[Peru Part one The Basics]

How fit do I have to be?
Fairly fit, you need to be doing any form of physical activity at least 3 times a week (football, squash, swimming etc are fine)

When will it take place?
We leave the UK on the 31^st October 2009 and will be back in the UK by the 10^th November 2009 insh'allah.

[Peru part two the cause]

Education
Islamic Relief and Education

• Over 870 million adults are illiterate, two-thirds of them are women
• Educating girls results in improved family health and reduced rates of child malnutrition and mortality
• It is estimated that every year of a mother’s education reduces the risk of her child’s premature death by nine percent
• Literate mothers are also more likely to send their daughters to school

Education provides the key to a better future, helping people fulfill their potential and pursue their goals in life. For millions of people across the developing world, even basic education is far out of reach due to poverty. Poverty is closely linked to illiteracy - as both cause and consequence. Without basic literacy or skills, the opportunities for people to break free from the cycle of poverty are limited.

Islamic Relief aims to provide impoverished people and communities with access to education and vocational training - providing a way out of the poverty trap. Islamic Relief has initiated a number of community-based education projects aimed at underserved communities. Working directly with the communities ensures that our projects are relevant to the communities’ needs and relevant for the future.

Islamic Relief’s education project activities include:

• Distribution of school supplies
• Educating women in health and hygiene
• Ensuring that sponsored orphans receive an education
• Construction and rehabilitation of schools
• Providing literacy and vocational training courses for adults
• Supplying schools and universities with computers, books and resources .

[Peru part three The Trek]

Experience diverse scenery as we trek Peru through traditional Andean villages and along high remote mountain trails before we visit Machu Picchu, one of the worlds most important archaeological finds. For those of you with a love of landscape, a passion for history and a sense of adventure then look no further and come trek with us!

The following gives you a brief taste of the challenge ahead but for more detailed information please do not hesitate to contact one of the Overseas Team on 020 7424 5511 who will be delighted to help you!

DAY 1:
Fly London - Lima, overnight in Lima

DAY 2:
Fly Lima - Cusco. Time to acclimatise in Cusco

DAY 3:
Tambo Machay acclimatisation walk

DAY 4:
Totora - Quisuarani start of the trek

DAY 5:
Quisuarani - Huchayccassa Pass - Bluff. Climb to 4400m

DAY 6:
Bluff - Laguna Ipsayccocha - Patacancha

DAY 7:
Patacancha - Machu Picchu (time to explore) - Aguas Calientes

DAY 8:
Aguas Calientes - Cusco. Free afternoon

DAY 9:
Cusco - Lima - UK

DAY 10:
Arrive London

There are places available on our next Peru charity Trek

Enquire about trekking availability now! while places still remain .

[Peru part four FAQ's]

What is a typical day?
While on trek we rise early and set off after breakfast normally walking for between 5 to 8 hours. There is plenty of time to rest and appreciate the superb views along the way and we will also stop for lunch en route and by mid afternoon we would have arrived at our stop for the night and you will have the rest of the day to relax or explore the area.

How will the altitude affect me?
Altitude sickness is caused by reduced levels of oxygen in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude-the effects can be felt from around 2,500m.
Some trekkers will experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) which may include headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea and general lassitude. We bring a comprehensive medical kit including altitude drugs and oxygen saturation meter in case it is required.

How fit do I need to be?
A reasonable level of fitness is required due to the nature of this trek although anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be fine as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to the expedition. While on the trek you will be exercising constantly for a number of days at extreme altitudes, but remember that being fit has no impact on the rate of acclimatisation.

What kind of weather are we likely to experience?
The daytime weather can vary from hot and clear where temperatures could reach 20C or 25C to cold and damp with temperatures near 0C. The nights will be very cold with temperatures well below zero and will get colder as one approaches Base Camp due to the higher altitude.

What happens if I can’t keep up or fall ill?b
It is normal to have a discrepancy in walking ability within a group so we are prepared for this. The event is not a race and we encourage everyone to pace themselves and go at their own speed- there is always a member of staff sweeping behind the group so support will never be far away.

Do I need specialist kit?
A clothes and equipment checklist will be provided to you to- you will need to pack carefully as the weight allowance is only 20kg.

What is the terrain and scenery like?
We will be following established paths of stone and mud which are used regularly by the locals. The scenery is spectacular as we trek through wide valleys above the foothills to the highest mountain range in the world. Not only do we have superb mountain views each day, but we also pass villages, tea houses and forest areas, so there is plenty to see!

What will we eat and drink?
Breakfast will consist of bread, jam, eggs, porridge etc. Lunch is a fairly substantial meal with rice, potatoes, vegetables and sandwiches. Dinner will be a hot meal with soup to start. Meals are substantial but it is also still a good idea to bring a few energy bars and snacks.

What do I carry during the day?
You will carry just a daypack with basic supplies including rainwear, water, camera, sun cream and a fleece- as we trek higher you will also need to pack a hat and gloves.

What’s the average age?
We get people of all ages on the Islamic Relief trips, although most will generally be between 20 and 55.