Did you know that when you volunteer abroad on a MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip in Peru you can go on a day trip with Good Life Expeditions to see what Ica and Paracas have to offer? For only $200 USD a person, you will get to experience Peru outside of Lima and learn about the countries’ rich history and culture.
Trip Itinerary:
Beginning with a 3:30am pick-up, you will take a 3.5 hour bus ride down the Peruvian coast for a 7:00am arrival to the small seaside town of Paracas. The only national reserve on the Peruvian coast, Paracas is known for its wind-carved cliffs, diverse marine life, and ancient history.
Arriving early means you’ll have the chance to embark on a boat tour of the incredibly biodiverse Ballestas Islands and Paracas Bay!
The first stop on your boat ride will be the enigmatic Candelabro – a mysterious drawing etched into the sand on the side of Paracas peninsula. From the sea, you will have a perfect view of the 180m / 590ft tall carving, the historical significance of which is unknown to this day.
After hearing some of the experts’ theories on what the Candelabro represents and how it was created, continue your ride to the Ballestas Islands. A must-visit stop on any trip to the south, this cluster of impressive rocks is home to some of Peru’s most unique sea birds such as pelicans, Peruvian boobies, and Humboldt penguins. There is also a friendly colony of seals and sea lions that sun themselves on the rocks and swim through the wind-carved tunnels that give the islands their iconic silhouette.
When you’re back on shore, you will board the bus and continue to your next stop, Huacachina, which will take about one hour. Make sure to peek out the window and watch as the environment shifts dramatically from coastal clifs to spectacular sand dunes. The Huacachina Lagoon will seem to appear out of nowhere, a small green oasis amidst a vast desert, and here you will begin the next learning experience. You will board four-wheel sand buggies for a journey through the sloping dunes. Experienced drivers will take you on a natural roller coaster ride that provides stunning views of golden mountains as far as the eye can see.
The final stop of the day will be one of the many bodegas in the region that produce Pisco, Peru’s national drink. Ica is the heart of Peru’s wine and Pisco industry, and you will have the opportunity to learn about its role in the local economy.
Tour Bodega Catador, and learn the intricate process of artisan Pisco production as well as the long history they have making some of the finest Piscos in Peru. Along the way, you can taste many varieties of the spirit, before boarding the bus for the relaxing return to Lima. You will arrive at approximately 10:00 pm.
About Good Life Expeditions:
MEDLIFE partners with Good Life Expeditions for all of our SLT volunteer excursions due to their commitment to giving back to the communities that these trips take place in. When you travel with Good Life Expeditions, over $75 of every $100 spent stays in developing countries. Rather than this revenue staying in typical tourist destinations, it makes its way to remote communities that need support.
If this trip sounds like something you would be interested in, visit our website to learn how you can sign up for a Service Learning Trip in Lima.
