Information Pack
St. Margaret’s Hospice Machu Picchu Trek & Community Project
1st – 10th April 2017
About Peru
At 1,285,215 square km, Peru is the third largest country in South America
and five times larger than the UK. Geographically, Peru can be split into
three regions: the Andes Mountains, the Amazonian lowlands and the
Pacific coastal strip. Peru borders Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador
and the western strip hugs the Pacific Ocean. The country possesses an
enormous biological diversity and the flora and fauna are largely
determined by the Andes and the Amazon River. Peru is unequalled in
South America for its archaeological and historical wealth and has
witnessed many cultures and civilisations; the most well-known being the
Incas even though they were only dominant for around 100 years.
Machu Picchu
For many visitors to Peru, Machu Picchu tops the list of must-see
destinations. The awe inspiring Inca site is instantly recognisable
throughout the world and reaching Machu Picchu at a height of 2,380m
and first setting eyes on the scene is a tremendous and exhilarating
feeling. The city of Machu Picchu was hidden by the lush vegetation of this
region until 1911 and is probably one of the best-preserved ancient
kingdoms in the world. The quality of the buildings and their inaccessibility
has inspired numerous theories about their purpose over the years.
Cusco
Cusco, once the head of the mighty Inca Empire, is a fascinating and
mystical city located near the Urubamba Valley or Sacred Valley of the
Andes mountain range. Full of history, dramatic scenery and the host of
many fiestas and carnivals, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cusco
is a major attraction to visitors in Peru. Situated at an altitude of 3,400m it
requires time to acclimatise so spending time gently exploring this
interesting city is encouraged. The city is an eclectic mix of Inca and
Spanish architecture; everywhere you look is the remains of original Inca
walls, doorways and arches.
Project
Before starting your trek you will spend two days assisting at a community
project in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. You will be involved in activities
such as basic construction work, painting and decorating, gardening and
refurbishment. You will camp overnight in the village that you will be
assisting and you will have the opportunity to meet the local people, learn
about the way of life in the area and enjoy the stunning surroundings. As a
team you will make a huge difference to the community and in addition
these days are very important for acclimatisation as you will be at up to
4,200m.
Trek Overview
Set off on a 4-day trek along the ‘Salkantay Route’,
named by National Geographic Adventure Travel
Magazine as one of the 25 best treks in the world. The
Salkantay trail follows an ancient and remote Inca
footpath where massive snow-capped mountains collide
with lush tropical rain forests filled with wild strawberries
and multitudes of butterflies. Off the beaten path, this
trek is a delightful way to experience the land of the
ancient Incas, surrounded by spectacular snowy peaks,
crossing high passes (up to 4600m) and with an amazing
view over Machu Picchu to be enjoyed on the last day
trekking. Spend the last night in Aguas Calientes, at the
foot of Machu Picchu before taking an early bus to the
ancient site to explore this magical city the following day.
Who accompanies us?
This trek is accompanied by professional English-speaking
local guides who have an excellent knowledge of Andean
culture and hiking in the region, are first aid trained and
will support you throughout your journey. You will also
be supported by professional cooks and muleteers who
are from the local Andean communities; plus a Different
Travel UK tour manager.
What is the terrain like?
The terrain will vary throughout the 4 days including
some days when you will trek uphill for the majority of
the day, some days through the jungle and some days
where the terrain may be fairly gentle but the altitude is
high. There will not be many flat sections so you should
ensure your training includes plenty of hills. Although
you will be trekking between 6 and 8 hours in duration
each day (variable depending on group pace), you may
only cover around 10-15km per day due to the
undulating terrain.
What is the climate like?
The weather at this time of year should be generally dry
although some light/moderate rain is to be expected, so
a good waterproof is an essential piece of kit to ensure
you are prepared when showers do arrive. You should be
prepared for all weather conditions on the trek. On
average the temperature will range between 6 to 20°C
during the day and -10°C to 5°C at night. Due to the
altitude the sunshine is very intense so ensure you bring
sunblock for your face and any exposed skin. As soon as
the sun goes down you can expect it to feel very cold, so
you will need to bring good warm layers for evenings at
camp.
Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are
historically accurate for this time of year but climate
change can impact the seasons so you may experience
uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out
of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess
the situation and make decisions to ensure the best
enjoyment and ultimate safety of the group as a whole.
Where will we sleep?
At camp you will stay in good quality 3-man tents (two to
a tent) to ensure you have plenty of space. You will be
provided with sleeping mats but you are welcome to
bring your own if you prefer. Meals will be taken in a
mess tent where a table, chairs, plates, mugs, cutlery and
other equipment is provided for you. Meals are cooked
by your own dedicated trek chef who will prepare hearty,
delicious Andean and Western meals that will keep your
energy levels high for each day’s trek.
What about bathroom facilities?
Bathing facilities will vary but each morning you will be
provided with a bowl of hot water and soap to freshen up
for the day ahead. There may be basic, cold-water
shower facilities available at some of the campsites
(correct as of Nov 2015) so you should bring a small
towel and biodegradable toiletries with you if you wish to
use these facilities. Toilet facilities at camp will be a hole
dug into the ground with a small privacy tent surrounding
it. Toilet paper is not provided so you will need to bring
your own. During the trek you will need to pack up any
toilet paper you use to dispose of properly at camp.
NEVER leave toilet paper or other litter on the trail.
What is the food like?
Your trek cooks will prepare hearty meals during the trek
to ensure that you have plenty of energy for each day’s
exertion. They will look after you brilliantly, bringing hot
drinks to your tent each morning to help you wake up
and pack your gear, before enjoying breakfast in the
mess tent (hot drinks, bread, butter and jam, pancakes,
scrambled eggs or oatmeal etc.). The cooks will prepare
traditional Andean food for lunch and dinner will include
dishes such as soup, chicken, beef or lamb, fish with
potatoes, quinoa, rice or pasta. Snacks include fruit,
chocolate or sandwiches and hot drinks, popcorn and
other delicious goodies are presented by the trek support
team when you reach camp in the afternoon. Plates,
mugs, cutlery and other equipment are provided for you.
What about altitude and acclimatisation?
The altitude you experience on this trek is up to 4600m
which is significant and as such there is a likelihood of
altitude related symptoms. Your guides are very
experienced in spotting the signs of altitude sickness but
it is important that you also do your own research into
the effects so you can be aware of how your body is
adjusting. A great source of information can be found at
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Altitudesickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx or
http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm.
Common mild symptoms of altitude sickness are
headache, nausea, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep and
fatigue. These generally subside after a few days, once
your body acclimatises to the altitude. It is vital that you
make your guides and tour manager aware of any
symptoms immediately so you can be monitored.
Important info about altitude:
 If you begin to show symptoms of moderate
altitude sickness, don't go higher until symptoms
decrease.
 If symptoms increase, you must descend
immediately. Your tour guide and tour manager’s
decision for you to descend must be respected.
 Different people acclimatise at different rates.
You must keep aware of your own symptoms.
 Stay well hydrated. You need to drink lots of
fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least three
litres per day from water, soup, tea, juices etc.).
Urine output should be copious and clear to pale
yellow.
 Take it easy and don't over exert yourself when
you first arrive at altitude.
 Avoid depressant drugs including, barbiturates,
tranquillisers, sleeping pills and opiates such as
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codeine. These decrease the respiratory drive
during sleep resulting in a worsening of
symptoms.
Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude.
Acclimatisation is inhibited by overexertion and
dehydration.
You may wish to see your GP about Acetazolamide
(Diamox) but please note that this medication is an
unlicensed, prescription-only medication in the UK and,
because it is unlicensed, some GPs may not wish to
prescribe it. You must have a thorough consultation with
your GP about the drug, how it works and the common
side effects. Upon arrival in Peru please do not take
altitude medication that a fellow participant gives you –
only take medication that has been prescribed to you by
a medical doctor.
Who can take part?
The trek can be undertaken by anyone of any age (min.
18 unless accompanied by an adult) as long as you have a
good level of fitness and you are healthy and determined.
There is no upper age limit. It is advised that you are of a
good fitness level before departure to ensure fast
recovery from each day’s exertions. An ideal candidate
for the trek would be someone who is open minded,
positive and flexible and enjoys the challenges of being
away from home and outside their comfort zone trying
something new.
How tough is it?
This trek is graded ‘challenging’ because you will be
trekking over varying terrain, being exposed to high
altitude (up to 4600m) and camping in basic campsites
(apart from in Aguas Calientes where you will stay at a
guesthouse). Temperatures will be dependent upon the
weather which may be rainy and cold or dry and sunny.
You should be prepared for all weather conditions and
variable temperatures. Each day’s trek is between 6 and
8 hours in duration (variable depending on group pace)
and you may only cover around 10-15km per day because
of the undulating terrain. The terrain will vary throughout
the 4 days including some days when you will trek uphill
for the majority of the day, some days through the jungle
and some days where the terrain may be fairly gentle but
the altitude is high. There will not be many flat sections
so you should ensure your training includes plenty of
hills.
You are strongly advised to ensure you are of a good
fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery
from each day’s exertions. If you do not already regularly
exercise it is crucial that you start training before
departure to ensure your best chance of enjoyment on
the trip. This could include speed walking, hill walking,
swimming, running, cycling, gym workouts, team sports,
boot camps, yoga etc. You can download a number of
free apps, which will help you train and track your
progress, e.g. iMapMyRide (for cyclists), C25K (couch to
5k run), MyFitnessPal (for a variety of sports). It is
possible to complete the trek without training but it will
be difficult and may hinder your experience, and the
experience of your teammates.
A medical form is to be completed by everyone upon
registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications
used and other medical issues must be noted and (if
relevant) signed by your GP.
Different Travel’s Online Training
Different Travel has teamed up with Brightside Personal
Training to bring you a fun and unique way to train for
your upcoming challenge without needing to leave the
comfort of your home or signing up for an expensive gym
membership. Please see details here:
http://brightsidept.kajabi.com/sp/34357
What is included?
Trip cost: £399 registration fee + £3,500 minimum
sponsorship for St. Margaret’s Hospice
Trip Includes Flights from the UK to Cusco, airline taxes,
all transfers & transport in Peru, accommodation in a 3*
hotel in Lima and Cusco, guesthouse accommodation in
Aguas Calientes, tents and sleeping mats on trek and
project, all meals, expert English-speaking Peruvian
guides on trek, horsemen and cooks, trekking permits,
Machu Picchu entrance fee, and a UK Different Travel
tour manager.
Trip Does Not Include: Personal expenses such as drinks,
souvenirs, etc., any vaccinations required, travel
insurance, tips (approx. £20-25 per person) and personal
trekking kit.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat 15th October): London – Lima
Depart London for Lima. On arrival in Lima transfer to a
hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 (Sun 16th October): Lima - Cusco
An early start this morning for our short flight to Cusco
(3400m). On arrival you will be met by your guide and
transfer to your hotel. Take it easy for the rest of the day
as you acclimatise to the altitude, or alternatively take in
some of the local sights at a gentle pace.
Days 3 – Day 4 (Mon 17th - Tues 18th October): Cusco area
Meet and work alongside the local people as you spend
two days assisting on a local community development
project. There is also plenty of time to further explore the
surrounding area. You will be camping close to the project.
Day 5 (Wed 19th October): Cusco – Mollepata Soraypampa
Leave Cusco early for the drive to Mollepata (2900m),
enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay enroute. After the pack horses are loaded and we are
prepared, we commence our trek stopping for lunch at
around midday. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward
Soraypampa (3850m), arriving at our stunning campsite in
the afternoon.
Day 6 (Thurs 20th October): Soraypampa – Challway
Today the landscape changes drastically, from dry
and arid to snowy peaks and then descending down into
tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the
most difficult part of the trek, hiking uphill almost all
morning to the highest point of the trek, Abra Salkantay
(4600m). Weather permitting, from here we can admire
spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing
snowy peaks of Mt. Salkantay which rises to 6271 meters
above sea level. After lunch we trek for approximately 3
hours on a gentle descent to arrive at our camp in
Challway (2920m).
Day 7 (Fri 21st October): Challway – Collpapampa –
Sahuayaco Playa
Trek for about 6 hours today via the small town of
Collpapampa, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where
waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing
trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. From here
we head to the Sahuayaco Playa campsite which is located
next to a river where you can take a refreshing dip
(2064m).
Day 8 (Sat 22nd October): Sahuayaco Playa - Llactapata –
Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, we will ascend for around three
hours to reach Llactapata (2700m) from where we can
admire views of Machu Picchu from across the valley. On
the way we pass coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes
as well as diverse flora and fauna. After enjoying the view,
we take the descending trail down to the Hidroelectrica,
where we stop for lunch. After a rest we take the train to
Aguas Calientes (2040m) where we check into our hotel for
the night.
Day 9 (Sun 23rd October): Machu Picchu – Cusco
This morning we depart before sunrise to visit the ancient
city of Machu Picchu. We will transfer by bus and enjoy a
guided tour of the city. You will then have free time to walk
around, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional and
subject to availability) or hike up to the Sun Gate where
you can experience spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the
valleys and mountains that surround it. Later this
afternoon we take the train to Poroy and a short transfer
back to Cusco.
Day 10 (Mon 24th October): Cusco - Lima
Fly back to Lima this morning and spend a final afternoon
exploring Lima before an overnight flight to the UK,
arriving into London on Tuesday 25th October.
N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the
group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we
cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our
control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the
final say in the interest of the group’s health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see our booking conditions for further information
or for more information about financial protection and the
ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
How do I sign up?
Complete the enclosed booking form and return with your
registration fee to:
Sonia Bateman,
St. Margaret’s Hospice,
Heron Drive,
Bishops Hull,
Taunton, Somerset,
TA1 5HA
Or email to events@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk
How will I raise the sponsorship required?
Most people find that this is far easier than they imagined,
and we will give you as much support as you need to
reach, and even exceed your target! Here are some
suggestions for how you could raise your sponsorship. We
will send you lots more ideas when you sign up!
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Non-uniform day at local school: £300
2x supermarket bag-packs: £500
Car boot sale/ eBay auction: £250
2 x quiz nights: £500
Sponsorship (friends, family etc.): £300
Host a party, charge £10 to attend: £400
Ask five friends/ family members to raise £100 each:
£500
 Dress down day at work/ lunch money donation: £300
 Donate your skills - ironing, babysitting, gardening, DIY:
£250
 Karaoke night: £250
 Sponsored beard-shave/ leg wax: £200
 4 cake sales at work: £50 a time: £200
 Bucket shake at supermarket: £100
Total: £4,050
Is the trip ATOL protected?
St. Margaret’s Hospice is acting as agent for The Different
Travel Company, ATOL 6706. The flight-inclusive trip in this
brochure is financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
When you pay your registration fee you will be supplied
with an ATOL Certificate and ATOL Confirmation Invoice.
Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you
booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it.
Once your place is confirmed we will email you a training
guide, fundraising pack and much more!