In South America Peru is noted for geographic and cultural diversity. Stretching along its Pacific Coast is one continuous coastal desert at whose southern end begins the Atacama, one of the world's harshest deserts. Peru's eastern boundary lies within the lush Amazon Basin. The Andean peaks rise to their most majestic height in the heart of Peru's southern interior.

VISIONS's home base is Urubamba, roughly 600 miles south of Lima in the Sacred Valley. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, Urubamba is nearly one hour from Cusco, the old Inca capital and un centro de turismo. Evidence of the formidable Inca Empire is everywhere in the highlands where Quechua, the ancient Inca language, continues to be widely spoken.

Historically, the sierra region has been home to Peru's poorest. VISIONS's service responds to pressing needs: construction of schools, community centers, irrigation canals and water septic systems, even the valley's only fire station. In the tradition of faena, we collaborate closely with local people who work with us while maestros teach us adobe building techniques. We undertake talleres (internships) with small sustainable businesses, learning traditional weaving, bread baking, pottery crafting, and bee keeping. We teach English and play with young children in their schools. You'll also help assemble and install cocinas mejoradas (smokeless stoves) in the homes of community residents.

With los bomberos - the young volunteer firemen and women of Urubamba-we might collaborate on a project and then play soccer until sunset, dance and share campfires in the evenings. You will hone your Spanish language skills with Nico Jara, our driver and projects manager, and other Peruvians who work alongside us in adobe construction, and with Lucy Bossio, our cook,, helping her make Peruvian dinner specialties.

The Sacred Valley is ideal for exploration. We tour the world famous Pisaq market where merchants have sold their wares for over four centuries. We visit artisans studios and spend evenings with local musicians such as Amazonas Urubamba who teach us about Andean instruments including the panpipe, Huangara, the Bombo and congas. In Cusco, we discover the gilded art adorning Spanish Cathedrals, the historic Plaza de Armas, and the immense fortress of Saqsaywaman whose walls boast 125-ton stones.

Hiking and some camping will be on our weekend agendas. We hike to the Maras salt mines, an ancient sprawling complex of shallow pools dug into the hillside filled with naturally saline waters. We journey to Chicon Mountain and camp in the massive snow-capped peaks. We'll walk a small portion of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu where we will spend a day. Our journey there starts by train and continues by bus. We'll pass centuries-old aqueducts, tombs and terraces on the way. We spend the evening in a hostel on the banks of the Urubamba River, and rise before dawn to arrive at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate just as the first beams break over the lush green peaks.