Preparing for Peru

Project Days: Volunteer Work

What kind of work will we be doing?

We’ll journey out to the majestic Sacred Valley region of Peru, where we partner with Mundo Sostenible to help implement vital solar energy systems. MSc’s ultimate vision is to provide industry-leading clean energy financing and consulting services throughout Latin America to foster economic growth in an environmentally and socially sustainable way, and Nuestra Energía is just the first and most important step!

Our project thrives on the collective effort of all volunteers 😊 Therefore, we offer a range of activities that require different skills and levels of physical involvement. Whether you excel in organizational tasks, have a knack for detailed work, or are a great communicator, there’s a place for you in our team!

• Material handling: Our journey starts with the groundwork of delivering materials, including loading and unloading solar modules, toolboxes, and more.

• Building solar structures: Under the guidance of a lead engineer, you will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish while constructing the framework for solar panels, typically on rooftops or elevated platforms.

• Mounting solar modules: Learn and assist in attaching solar modules, a task that involves precision more than physical strength.

• Wiring and cabling: Engage in detailed work such as running cables and using various hand tools.

Final Steps: Assist in final installations, leaving the technical connections to the engineers. Your contribution here brings us closer to the project's completion, providing renewable energy to those in need 💚

IMPACTFUL PROJECTS AT TWO KEY LOCATIONS 

Hogar Yachaychac: A sanctuary for abandoned and abused boys, led by Pavel Marmanillo. The solar project here aims to fund university preparation and augment regional reforestation efforts.

Health Bridges International (HBI) - Hogar Girasoles: An orphanage for girls and boys offering specialized medical care and safe harbor. The savings from the solar project will support the construction of new dormitories, extending care to more children.

Touring the Land

Landscape & Culture Tour

As we embark on our journey through Cusco, Peru, standing at 3,399 meters above sea level, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant blend of archaeological wonders and Spanish colonial architecture that define this historic city.

Venturing into the Sacred Valley, renowned for its breathtaking Incan sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac, nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains, we will tread lightly on the earth, practicing conscious travel principles. We are committed to embodying conscious travel.

Then we will be trekking to Machu Picchu, a legendary route that snakes through the Andean wilderness, culminating at the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, perched at 2,430 meters.

What does trekking in the Peruvian Andes look like?

Salkantay trek

4 days/3 nights

Our hike will be guided by the team at Alpaca Expeditions, a #1 tour operator in Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco to Ichupata Start your adventure with an early pickup from Cusco, heading to Soraypampa to begin the trek. The day includes a hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a gradual ascent to Salkantaypampa for lunch, and finally reaching Ichupata campsite. Expect breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain.

• Walking distance: 14km

• Trail head elevation: 3,800 m.a.s.l.

• Camp site elevation: 4,400 m.a.s.l.

• Weather: Cold day

• Trail type: Challenging (due to elevation)

Day 2: Ichupata to Pauccar Cancha Wake up to glacier views, then trek to the Inca Frozen Pass (Inca Chiriaska) for incredible vistas of Salkantay's Glacier Peak. The day involves a lengthy descent to lunch with views of Paltayoc peak, ending at the campsite near Pauccar Cancha Inca ruins.

• Walking distance: 18km

• Starting point elevation: 4400 m.a.s.l

• Highest point of the trail: 5100m m.a.s.l

• Campsite elevation: 3300 m.a.s.l

• Trail type: Challenging (due to elevation)

Day 3: Pauccar Cancha to Aguas Calientes Explore Pauccar Cancha ruins before joining a section of the Inca Trail towards Llactapata, an Inca village with farming terraces and water channels. After lunch, a van takes you to Ollantaytambo, followed by a train to Aguas Calientes for the night.

• Walking distance: 15km

• Campsite elevation: 3300 m.a.s.l

• Trail end elevation: 2700 m.a.s.l

• Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000 m.a.s.l

• Trail type: Moderate

• Accommodations: inti punku (or similar)

Day 4: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco An early bus leads to a guided tour of Machu Picchu, offering history and the chance for iconic photos. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or the Sun Gate are available. After exploring, return to Aguas Calientes and take a train to Ollantaytambo, where a transfer back to Cusco awaits.

Our Guiding Staff

Our group will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Alpaca Expeditions. Additionally, porters carry food and personal items not needed on the trail, enhancing the comfort of the trekking experience.

Q: What type of gear will be provided?

A: Alpaca is dedicated to making sure we have the best equipment available. Casual Adventure Camping Store is a family owned business in the United States, that is dedicated to the outdoor travelers’ needs and provide all of Alpaca’s equipment. For a breakdown of the equipment included, check here.

• Included

  • Duffel: You’ll receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. Your bag cannot exceed 7 kg/14 lbs. and needs to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

  • Transport: You’ll have transportation included in this trek. Also included will be the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.

  • Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions uses Eureka Timberline 4 tents that are shared by two people. You’ll also have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.

  • Food: The Alpaca Expeditions chefs cook delicious meals throughout our trekking days.

  • Water: Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. You need to bring your own water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth of water. You’ll be able to refill your water at each meal.

  • First Aid: Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician.

• Not included: Every Alpaca Expeditions’ trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
  

  Sleeping Bag: $25
  Inflatable Air Mattress: $20
  Walking Sticks (Pair): $20

Q: Do I have to carry everything from one campsite to another?

A: No, Alpaca Expeditions provides a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You’ll not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your evening campsite.

Q: What happens if I get sick on the trek, or there is an emergency?
A: ​​ Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. They conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your Alpaca Expeditions tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. Should anything happen, they will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible if needed and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.

Accommodation

During our stay in Cusco, comfortable accommodations will be arranged at:

Hotel Amerinka

272 Calle Marques, Cusco City Centre, Cusco, Peru

While volunteering at our project sites, you'll be housed in site-specific accommodations, designed to enhance your immersive experience.

During our trek, we'll be camping in remote, high-altitude areas. Cozy tents and all essential camping gear will be provided to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience.

Food and Water

When in Cusco, we will start each day with breakfast served at our hotel. During our days, we will dine at local restaurants, exploring Peruvian cuisine as well as considering various allergies and dietary restrictions.

During our trek, Alpaca Expeditions will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not to mention, the daily "happy hour" with tea, coffee, and an assortment of snacks to keep your spirits high and energy up as we hike. The meals are prepared by professional chefs who specialize in trek cooking.

When are meals served on the trail?

Activities start early. Sometimes as early as 4 AM or 5 AM.

• Breakfast – approximately 5-5:30 AM

• Snacks – approximately 11 AM

• Lunch approximately 12 or 1 PM

• Tea time approximately 4 or 5 PM

• Dinner approximately 7 or 8 PM

In Peru, tap water is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to drink bottled water from reliable sources.

If you have any special dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in the trip reservation form so that we can make adequate preparations for you.

Though all food is covered on the trip, we encourage you to bring your own snacks and comfort foods for variety—there will be opportunities to shop at small markets.

Drinks and alcohol are not included in the coverage. Please note that the legal drinking age in Peru is 18 years.

Electricity and Internet

In Peru, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The types of power plugs and outlets used are Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A and B are common in North America, whereas Type C is standard in most of Europe. It's recommended that travelers from the USA and Canada bring a travel adapter and potentially a transformer, as most North American devices are made for 110V and might not be compatible with 220V outlets in Peru.

There will not be electricity or internet available while trekking. Please come prepared by bringing a portable battery bank, fully charged headlamp/flashlight, extra camera batteries, and/or a portable solar panel.

While cellular network coverage may vary across different regions, it's generally good in cities and populated areas. For the best experience, consider purchasing a local SIM card, which can be recharged at various outlets.

For a convenient and affordable setup, down the Airalo app to install an eSIM for Peru as well as many other countries. Use code HARMON1266 for $3 sign-up credit :)

Weather

ANDEAN CONDITIONS

During April, daytime temperatures in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are generally mild, but it can be cooler at higher altitudes while trekking. Nights can be chilly, especially at higher campsites, so warm clothing is important.

Trekking in the Andes, particularly around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Salkantay Trail, requires preparedness for a wide range of weather conditions. Here's what you should consider:

April in the Andes marks the transition from the rainy season to the drier months. While the heaviest rains are typically over, occasional showers are still possible. Mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons are generally warmer.

Daytime temperatures can range from about 17°C to 22°C (around 63°F to 72°F).

Nighttime temperatures in Cusco can range from 5°C to 7°C (about 41°F to 45°F). At higher elevations (like those campsites on the Salkantay Trail) temperature can drop significantly. You might see temps as low as -1°C (around 30°F).

Pack layers that include a lightweight, breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. A rain jacket is essential, as sudden showers can occur.

As you trek through these regions, you'll encounter diverse landscapes - from the historic streets of Cusco to the lush, agricultural terraces of the Sacred Valley, and the rugged, high-altitude trails of the Salkantay Trail. The sun can be particularly strong in the Andes, even on cooler days, so sun protection (hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen) is vital.

Travel Considerations

Visa and Entry

• Tourist visits of up to 183 days, but it's crucial that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in Peru.

• Since entry requirements can change, it's advisable to confirm the latest information before your departure by visiting the official website of the Peruvian immigration authority or contacting the nearest Peruvian consulate.

• Upon arrival in Peru, you will go through the immigration process managed by Migraciones, the Peruvian immigration authority. Travelers are usually given a Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), an Andean Migration Card, which you need to keep safe and present along with your passport when exiting the country. It's important not to lose this document. For more details and to see an example of a TAM, visit the official Migraciones website.

Money and Tipping

• Local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).

• In major cities like Lima and Cusco, foreign credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.

• For street markets, local eateries, and small villages, cash is the preferred method of payment. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available in cities and at airports, offering exchange services for major currencies like USD and EUR. However, be aware of potential transaction and exchange fees.

• When dining in restaurants and cafes, a service gratuity, or 'propina,' of around 10% is commonly added to your bill. It's optional but generally expected as a token of satisfaction with the service.

• Bargaining is more common in Peru, especially in markets and street stalls. It's a part of the local shopping culture, but remember to be respectful and fair when negotiating prices..

City Transport

For your travels to Cusco, Peru, there are convenient and reliable airport transfer services to get you to our accommodation site. Services such as the Cusco Airport Shuttle offer private transfers from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

The cost for a transfer from the airport to a hotel or Airbnb in Cusco typically starts at around $10 USD.

Once in Cusco, the city is known for being pedestrian-friendly, especially in central areas where most tourist attractions, cafes, and restaurants are located within walking distance. For longer distances or excursions outside the city, we will be organizing group transportation.

Cultural Awareness

COMMUNICATION

In Peru, understanding and respecting local cultural norms and communication styles are important for a meaningful and respectful visit.

Peruvians are known for their expressive and emotive communication style. Conversations are often lively, loud, and accompanied by animated body language, with multiple conversations happening simultaneously. In verbal communication, Peruvians often use diminutives and nicknames for those close to them. Formality varies, with the polite form of speech used for those of higher social standing, and the informal ‘tú’ more commonly used among youth and in urban areas.

GREETINGS

• Saying hello — Hola | Buenas | Buenos días | Buenas tardes

• Parting / saying goodbye — Chao | Nos vemos | Hasta luego

• Giving thanks — (Muchas) gracias

• Expressing deliciousness — ¡Qué rico! | (Está) muy rico

• Common phrases for greetings include Buenos días | Buenas tardes | Buenas noches

NORMS & TIPS

• It is common for US nationals to call themselves “American,” and in Latin America, the people are also considered American. If you are from the USA, it is important to specify yourself as estadounidense (instead of americano), as it could otherwise be seen as patronizing.

• Over 80% of Peruvians adhere to Catholicism, which plays a significant role in their lives and traditions. That being said, Shamanism in Peru is also deeply rooted in the country's cultural and spiritual history, and it remains a significant aspect of life in many communities, particularly in the Amazon and Andean regions. Peruvian shamanism, often referred to as curanderismo, is a complex system of beliefs and practices that involves healing, divination, and connecting with spiritual realms.

• In general, it's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or sacred sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothes as it might be seen as disrespectful in some communities.

• Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas or of indigenous communities. It's important to respect people's privacy and cultural sensitivities.

Getting Equipped and Ready

Luggage and Logistics

Q: Where can I pick up extra gear/items before we start? A: In both Lima and Cusco, there are plenty of outdoor gear shops, pharmacies, and supermarkets to stock up on what you may be missing.

Q: For the trek, do I have to carry everything from one campsite to another? A: No, porters carry food and personal items not needed on the trail. Each person will be expected to carry a day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen, raincoat, ect.

What to Wear & Pack

Coming soon! A list of items we recommend that you pack for our trip in Peru.

Training for the Trek

• Prepare yourself for walking 5-7 hours a day on the trek at high altitude.

• Engage in aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Incorporate strength training exercises targeting key muscle groups used in hiking, such as legs, core, and back. If possible, train at higher elevations to acclimate your body to lower oxygen levels. Start with lower elevations and gradually increase your altitude over time. If you don’t have access to high altitudes, simulate the conditions by using stair climbing or a treadmill set at an incline.

• High-altitude trekking can be as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Engage in activities that strengthen your mental endurance, like meditation or yoga. Incorporate flexibility exercises like stretching or yoga into your routine to reduce the risk of injuries.