that you are carrying with you to Peru
What About Spending Money?
Once arriving to Cusco, all expenses are covered. retreat participants are encouraged to bring no more than $150 for gifts and souvenirs. Bills should be clean (free of any markings or folds) and in $20 or $50 denominations.
RETREAT ITINERARY
October 9 - Travel (Denver - Lima)
October 10 - Cusco CITY
Welcome tour of Cusco City
Lunch at local restaurant
Visit to the Salineras (Inca Salt Mine)
Travel to Ollantaytambo
October 11 / 12 - Sacred Valley
Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu
Visit to Rumicolca (pre-Incan site)
Travel to Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Andahuaylillas, Quispicanchi
October 13 - Program Support
Mass at the Church of Saint John the Baptist
October 14 - Program Support
October 15 - Program Support
October 16 - Reflection Day
October 17 - Travel (Cusco - Lima)
October 18 - Arrive in Denver
RETREAT ITINERARY STRUCTURE:
On program support days, retreat participants are divided into two groups for “Intercambio” experiences with our local school partners. These groups will visit a different school each morning. In the afternoon, retreat participants are placed into three small groups and each small group is assigned to one of three after school centers. small groups will return to the same after school center each day of the retreat.
(Full Itinerary available for downland by parents after students depart)
FAQs
What is the weather like?
The weather is beautiful! The afternoon high temperature is typically between 65 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows in the low 40s. Occasionally the temperature will dip below freezing. This is also the end of the wet season, so expect the occasional late afternoon or overnight rain shower.
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?
There are several things you can do to maximize your health while traveling to Quispicanchi. This is a high altitude experience (10,500 ft), 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.
What is the food like?
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 cultural openness so we ask all retreat participants to graciously receive 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 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 deposit payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. Additionally, fees paid for tourist activities are also non-refundable and non-transferable.
