Hike the Inca Trail and Help Children

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June 12-20, 2015 – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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If you have always wanted to visit Machu Picchu AND make a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth, this is the trip for YOU!

Explore the magnificent architecture and vibrant colors of Cusco; then head to the Sacred Valley for a lesson on the history of Incan civilization. We set off on this 5-day journey along the Inca Trail to the spiritual site of Machu Picchu. There, we will have a guided tour, and a chance to climb Huayna Picchu to round off our incredible Peruvian adventure! Enjoy this once in a lifetime experience while raising money to educate orphaned children in Tanzania, where school is not free.

ITINERARY:

June 12: Arrive to Lima, in evening, welcome and hotel transfer.
June 13: Transfer to Airport for flight to Cusco. Afternoon walking tour.
June 14: Full day tour of Sacred Valley.

June 15-19: 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek!

• June 15: Car to trailhead at km 82, hike to Llaqtapata, camp overnight.
• June 16: Hike to Llulluchapampa, camp overnight.
• June 17: Hike to Phuyupatamarca, camp overnight.
• June 18: Hike to Machu Picchu via the Inti Punku (sun gate). Shuttle to hotel.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• June 19: Guided tour of Machu Picchu w/ option to climb Huayna Picchu.
• Return by train for overnight in Cusco.

June 20: Free morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Depart Lima…or the option to continue with an extension to the Amazon!

PRICING:

The land-only price for this 9-day itinerary is US$1695/person, double occupancy (contingent on 12 participants).

• Single supplement for hotels is US$180/person.
• Fundraising Goal for children’s education: Minimum of US$1500

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Question and Answer with Theresa Grant of Make A Difference Now

1. How does MAD Now raise funds for education?  What are some projects that you have funded?

MAD raises funds through individual sponsorships of the children. The children’s profiles can be found at:  http://www.gomadnow.org/come/children_profile.php

2. What is so magical about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? 

The views of the Andes are incredible and there is NO better way to enter Machu Picchu’s Inca City at the end. It’s an incredible reward after four days of climbing. It’s truly everything you’ve ever dreamed it would be!

3. Do you have a favorite spot inside Machu Picchu ruins? 

Honestly, I enjoyed being above the ruins most of all and looking down. I like the view from the end of the Inca Trail. I felt like the postcards I had seen for so long had finally come alive.

4. Should everyone climb Huayna Picchu, if possible?

The trail can be quite challenging in many places and I would only encourage the physically fit. However, the view from the top is spectacular.

5. What training do you recommend for people before they hike the Inca Trail?

Hiking at high a higher altitude than you are used to and continuously increasing this altitude.

6. What would you recommend for people to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (11,000 feet)?

In Swahili we say, “Pole, pole. Hakuna haraka!” or “Slowly, slowly. There is no hurry!” Slow down and allow yourself to adjust. Take short walks around Cusco, drink plenty of water and nap. And don’t forget to have Coco Matte Tea in the morning. It does seem to help and it’s good for you!

7. Is there something that a lot of people pack that they really don’t need to?   Is there something that people tend to forget to pack?

I’ll be honest … I brought over-sized facial products along that I thought I “needed” and meds for everything. Ditch the heavy stuff!  A must bring item if you are camping is down washable slippers. No one wants to wear their hiking boots around after hiking all day. Give your body a treat, plus they are warm and cozy at night! Oh one other thing that we all loved were ginger candies. They help with altitude and they are quite delicious!

8. Can you share an interesting story about an interesting local person you have met in Peru?

I loved our guide Tommy Ramos. He was fascinating to all of us. We just wish we had could have cookie cutter him. He was more than happy to talk to us about Peru’s history, economy, education etc. He also took time to speak with us both in English as well as Spanish so we could advance our Spanish speaking skills!