“Encuentro”
Quispicanchi, Peru
April 10 - April 19, 2025
Use this webpage as your resource as you prepare for your trip to Quispicanchi! We look forward to accompanying you throughout your experience!
Important 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)
Peru Hotel Stay Form (must be notarized)
DEADLINE: All forms must be submitted by March 24, 2025.
Download the Retreat Packing List
(IMPORTANT: Retreat participants are limited to one carry on bag, no checked bags are permitted. Carry on size allowance for domestic flights in Peru are: 9” x 13 “ x 21”)
Retreat Itinerary
(Download Full Itinerary)
April 10 - Travel (Denver - Lima)
April 11 - Travel (Lima - Cusco - Ollantaytambo)
Tour of Cusco City & Ollantaytambo
Trip Orientation
Hotel stay in Ollantaytambo
April 12 - Machu Picchu
April 13 - Sacred Valley Tour & Arrive in Quispicanchi
April 14 - Project Agency Support
Morning Exchange with Fe y Alegria Primary School
After School Program Support
April 15 - Project Agency Support
CEBE Special Education Center
After School Program Support
April 16 - Rural and Indigenous Communities Visits
Exchange Day with Virgen del Rosario (Sullumayo)
April 17 - Maundy Thursday
April 18 - Good Friday, Return to Lima & Depart for Miami
April 19 - Travel (Miami - Denver)
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 expet 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 during my trip?
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? 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 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.
