MEDLIFE is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working alongside low-income communities across Latin America and Africa to improve access to medicine, education, and community development. All resources are reinvested in advancing our mission and impact.

Through your Service Learning Trip (SLT), you'll spend one week in Lima and one week in Cusco, Peru, experiencing this mission firsthand by learning from and working alongside local communities in both cities. At the heart of MEDLIFE is developing leaders—both students and community leaders—who create meaningful, lasting change.

Day 1 · Saturday — Arrival & Transfer in (Lima)

Arrive in Lima and settle in — a MEDLIFE representative will meet the group at the airport.

Day 2 · Sunday — Orientation & Walking Tour (Lima)

Meet your MEDLIFE Trip Leader and fellow participants for an orientation covering the week's schedule, safety recommendations, transportation, Mobile Clinic expectations, and important information for your stay in Lima. Depending on the group's schedule, the day may also include a walking tour or introduction to the surrounding area, followed by free time to settle in and explore. Meals are not included today.

Day 3 · Monday — Reality Tour (Lima)

Visit MEDLIFE partner communities in Lima's urban settlements to learn about the social, economic, and geographical realities families face. Explore how rapid urban growth, migration, informal housing, limited infrastructure, and barriers to public services affect health and quality of life. Through community visits and conversations with MEDLIFE staff and local leaders, gain the context needed to understand the week's Mobile Clinics and development projects. Return to the accommodation for a MEDLIFE presentation and Mobile Clinic station assignments.

Day 4-6 · Tuesday — Mobile Clinics & Development Project (Lima)

Throughout the week, rotate between Mobile Clinics and a community development project according to the operational schedule. At the clinic, help unload supplies, organize the space, and receive training before rotating through different stations. Assist with non-clinical tasks, health education, patient flow, and clinic organization while observing locally licensed professionals provide care. Other participants may work alongside community members on projects such as staircases, public parks, roads, or retaining walls. Evening post-clinic activities connect the day's experiences with broader public health and development topics. Expected Patients: 60–150 per clinic.

Day 7 · Friday — Final Clinic/Project Activities & Inauguration (Lima)

Spend the first half of the day supporting either a Mobile Clinic or the community development project, according to the week's rotation. Participants at the clinic will continue assisting local healthcare professionals, while those at the project site help complete the final hands-on activities. Later, all participants will gather at the project site for an inauguration celebration with the community, followed by a final debrief and reflection.

Day 8 · Saturday (Flexible) — Fly Lima → Cusco

The day after your Lima week is flexible. You can fly to Cusco on Saturday, or add an optional cultural add-on in Lima (such as the full-day Ica & Paracas Desert Escape: Ballestas Islands boat tour, Huacachina Oasis dune buggies and sandboarding, and local vineyards — lunch included) and fly to Cusco on Sunday instead. The short domestic flight (about 1h 20m) is booked and paid directly by MEDLIFE, and a MEDLIFE associate meets the group in Cusco for the hotel transfer. Take the rest of the arrival day to rest and acclimatize — Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), so hydrate, eat light and skip alcohol.

Day 9 · Sunday — Cusco Orientation & Walking Tour

Attend an orientation covering the second week's schedule, MEDLIFE activities in the Andes and safety recommendations for your stay in Cusco. Then join a MEDLIFE-led walking tour through the historic center, ending at the Plaza de Armas, followed by free time to explore. Meals are not included today.

Day 10 · Monday — Engaged Education Reality Tour (Cusco)

Explore the geographical, social, historical and healthcare realities of the Cusco region while learning about Quechua culture and daily life in the Andes. Visit rural communities, a local school and a health center to understand how geography, poverty, education, transportation, language and distance from public services shape access to healthcare. Return to the accommodation for a MEDLIFE presentation and Mobile Clinic station assignments.

Day 11-13 · Tuesday — Mobile Clinics in the Andes

Support a Mobile Clinic held in a different rural community each day. Help unload supplies, organize the clinic and meet the local healthcare professionals, then rotate through two assigned stations. Assist with non-clinical responsibilities such as patient flow, health education, vital-sign collection and preparing prescriptions while observing consultations. Selected evenings include interactive post-clinic activities. Expected Patients: 40–100 per clinic.

Day 14 · Friday — Development Project & Inauguration

Work alongside community members on a project selected according to local priorities — home renovations, fuel-efficient stoves, greenhouses or corn dryers designed to improve health, safety and household opportunities. Once the work is complete, join the community for an inauguration celebration, then return to the accommodation for a final debrief and reflection with the MEDLIFE team.

Day 15 · Saturday — Machu Picchu Full Day (included)

Included full-day excursion: travel through the Sacred Valley and spend the day at Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided tour of the citadel, its temples, terraces and best viewpoints. Please note: a copy of your passport is required to purchase Machu Picchu tickets — availability is limited and tickets can only be guaranteed once issued.

Day 16 · Sunday — Departure from Cusco

Continue exploring Peru or head back home after two weeks of service and learning.