Machu Picchu Volunteer Expedition

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa,  Ollantaytambo,  Sacred Valley of the Incas,  Machu Picchu,  Incan ruins

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: April 17-May 1, 2010

Description: We plan to help the National Institute of Culture with repairs to the Inca Trail and assisting archaeologists restore cultural sites. The National Institute of Natural Resources asked for our assistance planting native trees, removing exotic species, and interviewing travelers from around the world about their experiences to improve visitor management. We plan to work from 9- 4, plus about an hour for lunch and travel time. Training in all aspects of our work will be provided. Small groups of 5-6 volunteers will be teamed with an experienced expedition leader. We also anticipate that park rangers and local citizens will join us.

Highlights: Machu Picchu Volunteer Expedition combines volunteer work with educational tours of Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Lima.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Volunteers depart US.

Day 2. Arrive Cusco, ancient heart of the Inca empire. Transfer to Ollantaytambo. Guided walking tour of ancient Inca village and ceremonial sites.

Day 3. Visit Sacsayhuaman and other Sacred Valley areas to continue exploring the Inca world as part of your orientation for volunteer activities.

Day 4. Travel by train along the Urumbamba Rover to Machu Picchu. Orientation and safety training.

Day 5-12. Continue volunteer activities in Machu Picchu Sanctuary, including opportunity to visit Inca Trail and nearby ruins of Winay Wayna.

Day 12. Return by train to Cusco

Day 13. Rest day. Walking tour & free time to explore Cusco

Day 14. Depart Cusco, arriving in Lima for a city tour of the nation's capital. Farewell dinner in Lima.

Day 15. Arrive home (or begin your next adventure in South America!)

Qualifications: Volunteers can range in age and ability. Volunteers need to be able to hike with a day pack, move soil or rock with a shovel, pull unwanted vegetation or carry stones for placement by archaeologists. Work sites vary in altitude from 8-11,000 feet in elevation, making this project more challenging than volunteer projects at lower elevations.

Cost in US$: USD 3,695

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers have ranged in background, age and ability. Some of our hardest-working volunteers on other expeditions were in their mid-seventies. All share in their desire to "give back" by protecting some of the world's greatest natural and cultural sites through their volunteer contributions.

Age Range: 18 or older

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

Participants Travel to Peru in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-6

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Conservation Volunteers International Program's Mission Statement: Promote international cooperation that builds capacity for environmental protection and community economic development by creating partnerships between volunteers, public land managers, private landowners, local communities, non-governmental organizations, government, universities and business.

Year Founded: 2008