Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Fri 25 Sep 2015
International Departure from London
It’s finally time for your long-awaited departure to Peru. Wave goodbye to friends and family, before you board the flight and embark upon your challenge!
1
Day 2, Sat 26 Sep 2015
Flight to Cusco (3350m)
Bienvenidos and welcome to Peru.
Touching down in the ancient Inca Capital of Cusco (3,350m), you’ll be greeted by a local Charity Challenge representative and transferred to your next two nights’ accommodation. As altitude sickness can be a problem, you will spend the rest of the day acclimatising to the altitude with an afternoon free to take things at your own pace. Relax in one of the many cafés overlooking the plaza, visit the Incan monument Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), or head to the vibrant market to soak up the surroundings before a full briefing and the first team dinner. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Hotel
2
Day 3, Sun 27 Sep 2015
Acclimatisation Walk (Approximately 3 hours)
Acclimatising to the altitude is all-important, so the day will be spent walking around the Cusco area, stopping for lunch. Later, you’ll head back to city for dinner, before returning to your hotel. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Hotel
3
Day 4, Mon 28 Sep 2015
Cusco to Chilipahua 3,840m (Approximately 7 hours)
Rise and shine for an early morning drive to Parpishu, from where the challenge will commence. Along the way, you will slowly ascend to the Watuq’asa pass where you find an Inca wall and an amazing viewpoint of Cusco. After lunch, it’s a long hike to the small village of Chilipahua, where you’ll camp for the night. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
4
Day 5, Tue 29 Sep 2015
Chilipahua to Ancascocha 4,500m (Approximately 8 hours)
After breakfast, you ascend to Quencomayo and then up to the Quchusqasa pass at 4,500m, the highest point of your trek. Spot the alpacas and llamas roaming along the way, though careful they don’t try to share your picnic lunch! After lunch, you descend down into the river gulley to camp, where there are spectacular views of the Huayanay Glacier. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
5
Day 6, Wed 30 Sep 2015
Ancascocha to Camicancha 2,800m (Approximately 7 hours)
Awake with the rising sun, you trek beside the Silque River towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is fantastic flora and fauna to be seen along the way. In the afternoon, you reach the community of Camicancha where you camp for the night. Make sure to check out the view of the ‘La Veronica’ mountain. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
6
Day 7, Thu 01 Oct 2015
Camicancha to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate 2,430m (Approximately 6 hours)
It’s an early train journey to Km 104 (along the railway from Cusco), where you’ll be dropped for your trek towards the famous Sun Gate. It’s a 3,000 step climb following the traditional Inca path, before you catch your first awe-inspiring view of the sacred site of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. There’ll be plenty of time for photographs before heading to Aguas Calientes for the evening. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Hotel
7
Day 8, Fri 02 Oct 2015
Machu Picchu to Cusco
It’s back to Machu Picchu to spend the morning exploring the extraordinary Inca remains with your guide. You’ll catch an early afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, before boarding a bus bound for Cusco. It’s party time later at a local restaurant, as you and the group celebrate achieving your Charity Challenge goal and discovering the majesty of Machu Picchu. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Hotel
8
Day 9, Sat 03 Oct 2015
Depart Peru
After breakfast it's time to say "adios" as you travel to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)
9
Day 10, Sun 04 Oct 2015
Arrive UK
Touching down in the UK, it’s time to head to arrivals to find your family and friends. Don’t forget to swap details with your teammates as only they share the memories of your incredible journey.
10
Day 9, Sat 03 Oct 2015
Cusco to Puno
After breakfast you transfer on an awe-inspiring ten-hour train ride to Puno. The route takes you through the Cusco and Vilcanota valley until you reach the ‘altiplano’ (highland savannah) finally arriving in the town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Dinner and overnight at La Hacienda hotel*. (B, L, D)
9
Day 10, Sun 04 Oct 2015
Puno to Amantani
Rise early to sail to the island of Amantani, where you will stay with a local family. On arrival, you will head out on a walking tour to discover the pre-Incan ruins, see world-famous hand weavings and experience an ancient communal lifestyle. Food and accommodation is basic, but the experience is unforgettable. (B, L, D)
10
Day 11, Mon 05 Oct 2015
Amantani to Puno via Taquille
After breakfast you catch the boat to Taquile island. Here you will enjoy lunch and impressive panoramic views of the lake. It’s then back to Puno, where you have the evening to enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight Transfer to La Hacienda. (B, L, D)
11
Day 12, Tue 06 Oct 2015
Puno to Lima. Fly to UK
With your bags packed, you travel to Juliaca Airport (about 45 minutes away from Puno). From here you fly to Lima, arriving in time to connect with your overnight flight back to the UK. (B)
12
Day 13, Wed 07 Oct 2015
Arrive Home
13
Important information about the Lake Titicaca by train extension
Trek to Machu Picchu
9 - 13
Day 9: Cusco to Puno
After breakfast you transfer by train to Puno (it’s a full day transfer -10hrs) The route takes you through the Cusco and Vilcanota valley until you reach the ‘altiplano‘ (highland savannah) finally arriving in the town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The train ride is often the highlight of the extension as you travel through breathtaking scenery. You will have dinner and overnight at La Hacienda hotel*. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Puno to Amantani
You depart early morning on a boat to the island of Amantani (24 miles from Puno). On route you will see the fascinating floating islands of Uros and experience the Titicaca National reserve. On arrival to Amantani you will be allocated a local family to stay with and then taken on a walk around this peaceful island to discover the pre-Incan ruins and to see the world famous hand weavings and experience the ancient communal lifestyle. The food and accommodation is basic yet the experience is well worth it. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Amantani to Puno via Taquille
After breakfast you will have some time to explore your surroundings and admire the impressive panoramic views of the lake before transferring back to Puno via Taquille, one of the larger islands. you will have a chance to explore this island and have some lunch before returning to Puno in the afternoon and transferring to La Hacienda hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Puno to Lima. Fly to UK
After breakfast you will transfer to Juliaca airport, about 45 mins from Puno, for a morning flight back to Lima and onto the UK (B)
Day 13: Arrive Home
Arrive in the UK.
Included:
- All accommodation on a twin share basis at La Hacienda, Puno (http://www.lahaciendapuno.com/en/) and with a local family in Amantani or similar*
- All meals as outlined above
- Travel Insurance extension (if purchased through Charity Challenge)
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
Please also note that during the train journey to Puno you will be unescorted, and your guide will not be staying in the same hotel as you, you will however have access to a 24 hour emegency number during these periods.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sat 03 Oct 2015
Cusco to Puno
It’s a spectacular bus ride of 388km to Puno. The first stop is the church of San Pedro, which houses an assortment of Baroque art. After lunch, continue on via La Raya to the highest point between Cuzco and Puno, offering an awesome view of the glacier-capped Andes. Overnight at La Hacienda hotel. (B,L,D)
9
Day 10, Sun 04 Oct 2015
Puno to Amantani
Rise early to sail to the island of Amantani, where you will stay with a local family. On arrival, you will head out on a walking tour to discover the pre-Incan ruins, see world-famous hand weavings and experience an ancient communal lifestyle. Food and accommodation is basic, but the experience is unforgettable. (B,L,D)
10
Day 11, Mon 05 Oct 2015
Amantani to Puno
After breakfast you catch the boat to Taquile island. Here you will enjoy lunch and impressive panoramic views of the lake. It’s then back to Puno, where you have the evening to enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight Transfer to La Hacienda*. (B,L,D)
11
Day 12, Tue 06 Oct 2015
Puno to Lima. Fly to UK
With your bags packed, you travel to Juliaca Airport (about 45 minutes away from Puno). From here you fly to Lima, arriving in time to connect with your overnight flight back to the UK (B).
12
Important information about the Lake Titicaca by Bus extension
Day 9: Cusco to Puno
After breakfast you will transfer to your bus for a spectacular 388km journey to Puno (it’s a full days transfer approx 8-10hrs) The first stop on this scenic route is the church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. Built on the site of an Inca temple, this humble looking church houses an assortment of Baroque art and frescoes encased in gold. The next stop is the Wiracocha temple part of the Raqchi complex. The temple according to the old chroniclers was built by the Incas in honour of Wiracocha the Inca creator God. After stopping for a buffet lunch the route takes you via La Raya, where a view of the glacier capped Andes beckons to be photographed. At 4,335 metres above sea level, La Raya is the highest point between Cuzco and Puno. One final stop at the Pucara stone factory finishes of this fantastic trip before you finally arrive in the town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You will overnight in La Hacienda hotel, Puno*. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Puno to Amantani
You depart early morning on a boat to the island of Amantani (24 miles from Puno). On route you will see the fascinating floating islands of Uros and experience the Titicaca National reserve. On arrival Amantani you will be allocated a local family to stay with and then taken on a walk around this peaceful island to discover the pre-Incan ruins and to see the world famous hand weavings and experience the ancient communal lifestyle. The food and accommodation is basic yet the experience is well worth it. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Amantani to Puno
In the morning after breakfast we catch the boat to Taquile island for a visit with impressive panoramic views of the lake. We enjoy a typical lunch on the island before returning to Puno in the afternoon. Transfer to La Hacienda*. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Puno to Lima. Fly to UK
After breakfast a transfer to the Juliaca airport about 45 mins from Puno for a flight back to Lima in time to connect with the international overnight flight back to the UK (B)
Day 13: Arrive in the UK
Afternoon arrival in the UK
Included
- Bus transfer from Cusco to Puno including an English speaking guide
- Full board until Day 12
- Extension to your travel insurance (if you have Charity Challenges insurance)
- Accommodation in La Hacienda hotel, Puno* or a homestay on Amantani
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sat 03 Oct 2015
White Water Rafting
After breakfast, you will transfer to your entry point on the Urubamba River. A safety and familiarisation briefing will be followed by a half-day of white water rafting (for novices). Enjoy lunch on the shores of the river, before heading back to your hotel in Cusco. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
9
Day 10, Sun 04 Oct 2015
Day in Cusco
Spend the day enjoying Cusco’s attractions, including a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. As you walk around town you will see colonial churches, monasteries, convents and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, interspersed with hotels, bars and restaurants. Dine at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
10
Day 11, Mon 05 Oct 2015
Cusco to Lima. Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima, where you board a connection back to London. (B)
11
Day 12, Tue 06 Oct 2015
Arrive UK
Afternoon arrival back into Heathrow.
12
Important information about the White Water Rafting and Cusco extension
Day 9: White Water Rafting
After breakfast, you will transfer to your entry point on the Urubamba River. A safety and familiarisation briefing will be followed by a half-day of white water rafting (for novices). Enjoy lunch on the shores of the river, before heading back to your hotel in Cusco. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Day in Cusco
Spend the day enjoying all that Cusco has to offer. The city is home to a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. As you walk around town you will see colonial churches, monasteries and convents and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, interspersed with dozens of hotels, bars and restaurants. Spend the night here, where meals will be taken at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Cusco to Lima. Fly to UK
Transfer to airport for your flight back to Lima, and from Lima to the UK (B)
Day 12: Arrive UK
Afternoon arrival back into Heathrow
Included:
- Accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Cusco (Hotel Mabey - www.hotelmabeycusco.com) or similar*
- All meals as listed above
- Half a day of guided white water rafting on Day 9
- Extension to your travel insurance (if booked through Charity Challenge)
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips for local team
Important Note: The Charity Challenge insurance policy will only cover you for rafting on grades 1-3 rapids. There are two options on the section of the river that you will be rafting on, one of which includes several rapids at grades 4-5. You will not be covered if you raft on this section. Our Ground Handlers are aware of this, and this option will not be offered to Charity Challenge groups. However, things can (and often do!) happen on the ground to confuse issues, so if you are offered the option, please only choose the section of the river with rapids from grades 1-3. If you choose the higher-graded section this will be at your own risk.
N.B The organiser of the rafting extension will ask you to sign a ‘release of responsibility’ form.
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sat 03 Oct 2015
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast it’s a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Check your heavy luggage in with your guide as you will only need the basics for the next three days. It’s a bus ride to the river port, where you board a motorized boat to your rainforest lodge. Walk to a canopy tower for breathtaking views of the Amazon. (B, L, D)
9
Day 10, Sun 04 Oct 2015
Rainforest Lodge
Rise early for a trip to Oxbow Lake, where you will experience the Amazon’s varied wildlife. Later return to the lodge for lunch, then visit a local ‘chaman’ (doctor) who will teach you about the region’s native plants and their healing properties. Weather permitting, it’s then time to spot caimans in the river.
10
Day 11, Mon 05 Oct 2015
Departure and flight back to the UK
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Puerto Maldonado city, where you will pick up your bags and go to the airport to catch your flight back to Lima and the UK.
11
Day 12, Tue 06 Oct 2015
Arrive Home
12
Important information about the Amazon Jungle Extension extension
Trek to Machu Picchu
9 - 12
Day 9: Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast you will be transferred to the aiport for your 30 min flight to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival you will be met by your local guide who will transfer you to the lodge's headquarters in the city where you will leave your heavy luggage. For the extension you will only need to take your hand luggage bag, packed with your clothes, valuables, personal first aid kit and toiletries for the next 3 days. Then, you will be transferred by bus to the river port, where you will board your motorized boat that will take you 1.5 hrs down the Tambopata river to your Rainforest Lodge. In the afternoon, you will go on a walk to a canopy tower where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Amazon rainforest. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Rainforest Lodge
Early start to visit to an Oxbow Lake, where you will be able to enjoy the varied wildlife the Amazon rainforest has to offer. Coming back to the lodge for lunch and a rest in the afternoon you will visit a local village and visit the "Chaman" (local doctor) who will show the native plants of the area and explain about their healing properties. After dinner, weather permitting, you will go back onto the boat, on an exciting caiman search!
Day 11: Departure and flight back to the UK
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Puerto Maldonado city, where you will pick up your bags from the headquearters and go to the airport to catch your flight back to Lima and the UK.
Day 12: Arrive Home
Arrive in the UK.
Included:
- All accommodation on a twin share basis at Posada Amazonas or Refugio Amazonas Lodge (will be confirmed closer to departure). The lodge is an eco-lodge. Rooms are open to the forest and the beds have mosquito nets.
- All meals as outlined above
- Travel Insurance extension (if purchased through Charity Challenge)
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of two people and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
Please also note that during the flight to Puerto Maldonado (30 mins) you will be unescorted.
Activities may be suject to change depending on weather conditions.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.