Incan Challenge

This will be the inaugural year of the Incan Challenge, and as such, we want to keep the group small and intimate. There will be a maximum of 18 participants allowed on this trip, so contact us soon for more information or to get involved.

Is there a minimum or maximum sponsorship that I need to raise?

The minimum sponsorship that each participant must raise is $500 Cdn. If you are not able to raise the minimum, you will be asked to make up the difference. However, most people find that raising funds is not as difficult as they imagined. There is no maximum amount that you can raise.

How can I raise the minimum sponsorship?

When you sign up for the Incan Challenge, you will receive a fundraising kit with more information about Equip KIDS International and advice on how to raise funds.

Some simple ideas include:

Asking friends and family to support your efforts	10 people at $25 = $250
Asking your employer or a local service club to sponsor you	$100+
Holding a bake sale, garage sale or party to raise funds	$200+
Holding a raffle or auction	$100+

Will those who sponsor me receive an income-tax receipt?

Those individuals or organizations who donate money towards your sponsorship will be eligible to receive an income-tax receipt (in Canada or the United States). However, funds that you raise by selling goods or providing a service (as in a sale, raffle or auction) are not eligible for income-tax receipts. In addition, participants may be eligible to receive an income-tax receipt for the portion of the trip fee that goes directly to Equip KIDS International.

How much of these funds support Equip KIDS International?

The total cost of the 10 day trip is approximately $1100 Cdn. This is a discounted price offered exclusively to Equip KIDS International for participants of the Incan Challenge. The remainder of your trip fee and the additional money you raise will go directly to Equip KIDS International and will be used to support children with disabilities in Peru. As such, each participant will raise at least $1000 to help children in need. And, of course, you will get to meet the children you are helping during the trip.

What is included in the tour expenses?

This is an all-inclusive tour. Your transportation (within Peru), accommodations, food (with the exception of one lunch), tours, trek, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), all entrance fees and a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide are all included in the trip fee. You need only take care of your flight to Peru, airport taxes, gratuities and lunch on Day 8.

How difficult is the trek? And, how can I prepare?

The trek is a 4-day hike over Incan roads and through rugged mountains, cloud forest and subtropical vegetation. It is not a "walk in the park" and requires a certain level of physical fitness. Once you sign up for the Incan Challenge, you will receive a training guide to help you prepare. If you are not already physically active, we suggest that you begin training for the trek several months in advance by walking several times a week.

What happens if I can't keep up?

There will be several scheduled rest stops throughout the trek and each hiker will be encouraged to go at their own pace and to take additional breaks when necessary. Guides trained in First Aid/CPR will accompany you throughout the trek and further support will be available in case of emergencies.

Will I have to carry my own backpack?

You have the option of carrying your own personal effects (clothes and sleeping bag) or hiring a personal porter ($70 extra) for the duration of the trek. Inca Trail porters will carry the rest of the required equipment including tents, food and cooking equipment.

What will the weather be like?

Weather in the Andes is quite unpredictable, yet average daytime temperatures for September are about 20° C (or 70° F). Temperatures on the high passes will be considerably lower, and night time temperatures may drop to freezing. Also, there is the possibility of rain during part or all of the trek, although September is not normally a particularly wet month.

Will I get a to meet my fellow travelers before I go?

Yes, we'll have a pre-departure meeting a few months before the trip. This will be an opportunity to meet some fellow "challengers" and to learn and share fundraising and training strategies, all the while munching on Peruvian treats.

What about insurance?

All participants are required to obtain their own personal travel insurance to cover health, accidents and loss during the trip. We can offer recommendations for insurance, or you can ask the agent with whom you book your international flight for advice.

Can I incorporate additional or extended trips into my stay in Peru?

Yes, extensions to your trip can be arranged through our tour operator, Eco-Innovation Tours. This may be the perfect opportunity to take some extra time to discover the many faces of Peru. Popular extensions include; the South Coast (including the ruins of Pachacamac, the Nazca lines and the Ballesta Islands), Puno and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the North Coast (including pre-Incan ruins, colonial cities and white-sand beaches) and, of course, trips to the Amazon jungle. Write info@eco-innovationtours.com for more information.

For more information, contact Dana Corfield at dcorfield@equipkids.org