Responsible Tourism

Peru and the Land of the Incas

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Highlights of this tour.

Off the beaten track
A unique route
Machu Picchu
Sun Gate
Forgotten Inca Trails
Hidden Valleys

Example of the itinerary.

Day 1- Fly to Lima.
Day 2 - Fly from Lima to Cuzco, then onto the Sacred Valley and Cachicata.
Day 3 - Today we have a tour of the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo a typical Inca town. We then walk to our camp at Soqma.
Day 4 - BToday we trek uphill, past dramatic scenery of waterfalls and ruins, to get to tonight's camp, the Inca Terraces at Corimarca. ATD groups are the only people permitted to camp here.
Day 5 - We reach the highest point of our trek today, with spectacular views of the snow peaks and the sacred valleys below.
Day 6 - We descend into the Elfin Forest, towards the Sacred Valley. Tonight's camp is at Camicancha.
Day 7 - Today we take a steep trail up to an old Inca watchtower. As we pass Wayras Punka with its abandoned Inca terraces, we can see the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Day 8 - We board a train for the journey from Kilometre 82 to Kilometre 104, then climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate is perfect for a group photo.
Day 9 - In the morning we have a chance to see Machu Picchu at sunrise before back for a night in Cuzco.
Day 10 -Cuzco to Lima to the UK.

The benefits you bring in taking this tour.

Across the Divide recognise its responsibility and is continually striving to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do and to minimise the impact of our challenges on the environment within which we operate. We are therefore committed to continual improvement in our environmental performance, preventing pollution and minimising our effects through a complete programme of achievable targets and then in turn to make our activities environmentally and socially positive.

There are many ways in which our activities can have a negative effect on the societies in which we travel. In turn there are also many positive opportunities for us to leave positive impact in these societies. We minimise negative impact and achieve positive impact in the following ways;

- We educate and inform challenge participants about environmental and social pressures in the areas they are traveling to via comprehensive pre-event briefing packs, and nightly briefings whilst on an event and encourage local conservation partners to give evening presentations of their work
- We have a comprehensive Porter Protection Policy to protect the rights of the individuals and their families
- Ensure a fare income for all locally employed staff.
- Use local equipment and vehicles when we can
- We purchase food from locally sourced providers
- Avoid using foreign owned accommodation -instead where possible we use locally owned and run accommodation
- Discourage local begging and giving of short term cash gifts
- Provide local support for a minimum of five years providing not only funds but also specialist help and advice.
- Employ agents and use camp locations which are not foreign owned therefore ensuring income is kept in country whenever possible.
- Encourage maximum communications between locals and participants to encourage mutual understanding and respect between cultures
- We organise as part of the challenges cultural exchanges both sporting and social.
- Employ local guest speakers to talk about their societies and culture

As well as the effect we can have on local cultures we can also provide a positive effect on the environments in which we travel and the broader worldwide environment. We pursue positive impact in the following ways;

- In the planning stages of establishing a new challenge we take into consideration any environmental, cultural, economic and political issues before committing ourselves to operating in an area.
- Avoid the burning of wood whenever possible to avoid local deforestation
- Achieve zero litter, and when appropriate remove local litter
- Avoid pollution from our camp and accommodation activities
- Achieve zero damage and impact to local flora and fauna
- Encourage understanding of the local environment and its fragilities
- Encourage the eating of local foods therefore preserving traditional farming practice
- Encourage the use of biodegradable products especially washing products.
- Ensure good practice on all toilet activities, i.e. avoiding pollution to water courses
- Avoid the purchase of tourist products which impact in wildlife and the environment
- Ensure waste is minimized and recycled whenever possible.
- Minimise the consumption of water

In Peru our charity expeditions have contributed a great deal to both the local community and impacted positively to the conservation of the fragile eco-system.

It is a fact that the benefits of your charity walk or challenge are far more widely reaching than you can ever imagine

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