🚀 From Cusco to the Amazon: The 11th Edition of “Ruta Inti” Brings Nearly 200 Young Participants on Its Most Ambitious Cultural and Educational Journey Through Peru
When it comes to cultural exchange and youth exploration, few programs rival the legacy of Ruta Inti. What began as an initiative to retrace the paths of ancient civilizations has now grown into a platform for young people to immerse themselves in history, nature, and intercultural dialogue.
In its 11th edition, the program reached a milestone: after completing its Andean phase in Cusco, nearly 200 participants—its largest group to date—are now venturing into the Peruvian Amazon. The journey marks a symbolic and literal expansion, connecting the heart of the Andes with one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
1. A Cultural Program With Deep Roots
Ruta Inti takes its inspiration from legendary expeditions that sought to reconnect modern generations with the wisdom of the past. For more than a decade, it has brought together young explorers from around the globe, guiding them through the cultural, social, and ecological landscapes of Ibero-America.
This year, the project’s stop in Cusco allowed participants to walk through the streets of the ancient Inca capital, visit Machu Picchu, and engage with local communities that preserve centuries-old traditions. Workshops, cultural exchanges, and conferences complemented the trekking routes, turning the journey into a classroom without walls.
2. Cusco as the Gateway to the Amazon
For the first time in its history, Ruta Inti is extending its itinerary beyond the Andes and into the Amazon. From Cusco, the expedition transitions from high-altitude stone citadels and colonial plazas to dense rainforests and river basins that define Peru’s eastern frontier.
This shift is more than geographical—it represents an encounter of two worlds. The Andes, with their history of empires and resilience, meet the Amazon, a living treasure of biodiversity and ancestral knowledge. For the young travelers, the contrast highlights Peru’s immense diversity and challenges them to think about sustainability and cultural preservation on a broader scale.
3. Nearly 200 Participants: A Record-Breaking Edition
With close to 200 young explorers from different countries, this edition has become the most numerous in the program’s history. Participants bring perspectives from Europe, Latin America, and beyond, creating a truly global dialogue in every stop of the journey.
The diversity of voices ensures that the experience is not just about discovering Peru, but also about learning from one another—sharing ideas, building friendships, and shaping new ways of understanding cultural identity in a globalized world.
4. Learning Beyond the Classroom
The strength of Ruta Inti lies in its immersive methodology. Instead of sitting through lectures, participants live history, culture, and nature firsthand. In Cusco, they retraced ancient trails, listened to Quechua stories, and learned about the challenges of preserving world heritage. In the Amazon, they will engage with indigenous communities, explore ecological reserves, and witness the delicate balance between human life and environmental protection.
For many, these encounters will spark reflections on sustainability, identity, and the role of youth in shaping the future of our planet.
5. The Broader Significance for Peru
Hosting the largest edition of Ruta Inti underscores Peru’s growing role as a cultural and educational hub. Beyond tourism, initiatives like this highlight the country’s potential to foster transformational experiences that combine heritage, environment, and dialogue.
Cusco and the Amazon serve as two pillars of Peru’s identity—one rooted in the past, the other vital for the planet’s future. By bridging these worlds, Ruta Inti sends a message of unity, diversity, and shared responsibility.
🎯 Conclusion
The 11th edition of Ruta Inti is more than just a journey—it is a living classroom that connects nearly 200 young people with two of the most powerful symbols of Peru: the enduring spirit of Cusco and the boundless richness of the Amazon.
As the expedition continues, its participants carry with them not only the memories of landscapes and encounters but also a renewed sense of purpose: to become ambassadors of cultural respect, environmental awareness, and global collaboration.