Programs
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FAQ
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Notice Board
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project is a 24-day journey through major South American cities by bus and airplane. It’s a well-organized project designed to let you experience South America’s unique culture, majestic nature, and thrilling challenges while having fun with a variety of international friends!
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1. South America: The Dream of Travelers! Ready for a South American Tour Quickly and Easily with Just One Click!
South America is the ultimate dream destination for travelers! However, preparing for a South American backpacking trip involves a lot of planning and information, which can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve prepared this project!! Everything needed for a 24-day trip across South America is included, such as bus travel (including 6 flights in some regions), accommodation in hotels, meals at local restaurants like Brazilian steakhouses, city guides, and activities such as tango dinner shows. By booking this project, you can skip the hassle of heavy bags and street wandering or worrying about accommodation reservations. All you need to do is come with excitement about your South American adventure!
2. With Professional Tour Managers and Drivers! No More Security Worries! Enjoy South America Safely!
South America is a destination that lures us with endless charm, but it’s also a place that requires careful consideration due to safety concerns. Say goodbye to those worries!!! This project ensures a safer and more in-depth travel experience as professional tour managers and drivers will accompany you throughout the journey. Moreover, for safer travel, some dangerous and uncomfortable border regions are traversed by plane rather than by bus or other public transport. If you want to make the most of your long journey and explore every corner of South America without any setbacks, this project comes highly recommended!
3. The Passionate Land of South America! Have an Enthusiastic and Passionate Time with Friends from Around the World!
Don’t worry about the trip being just a boring group tour with a guide’s flag. The tour is exclusively for enthusiastic young people aged 18–35 from around the world, and it features various activities like Amazon boat trips, bike tours, walking tours, and visits to world heritage sites. There are also free-choice tours and 2-3 special themed parties planned! Enjoy nightly parties and games with new international friends in the passionate land of South America!
4. What Those Who Visited South America First Say! WHY NOT ME? I DID IT IN SOUTH AMERICA!
" Cusco was like a giant museum in itself; I spent hours wandering around and felt the ancient Inca civilization come alive." (Kang A-ram )
" After a 4-day, 5-night trek, I reached Machu Picchu. I had never cried like that before. I didn’t understand the tears at the time—whether they were of joy, happiness, or something else. Now I know they were tears of relief and joy, feeling blessed that my life could shine so brightly." (Yeom Bo-yul )
■ Grow Along with the Project
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| STUDY! | LEARN! | CHANGE! |
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■ The culture and history of Peru, Brazil, and Argentina ■ Learning everyday English by chatting with foreign friends ■ How to live with friends from different countries |
■ Exciting friendships with people from all over the world ■ Unique experiences and thrilling adventures ■ The grandeur of nature and ancient history |
■ Becoming flexible by accepting various ways of life! ■ Becoming proactive and confident! ■ Becoming more independent in life! |
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
■ Project Activities
This is a project where you travel through various countries and cities in South America by bus with friends from around the world for 24 days.
- Duration: 24 days
- Visited Countries: Peru, Argentina, Brazil (Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado, Amazon, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro)
■ Activity Details
- Traveling through South America by private bus (Some inter-city or inter-country travel will be done safely by plane. /6 flights in total)
- City tours, World Heritage site visits, bike tours, and boat tours are part of the itinerary (Please refer to the detailed schedule below).
- This project includes 40 to 55 young travelers (ages 18-35) from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Japan, etc.
- During the trip, there will be about 2 to 3 themed parties, which you can attend freely.
(The themed party schedule may change depending on local conditions.)
- Various optional tours are available in different cities, such as Amazon kayaking, Iguazu helicopter tours, and Rio de Janeiro hang gliding (additional costs apply).
These activities are optional, and you can pay for them locally. If you don't want to participate, you can spend time exploring the city with friends or visit places of personal interest.
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■ Choose Your Travel Type
You can choose between A and B based on your method of traveling to Machu Picchu. All other schedules are the same (Refer to the project’s detailed schedule below).
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1) Option A (Train Travel): You will enjoy various activities in the morning and take a leisurely train ride to Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Recommended for those who want to save energy and time and engage in more activities in the morning.
2) Option B (Inca Trail): With a professional guide, you will trek along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The hike has gentle slopes, allowing you to experience nature and wildlife. This is a popular choice for those who love nature and adventure. *The Peruvian government limits Inca Trail access to 500 visitors per day to preserve the site. If you don’t want to miss the trek, book early. (Approximately $300 extra fee.) *Additional costs may vary depending on the actual schedule. |
■ Project Schedule
* Please refer to the detailed schedule below for more information.
Download Detailed Project Schedule and Terms
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■ Local Orientation
- The orientation will be held at a designated hotel (meeting point) on the evening before the project starts. (Notification will be provided 2-3 weeks before the project start date)
- It is recommended to arrive in Lima, Peru before the project start date.
- If you wish to book additional accommodation before or after the project, please inquire in advance. Early bookings tend to fill up quickly.
■ Schedule
| Start Date | End Date | Availability |
| 2021.12.12 | 2022.01.04 | Available |
| 2021.12.26 | 2022.01.18 | Available |
| 2022.01.06 | 2022.01.25 | Available |
* If you're worried about whether the dates you want to participate in are fully booked, please contact the Korea Gap Year team at koreagapyear@gmail.com.
* Unconfirmed departure: This schedule is not yet confirmed due to insufficient number of bookings. It will be confirmed once the required number of bookings is met.
* The schedule for 2022 will be updated later.
■ Other Important Notes
- This project starts around 8 AM in Lima, Peru, and ends around 11 AM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The ending time may vary depending on local traffic conditions.
- If you plan to book transportation (flights, buses, trains, etc.) and accommodation for personal schedules before or after the project, please be mindful of the project start and end times.
- A professional tour manager and driver will be with you throughout the project. If you have any questions about the project or tourist sites, feel free to ask for help at any time.
- Booking South American products may take up to 10 days for confirmation, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible!
- When applying, you should review the detailed project schedule and terms in advance.
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■ English Proficiency Required ★☆☆☆☆ / Physical Fitness Required ★★☆☆☆ You will be traveling with foreigners and will be in an environment where English is used for explanations and guidance at tourist sites. However, you don’t need to worry too much. Basic English skills sufficient for understanding greetings, meeting times, and locations are enough. Confidence is more important than English proficiency! Don’t hesitate to ask for help with what you don’t know, and actively engage with friends. This will make for a more fulfilling experience. |
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"Peru was truly amazing!! I got to try everything I wanted in Argentina! The party in Brazil will also be an unforgettable memory!"
"The cost of living in Peru was really low, and although Argentina was a bit expensive, Brazil was relatively affordable, so I could do more things! Plus, sitting comfortably on the bus allowed me to enjoy the beautiful scenery. I made real friends with people from all over the world, including South Africa, London, the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and we’re still in touch :)"
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The GapYear Planner's Firsthand Experience ♥ The Planner's Authentic Visit Story & Planning Intentions
Traveling in South America can be likened to "no pain, no gain." To truly appreciate the fantastic views and emotions of Machu Picchu, you need to endure a long bus ride and climb to high altitudes. Interacting with the local culture can also be challenging if you’re not open-minded. However, the rewards that follow are immensely gratifying. For me, the South American trip remains a particularly memorable and cherished experience. This project offers a unique route not available domestically and is designed to facilitate natural interaction with locals, providing a meaningful experience for those taking a gap year. I highly recommend this adventure for anyone looking for unforgettable memories in South America!
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* Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Stories (click).
* More participant reviews can be found at the bottom of the project under "Participant Reviews."
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Note Book |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 Orientation Materials |
 Project Registration and Participation Costs |
 Gap Year Mission Scholarship |
 Travel-Exclusive Bus |
 Accommodation Provided for the Entire Duration of the Project |
 Activities Including Schedule |
 Some Meals Included in Project Schedul |
 International Tour Manager |
 Multinational Travel Specialist Driver |
 City Tour |
 Visits to World Cultural Heritage Sites |
 6 Flights Utilized |
Detailed Support Information
■ Accommodation and Meals
- Safe accommodation selected by the organization (2 people per room)
- European or local meals, including breakfast 23 times, lunch 3 times, and dinner 7 times
- Special dinners such as Tango Dinner Show and Brazilian Steak (2 times)
*Provided meals and details may vary depending on the schedule.
■ Transportation
- Convenient and safe private bus
- Multinational travel expert drivers
- Rapid city-to-city transfers during the project using flights (6 times)
*Details may vary depending on the schedule.
■ Project Activities
- Orientation by a reliable tour manager
- City tour conducted by a professional local guide who speaks English
- Professional tour manager accompanying throughout the entire schedule
- Visits to world cultural heritage sites
- Activities included in the project
(Arequipa City Tour, Hot Springs, Buenos Aires Bicycle Tour, Cruiser Boarding, etc. Refer to the detailed schedule)
■ Care Services
- Participant dispatch process: Project registration and dispatch procedures
- Orientation provided: Various orientation information to ensure a successful gap year
- OT materials: Materials with tips from planners for those traveling abroad for the first time
- Gap Year Notebook: A notebook to reflect on oneself during the gap year (▶ See Details)
- Gap Year Mission Discount
■ Certificates and Recommendations
- Issuance of Gap Year Participation Certificate
* Certificates and recommendations are issued after completing the project properly and submitting feedback.
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and optional tours
- Individual travel insurance
- Issuance fee for electronic travel authorization for the US or Canada (if required, varies by transit destination)
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
Established in 1962, this organization is a global travel service company headquartered in Switzerland. It offers over 290 multinational travel programs in 47 countries around the world. The travel programs have an age limit (18-35 years), giving them a vibrant and energetic atmosphere typical of young travelers. For the past 50 years, the organization has been dedicated to creating a true travel culture for young people from around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, major European countries, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.
*Multinational travel: Travel that involves experiencing more than one country and culture, rather than focusing on just one.
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In 1961, New Zealand youth John Anderson traveled to London for a European trip. With a limited budget at the time, he thought it would be better to travel with others rather than alone. So he rented a minibus and started gathering people to join him (back in the days before social media!). Together with the young travelers he gathered, they completed a 12-week European tour and had a truly wonderful time. Unable to forget the experience, John Anderson planned another European trip, this time organizing two teams. Through his European travels, John Anderson discovered the business of bus travel and founded a multinational travel company. Today, this organization has become the world's largest travel agency, creating a travel culture for young adventurers.
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ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
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Most of the accommodations will be in 2-3 star hotels shared with a roommate. In the Amazon, you will stay in a jungle lodge (2-3 star) to get a closer experience of the vast natural environment. The accommodations typically provide shampoo, soap, basic toiletries, and a hairdryer. Depending on the hotel, you may also have access to facilities such as a swimming pool and coin laundry.
Breakfast will be provided by the hotel, while dinner will be at a restaurant with about half of the meals included. Meals not included are free for you to enjoy according to your personal preference.
| Double occupancy / Breakfast and dinner provided according to the detailed itinerary |
* Accommodations can be changed to triple or single rooms. If using a triple room, there is about a 5% additional discount from the standard price. If using a single room, additional charges will apply. Note that changes to triple or single rooms may not be possible depending on local conditions, so please inquire after confirming your participation if you wish to make such changes.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
ㅣ Location : South America
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There is a saying that one trip to South America is never enough. It’s packed with so much charm and can be considered the ultimate destination for world travel. Indeed, with its majestic natural landscapes, mysterious history, diverse local cultures, affordable and delicious food, passionate samba festivals, and friendly, lively people... there’s not a single thing you can miss. Moreover, the unique blend of South American and European cultures creates an exotic feel for everyone. That’s why many travelers around the world consider South America as the top travel destination. Experience extreme sports, explore mysterious histories, and dive into artistic adventures like tango and samba in South America for unique experiences and thrilling adventures!
Eligibility
- Anyone aged 18 to 35
- Anyone who wants to experience both the culture and nature of South America
- Anyone who wants a safe and comfortable trip to South America
- Anyone who wants to practice their English conversation skills
- Anyone who wants to make friends from around the world
- Anyone who wants to experience diverse cultures
- Anyone who doesn’t want to travel alone
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The participation period for this project is 24 days.
■ Participation Fee
- For the 9th day, you can choose between option A or B for traveling to Machu Picchu (the rest of the itinerary remains the same).
| Standard Price | Gap Year Special Price | |
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Option A (Travel to Machu Picchu by train) |
$5,085 ~ $5,575 | $5,045 ~ $5,535 |
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Option B (Travel to Machu Picchu via Inca Trail trekking) |
$5,325 ~ $5,815 | $5,285 ~ $5,775 |
* This is an exclusive offer for Gap Year members, with additional Gap Year special prices on top of early bird and group discounts!
* The price for this project varies based on the project start date and payment date, so for detailed pricing, please inquire with Korea Gap Year (koreagapyear@gmail.com) after applying with your desired participation dates and number of people.
When calculating the value of Gap Year benefits at local prices, TOTAL is approximately 7,330,000 KRW!
However, by participating in the Gap Year project, you can expect to save up to 990,000 KRW!
* This cost is based on the highest price of Option B, adjusted for exchange rates.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Payment Plan Information
Pay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW in advance, and settle the remaining amount within 2 weeks. Based on the date of payment confirmation, the process for finalizing your participation in the project will be carried out, and you will be informed of the availability and number of slots. Securing your spot quickly is important to participate on your desired date and duration! (Refunds are not available once participation is confirmed.)
* Note: If the start date is approaching, full payment of the project fee (100%) is required to make a reservation.
■ Emergency Application Guidelines
All Gap Year projects are recommended to be applied for at least 3 months prior to the project start date. Applications should be made no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if you need to participate urgently, you can use the emergency application service to expedite the process by paying an additional fee.
* While we strive to expedite the process as much as possible, there will still be basic processing time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. All procedures will be conducted in the same manner as for regular participants, so those using the emergency application service should actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team.
** Emergency application services can be applied for from the options above. For inquiries regarding the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided: Gap Year mission and notes automatic application / All OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation / Additional personnel arrangement / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* For those who have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no availability depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Also, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation will be the responsibility of the participant.
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