Embarking on South America tours offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultures and vibrant communities of the continent. Community-based experiences not only enrich your journey but also allow you to make a positive impact on local lives. From participating in traditional crafts to serving local communities, here are the top five community-based experiences to consider on your next adventure.
A Day with Dr. Ellis
Our South America tours are varied so that you can choose from a variety of options that suit your interests. For a better understanding of our partner NGO MEDLIFE, we offer an experience that takes you to the communities in Lima where we work. Accompanied by MEDLIFE’s founder Dr. Nick Ellis, who will help you respectfully visit the community, learn how we work hand in hand with the people in extreme poverty to tackle the complex problems they face. You’ll gain unparalleled insight into the work MEDLIFE is doing from Dr. Ellis’s first-hand stories and experience from working in the field.
The day will end by sharing a meal with Dr. Ellis and reflecting on the experiences you have had. Take this opportunity to speak freely with him, to ask questions, and to learn. By the end of the day, we hope your perspective on the city will have shifted and that something you have experienced today will keep you thinking about your trip for years to come.
Discover Peruvian Textiles in the Sacred Valley
A visit to the Sacred Valley is a must on any South America tours, especially for those interested in Peruvian textiles. Here, you can visit weaving cooperatives where skilled artisans create stunning textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Participate in workshops to learn about the dyeing process and weaving methods, and take home a handcrafted souvenir that supports local artisans. This experience highlights the significance of textile arts in Peruvian culture and provides insight into the intricate work behind each piece.
Service Learning Trip
Incorporating volunteer opportunities into your South America tours can significantly enhance your travel experience, leaving you with the sense that you got to make a real difference in someone’s life. Join local health initiatives in communities that need support. MEDLIFE offers opportunities to work alongside healthcare professionals in mobile clinics, providing essential services to underserved populations. This hands-on experience not only allows you to give back but also deepens your understanding of the healthcare challenges faced by communities in Latin America.
Ausungate Lodge to Lodge Trek
Navigating the breathtaking one of the most beautiful South America destinations, Ausungate Mountains, on a 5-day trek is an experience unlike any other. Surrounded by panoramic mountain views, dotted with turquoise lagoons and snow-capped peaks, this journey is breathtaking.
However, this trek is not only a once in a lifetime travel opportunity, but it is also a top responsible travel experience. Operated by our trusted responsible travel partner, Andean Lodges of Peru,almost everyone who works on the experience — from lodge owners to housekeepers — are community members of the villages you pass through during your adventure.
The company was founded in partnership with the rural communities of Chillca and Osefina to promote development through community based tourism and unique trekking experiences. Comprised of trained community members, this expert trekking team will guide you through their home communities that lie along the trail. They also work to preserve the natural wealth, ancient knowledge, and traditional ways of life in the communities. During your trek, take the time to learn their unique stories of the Andean Highlands. You can take confidence knowing that your trip directly benefits the communities Good Life Expeditions and Andean Lodges works with.
South America is filled with incredible opportunities for community-based experiences that enhance your travel journey. From serving rural communities to learning about Peruvian textiles, each experience contributes to a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that makes up this diverse continent. By choosing South America tours that prioritize community involvement, you not only enrich your own travel experience but also support local economies and promote sustainable practices. Explore the beauty and culture of South America, and make lasting memories that go beyond the typical tourist experience.
Contact us today to book your community based experience with Good Life Expeditions!