Machu Picchu Sanctuary Crew – 2009

Machu Picchu Sanctuary in Peru urgently needs the help of AMC volunteers. A World Heritage Site, UNESCO is considering placing Machu Picchu on its list of most endangered protected areas due to uncontrolled growth in visitor activities and local development. In cooperation with Conservation Volunteers International Program, AMC members can join a unique volunteer expedition to repair the Inca Trail and help archaeologists restore the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Conservation VIP is the only volunteer organization authorized to work within Machu Picchu  AMC is pleased to offer this opportunity to its members.

We plan to help Peru’s National Institute of Culture with repairs to the Inca Trail and assist archaeologists restore cultural sites. Peru’s National Service for Protected Areas asked for assistance planting native trees, removing exotic species, and interviewing travelers from around the world about their experiences to improve visitor management. We plan to work from 9- 4, plus about an hour for lunch and travel time. Training in all aspects of our work will be provided. Small groups of 5-6 volunteers will be teamed with an experienced expedition leader. We also anticipate that park rangers and local citizens will join us.

Work sites vary in altitude from 8-11,000 feet in elevation, making this project more challenging than volunteer projects at lower elevations. Volunteers can range in age and ability. Volunteers need to be able to hike with a day pack, move soil or rock with a shovel, pull unwanted vegetation or carry stones for placement by archaeologists. As always, education and safety are our priorities. Work at this elevation is challenging, but so are the rewards!

After work, enjoy fine dining on terrific traditional Peruvian dinners with other volunteers. No need to camp; volunteers stay in hotels every night (double occupancy). Trip fee includes international flights from selected US gateway airports, domestic flight from Lima to Cusco, all lodging, food, ground transportation, and tours: everything but your favorite beverage with dinner. (Note: Your volunteer expenses may be tax deductible; check with your tax advisor.)

Schedule:

April 26, 2009. Volunteers depart US.
April 27. Arrive Cusco, ancient heart of the Inca Empire. Guided walking tour.
April 28. Visit Sacred Valley sites of Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman to explore the Inca world and acclimatize to the high elevation.
April 29. Travel by train along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. Orientation and safety training.
April 30 - May 6. Volunteer activities in Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
May 7. Return by train to Cusco
May 8. Free day to explore Cusco
May 9. Depart Cusco, arriving in Lima for a bus & walking city tour of the nation’s capital. Farewell dinner in Lima.
May 10. Arrive home (or begin your next adventure in South America!)

What The Volunteers Say:

"It was a privilege to work in Machu Picchu with such a fun, hardworking group of volunteers, both American and Peruvian." Paul (2008 Machu Picchu Participant)

 "I worked at Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail. How many other gringos can say that?” Rick (2008 Machu Picchu Participant)

 "All those restaurants were absolutely unique in setting and menu. The food was gourmet. I would come again just for the food!” Janet (2008 Machu Picchu Participant)

2009 Date:
April 26-May 10

Contribution:
$3595 (AMC member)
$3695 (non AMC member)

To Register:
Please visit Conservation Volunteers International Program for more information and to register for this program.

Photos: Courtsey of Rich Tobin - CVIP