The Inca Trail Challenge
6 th June– 17 th June 2009
The Challenge
Do something different and make a difference in Peru with this charity challenge fund raising idea and volunteer opportunity. Discover what the Spanish Conquistadors could not – the lost city of Machu Picchu nestled in the magnificent Andes Mountains. On this challenge, trek through mountain passes, remote unspoiled villages and jaw-dropping scenery. Ride on one of the world’s highest trains and volunteer to help a local school with much-needed repairs and improvements all whilst fund raising for The Cedar Foundation !
Lima is a heady mix of traditional Spanish, pre-conquest Incan and modern influences with such enticing sights as the convent of San Francisco. From the capital we fly to Cuzco and head straight to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the chance to wander through a colourful local Indian market.
Our first three days are spent assisting on a school development project, helping to repair and refurbish the buildings as well as spending time with the children, many of whom have parents who may well be our porters and guides in the days to come! This also helps us to acclimatise to the altitude before starting on the trek.
For the next three days we will be hiking at altitude through some of the most incredible alpine scenery in the world. At times the going can be tough, but with the help of our experienced guides and porters we will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime culminating as we reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate. From this fabulous vantage spot, we watch the sun rise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, the mythical lost city of the Incas, where we have the whole day to walk around and marvel at this truly awe-inspiring human achievement.
The final leg of the tour sees us back in Cuzco after a spectacular train ride through sweeping mountain passes, before heading back to Lima.
The Volunteer Project
The San Luis Gonzales School near Cuzco is a co-educational facility serving children through primary and secondary education. In the morning there are lessons for 550 primary students. In the afternoon 270 secondary school students are taught there.
The school is regarded as being amongst one of the poorest schools in a region well known for the poverty of educational facilities and infrastructure. In particular, the school lacks basic amenities and leisure facilities and the ability to support sporting activities. The students lack an area for recreational use and an area such a gymnasium for sports training. Furthermore, 50% of the classrooms lack electricity, lighting and heating. Many windows are broken, meaning that children are often educated in temperatures well below freezing.
The Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Lima.
Day 2
Fly to Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Days 3 to 5
Spend three days assisting on a range of projects at the San Luis Gonzales School. This time is also beneficial in acclimatising your body to the altitude before embarking on the trek.
Days 6 to 9
Embark on a truly memorable trek along the Inca Trail. Although at times arduous, the combination of stunning scenery and Incan ruins compensates any hardships encountered along the way! On the morning of Day 9 you arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn and watch as the sun rises to reveal the entire ruined city spread before you - a magnificent sight.
Day 10
Another morning to explore Machu Picchu or take a well-earned dip in the thermal waters of Aguas Calientes before heading back to Cusco by train this afternoon.
Day 11
Fly to Lima, spend the rest of the day exploring the city and fly to London this evening.
The Cost
£3000 :
£300 participation fee + £2700 minimum sponsorship
To request a booking form (please state which trek you are interested in),
Tel: (028) 9066 6188
E-mail c.tweedie@cedar-foundation.org
Or write to:
The Cedar Foundation
Overseas Treks
31 Ulsterville Avenue
Belfast BT9 7AS
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