This trip is a bit different. There is a lot more to talk about because I didn’t just do sightseeing. In fact, sightseeing is secondary in this trip. I will describe it more like a diary, with a lot of information for you.
Summer 2023 was a bit special. My wife and daughter were out of the country for most of the summer and my son wanted to be free for his first summer working. I had 2 weeks of vacation (construction vacation) and I didn’t want to spend it watching the grass grow and my pool spin.
I looked at several options such as Ireland or Portugal but I chose to give my time and go on a humanitarian trip. I contacted Peru Volonteer and Travel (PVT). Two weeks, living with someone who lives there, discovering the local culture, walking around and above all helping people.
PVT has several options for stays. Whether it is for tourism only, a mix of tourism and volunteering or only volunteering, they offer something for everyone.
I chose the Childcare Volunteer Program in Cusco. I would be able to share knowledge and promote self-confidence to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It was also my first time to South America or even the southern hemisphere.
Cusco
Cusco, the jewel of the Peruvian Andes, is much more than just a city. The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, it breathes history on every street corner, with its stone walls bearing witness to a vanished civilization. Situated at an altitude of over 3,400 meters, this imperial city offers a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish cultures, where vestiges of the past rub shoulders with modern life. Its strategic location also makes it the ideal starting point to explore the surrounding archaeological treasures and the mysterious Machu Picchu. Cusco, a true living testimony to the grandeur of Peru’s past, captivates and enchants each visitor with its unique charm and enduring cultural heritage.
The language
The only problem is that it’s May and I don’t speak Spanish (or Quechua, an indigenous language spoken for thousands of years in the Andean region of Peru). PVT also offers Skype lessons with “locals”. I took ten hours of lessons between June and July and was leaving at the end of July. Not many but enough to give me a basic foundation. I’ve also been diligent with Duolingo (a mobile app for learning languages).
Since I was only going to spend 2 weeks in Cusco, I did not continue the Spanish classes there. Most volunteers participate for 4 to 8 weeks. In that case, I would have improved my knowledge but with such a short stay, I did not do it.
Flights
I was leaving on Thursday to arrive on Friday and have time to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco before starting my volunteer work on Monday. I decided to leave from home by bus to the airport, no stress, just let myself be transported. It was my first time going on a trip without parking my car at the airport (the most expensive) or having someone to drop me off there. Honestly, I thought it was great. It gave me the impression of starting my trip the moment I locked the door at home and not when I arrived at the airport. I also did it again on future trips.
I was leaving on Thursday to arrive on Friday and have time to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco before starting my volunteer work on Monday. I decided to leave from home by bus to the airport, no stress, just let myself be transported. It was my first time going on a trip without parking my car at the airport (the most expensive) or having someone to drop me off there. Honestly, I thought it was great. It gave me the impression of starting my trip the moment I locked the door at home and not when I arrived at the airport. I also did it again on future trips.
Coming back to the flights, from Montreal to Cusco, it was three flights. Montreal – Miami in the evening, Miami – Lima at night and finally Lima – Cusco early in the morning. More than 7000 km!
I was very stressed when I left. I was launching myself into the unknown. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep (PVT takes care of everything), or even where exactly I was going to do my volunteer work. I’m used to planning everything, and for this trip, all I knew was my outbound and return flights and that someone was going to wait for me at the airport at my destination.
All the stress disappeared when I saw the mountains overlooking Cusco on the way down. It was BEAUTIFUL. A majestic setting, totally different from anything I have seen in the past. Exactly what I was hoping for, discovering a new place.
PVT was waiting for me at my destination. The stress disappeared and gave way to excitement.
Luciana (PVT) met me at the airport exit and drove me to my host, Margot. I will be staying with other volunteers (from France, Germany the US) there. I spent the day with Margot walking around the city. I don’t seem to be feeling the effects of the altitude.