Written By: Sadie Kolodner and Chiara Perkins

From June 12 to 22, seventeen students, accompanied by Mr. Leath, Mr. Murray, and Ms. Linderoth, embarked on an unforgettable journey through Peru, exploring the Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, and the historic city of Cusco. Starting in Lima, the group flew to Iquitos, where they boarded boats to navigate the Amazon River, spotting wildlife such as sloths, dolphins, parrots, and a variety of insects along the way. At the Explorama and ExplorNapo lodges, we participated in immersive activities, including night hikes, piranha fishing, basket weaving, clay pot making, and learning about cultural practices in local river communities such as the Yagua and Maijuna. We also engaged in cultural exchanges, dancing with villagers, singing, and helping plant trees and repaint a local school in Santa Isabel. Our adventure continued through the Andes, visiting ancient ruins like Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay, hiking Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, and exploring the vibrant, bustling San Pedro market in Cusco. Along the way, students strengthened teamwork and resilience while navigating challenges like high altitudes and language barriers. The trip was packed with learning, adventure, and cultural immersion, leaving all of the students with stories to share for the rest of their lives.

For the students who participated, the trip was just as enriching. We formed new friendships, gained confidence and courage, and learned how to adapt to a new environment. Many of these lessons came in the form of physical challenges, such as enduring a three hour hike in complete darkness and making the steep climb up Huayna Picchu. Though demanding, these adventures created opportunities to rely on one another for encouragement and support, strengthening the bonds within the group as we faced obstacles together. Beyond the hikes, the absence of phones made a surprisingly positive difference, allowing students to disconnect from everyday distractions and be fully present with one another. Without screens, we were pushed to find new ways to occupy our time, and some of our favorite memories include spending our nights playing card games and walking around the hotels we stayed in. 

Similar to the countless memories made by students, the teachers also had great experiences. Ms. Linderoth recounted the part that stood out to her the most: “Throughout the trip, I was continually impressed with the students’ ability to step outside of their comfort zone. From high humidity and bugs in the Amazon, to altitude sickness and strenuous hikes in the Andes, the group always helped support each other and made the best of every situation.” One of her favorite memories was when the group went to the Santa Isabel river community in the Amazon for the day. She recalled, “Spending the day with them planting trees together, learning about their traditions, dancing, and playing volleyball was such a fun and meaningful cultural exchange. Lots of smiles that day!” Another highlight was when the group went fishing for piranhas; despite many people not catching anything, including Ms. Linderoth, we continued to persevere for the next day, when we went out in the pouring rain and all managed to catch a fish. “It was a good reminder that sometimes, success just takes one more try, and a little bit of rain!” Ms. Linderoth said. Lastly, while recalling all of the activities and memories made on the trip to Peru, Ms. Linderoth mentioned the first thing she would do again if she could go back. “If I were going back to the rainforest, I’d go take another boat ride on the Amazon River. If I ended up back in Cusco tomorrow, I’d head to an artisan market and continue practicing my Spanish by interacting with the locals!”

Overall, each challenge we faced during this trip ended up becoming a valuable learning experience. The action packed journey had to come to an end after 12 days and hundreds of memories that we will carry with us for years to come. This trip is just a glimpse into the global studies program. If you are ever wondering about applying to one of the trips, just do it. It will change your life.