It’s an excellent way of learning about the local culture and it is becoming familiar with the local language and people. It also gives you the opportunity to give something back to the place that you are visiting. Many organizations charge you a fee to participate in their program and some of the fees are not small. However they are usually calculated to cover your airfare and living expenses. We recommend that you try to do as much research as you can about the projects since costs and conditions can vary greatly. The more informed that you are about what you will be doing, the more realistic your expectations will be. Hopefully this will lead to a more rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Inka Challenge Peru - Community Projects
Many visitors to Peru are surprised by the genuine warmth and kindness offered by many local people during their visit. This applies not just to the staff working in the hotels and tour companies but also the locals you'll meet in the street, the market traders and the porters on treks.  It is understandable that many visitors want to show their gratitude and would like to help give something back in some small way. Since our web site now attracts a considerable number of visitors we felt that we could help some of the people living in the more needy communities in Cusco - Peru

, many of whom aren't yet sharing in the financial benefits brought by tourism. 1. Education: Donations and Distribution of School Equipment,  Another simple project aimed particularly at school teachers and school groups visiting Peru. Individuals may be interested in bringing along a few items of school equipment such as books, pencils, pens, crayons, paints and paper which we will distribute to several schools in the villages surrounding Cusco and further afield. With time we hope to build up a good relationship with some of the more under-resourced schools and provide prizes for the best painting/picture or student. Individuals or companies can sponsor a price or trophy.

2. Second Hand Clothes & Toys Appeal.- This is a simple project and easy to participate in. If you are coming to Peru please bring a few items of clothing or toys and drop them off in our office in Cusco (only 2 minute walk from the main square). We'll ensure that they are distributed to people who will really appreciate them. All types of clothing are needed for babies, children and adults. If at the end of your trip you no longer have need for your sleeping bag, rain jacket or walking boots we'll find a trekking porter who will be more than happy to accept them.
     
3. Tourist Development in Rural Communities - Staying with local Quechua families.
Ecotourism is a form of tourism which aims to include local communities. The local people should receive a fair share of the benefits/profits. Andean Travel Web is working together with several families in the village of Chinchero about 40 minutes by bus from Cusco. For visitors wanting to escape mainstream tourism they can spend a night with a host family and learn about local life and culture. These trips aren't for everybody. Accommodation is very basic, sometimes there isn't even running water. However the families are warm and friendly and you'll feel better knowing that your visit is genuinely helping your hosts. We can arrange departures any day of the week but we recommend staying Saturday night so that you can enjoy the traditional Sunday morning market before returning to Cusco.

4.- We will be happy receiving new ideas too.

Inca Trail & new treks to Machu Picchu

adventure treks

Amazon Jungle Trips

Day Tours

Experiential Tours

Peru Programs