Peru, June 2011

Roadmonkey’s second Peru expedition includes 4 days rafting the pristine waters of the Apurimac River, in southern Peru, and exploring its deserted sandy beaches, and 3 days building a daycare center for a struggling community in Ollantaytambo, in the Andean foothills.

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The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. ~ Carlos Casteneda

expedition route & itinerary

This expedition begins in Cusco, the picturesque gateway to Andean culture, cuisine and some of the most compelling outdoor adventure in South America. From Cusco, we travel into the highlands by 4x4 to access the clear emerald waters of the Apurímac River, cutting deep into a sheer-wall canyon. Then it’s 4 days of guided rafting & camping on the sandy banks, living as if in a true Land of the Lost.

We leave the river and transport to Ollantaytambo, a smaller, charming town to the northwest, in between Cusco and Machu Picchu. There we spend 3 full days completing our hands-on volunteer project before returning to Cusco for individual departures from Peru. Or, you may head directly to the nearby Inca Trail and explore Machu Picchu.

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our volunteer project

Once again, Roadmonkey will coordinate a hands-on, sustainable volunteer project with Awamaki, our excellent non-profit partners with whom the 2010 Roadmonkey expedition built an adobe-brick dye house for Quechua women weavers. Our new volunteer work will be building a much-needed daycare center at a newly created alternative school in Ollantaytambo. The school, which will offer scholarships to young students in need, will be small at first, with preschool and first-grade classrooms only, but will provide a progressive model for existing government-run schools.

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expedition cost & timeframe

This 9-day adventure philanthropy expedition costs $4,500, and includes all lodging and transport from June 4 through June 11 and most meals (excluding those that you may have during free days in Cusco and Ollantaytambo) as well as a fully developed hands-on volunteer project created in coordination with our partner in Peru, Awamaki. The price does not include international airfare. Residents of most countries, including the U.S. and Canada, do not need a visa to explore Peru.

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lodging & food

When it comes to lodging, our philosophy is simple: clean, comfortable and accessible. Upon arrival in Cusco, you can expect a soft landing at a superior hotel or inn that provides a dose of comfort after a long journey. During our rafting adventure we’ll sleep on the Apurímac’s sandy beaches, in spacious, two-person tents steps that let you drift off to the sound of the moving water nearby. During our volunteer project, you will stay in a rustic, very well maintained lodge near the tiny central plaza.

The cuisine in Peru, as in much of South America, is diverse and inspired. On the river, our guides double as talented camp chefs, and you will eat well. In Cusco and Ollantaytambo, good international food is easy to find. Vegetarians? Peru offers you plenty of options

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when to arrive & depart

You should plan to arrive in Cusco, via a transfer in Lima, no later than Saturday, June 3. If possible, try to arrive early Saturday so you have the free day to explore Cusco and its magnificent Plaza de Armas & Andean charm. You should plan to depart from Cusco to your home destination no earlier than noon on Sunday, June 12. But, once again, if you can spare the time, you may want to consider exploring the world-class destination, Machu Picchu, nearby.

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