Description

Do something different and make a difference in Peru with this challenge 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!

Highlights

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 community development project in the Sacred Valley, helping to repair and refurbish the buildings as well as spending time with the locals. The community is regarded as being amongst one of the poorest in a region and lacks quality educational facilities and infrastructure. This volunteering also helps us to acclimatise to the altitude before starting on the trek.

For the next four 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.

We will end the trek in Aguas Calientes before spending the following day at 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.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• Archaeology
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Native Culture Studies
• Tours
• Trekking
• Vacation Packages
• Volunteering

Qualifications

This is an open challenge that individuals can join or you can organise your own private group trip on dates that suit you.

No specific skills, education or certifications are necessary - just a desire to do something different and make a difference. However, as several days will be spent hiking at altitude, which is a physical challenge, a good level of fitness and physical ability is required.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3000 approx

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• International travel
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Flights from UK included: program available at a discount for those who do not require flights. Accommodation, guides, camping equipment (except sleeping bags and mats), meals, water on trek, guides and mules are included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone can be eligible: Our challenges are for anyone who wants to use their time to have a great time and do something positive, altruistic and with a meaningful purpose.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 days

Different Travel's Mission Statement

We are a volunteer and adventure travel and tourism group specialist, set up in the wake of the Asian Tsunami on 26th December 2004, offering bespoke group challenges and volunteer opportunities to work alongside local people on international development projects abroad combined with responsible travel and great accommodation. We make sure we work to meet the needs of the communities who welcome us into their world - and at the same time offer our travellers amazing experiences which will stay with them a lifetime.

Year Founded

2004