To be safe, apply at your local post office once you are accepted. However, 6 months out would be the latest.

Our summer is their winter. However, daytime temperatures are in the 60's, night time temperatures are in the low 40's. Dress accordingly. Hats are mandatory; the sun is very intense.

One carry on bag, and one backpack. We will provide packing tips.

At the moment, one US dollar is worth $3.60 Peruvian soles. American money goes a long way in Peru. $200 should be plenty of spending money. All businesses accept US debit / credit cards. Your US money will be exchanged for Peruvian soles the day you arrive. YOU MUST BRING CRISP, UNTORN, AND UNMARKED US CURRENCY. Bills that have defects will not be accepted by the money exchange. Any cash will be secured in a safe at the lodging site.

Peruvian food! Not hot or spicy, but very good! Peruvians eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Breakfast and lunch are more in the American style. You will not find American food where we are staying, but we will try to have occasional American food at the lodging site. Snacks will be available after dinner.

Probably. You may experience shortness of breath because we will be over 8000 feet. Actually closer to 8400 feet. Make sure you are well hydrated beginning two days before you depart the US. Continue to hydrate on the flight and throughout the trip. You can purchase altitude pills before you leave, while you are there, and also drink coca ( not a drug ) leaf tea once you arrive. Your first meal, which will be a light meal, will be soup which will also help any issues.

Most days. We will have internet, but at times it may be a bit slow. We will not have high speed internet. We also suggest both you and your guardians download WhatsApp on your phone. It is a great way to stay connected and it costs nothing. It is not necessary to add a travel plan to your phone, but of course, that is your option.

With the exception of Lima ( 15 hours to the north ), Peru is one of the safest South American countries. Your trip will have four chaperones for every 10 students. The chaperones will remain on the worksites with students. Also, the mission provides all transportation; once again with chaperones. This provides an extra layer of safety. The safety of our mission workers and chaperones is our first priority. We will discuss additional measures at our educational meetings.

We have installed a security system with video, lights, and sirens. If any breaches occur, the alarms will activate. Add to this some super annoying barking dogs that seem to congregate on the property at night!

We will provide a list of essentials you should be bringing. You will have planty of room in your backpack and carry-on bag. Remember, you are only here for a short time. TIP: Bring clothing you will never wear again. This is optional. At the end of the mission, leave that clothing here and we can distribute it later. You now will have an almost empty backpack and carry-on bag for souvenirs!

The local physician will be on call. Also a nurse ( RN ) will be on call for minor issues. Maria will always serve as the interpreter for any medical issues.

Yes. There are tremors you may feel at times. This would be no different than living in California. After experiencing a series of tremors last year, the mission has now implemented a drill should this occur again. No different than a fire drill at school.

Each person is given a hard hat, safety goggles, thick work gloves, and a high visibility vest. Workers are required to wear these at all times unless otherwise instructed. Getting to the worksite can be a challenge. Workers will be instructed how to navigate this rugged terrain.

Special diets will be accommodated.