Trek Peru 18 June 28 June 2011 Information pack To find out more: Call 020 7803 4820 Email us at events@muscular-dystrophy.org Or visit www.muscular-dystrophy.org
Itinerary Trekking through the Peruvian countryside to the Lost City of Machu Picchu offers an adventure like no other not only a tough physical challenge, but also a truly unique experience. It is a chance to visit one of the world s most impressive historical sites and offers a rare opportunity to walk and camp in a spectacular and remote part of rural Peru, experiencing local life and the Peruvian culture in its most unspoilt state. Machu Picchu is 2,400 metres above sea level and is located in one of the most spectacular settings in the Andes. It is situated on a mountain ridge, set amidst lush tropical vegetation, over looking winding rivers below and against a back drop of snow-capped mountains - inspiration for your challenge of a lifetime. The next few pages are packed with information on visiting Peru and what to expect from doing an overseas challenge for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Peru was fantastic as were the team. The Peruvian guys were brilliant, the Across the Divide UK team, professional to the end and wow what a great team leader. Well done to ATD for finding them - Thanks again for everything. Dave, Peru 2009 This has been a once in a lifetime experience which I have enjoyed from start to finish. I have made some great friends and will never forget it. Laura, Costa Rica 2009 This 11 day adventure will involve six days of trekking across hilly and difficult terrain. Although walking distances are not great, due to the altitude you can expect to spend approximately six to nine hours a day scaling valleys and mountain passes before reaching the breathtaking Machu Picchu ruins. Our trek will take you on a unique route away from the main tourist trail that only our tour guides have permission to use. The trek ends as we pass through the famous Sun Gate, to the sacred city of Machu Picchu where we will have ample opportunity to explore this magnificent structure with expert local guides. Day 1 UK Peru Our journey of exploration begins with our flight to Lima. Our first night includes dinner at our hotel and an orientation briefing. Day 2 Lima Cusco Cachicata We leave Lima in the morning on a short flight to the southern city of Cusco. From there we head to the Sacred Valley and take a short walk to acclimatise to our first camp at Cachicata, allowing our bodies time to adapt to the rarified atmosphere. Here, over dinner, we have a full trek briefing. Day 3 Cachicata Soqma We travel by bus to the traditional town of Ollantaytambo where we spend time exploring the spectacular Inca ruins. After a picnic lunch in the picturesque Rapcca we travel up to our over night camp at Soqma, where we will be based in the grounds of a local school and have a chance to engage with pupils. Day 4 Soqma Corimarca A rather steep ascent through dramatic scenery leads to a stunning 30m waterfall, where we have the chance for an energising soak under the crystal clear waters. After a tour of the Perol Nyoc ruins (3,520m), which were rediscovered by the Across the Divide team, we make our way to our camp on the Inca Terraces at Corimarca (3,740m) where we are lucky enough to be the only group allowed to camp at this beautiful site. Day 5 Corimarca Angascocha The hardest day of the challenge begins with a steep climb to the highest point of the trek at Chanca Chuco Pass (4,445m) where we are rewarded with views that are second to none. After a much needed lunch we continue our descent to our overnight camp at Angascocha School. Day 6 Angascocha Camicancha An easy descent following the river s path takes us through canyons and forests towards the Sacred Valley where we should see humming birds and orchids. Day 7 Camicancha KM82 Following the contours of the Sacred Valley we lunch in the shade of a eucalyptus forest. Our afternoon trek takes us through arid mountain habitats and cactus forests before we get to our camp at Piscaycucho, Kilometre 82, where we have the luxury of showers and a sauna. Day 8 KM82 Aguas Calientes After a brief train journey we climb the Inca trail to the ruins of Huina Huayna for a packed lunch. We continue towards Machu Picchu, admiring the view from the Sun Gate, before descending into the ruins for a lecture. We then board coaches to the attractive town of Aguas Calientes where we celebrate our achievements over dinner. Day 9 Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu Cusco We revisit the enigmatic Machu Picchu at dawn to see the sun rise over the breathtaking ruins. After a guided tour you are free to explore at your leisure before we return to our hotel for lunch and then load up our private train wagon to return to Cusco. Relax and enjoy your last night in one of the most celebrated cities in South America. Day 10 Cusco Lima UK An early morning flight to Lima leaves us with time for a last minute exploration of some of its many sights before boarding our flight to the UK. Day 11 UK Arrive home with memories that will stay forever.
Frequently asked questions For more information or to ask any questions not answered here please contact the events team on 020 7803 4820 or email a.mainwaring@muscular-dystrophy.org How do I register? Please send your 349 non-refundable registration fee along with a completed application form to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. How much do I have to raise? As well as your registration fee we ask you to raise a minimum sponsorship of 3,250. This can sound like a daunting amount but we ll be with you every step of the way. This totals a minimum of 3,599 which includes the following: Flights and international air tax All transfers and accommodation Registration fee Food Expedition staff and doctor A substantial donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign What are the hidden costs? The essential extras that you need to consider are your trekking kit we will send you a full list of necessary items when you sign up. Other costs you will need to pay are: Travel insurance Tips for guides Spending money How fit do I need to be? The challenge requires a good level of fitness as you will trek on steep trails at altitude for five consecutive days and so you will need to train if you want to appreciate the surroundings you are in. We expect people of all abilities to take part but you will enjoy this experience so much more if you are prepared. Once registered, we will provide you with a training programme and will also be in regular contact to make sure that things are going to plan. Can I stay on? Most airlines will allow a proportion of the group to extend their return flights. We will put you in touch with our tour operator who will be offering a limited number of trip extensions. Who will be coming with me? You will be joined by a group of individuals from various backgrounds, ages and fitness levels, all of whom are on the trek on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. You ll get a chance to meet your fellow participants a couple of months before the event. What about the weather? Peru is a warm country at most times of the year and you should enjoy a lot of sunny days. At night the temperature may drop a little but with proper clothing and a good sleeping bag you shouldn t feel the cold. Who organises the logistics of the trek? Across the Divide Ltd an experienced travel operator who specialise in overseas treks. They are responsible, approachable and have a very high standard of results. This is the fourth trek that Across the Divide have organised for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. What if I get sick on the trek? Across the Divide provide a fully qualified fluent English speaking Doctor who has had training in extreme conditions. As an example, on our Sahara trek expedition, our medical specialist was on annual leave as a doctor in the British Army. If in the unlikely event that it is serious, you will be taken to the nearest hospital and treated. This is covered under the fully comprehensive travel insurance supplied. How do I sign up? Step one Complete the registration form and medical questionnaire provided. Please ensure that you answer questions regarding your medical background to the best of your knowledge otherwise you will negate your medical insurance. Step two Please read the booking conditions provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the tour operator. Step three Return your completed registration form, medical questionnaire and a registration fee of 349. This is a non-refundable deposit that is taken off the cost of your expedition. You can pay by cheque or credit card. Once you have signed and returned your registration form you are agreeing to the terms and conditions provided. Step four Once your application has been received and approved we will reserve your place on the expedition. You will then receive a welcome pack with background information to assist you in your fundraising. Please allow 10 working days from receipt at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for your registration to be processed. Once you are registered, you have until the 18 April 2011 to raise and send us at least 70% of your fundrasing minimum. This is because the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will be contracted to pay the tour operator (Across the Divide) for the flight and ground costs involved in the expedition. This leaves you to collect the remaining 30% balance within six weeks of your return. This timetable allows us to be certain that you have raised the majority of the target in order for this fundraising expedition to be a success and you contribute to the research and care services that the charity funds. Date of Departure 18 June 2011 Registration fee 349 Total left to raise 3,250 70% of fundraising due date 18 April 2011 Remaining 30% due date 9 August 2011
Fundraising ideas With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm and effort, raising the minimum target should not be a problem. We ll send you a detailed fundraising pack with loads of ideas and we ll help you every step of the way. And remember you will be helping to change lives. Here are a couple of innovative ways that previous fundraisers have raised money that has helped them raise their sponsorship minimum. Kerry Gates, N. Ireland Kerry, from Coalisland, sought advice from her local pub landlady about possible fundraising ideas. Once she had explained what she was embarking upon, and why, the landlady offered a night free of charge where entry fees go to the charity. A local singer was lined up, and tickets and posters donated by the pub for free. After spreading the word in the local area, Kerry sold 500 worth of tickets in advance, she held a raffle, and raised more fees on the door. Her total rose to 1,100! Next up was a local street collection with all her family involved. This put Kerry s total to 4,100 from two events which was fantastic. Paul Power, York Paul had little understanding of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and its work and signed up to the Sahara trek because he and fellow trekker Craig McGovern discussed it over a few pints in the pub. Paul had a fantastic fundraising idea of a beat the goalie competition held on a recreation ground very near a local racecourse. On big race days Paul and his children donned MDC t-shirts, put up banners and a goal frame and invited the many punters to take the Penalty Shootout Challenge. It was a success bringing in about 300 on each attempt, with no costs involved. Not bad for an afternoon s work. Environmental awareness The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign understands the environmental impact that this type of challenge can have on the world. We have therefore selected an expeditions agent with a reputable policy and background in world travel. Across the Divide Ltd have over ten years of experience in this field, see below for their message on world travel environmental impacts. Mission Statement Across the Divide recognises its environmental and social responsibilities and is continually striving to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do, as well as to minimise the cultural impact of our events on the local area. We hope to improve our environmental performance through a series of achievable targets and aim to make our events environmentally and socially positive. Peru Money donated by Across the Divide and our groups has been used to fund a number of projects in the area in which we trek. We have helped to build and maintain the twig and mud bridges that are often damaged during the rainy season; have contributed towards the building of a block of toilets and glazed the main classroom at Angascocha School (this building is also used as a community hall); and have helped to build a toilet and shower block at another local school in Soqma. Our groups also take a variety of items such as stationery, footballs and warm clothing to give to the children at schools along the route. Our route is unique and only Across the Divide have permission to use it, therefore aiding communities that do not otherwise benefit from the money generated by tourism in this region. Our local agent in Peru is Explorandes Peru, who were nominated as Leading Green Tour Operator in the first ever World Travel Awards Green Awards in 2008. Explorandes recognizes its responsibility to preserve the environment and commits to minimise the negative impacts and promote the positive ones both environmental and social of its operations and services in order to avoid negative effects over its workers, clients, suppliers, local populations and the natural environment. Further information on Across the Divide s Environmental and Social Impact Policy can be found on our website: http://www.acrossthedivide.com/index.php/about/ what_makes_us_different.html Registered Charity No. 205395 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SC039445
Registration form Trek Peru 2011 Please complete this form in block capitals and send it with either your credit card details on the form or a cheque made payable to Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to cover the registration fee. Your registration of this event confirms acceptance of the Booking Conditions (see separate section). Therefore, please read them carefully before signing the declaration on page two. Confirmation of your registration along with a participant event pack will be sent to you within 10 days of our receiving your application. If the trip is full or under the minimum group size of 15 participants, you will be offered an alternative event, or refunded your registration fee and travel insurance. Places are strictly limited to a first come first served basis but the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Across the Divide reserve the right to refuse any applicant. Personal Details (Please provide your name as it appears on your passport) Title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr) Surname Forename(s) Nationality Date of birth / / Gender (Male/ female) Address Postcode Mobile Tel (Day) Tel (eve) Email Occupation Company T-Shirt size Please tick your required size S M L XL Special Dietary Requirements please circle yes or no Are you a vegetarian? Yes No Do you have any special dietary requirements? Yes No If yes, please give full details Passport Details Passport number Passport issue date Place of Issue Passport expiry date If not a British passport holder, please state otherwise If you do not currently own a passport, please provide the details as soon as you receive one. Room share/ friends details Are you taking part in the challenge with a friend that you would like to share a room with? If so, please provide their name (s) Group mailing If you would NOT like to be part of a regular group update circular email about the trek, please tick the box
Please provide details of where you heard about this challenge For example if advertised, please provide the name of the publication and issue, location of a poster, or the event where you heard about it. Credit Card Details (If you wish to pay be credit/ debit card please fill out this box) Card no Expiry date / Valid from / Issue No (switch only) Security number (last 3 digits on the number on the back of your card) Card Type, please select (we do not accept AMEX): Visa Mastercard Switch Registration Payment & Declaration I am enclosing the registration fee of 349 by cheque or debit/credit card (please tick relevant box) Cheques should be made payable to Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in pounds sterling only. I have read and agree to abide by the Booking Conditions. I agree to undertake to raise the minimum sponsorship required for my chosen destination. I understand that all monies raised by me will be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I understand that the event will involve strenuous activity and that I need to have obtained an adequate level of fitness prior to departure. I will inform Across the Divide Expeditions or Muscular Dystrophy Campaign of any changes to my medical form prior to departure. I hereby certify that the information provided by me on these forms is to the best of my knowledge true and correct. I understand that if any of the information provided by me on any of these forms is incorrect, I may forfeit my place on the event. I am over 18 years of age at the date of departure. Signed Date Please return all forms and payment to: Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, 61 Southwark Street, London SE1 0HL FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date received Registration fee Confirmation pack sent Insurance Premium Insurance processed Fundraising total received Working with the tour operator Across the Divide ATOL 6475