School Trip to Peru

During my spring break, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Peru on a school Spanish immersion trip. From exploring ancient ruins to volunteering at a local school, the trip was packed with unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impact on me.

Our journey began with a long day of travel—flights, layovers, and the exhaustion that comes with it. But once we arrived in Cusco, we were given a much-needed day to rest and adjust. Cusco, sitting at over 11,000 feet above sea level, is one of the highest cities in the world. The altitude definitely caught many of us off guard, causing headaches and light-headedness. Luckily, lots of water and coca tea helped ease the symptoms—although we later discovered that coca contains a mild form of opiate, which was quite the surprise!

Throughout the trip, we visited historic sites like Sacsayhuamán and Ollantaytambo, where we learned about the daily lives and ingenious engineering of the Inca civilization. The highlight, however, was visiting Machu Picchu—a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site perched high above the Urubamba River, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Seeing it in person was nothing short of surreal.

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for me was volunteering at a boarding school that provides education to underprivileged girls in Peru. Spending time with the students and learning about their lives was truly eye-opening. It reminded me how much we take for granted and how fortunate we are to live in such comfort and security.

Overall, the trip was filled with adventure, challenges, and perspective-shifting moments. As I head into the final stretch of the school year, I’m setting my sights on finishing strong—acing my finals, writing a thoughtful SAP paper, and, most importantly, enjoying the rest of the journey.