Jesuit Dallas

“Encuentro”
Quispicanchi, Peru

May 30 - June 8 & June 28 - July 7

THANK YOU for your interest in the Quispicanchi Project “Encuentro” Retreat Program! We are excited to accompany you through this experience as you learn more about the beautiful people, culture, and traditions of the Quispicanchi region.

Applications Closed

Important Forms

Use this website to access all trip forms. The following forms are required for travel to Quispicanchi, Peru:

DEADLINE: Once accepted, all forms must be submitted by February 7, 2025.

SAMPLE Trip Itinerary

(Note: The order of itineraries may differ depending on the dates of your trip.)

DAY 1 - Travel (DFW - Lima)

DAY 2 - Travel (Lima - Cusco)

  • Tour of Cusco City

  • Trip Orientation

  • Evening Reflection & Community Time

DAY 3 - Exploring local culture

DAY 4 - Project Agency Support

  • Morning Exchange with Fe y Alegria Primary School

  • After School Program Support

DAY 5 - Rural and Indigenous Communities

  • Exchange Day with Virgen del Rosario (Sullumayo)

DAY 6 - Project Agency Support

  • CEBE Special Education Center

  • After School Program Support

DAYS 7 - 9 - Sacred Valley Tour

Trip Payments

Detailed below is the payment schedule for program participants. A portion of your trip fee directly benefits the communities where we serve.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

  • First Payment - $500 (February 7, 2025)

  • Second Payment - $1600 (March 7, 2025)

  • Final Payment - $1500 (April 4, 2025)

TOTAL : $3600*

*Parents will also be provided with a Project donation receipt.

Payment may also be made by check and through a qualified charitable distribution.

FAQs

What is the weather like?

The weather is beautiful! Between the months of May and September, the afternoon high temperature is typically 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows in the low 40s or upper 30s. Occasionally the temperature will dip below freezing. This is also the dry season with little rain and mostly sunny clear skies.

Is it safe to travel to Peru?

Yes! The Project closely monitors news from Peru, information released by the US State Department, and information provided to us by our regional partners. Peru is among the safest countries to visit in South America. Andahuaylillas, where we will stay for most of the retreat is a small pueblo of roughly 2000 families. It is a quiet town and our Project staff are active members of the local community. Retreat participants are free to explore the town between the hours of 6 AM - 5 PM. The retreat center where participants stay has a private, gated entrance, with overnight security.

How do I stay healthy during my trip?

There are several things you can do to maximize your health while traveling to Quispicanchi. This is a high altitude experience, so drinking plenty of purified water and staying hydrated is very important. Regularly wash your hands and avoid touching/petting animals. It’s also important to be careful about what you eat. Most produce has not been properly washed so it is advised not to consume any fruits that cannot be peeled (i.e. berries, grapes, apples, etc.). Also be sure to get plenty of rest each night. The days are long and you will want to be well rested.

What are the accommodations like?

Our retreat groups will stay at the retreat center at the Jesuit parish of Saint Peter the Apostle. Each room houses 2 - 3 retreat participants and has a private on suite bathroom. During your tour, you will be staying at the hotel El Albergue in Ollantaytambo, a small historic hotel and cafe right next to the train station for our trip to Machu Picchu.

What is the food like? Can I bring my own?

Retreat participants can expect a high protein, high starch diet. Potatoes, rice, and pasta are common components of many dishes. We encourage all participants to be open to new experiences, including new culinary experiences. One of our Project core values is to be open to local culture and what we are offered as guests of our regional partners. If a retreat participant has particular dietary restrictions, we encourage you to communicate in advance with Project staff to understand what accommodations are possible.

What if my summer plans change?

Good question. We understand that occasionally, plans change due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event your plans change and you are no longer able to participate in the retreat, the Project will do its best to recuperate as much of the program fee as possible. Please be advised that your first payment of $500 is non-refundable and non-transferable. Additionally, fees paid for tourist activities are also non-refundable and non-transferable.