PERU 21 DAYS SUMMER 2019 GUIDE
WHERE ARE YOU GOING? PERU From exotic jungle to coastal desert via the breath-taking peaks of the Andes; Peru s staggering variety of places to visit means the potential for adventure is boundless. Trek into the spectacular Andes and experience villages alive with fiestas and the warmth of the Andean people. Camp out in the wild and enjoy the brilliant stars through the pure Andean air. A visit to Peru isn t complete without a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu so make your way there before dawn to watch the sun rise over the glorious Inca citadel. The purpose of this brief is to introduce your expedition opportunity. It will give you a feel for the destination and the type of activities that you will be involved in. We hope this brief snapshot will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more! HIGHLIGHTS Trek in the spectacular Andes Explore Machu Picchu - one of the wonders of the world Volunteer with the local community on your project WHAT IT S LIKE... PHYSICAL RATING: Challenging expedition. CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to. ALTITUDE: The team will trek for periods between 3500m and 4700m. VISA: Not required for British nationals* * Please note requirements may change DESTINATION FACTS RELIGION/S: Catholic. CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: There are at least 15 tribes in the Peruvian Amazon that remain uncontacted by the outside world. LANGUAGES: Spanish, indigenous languages. GEOGRAPHY: Split longitudinally into four main regions (west to east); arid Pacific coast, Altiplano desert interior, Andes and rainforest. CLIMATE: Dependent on region and altitude. Rainforest hot and humid. Altiplano and Andes dry with warm summers and cold winters.
WHAT IS AN? Expeditions are a life-changing experience, a chance for young people to go on a fun and educational journey with their friends. Most expedition destinations are in developing countries, allowing students to not only experience stunning parts of the world but also witness a very different way of life, often with the chance to immerse themselves in the culture through project work. HOW IT WORKS... EXPEDITION TIMELINE 1 2 3 4 5 EXPEDITION LAUNCH ITINERARY DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISING LEADER MEETING EXPEDITION TRAINING FINAL PREPARATION FUNDRAISING Our expeditions are made up of four main phases; acclimatisation, trekking, project and rest & relaxation. During the build-up we put students in the driving seat, allowing them to finalise their itinerary alongside our experts. Acclimatisation Arrive in country and spend some time getting used to the new culture whilst planning your next phase and changing currency. Trekking You may take part in a trek doing either a cultural trek through villages or an attempt to summit a nearby mountain! Project Dedicate some time to helping on a project - either community or environmental based, often working with local people. R&R Enjoy some R&R! This could involve a few days on a beautiful beach, reflecting on your expedition or an adrenaline adventure.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY The below itinerary has been created by our Destination Managers as an example of what you may choose to do on expedition. DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3-5 DAY 6-9 DAY 10 DAY 11-16 DAY 17 DAY 18-19 DAY 20-21 Depart on your flight from the UK. Arrive in Lima and take time to adjust to your new surroundings. This is a good time to orientate yourself; buy any supplies that you need and contact your trekking guide and project contacts. Take a flight to Cusco (1 hour) - an ancient Andean city famous for its colonial architecture, lively atmosphere and Incan ruins. Spend time getting to know the city and acclimatising to the higher altitude (over 3300m). Complete your project work at the Azul Wasi children s home. The home is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers. Work may involve construction work, agricultural work and helping the children with their homework. Return to Cusco to ensure you are prepared for your trekking phase, remembering to stock up on supplies you will need. Make your way to Soraypampa before starting your trek the following day. Following the Salkantay Trail you will be guided high into the mountains, camping under starry skies along the route. Your trek will finish in Aguas Calientes, a small, interesting town at the base of Machu Picchu. Set off early in the morning to hike up the steps to the stunning Incan ruins of Machu Picchu - one of the wonders of the world! Take a train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From here you ll take a combi bus back to Cusco (2 hours), then travel overnight to Lima (22 hours). Head out for a final team meal to celebrate all you have achieved during your three weeks in Peru. Depart and return to the UK for your homecoming. Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case.
ADVENTURE At the Itinerary Development Session, with guidance from one of our destination experts, the team will be able to choose from options to finalise their itinerary. The choices may include the project they work and where they go for some rest and relaxation! An alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, The Salkantay Trek takes you through stunning and varied landscapes high in the South American Andes and ends at Hidroelectrica (a hydroelectric dam) where you will board a train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest village to Machu Picchu. The scenery changes daily on this four day Salkantay Trek. You ll climb from a valley floor at the trailhead in Soraypampa, through bare mountain peaks, up and over rocky passes, beneath the snow-capped Apu Salkantay, the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba range of the Andes, back down through grasslands, through small villages, hike along the rushing white water of the Rio Santa Teresa, up again through cloud forests and down past the manmade waterfall from Hidroelectrica s dam. Throughout your trek, you will camp out under starry skies. PROJECT Your project work will be with the Azul Wasi project, a home for formerly homeless boys and girls. It was set up by a policeman in Cusco who has made it his personal mission to provide an alternative to the correctional facilities many street kids find themselves in. The children go to school, are fed and clothed and taught how to rear animals and grow their own food. You will be staying and working at the home, which is always in need of support from willing volunteers! Work will most likely consist of developing the facilities at the home, such as expanding the accommodation facilities and creating more space for the children to play or do their homework, as well as working on the agricultural side of the project. In addition to this there will be plenty of time to organise games and activities and teach the children a little English and help with their homework. The next part of your adventure will see you experience the historical jewel of South America; the stunning Inca city of Machu Picchu. Built on the mountain top overlooking spectacular forested mountains and valleys - the city is one of the best preserved ancient sites in the Americas. It is also one of the world s greatest wonders. Ascend the steps up to these amazing ruins for spectacular views and an incredible experience. You will set off early to allow you the maximum amount of time to explore the ruins and the chance to glimpse an unforgettable sunrise!
WHAT S INCLUDED? UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Session. Expedition Leader Meeting. Final Preparation Day. TRAINING Expedition Training event in the UK with your Expedition Leader. LINK TEACHER TRAINING Leader Team Training (first aid as required). LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION 2 Link Teachers and an Outlook Expedition Leader. FLIGHTS International flight. INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas medical insurance. TRANSPORT All overseas transport. IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. All rest and relaxation activity. WHAT S NOT INCLUDED? Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition. Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel). Visas and passports please refer to page 3 to see if a visa is required. Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance). Loss of passport. Cancellation insurance (contact our Customer Service Team for more information). Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing); all participants receive 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor. Transport to and from UK-based training courses, to the Final Preparation Day venue and from the airport. Food and accommodation in the UK, unless specified.
HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR To launch all you need to do is follow these steps: 1. CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER 2. BOOK A PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL 3. STUDENTS APPLY ONLINE I am exceptionally pleased with the support and guidance Outlook provide before our expedition. - Link Teacher phone 01248 667 250 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM online WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM