You’re coming to volunteer in Peru. You’ll work alongside local communities, meet new people and see a side of the country most visitors never do. Then your program ends, and Machu Picchu is only a short trip away.

Many volunteers leave Peru wishing they had stayed a few more days. In this guide, you’ll learn how to extend your trip after your program. You’ll see which tours fit best, how to plan the timing and what to keep in mind. You’ll also see why Good Life Expeditions is a natural fit for volunteers who want to keep exploring.

Why Extend Your Trip After You Volunteer in Peru

You’ve already done the hardest part. You’ve flown to Peru, adjusted to a new place and gotten to know its people. Adding a few days of travel is often easier and more affordable than planning a new trip later.

It’s also a great way to close your experience. After days of hard work, you’ll have time to rest, celebrate and take in some of the most beautiful places in South America.

Who this is for

• Students finishing a service learning trip with MEDLIFE or one of its partner programs
• Parents who want to join their son or daughter after the program
• Volunteers with any organization who want a trusted local team for the next part of their trip

Choose the Right Trip for Your Schedule

Good Life Expeditions offers two tours that fit easily after a volunteer program.

Short on time: the Machu Picchu Getaway

The Machu Picchu Getaway takes four days. It starts in Cusco and covers the city, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It’s a great choice if your program ends in Cusco, or if you only have a few days left.

More time: Classic Peru

Classic Peru takes seven days. It starts in Lima, then continues to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It’s ideal if your program ends in Lima, or if you’d like to see the coast and the Andes in one trip.

Want something different?

We can also customize your trip. Add a day for a nature hike like Rainbow Mountain, or swap a day for something that fits your interests. Our team will build it around your dates.

Tips for Planning Your Extension

• Book early. Machu Picchu tickets have daily limits, especially from June to August. Let us know your dates as soon as you have them.
• Plan your flights around both trips. Tell us when your program ends and when you fly home. We’ll plan the rest in between.
• Think about the altitude. If your program is on the coast, you’ll need time to adjust in Cusco. Our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco explains how to prepare.
• Pack for two kinds of trips. Bring comfortable clothes for your program, plus layers and a rain jacket for the mountains.
• Invite your family. Some parents fly in to meet their kids after the program and travel together.
• Leave room to rest. Volunteer programs can be busy and tiring. A slow first day before your tour helps you enjoy every stop.

Share the stories you bring home

Your program and your travels will give you plenty to share. Keep a journal, collect photos and note the names of the places you visit. Those memories are a big part of what makes the trip meaningful.

Why Travel With Good Life Expeditions

Good Life Expeditions is the travel brand of MEDLIFE. We were created for students and parents who wanted to keep exploring Peru after their service learning trips. Today, we welcome all travelers, and we still know these programs well.

Our team is based in Peru. We handle your hotels, transfers, tours, local expert guides, Machu Picchu ticket, train and bus. You can focus on enjoying the trip.

Your travel also keeps giving back. A part of what you invest in your trip stays in Peru and helps fund MEDLIFE’s projects in local communities. Curious about this way of traveling? Learn what impact travel is.

FAQ: Volunteer in Peru and Travel

Can I travel in Peru after my volunteer program?

Yes. Many volunteers add a few days of travel after their program. A short trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu fits easily into four days.

Can my parents join me after my program?

Yes. Parents can fly in and meet you in Lima or Cusco. We’ll plan the trip so you can travel together.

Do I need to book with MEDLIFE to travel with Good Life Expeditions?

No. Our tours are open to all travelers, whether you volunteered with MEDLIFE, another organization or not at all.

Keep Exploring Peru

Your program shows you the heart of Peru. A few more days show you its mountains, valleys and ancient wonders. Tell us when your program ends, and we’ll plan the next chapter of your journey.

Contact our team to plan your trip after your program.