Venue Description:
DISCOVER THE INCA TRAIL
Join Children Today in Peru and trek to Machu Picchu 12th – 21st April 2012
For a free information pack please contact the Events Team on 01244 335622 or email ceri@childrentoday.org.uk
Join our team and make a real difference for disabled children in the UK
In celebration of the centenary of the discovery of Machu Picchu, for the first time, disabled children’s charity Children Today are planning one of their unique adventure challenges to Peru. American explorer, Hiram Bingham, introduced the world to this wonder of Incan culture back in 1911 and you now have the opportunity to see it for yourself whilst also helping disabled children in the UK.
On this amazing journey you will have a chance to experience local life, hike through spectacular landscapes and historic ruins. This wonderful adventure is not just taking on the challenge of trekking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, but also offers other opportunities including spending a day visiting a rural Andean community and learning how they live.
At the end of your trek you will come face to face with one of the new Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. Here you will take part in a guided tour and discover the wondrous secrets of this ancient city.
Trekking to Machu Picchu is often only available in large multi-charity groups so Children Today are thrilled to be able to offer this small group option. Your sponsorship money raised (a minimum of £3400 per person) will help us fund vital, life-changing equipment to help improve the lives of disabled children and young people all over the UK.
Children like 3 year old Ethan who has Cerebral Palsy and who recently received a new walking frame. His mother told us, “This walking frame will help build muscle toning to hopefully enable him to walk unaided in the future.” Children Today have no statutory funding and rely entirely on voluntary donations to be able to keep helping children like Ethan face their everyday challenges.
Children Today Peru Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
Day 2: We’re here!
Arrive in Lima.
Day 3: Cusco
Transfer to Cusco where you will be given a tour of the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of
the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca.
Day 4: Visit the Locals
Today you will visit a rural Andean community at Misminay and experience local life. Your hosts will show you how they live in this place surrounded by fascinating and mysterious mountains 3,700m above sea level! During the day the local hosts will teach us about their ancient techniques in cultivation. After this you will enjoy a typical Misminay meal. In the afternoon you will discover the historical background of the methods used by Peruvian weavers with a brief Weaving Exhibition.
Day 5: Cusco - Huayllabamba
An early morning bus drive takes you to the head of our trail from where we continue along the Urubamba River to the first archaeological site "Llaqtapata". Here we start to gain altitude until we get to the last village Huayllabamba where we set up camp for today.
Day 6: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo
After breakfast you start climbing up to the first pass "Warmiwañusca" 4200m above sea level. The climb will take us most of the morning. From here descend for about 2 hours into the valley to our next camp "Pacaymayo".
Day 7: Pacaymayo - Winaywayna
Today is going to be the most diverse day. Start in the morning with the ascent of the second pass "Runcuracay" 3900m and descend on the other side for about 2 hours to the beautiful archaeological site "Sayacmarca". After having explored this unique place we continue on the original stone path of the Incas through semi-tropical cloud forest on to the third pass "Phuyupatamarca" 3800m. With good weather we have spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks and the valley below. From here it is all downhill to our camp at "Wiñaywayna" one of the most beautiful sites in the area for its construction and setting.
Day 8: Winaywayna – Machu Picchu - Cusco
After an early breakfast we hike another 2 hours through cloud forest to the famous sun gate "Intipunku". From here we have the first breathtaking view of the mysterious "Machu Picchu". A short walk brings us down to the site. After refreshing a little we will visit "the lost city of the Incas" with a guided tour for approx. 2 hours. After that we descend by bus to the village Aguas Calientes. After lunch we take the train back to Sacred Valley train station and then transfer by bus to Cusco city.
After all the excitement of reaching Machu Picchu a well-deserved celebration dinner and folklore show will take place at a local restaurant in Cusco.
Day 9: Heading home
Transfer out to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and your connecting, overnight, flight to the UK.
Day 10:
Arrive back London Heathrow.
Registered Charity No.
Further information:
Peru Trek
12th - 21st April 2012
Why don’t you dust off your hiking boots and join Children Today for a trek through Peru to witness the majestic site of Machu Picchu.
Immerse yourself in ancient Peruvian culture with this spectacular ten day venture into the Lost City of the Incas. On this magical journey you will have a chance to experience local life, hike through spectacular landscapes and historic ruins. After five days trekking you reach the end of your amazing expedition; you will come face to face with one of the new Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu! Where seeing is believing! Here you will take part in a guided tour where you will discover the wondrous secrets of this ancient city.
Registration fee - £150
Sponsorship - £3,400
For further details please contact Ceri Ward on 01244 335622 or email ceri@childrentoday.org.uk. .