This project starts in Cusco the Incan capital, where you meet the local staff that will lead you to the mountain range of Urubamba where the project is based.
“Polylepis” ("queñual") forests of the Andean Highlands (3600-4500m) contain a unique flora and fauna characterized by habitat specialists and high levels of endemism. Unfortunately, these forests also represent one of the most vulnerable habitats in the high Andes due to the high anthropogenic pressure existent (cutting for firewood and building materials together with overgrazing), because they constitute the only wood resource at those elevations. One of the major difficulties in the elaboration of conservation strategies for this ecosystem is the large gaps of information existing today.
The present “Lets Plant a tree” project will contribute basic information aimed at the knowledge and preservation of poorly known localities in the Urubamba, Vilcanota and Vilcabamba Highlands: Cuncani, Upis, Pumahuanca y Yanama.
For each forest of “Queñuals” that are threaten with over uses of wood, depredation or other forms as fires, there are other plants and species in danger , 9 species of birds, 1 amphibian species, and 1 mammal species, are listed as species with high priority for conservation, threatened, vulnerable or rare. Joins us in this project, which main objective is to contribute to the reforestation of “Polylepis” forests in order to propose adequate measurements for its protection in the High Andes of Peru
Reforest and education, are our goals here. Reintroduce the tress in their natural habitat where they can grow faster, and educate the locals to preserve their own natural environment by the use of solar energy with the minimum of investment.
Day One:
Arrive in Cusco. You are met by your Cusco Aventura Quechua representative and transferred from the airport to your accommodation. Once there, you will have a short briefing on your volunteer position and general safety in Cusco. You will also be taken for a short walking tour of the center of the city to see where the essentials are: bank, post office, shopping, etc. You have the rest of the day to acclimatize.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – L
Day 2 to 7:
You will be leaving Cusco early in the morning for the 4 hour transfer to the town of Lares, high in the mountains. This is at an altitude of 3250m . You are accompanied by a local guide who will be spending the whole week with you. Each day in this area will be planting trees with the local people and teaching reforestation procedures in the area. Getting involved with environmental education, the use of solar energy, importance of conservation and recycling, information for the local families. Each day could be spent in one of the many communities surrounding Cuncani. There will be walking involved, as you travel from community to community. We will be camping in Cuncani, or other community according to the project development, in Cuncani there is no phone service and the hot springs are located in Lares, 2 hours walk if you wish to relax. All your meals will be provided during your stay here. On Saturday afternoon, you will say goodbye to your new local friends and return to Cusco in your transport.
ACCOM – Tents / MEALS – B, L, D for all days camping (on return to Cusco you return to your guesthouse accommodation. Dinner is not included on the day of return.)
Day 8:
A day of rest in Cusco to refresh yourself and enjoy the sites.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 9:
This morning you will depart at 9 am for a walking tour of the city. You will be transported to the farthest ruin above Cusco, and commence visiting the four sites – Qenko, Puka Pukara, Tambo Machay and Sacsayhuaman. You can walk all the way to the centre after visiting Sacsayhuaman and then enjoy a well deserved lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon you will be having a walking tour of the major sites in the city – the Cathedral, Qoricancha and the Inca Museum. Evening free.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 10:
You depart early to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will be travelling in your transport to Pisaq to visit the local market. You continue on to the unique agricultural ruins of Moray for a picnic lunch and down to the Salineras (salt mines) for a short visit. From here you move on to the town of Ollantaytambo, to visit the unique town built on Incan ruins, and the ruins above. You return to Cusco late in the day.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 11:
Today you will be travelling to the south of the city of Cusco, to visit the beautiful site of Tipon, and the 15th century church at Andahuayillas. You will be having a late lunch, with a chance to try the local delicacy – ‘’chicharron’’ – before returning to Cusco. Rest of the day at leisure. Lunch on your own
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 12:
Again, an early departure which begins with a transfer to the train station in Cusco. You will be travelling in the Backpacker train to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here you will take the 30 minute bus ride to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu. You will be having a guided tour before having time to spend on your own exploring this amazing site. You will descend to the town in the late afternoon to return to Cusco on the train. You will be met at the train station and transferred to your accommodation. Lunch on your own.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 13:
A free day to rest, go shopping, or enjoy the other sites in the city. Lunch on your own.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 14:
You are transferred to the airport to catch your short flight back to Lima.
MEALS – B
11 DAY OPTION
Day 8:
Today you have the morning free and enjoy your city tour this afternoon. You depart after lunch to visit the Cathedral, Qoricancha (the Sun Temple) and the four ruins above Cusco – Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS - B
Day 9:
A day in the Sacred Valley to visit the Pisaq market, and the ruins of Ollantaytambo and Cinchero.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 10:
Again, an early departure which begins with a transfer to the train station in Cusco. You will be travelling in the Backpacker train to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here you will take the 30 minute bus ride to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu. You will be having a guided tour before having time to spend on your own exploring this amazing site. You will descend to the town in the late afternoon to return to Cusco on the train. You will be met at the train station and transferred to your accommodation. Lunch on your own.
ACCOM – Guesthouse / MEALS – B
Day 11:
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima.
MEALS - B
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Guesthouse Accommodation: including (shared rooms in Cusco hot water showers, beds, sheets, blankets, pillows, basic furniture)
DOUBLE TENTS IN CUNCANI), Participants must be aware that facilities in Cuncani are very basic, but clean.
Sleeping bags
Biodegradable soap
All meals listed. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice. Allergies, such as wheat, can be accommodated with advance notice. All meals will consist of healthy local foods and will be prepared in by our staff in our facilities, except where it is listed as a meal in a restaurant.
Local Spanish/Quechua and English speaking guide for all portions of the trip
Supplies needed for area such as soap, fruit, vegetables, other food items, trees, paper, etc.
Trees and agricultural tools
Transport from Cusco to Lares and return
Transport for all activities in and around Cusco as listed in itinerary
Backpacker train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and return
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
All entrances for all sites listed in the itinerary
Towels
Meals not listed
Laundry
Personal care items
Medical Insurance
International flights
National flights
Airport taxes
Tips to staff
To join us please email us for detailed information and dates to journeys@aventuraquechua.com
