Photo courtesy of REI.com/adventures
In the mid-1400’s, Pachacuti, ruler of the Inca people, began to build a royal retreat and sacred center of Machu Picchu. However, the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire forced construction of site to come to a halt in the 1530’s. After 400 years of vegetation growth, natural wear and erosion, the beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu were rediscovered. Today, it stands as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most visited tourist sites. Restoration and maintenance of the citadel is an ongoing process, and volunteers are always welcomed. One way to get involved is through REI’s program, REI Adventures. The 10-day vacation/adventure allows volunteers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sites Cusco Peru has to offer while helping to restore and maintain the archeological site of Machu Picchu. For more information on REI Adventures to Cusco Peru, visit their website at:
http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/mpv.html.
REI Adventures is a good example of how organizations can adhere to the cornerstones of fair trade and responsible tourism.
Fair Working Conditions
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside park rangers to help maintain the many trails connected with Machu Picchu and to help with the restoring different locations. The working conditions have been rated Moderate [3], due to the elevation of the locations volunteers will be visiting (8,000-11,000 ft.). Volunteers will be required to hike up to 2 miles a day on mountainous terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents. To give you an idea of the level of fitness required, compare it to working in your yard all day, shoveling soil and pruning trees. If you can handle that, you should be just fine.
Fair Prices
The price for the 10-day excursion per person is $2,950.00. What is so great about the REI Adventure is that the price includes all your meals, hotel accommodations, guide leadership and support staff, group tools, bus and train transportation (outlined in itinerary), orientation and training excursions (also in itinerary) and park entrance fees.
Integration into Local Economical & Regional Development
One way REI Adventures give back to the local communities is by taking volunteers to multiple locations where they will be given the opportunity to purchase local merchandise and any souvenirs they may desire. Day 1 of the excursion begins with a visit to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. On day 9, volunteers are taken to the Ollantaytambo ruins and the Pisac Market. Another way REI Adventures helps support the local economy and regions is by supporting the local restaurants. The meals purchased with the excursion money come from local restaurants and businesses, as well as the lodging accomodations.
Fair Trade Partnership Between all Actors in Tourism
The main partner for REI Adventures is Conservation Volunteers International Program. They provide volunteering programs all over the world, dedicated to sustaining great landscapes and cultural sites. These different sites then play a huge role in attracting tourists from around the world, resulting in both economical and environmental benefits.
Sustainable Resource Use & Environmental Justice
“Sustaining” is exactly what this volunteer vacation is all about. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help restore an archeological site that has been a major attraction since it’s rediscovery in 1911. As one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this beautifully historic site stands in great need of restoration and maintenance care, and volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in both while enjoying the beautiful experience that is Machu Picchu.
http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/latin/mpv.html.
REI Adventures is a good example of how organizations can adhere to the cornerstones of fair trade and responsible tourism.
Fair Working Conditions
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside park rangers to help maintain the many trails connected with Machu Picchu and to help with the restoring different locations. The working conditions have been rated Moderate [3], due to the elevation of the locations volunteers will be visiting (8,000-11,000 ft.). Volunteers will be required to hike up to 2 miles a day on mountainous terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents. To give you an idea of the level of fitness required, compare it to working in your yard all day, shoveling soil and pruning trees. If you can handle that, you should be just fine.
Fair Prices
The price for the 10-day excursion per person is $2,950.00. What is so great about the REI Adventure is that the price includes all your meals, hotel accommodations, guide leadership and support staff, group tools, bus and train transportation (outlined in itinerary), orientation and training excursions (also in itinerary) and park entrance fees.
Integration into Local Economical & Regional Development
One way REI Adventures give back to the local communities is by taking volunteers to multiple locations where they will be given the opportunity to purchase local merchandise and any souvenirs they may desire. Day 1 of the excursion begins with a visit to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. On day 9, volunteers are taken to the Ollantaytambo ruins and the Pisac Market. Another way REI Adventures helps support the local economy and regions is by supporting the local restaurants. The meals purchased with the excursion money come from local restaurants and businesses, as well as the lodging accomodations.
Fair Trade Partnership Between all Actors in Tourism
The main partner for REI Adventures is Conservation Volunteers International Program. They provide volunteering programs all over the world, dedicated to sustaining great landscapes and cultural sites. These different sites then play a huge role in attracting tourists from around the world, resulting in both economical and environmental benefits.
Sustainable Resource Use & Environmental Justice
“Sustaining” is exactly what this volunteer vacation is all about. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help restore an archeological site that has been a major attraction since it’s rediscovery in 1911. As one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this beautifully historic site stands in great need of restoration and maintenance care, and volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in both while enjoying the beautiful experience that is Machu Picchu.
