Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Trips are designed with sustainability in mind — in Cusco you may join environmentally friendly projects such as greenhouses or corn dryers.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their HS SLT
Hear from students, teacher and parents who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE.
“It's helped me get greater exposure to the medical field and kind of zoning in more on what I want to do in my future. I learned that a lot of patients have maybe seen a doctor once or twice in their lives — there were women in the OB/GYN station who had only been checked out once and they were in their 50s — so being able to provide medical care, to give them some kind of exam and medicines that could improve their life, is amazing.”
Cali
Student, Carmel High School
“I think every high school student should have an experience like this, because it's transformational. We never saw folks that were sad — they were always smiling, always grateful. High school students need to see that. The Reality Tour was phenomenal — it was one of my highlights of the week; it really helps high school students see how important it is to give back.”
Randy
Sr. VP for Outreach & Global Initiatives, SC Governor's School
“It really changes your mindset on everything that you ever thought, and no one is coming back from these trips the same way. The highlight would be the community and all the people I've been able to meet and impact — from playing games with little kids to teaching them how to brush their teeth and wash their hands. It's really changed my mindset and now I'd really like to pursue a career in medicine.”
Enria
Student, Southwestern Educational Society, Puerto Rico
“MEDLIFE coming to their communities and helping out is something that's extremely impactful, not only for them but for us as a whole. There are so many people in even the urban areas that don't have access to basic health care. I would describe MEDLIFE in one word as opportunity — it's an eye-opening and life-changing experience, and I would do it again.”
Bella
Student, Binghamton University
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About Cusco
Where you're going
Cusco sits high in the Peruvian Andes, in the southeast of the country, and was the capital of the Inca Empire. Today it is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley — a city of colonial plazas built on Inca stone, surrounded by mountain communities we serve.
Location
Region of Cusco, southeastern Peru · roughly 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level · about a 1h 20m flight from Lima.
Population: ~428,450 (2017)
Open larger mapLanguage
Spanish & Quechua
Many patients in rural communities speak only Quechua.
Altitude
3,400 m / 11,150 ft
Take it slow the first 48 hours; hydrate and skip alcohol.
Climate
Dry, cool days · cold nights
Sun is intense at altitude — hat, sunscreen and layers.
Currency
Sol (S/.) · $1 ≈ S/. 3.49
Carry small bills; cards are rare outside the city.
Time zone
PET (UTC−5)
Same as US Eastern in winter, no daylight saving.
Context
18.8% of households in poverty
Tourism thrives in the city; mountain communities remain isolated.
Common health issues we see
Parasites living in the intestinal walls, mostly affecting children. Commonly caused by unclean water, fecal-oral transmission and skin absorption.
Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, spread by contact with nasal secretions or contaminated objects; more frequent in cold or wet weather.
Viral or fungal infections of the urinary tract, often linked to hygiene habits and lack of contraceptive use; may recur.
Fungal infection of the skin caused by environmental and physiological conditions; higher risk with weakened immune systems.
Degenerative, chronic breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, common among elderly people.
Back pain involving muscles, nerves and bones, from a dull ache to sharp pain, believed to result from repeated sprains or strains.
Quick check 1 of 3
Besides Spanish, which language is widely spoken in the communities around Cusco?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Building Bridges Across Cultures
Spend a day immersed in the local culture — share a meal, learn traditional customs, practice the local language, and build genuine connections with the community members you serve alongside.
5Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
6Cultural Excursion
Included full-day Saturday tour to Machu Picchu with a historian guide — temples, terraces and sweeping Andean views to close out the week. During the week your group also explores Cusco on a cultural treasure hunt, the Sounds of the Andes Interpretation Center, the Planetarium and an Incan textile center.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to Cusco
Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) any time between 5:00 am and 2:00 pm. Take a brief orientation walk to get your bearings, then gather in the afternoon for the official Welcome Meeting to prepare for the week ahead. Use the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to Cusco's altitude.
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWAirport pick-up & transfer to the MEDLIFE Hostel
Day 2 · Sunday
Introduction to Cusco
This morning you take part in a thrilling cultural treasure hunt: teams receive a series of tasks that test courage, skill and cultural knowledge while exploring the city. The winning team receives a prize!
- 8:00 AMBreakfast at the hostel
- MorningCultural treasure hunt through Cusco
- AfternoonFree time to explore & acclimatize
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 3 · Monday
Reality Tour
Embark on a Cusco Reality Tour to become acquainted with the region's geographical, political and social reality. You visit several Cusco districts and examine the relationship between poverty and education. In the afternoon, stop at the Sounds of the Andes Interpretation Center to learn how traditional musical instruments are made from clay and discover the Incas' ancestral sounds. Dinner is at the hostel.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast
- 8:00 AMReality Tour begins
- 1:00 PMLunch
- AfternoonSounds of the Andes Interpretation Center
- 6:00 PMDinner at the hostel
Day 4 · Tuesday
Mobile Clinic #1
Wake up bright and early for your first day at a Mobile Clinic. On arrival in the community you help unpack all medical supplies from the bus and meet the health professionals you shadow that day. In the evening, visit Cusco's Planetarium to learn about astronomy, an important aspect of the Incan worldview.
- 6:00 AMBreakfast
- 7:00 AMDepart for the community
- 8:00 – 9:00 AMUnload supplies, training & clinic begins
- 11:40 AMLunch in the field
- 12:00 PMSecond station rotation
- 2:00 – 3:00 PMPack up & return to Cusco
- 6:00 PMDinner
- 7:30 PMVisit to Cusco's Planetarium
Day 5 · Wednesday
Mobile Clinic #2
Another day of volunteering at a Mobile Clinic, helping MEDLIFE bring free healthcare to low-income communities. Staffed by local practitioners, our clinics offer basic medical treatment and preventative screenings to low-income families. When the clinic wraps up we return to Cusco for a tasty treat at a local ice-cream shop, then wind down in the evening with a viewing of the inspiring documentary Bending the Arc.
- 6:00 AMBreakfast
- 7:00 AMDepart for the community
- 8:00 – 9:00 AMUnload supplies, training & clinic begins
- 11:40 AMLunch in the field
- 12:00 PMSecond station rotation
- 2:00 – 3:00 PMPack up & return to Cusco
- 5:00 PMLocal ice-cream stop
- 6:00 PMDinner, then documentary: Bending the Arc
Day 6 · Thursday
Building Bridges Across Cultures
Community Visit: see one more area of Cusco that MEDLIFE works with — Pisac! Hear from community leaders about life in Pisac and connect with community members through a much-loved local activity: soccer.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast
- 8:00 AMDepart for Pisac
- MorningCommunity leaders' talk & shared activities
- 1:00 PMLunch
- AfternoonFriendly soccer match with community members
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 7 · Friday
Healthy Homes & Development Project
Spend the day in the Sacred Valley working on a Healthy Homes initiative — such as building a greenhouse or fuel-efficient stoves, or renovating homes. Afterwards we hold the third and final Engaged Education Roundtable Discussion focused on safe housing projects, reflecting on the MEDLIFE week as a whole and how you can keep making a difference once you're home. In the afternoon, continue learning about Peruvian culture with a visit to an Incan textile center and a traditional offering ceremony to mother earth.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast
- 8:00 AMDepart for the Sacred Valley project site
- MorningHealthy Homes project work
- AfternoonIncan textile center & offering ceremony
- 5:00 PMFinal Engaged Education roundtable & reflection
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 8 · Saturday
Explore Machu Picchu
Included in your trip: wake up early to catch the best views of the famed Inca fortress of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your historian guide leads a tour of the ruins — temples, terraces and all the best spots for photos. After exploring the citadel, take the train back to the valley and return to Cusco in the evening.
- Full dayMachu Picchu guided tour (included)
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure
The adventure has come to an end. Head to the airport for onward travel or your flight home, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. We wish you safe and happy travels!
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWTransfer out
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The first station patients visit. Here we collect contact information, basic medical history and vitals for the physicians to use during consultations.
What will I be doing?
- After the triage nurse does patient intake, take the patient history form and fill in the vitals section.
- Measure height (Talla/HT), weight (Peso/WT), blood pressure, heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp). BMI is optional.
- Blood pressure is NOT taken for children (any patient with a niño history form).
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is above 90, or temperature is above 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area at the Education Station and hand the form to the Education participant.
Recommendations
- Divide and conquer: one person on BP and heart rate, one on temperature, one on height and weight, one escorting patients.
- Spanish speakers can ask the triage nurse whether help with intake is needed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Presión arterial | Presionnekyta |
| Arm | Brazo | Maki |
| Bag | Bolso | — |
| Hat | Sombrero | — |
| Shoes | Zapatos | Sapathuykita |
| Jacket | Chompa | Chompaykita |
| Scale | Balanza | Janp'ar Turajjchana |
| Tape measure | Cinta métrica | Tupu |
| Thermometer | Termómetro | — |
| Alcohol | Alcohol | — |
| Cotton | Algodón | — |
| Medical record (adult / child / dental / OB) | Ficha médica de adulto / niño / dental / OB | — |
Ed
Education
A space for health education on oral health, and more. It also serves as the waiting room between stations.
What will I be doing?
- Stamp every history form with the education stamp — a form must be stamped before the patient is seen at a medical station.
- Keep patients and their forms in order of arrival, using the number written at the top of each form.
- Redirect patients returning from a specialty station who still have other consultations.
- Support the education nurse by recording laboratory test results when applicable.
Recommendations
- Patients with high blood pressure or fever from Triage are prioritized to see the doctor immediately.
- Never send a patient to Pharmacy until every consultation circled on their form is complete.
- Families are treated as a single unit — all members finish their consultations before Pharmacy.
- The nurse leads the actual education sessions; your main job is order and patient flow.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Educational brochures | Trípticos | — |
| Stamp | Sello | Suñari |
| Urine test | Examen de orina | Hispay Qawanapaq |
| Blood test | Examen de sangre | Yawar Qawanapaq |
Dr
General Medicine
The major station where doctors address individual medical issues and identify patients who need follow-up care.
What will I be doing?
- Listen and observe the patient's needs; MEDLIFE staff circulate to translate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Spanish speakers may be asked to assist with translation.
- Stay attentive to the education area where patients wait for an available doctor.
- Guide patients back to Education if they have other consultations, or to Pharmacy only when all consultations are complete.
Recommendations
- Wait until the consultation is finished before asking questions.
- Be cordial with every patient and avoid side conversations.
- These are private medical consultations — no photos allowed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue depressor | Bajalengua | — |
| Flashlight | Linterna | K'anchay |
| Stethoscope | Estetoscopio | — |
| Pharmacy receipt | Recetario | — |
| Medicines | Medicinas | Hampi |
Dn
Dental
Offers fillings and extractions. Dental professionals will ask you to assist with a range of hands-on duties.
What will I be doing?
- Assist the dentist: organize instruments, hold the flashlight or suction tube, mix filling paste.
- Complete odontograms and patient paperwork following the dentist's instructions.
- Help prepare patients before their consultation.
Recommendations
- Take initiative — work quickly and communicate well with the dentist.
- If unsure of your task, simply ask the dentist what needs to be done.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth / teeth | El diente / los dientes | — |
| Dentist | Dentista | — |
| To the left | A la izquierda | — |
| To the right | A la derecha | — |
| Flashlight | La linterna | — |
| To clean | Limpiar | — |
| Dental chair | Silla dental | — |
| Cavities | Caries | — |
| Fillings | Curaciones | — |
| Extraction | Extracción | — |
Ob
OB/GYN
Addresses gynecological issues including breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. Only female students over the age of 18 attending a Classic SLT may shadow this station. This is a service offered (but not shadowed) during High School SLTs.
What will I be doing?
- Help set up the consultation room, create a private space and sanitize the bed and area.
- Direct patients to the chair, protect their privacy and assist with changing into a gown.
- Observe the gynecologist during exams — students are not licensed and will NEVER perform Pap smears.
- When asked, hold the flashlight, hand over speculums, swab sticks and slides.
- Accompany patients to Education or Pharmacy afterwards, and alert Education when the room is free.
Recommendations
- Many women have never seen a gynecologist and may feel nervous or embarrassed — be polite and reassuring.
- Maximum 2 students in the room at a time; rotate if three are assigned.
- Exams can be graphic. Be mindful of your reactions.
- Always knock before entering and keep the door closed at all times.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Pap smear | Papanicolaou | — |
| Breast exam | Examen de mamas | Qawasunki / Ñuñukita |
| Speculum | Espéculo | — |
| Spatula | Espátula | — |
| Specimen / sample | Muestra | Qawana |
| Fungus | Hongos | — |
| Swab | Isopo | — |
Ph
Pharmacy
The final station, where prescriptions are filled. Data collected here helps MEDLIFE track medication and enroll patients in the Patient Follow-Up Program.
What will I be doing?
- Collect medical history forms in the order received and store them where the pharmacy nurse indicates.
- One person records EVERY medication dispensed so stock can be replenished for the next clinic.
- Read the doctor's receipt and fill prescriptions: each medication in its own labelled bag, all bags into one larger bag for the nurse to verify.
- Keep the line orderly so the nurse sees one patient at a time.
- Alert the nurse immediately if a prescribed dose differs from what is available.
- Make sure patients leave with the handwritten prescription and instructions.
Recommendations
- Read the data collection process as soon as you arrive at the station.
- Watch the medication form — some come as both pill and paste.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| One patient at a time | Un paciente a la vez | Ch'ullach'ullamanta |
| Please give me your prescription and registration form | Por favor, deme su receta médica y su ficha de registro | Maymy Recetaiky |
| These are your medicines | Estas son tus medicinas | Keymi Hampiquna |
| Thank you for coming! | ¡Gracias por venir! | Allinmy Jamuranky |
| Vitamins | Vitaminas | — |
| Prescription | Receta médica | Hanpi Papil |
| Syrup | Jarabe | — |
| Pill | Pastilla | — |
| Paste / creme | Pasta / crema | — |
| Bottle | Botella | Porongo |
Tb
Toothbrushing
Teaches children aged 3 and up about dental hygiene. Children need no history form, and this is the only station without a medical professional — be proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Set up a table and tent outside, away from the other stations, with toothbrushes, cups, toothpaste and fluoride.
- Keep an empty bucket for children to spit into and find a tap to fill your water bucket — never use the boxed drinking water.
- Register every child (name and age) on the registration sheet; exact spelling doesn't matter.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with paste and a cup, and demonstrate brushing with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
- Offer fluoride: no food or drink for an hour and no milk for the rest of the day. Never apply fluoride to children under 3.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish | Quechua |
|---|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Cepillo de dientes | Maqchey Kiruta |
| Toothpaste | Pasta dental | — |
| Cup | Vaso | Ukyana |
| Water | Agua | Yaku |
| Fluoride | Flúor | — |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? | Iman Sutiqy |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? | Jahik'a Huataiky |
| Take a toothbrush and a cup | Toma un cepillo y un vaso | Japy'hi Cepilluta / Kerutayan |
| Brush your teeth in a circular form | Cepíllate los dientes en forma circular | Kiruta Maylliy |
| Rinse your mouth | Enjuágate la boca | Muqch'iy Simikita |
| Don't drink the water | No tomes el agua | Ama Ñilpuyunquichu Unuta |
| Spit out here / there | Escupe aquí / ahí | Keypy Ttokaykuy |
| Wash your toothbrush | Lava tu cepillo | Maqchey Cepilluikyta |
| Now we will place fluoride on your teeth | Ahora pondremos flúor en tus dientes | Hampita Churasaiky |
| Open your mouth wide | Abre la boca bien grande | Kychay Simikyta H'atunta |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | No comas ni tomes nada por una hora | Ama Mijunkychu |
| Don't drink milk for a day | No tomar leche por un día | Ama Hujankychu Lechita |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Chaperone Accompaniment Policy
Students participating in a High School SLT are required to remain with their assigned chaperone or Trip Leader at all times throughout the program. This applies to all circumstances, including leaving the hotel or separating from the group during fieldwork, regardless of the reason.
This policy exists to ensure student safety and reflects the expectations agreed upon with parents/guardians prior to departure.
Non-compliance with this policy may result in modified participation in program activities, as determined necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student and the broader group.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Chaperones
Chaperone guide
A quick reference for the adults who travel with our student groups. Tap any card to expand the details. Please refer to your MEDLIFE HQ Rep for a detailed version of the ‘Revised HS Chaperone Summary of Requirements & Participation Agreement 2026-2027.
Joining a Service Learning Trip with MEDLIFE is both an educational and rewarding experience. As a Chaperone, you support both MEDLIFE and the student experience while on the trip. Chaperones act as a familiar face to students as they explore a new country and culture — your presence provides support and reassurance during international travel. For every 6 students, one Chaperone's Service Learning Trip donation goal is free (additional/optional tour activities not included). One Chaperone may be responsible for up to 10 students. All chaperones are determined well in advance of the trip. Please note there is a required application, interview, criminal record background check, and approval by MEDLIFE HQ prior to proceeding with involvement in Chaperone meetings, assigned responsibilities, and discount codes provided. Adult trip participants choosing to travel alongside their children - and not having competed the process above - are welcome to enjoy the trip, but must be noted as “Parent Participants” or “Teacher Participants” and are not referred to as official chaperones of the trip. In this case, the adult participant is required to reach the full donation goal to attend the trip, and a room upgrade is mandatory.
Flight reimbursement: Teacher Chaperones may also be reimbursed for their flight cost up to $1000 USD. Any fees associated with receiving the PayPal reimbursement for flights will be deducted from the amount being reimbursed.
Good to know: We may require Chaperones of a certain gender, depending on the makeup of the SLT (for example, an all-female student trip would require a female chaperone and vice versa). If you are bringing a smaller group of students, MEDLIFE may require your support to add students from other schools to your chaperone-group that may be travelling to destination on their own.
Preparing
Get ready for Cusco
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Cusco, Peru — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Departure: Sunday from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
MEDLIFE books your stay at one of these partner hotels in Cusco. Save the address and phone in case you need to reach reception.
Hotel San Francisco Pardo
998 Regional, Cusco, Perú
+51 949 338 652
Socialtel Plaza de Armas Cusco (formerly Selina)
Calle Garcilaso 150, Centro de Cusco, Perú
+51 978 368 224
Hotel Inkarry Cusco
Collacalle 204, Cusco 08003
(084) 242692
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Any excursions not listed on the High School SLT itinerary for your location
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades for anyone that is not an official MEDLIFE-Approved Volunteer Chaperone having completed the interview, background check, application process, and onboarding
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,200 ft). Mornings are cold, midday is sunny, and clinic days start early — pack in layers.
- Clothing
- Layers for cold mornings & warm days — jacket, fleece, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Altitude & health
- Coca tea or altitude-sickness medication if advised by your doctor, reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, headlamp for early clinic days, a towel, and a small backpack.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgWatch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven’t received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Pre/Post SLT bundle5 days / 4 nights
Ultimate Andes Expedition: Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Experience Cusco's rich history, marvel at Machu Picchu's ancient wonders and hike the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. Dive into Andean culture, explore iconic ruins and embrace breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary linked is the version for SLTs based in Cusco. Minimum 10 participants. Flight to Cusco not included.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Amazonian Wildlife Immersion: Puerto Maldonado
Discover diverse wildlife, including jaguars and giant otters, in their habitat. Visit panoramic Lake Apu Victor, the biodiverse Lost Cocha and primate-rich Monkey Island, learn Amazonian culture and stay in a rustic lodge.
Minimum 10 participants. Flight to Puerto Maldonado not included.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Peru emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+51 991 646 533
Peru Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Police
105Tourist Police (WhatsApp)
+51 980 122 335Fire brigade
116Medical emergency
106Civil Defense (earthquakes, disasters)
119Peruvian Red Cross
01-266-0481
Clinics & police
O2 Traveler's Clinic Cusco
Residencial Huancaro, Bellavista C-11, Cusco 08000
+51 84 221213Cusco Tourist Police
Av. Tomasa Ttito Condemayta 713, Cusco 08002
+51 84 235123Clínica Anglo Americana (Lima)
C. Alfredo Salazar 350, San Isidro 15073
+51 1 6168900Tourism Police Peru (Lima)
Jr. María José de Arce 268, Magdalena del Mar 15076
+51 1 4601060
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Santiago de Surco 33
+51 1 6182000Canadian Embassy
Bolognesi 228, Miraflores 15074
+51 1 3193200British Embassy
Torre Parque Mar, Av. José Larco 1301, Miraflores 15074
+51 1 6173000
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
Quick check 1 of 3
In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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