Peru
Peruforyou is a tiny volunteer organisation based in Huancayo. They offer Spanish lessons to tourists in exchange for English lessons and health schemes given to local orphans and street kids.
You are placed with a local family to live and experience real Andean life. They also offer superb jungle treks - highly memorable and so rewarding.
This is the highest train line in the world with the exception of the new Tibetan plateau line.
While the Lima to Huancayo section only operates a few days a year, this section is open almost every day. If the timetable does not suit you, you can even arrange for a private one-carriage train.
It's a very slow steam-train journey (8 to 10 hours) through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
When night falls, there are no lights in the train, you just go on travelling in pitch black. Candles available for sale, or make sure you have a head light.
Once in Huancavelica, stay a few days to enjoy this remote Andean town, far from the Gringo Trail. This, is the real Peru!
Hunacayo station, Departamento de Junin.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Huancayo