Peru: Cusco
February 17, 2009 by Michaela Potter
Filed under Central/South America, Destinations, Featured Destinations, Peru, Volunteer
In 2006 I took a career break and volunteered in Peru for the summer. This was the first time I really spent an extended amount of time in one place, and the experience was amazing. The culture and people of Peru touched me in a way I never expected and this led me to my next job at Cross-Cultural Solutions.
For many years, Peru has called me – whether it was the spirit of the Incas, the mystery of Machu Picchu, or the magic of the Quechuan smile, I needed to answer the call. In the summer of 2006, I did just that. But unlike other travels, where I tried to see and do as much as possible – never staying in one place for more than a few days – this time I wanted to have some roots. I really wanted to immerse myself in the culture; experience life as the locals; and maybe pick up a bit of the language.
Cusco was the perfect place. Chosen as the capital of the Incan Empire for a reason, Cusco has a spiritual essence that can’t be explained – it can only be felt. But if I was going to take so much from this beautiful culture, I also wanted to give something back. And that’s when I found Peru’s Challenge.
