REGENERATIVE TOURISM

PERU

Lead your students on a documentary tour of Peru: telling stories of regenerative tourism changemakers in Cusco.

This documentary field study immerses students in the heart of regenerative tourism, where they explore the balance between preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable development. Through hands-on storytelling, they will engage with local communities that are leading the way in environmentally responsible tourism.

Under your guidance and the support of our Actuality team on location, students will collaborate with local regenerative tourism initiatives to create a documentary that showcases the power of tourism to positively impact the environment and local livelihoods. This is an opportunity to move beyond textbooks and step into real-world impact through storytelling.

Students will experience the rich cultural tapestry of Cusco through responsible tourism activities, deepening their understanding of the region’s traditions and its path toward sustainable tourism.

 

DESTINATION

COMMUNITY

Cusco, Peru, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is a city where ancient history and modern sustainability efforts intertwine. Its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal setting for exploring regenerative tourism and environmental conservation. Nestled in the Andes, Cusco is home to vibrant communities working to preserve both the environment and their traditions in the face of growing global challenges.

By partnering with local regenerative tourism initiatives, students will witness how these efforts promote cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. This experience provides an up-close view of how sustainable tourism can support local communities, deepen students’ understanding of responsible travel, and offer insight into how tourism can be a force for good in both preserving and advancing local cultures.

DOCUMENTARY

PROCESS

The documentary project is the centerpiece of this week-long trip, providing students with the chance to learn and practice ethical, collaborative documentary production. This experience teaches both the technical aspects of filmmaking and photography and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within a community context.

Students can choose to engage in either a group video project or individual photography projects, both following a similar storytelling process. Whether they choose video or photography, the focus remains on ethical storytelling, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.

Workshop – The project starts with a comprehensive workshop that introduces the stages of documentary production, covering key milestones and best practices. This ensures that all participants are well-prepared for their chosen roles.

Research – After the workshop, students will conduct field research, meet with collaborators, build relationships, and plan their projects. This phase is essential for ensuring that the stories are told accurately and respectfully.

Production – As the project continues, students in the video project will conduct interviews and gather visuals, refining their camera and audio skills. Photography students will focus on creating impactful images that tell a compelling story.

Editing – Students in the group video project will create a “paper cut,” outlining the documentary’s structure and flow, guiding the editing process. While the students are on a 1-2 day excursion, a member of the Actuality team will edit the video, creating a rough cut. Upon returning, students will review the rough cut, offer feedback, and gain insights into the editing process. Photography students will also finalize their work during this time.

Screening – The project concludes with a community screening where both the group video and individual photography projects are presented.

This experience goes beyond filmmaking, fostering ethical collaboration, developing practical skills, and using storytelling to connect with and contribute to the community. Students will gain a deeper understanding of documentary work and the impact of their creative efforts.

EXCURSION

OPTIONS

CUSCO CITY WALKING TOUR

Stroll through Cusco’s historic streets, visiting key landmarks like the Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market, while learning about the city’s rich Inca and colonial past.

MARKET TOUR + COOKING CLASS

Visit a local market to gather fresh ingredients and join a chef to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.

MACHU PICCHU DAY TRIP

Take a scenic train to the iconic Machu Picchu, exploring the ancient Inca citadel and learning about its fascinating history.

SACSAYHUAMÁN FORTRESS TOUR

Explore the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, known for its impressive Inca architecture and panoramic views over Cusco.

SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Visit the Sacred Valley’s archaeological sites, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and discover Andean culture through its villages and markets.

MARAS SALT MINES AND MORAY TOUR

Discover the agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt mines of Maras, both showcasing traditional Andean farming methods.

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

Hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, offering breathtaking views and an incredible natural landscape.

CHINCHERO WEAVING TOUR

Visit the town of Chinchero, known for its traditional weaving techniques. Meet local artisans and learn about ancient Andean textile traditions.

SUGGESTED

ITINERARY

Upon arrival in Cusco, your group will be greeted by a private driver who will transport you to our guesthouse, conveniently located near the city center. After settling in, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of Cusco, introducing the city’s rich history as the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour will explore key landmarks, including the Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro Market, giving students a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of the region. The evening will conclude with a welcome dinner, where the group will discuss the week ahead.

We’ll begin the day with workshops focused on documentary storytelling, specifically tailored to exploring themes of regenerative tourism and cultural preservation. These sessions will equip your students with the skills needed to document the stories of the local organizations we’ll be collaborating with. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of Cusco’s bustling markets to explore local produce and ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class where students will learn to make traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. This culinary experience will provide a delicious and immersive introduction to Peruvian culture.

Today, we’ll engage directly with a local regenerative tourism initiative that is working to protect Cusco’s natural and cultural heritage. The morning will be spent learning about their mission and the impact of their work on both the environment and local communities. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the guesthouse for a group discussion and production meeting to plan the documentary approach, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to move forward with the project.

We’ll return to the organization to conduct in-depth interviews with key individuals, including community leaders and local residents who are involved in the regenerative tourism efforts. These interviews will help students understand the personal and environmental impact of the initiative. The afternoon will be dedicated to reviewing the day’s material and refining our storytelling techniques.

We’ll spend the day documenting visual elements that bring our stories to life, capturing the essence of the organization’s daily activities and its impact on the surrounding community. This could include documenting workshops, community-led conservation efforts, or tourism-related activities. After returning to the guesthouse, the group will review the material and plan the next steps in the post-production process to ensure the narrative is cohesive and impactful.

Today, we’ll take a full-day excursion to the world-renowned Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic landmarks of Peru. Students will have the opportunity to explore the ancient Inca citadel, learning about its historical significance and the environmental efforts to preserve it. The day will include a guided tour of the ruins, offering insight into Incan architecture, culture, and their connection to the natural world. In the evening, we’ll return to Cusco for a relaxing night at the guesthouse.

The morning will begin with a workshop led by the Actuality team to review the rough cut of our documentary. The group will provide feedback, and the team will incorporate the final edits before the evening screening. The day will conclude with a screening of the completed documentary, followed by a wrap party to celebrate the success of the project.

After a final breakfast at the guesthouse, the group will gather for reflections and farewells, sharing key takeaways from the trip. Following this, pre-arranged transport will be ready to take everyone to the airport for the journey home.

START YOUR

JOURNEY

STEP 1

Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.

STEP 2

Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.

STEP 3

Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.

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Proposal Request

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