we collaborate with local partners to amplify postive impact in cusco and the
sacred valley.
We partner with carefully selected
impact organizations who are creating measurable, positive social and/or environmental change in the
local community.
MEET OUR LOCAL PARTNERS
Casita Huaran
Your Home in The Sacred Valley
Our main
accommodation for all trips is in a local Ecolodge rooted in permaculture principles to
reduce our environmental footprint as much as possible. Casita Huaran also supports and
funds social impact work with local youth. By choosing to stay here, we’re helping invest in
the next generation through youth-centered social programs, while also respecting the land
and local ecosystem.
Fundación Ninos del Arco Iris
Volunteering Partner Ninos del Arco Iris
Foundation is a grassroots education initiative in Urubamba, Peru, offering holistic
learning to local children aged 3 to 13 who are economically and socioculturally vulnerable.
Their vibrant school integrates academics with art, music, sports, languages, environmental
awareness, and emotional support to nurture confidence, cultural identity, and
community.
We choose to collaborate with Ninos del Arco Iris because their approach
reflects our shared values: positive impact on the local community, cultural exchange and
fostering connection. Volunteer opportunities during your cultural immersion trip will give
you the chance to show up, learn, exchange, share by teaching English, and walk alongside a
project that’s already making a powerful local impact.
Sacred Valley Project
Volunteering Partner
An inspiring
nonprofit that shelters grils only in Calca and Ollantaytambo, with the goal of empowering
and boosting women's education in the High Andes. Did you know 4 out of 10 Peruvian
girls from rural Andean communities graduate form secondary school? The Sacred Valley
Project's work focuses on girls because of the unequal access afforded to girls to
pursue their secondary education.
Valley Camp
Excursions Partner
We collaborate with
Valley Camp for weekend excursions as part of our student adventure travel in South America.
Valley Camp supports youth development trough outdoor experiences in Cusco region and beyond
to build strong, resilient leaders for a better future. Valley Camp helps equip childern and
teenagers with life skills through fun, memorable camp experiences.
Every guided
activity teaches participants to take care of themselves, each other, and the environment.
Their mission is to nurture youth's relationships with self community and Pacha Mama,
and their vision is to be a thriving, inclusive community that through regenerative
practices and mutual support, gives back to the mother earth we call home. These are
commitments close to our hearts at Andean Adventure Academy too!
Land of the Inkas
Excursions Partner
Land of the Inkas is a
travel agency specializing in authentic and immersive experiences in Peru. They offer
services for multiday hikes and rafting trips, ensuring an authentic and immersive
experience for participants. With a focus on sustainable tourism and local culture, Land of
the Inkas enhances our adventure offerings by providing expert guidance and support in
exploring the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of the region.
Andean Alliance
Excursions Partner
Andean Alliance is on
an important mission to harness collective intelligence to support community-led development
in the highlands of Peru. They're pioneers of organic farming in The Sacred Valley. We
partner with them for weekend homestays to learn about how coffee is made and roasted. Their
experiential learning programs enable us to support community projects and also give
participants the opportunity to connect with locals in campesino communities.
Andean
Alliance for Sustainable Development , Alianza Andina, is a US-certified non-profit with a
social enterprise model supporting agriculture initiatives in campesino farming communities
and providing experiential learning opportunities in Peru.
La Base Lamay
Excursions Partner
La Base Lamay is an
organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and cultural experiences in Peru,
specifically in the Sacred Valley and beyond. They focus on providing immersive travel
experiences that connect visitors with local communities and cultures. Their offerings
include adventure, activities, workshops and opportunities for cultural exchange,
emphasizing respect for the environment and local traditions. La Base Lamay works to empower
local communities by creating meaningful connections between travelers and residents,
highlighting the importance of cultural appreciation and sustainable practices in tourism
Camila Mejía Founder
Camila, originally from Arequipa, is a vibrant
force on our team. She's proactive, brimming with big ideas, and has an
infectious enthusiasm for bringing people together. With a deep passion for the
outdoors, she leads cultural immersion trips that empower kids to make informed
decision with a broader global perspective.
In 2020, she moved to the Sacred
Valley, where she co-founded Suelo Sagrado, a local organic farmers cooperative.
Together with her brother, she delivered fresh, ethically sourced produce to promote
a sustainable and resilient food system, igniting her commitment to
community-building. After that, Camila went on to work in student travel, where she
realised how much she enjoyed creating immersive trips and being part of young
people's journey as they experience a new culture for the first
time.
"My favorite part of running group trips is seeing how
transformative the time spent in a different culture can be when you have anopen
mind and allow the change to happen. It's amazing to see the impact these kinds
of trips have on youg people, and how they leave with a whole new perspective."
Francisco Salazar Trip
coordinator
Francisco Salazar, also known as
"Pancho", was born in Lima but has spent most of his life in the great
outdoor. While in Lima, he developed skills as a rock climber and wave chaser before
moving to the Sacred Valley. Now a resident of the Sacred Valley, he stands out as
one of the most experienced and knowledgeable mountain guides. Pancho is certified
in first aid and rescue, with safety always being his top priority. With deep
respect for the local community and culture, he is dedicated to guiding students
while sharing his expertise and captivating stories about the land ant its people.
And so many more...
This page highlights a few of our local impact partners but
it's far from a full list. Every trip is made possible by an extended network of incredible local guides,
drivers, tour operators, artists, educators and community leaders. Each of them play as vital role in shaping
these experiences, and every booking directly supports the local economy and the people who make your
unforgettable trip possible.
