Supporting MEDLIFE: Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere
Charity Give back to the destinations you visit by fundraising to provide healthcare, education, and a safe home for local communities. Learn more about MEDLIFE and the cause you will fundraise for by visiting www.medlifemovement.org.
Challenge Push yourself on the 5 day Salkantay Trek through lush forests and sacred snow-capped mountains to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Good Life Expeditions is a Peru based expert travel company, passionate about creating transformational experiences for visitors from around the world. But we also have a unique motivation when we plan trips. We were born in partnership with MEDLIFE, a non-profit organization that empowers low-income communities in their fight for equal access to healthcare, education, and a safe home. So everything we do is about planning incredible journeys that give back.
That is why we are sponsoring a Peru Charity Challenge, the perfect combination of adventure and giving back. Operated by Good Life Expeditions, the challenge will promote awareness of extreme poverty in the destinations visited and inspire giving by providing an avenue for participants to fundraise for our partner non-profit, MEDLIFE. And beyond that, it will be an unforgettable travel experience!
On the epic 8 day / 7 night expedition you will visit Cusco, the most beautiful city in South America, before embarking on the 5 day Salkantay Trek. The hike will take you through subtropical forests, traverse high mountain passes, and end at the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Ready to be challenged and inspired? Join us by paying the registration fee!
Pricing Overview
$500 Registration fee
$2,000 Mandatory fundraising goal
Additional fundraising can be done to reimburse up to your flight costs
Detailed pricing information, inclusions, and exclusions can be found on the Itinerary in Detail tab
Steps to Joining the Charity Challenge Expedition
Decide to challenge yourself and give back on the Good Life Expeditions Charity Challenge!
Pay the $500 registration fee
A Good Life Expeditions team member will email you confirming your registration and provide you Charity Challenge resources, as well as the link to start your fundraising efforts.
Create your personal fundraising page and share your story and fundraising page with friends, family, and anyone you think would be interested in supporting the MEDLIFE cause via your trek.
Fundraise $2,000 (or more!) to confirm your participation.
Embark of the Charity Challenge for the week of a lifetime!
Itinerary In Brief
Day 1: Saturday
Arrival to Cusco and an afternoon tour of the most beautiful city in South America. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco.
Day 2: Sunday
The group will choose from a selection of full day tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco.
Day 3: Monday
Salkantay Trek Day 1: Cusco – Soyroqocha
Begin the majestic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Today’s hike includes stunning views of snow-capped Apu Salkantay. Overnight Camping.
Day 4: Tuesday
Salkantay Trek Day 2: Soyroqocha – Colpapampa
The most beautiful day of the trek with an ascent to rocky and icy passes and a descent to warm and tropical cloud forests. Overnight Camping.
Day 5: Wednesday
Salkantay Trek Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa Santa Teresa
A gentle day walking along the banks of the Santa Teresa river. Overnight Camping.
Day 6: Thursday
Salkantay Trek Day 4: Playa Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
Today’s trek ends with sweeping views of Machu Picchu Mountain and Apu Salkantay. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Aguas Calientes.
Day 7: Friday
Salkantay Trek Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Finally, you will enter the breath-taking UNESCO Heritage site of Machu Picchu for a tour and optional hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco.
Day 8: Saturday
Depart Cusco for onward travel or your international departure from Lima.
Continue your dedication to the communities of Peru with a one week educational and impactful Service Learning Trip (SLT) with MEDLIFE. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Take a morning flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a Good Life Expeditions representative will meet you and show you to your hotel. In the afternoon, wander through the cobblestone streets of the most beautiful city in South America, Cusco. On this half-day city tour you will visit the historical landmarks of the city center including the main plaza, Plaza de Armas, the Spanish colonial Santo Domingo Cathedral, and the Incan temple of Qoricancha. You will also visit the archaeological sites surrounding the city including the hill-top Sacsayhuaman with polished stones and panoramic views, the former military site of Puca Pucara, Qenqo temple, and the mysterious Tambomachay.
Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco
Sunday
Based on your interests, today you can choose from a selection of full day, private Sacred Valley tours. Options include a trip to the historically significant Ollantaytambo fortress, an immersive experience visiting Chinchero town and market, or an excursion to the iconic Incan sites of the Maras salt pans and the Moray ringed terraces.
Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco
Monday
Salkantay Trek Day 1: Cusco – Soyroqocha
Leave Cusco early in the morning for the four-hour scenic drive to the town of Limatambo, where you’ll visit Tarawasi, an archaeological site, before continuing to the towns of Mollepata, and then Soraypampa where lunch is served before you begin the trek. On foot, you’ll start with a moderate ascent to Salkantaypampa (10,625ft / 3,268m above sea level), offering stunning views of snow-capped Apu Salkantay. Continuing the steep climb, you’ll reach the Soyroqocha campsite, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night. Expect cold temperatures overnight.
Max altitude: 14,715ft / 4485m above sea level Distance covered: 3.1 miles / 5km Approx. trekking time: 3 hrs
Overnight Camping
Tuesday
Salkantay Trek Day 2: Soyroqocha – Colpapampa
Avoiding the freezing temperatures of the early morning, you can rise later, and set off for a 45-minute climb to the Salkantay pass, the toughest part of the trek, taking you to 15,255ft (4,650m) above sea level. Today is also the most beautiful, with breathtaking scenery all around. The terrain will slowly change, as we leave behind the dry Puna, covered in ichu grass, ascend to the rocky and icy pass and then descend to warm and tropical cloud forests with hummingbirds and toucans. Your campsite for the night is Colpapampa in the Humantay valley, where a well-deserved dinner and restful night awaits.
Max altitude: 15,340ft / 4,650m above sea level Distance covered: 6.83 miles / 11km Approx. trekking time: 7 hrs
Overnight Camping
Wednesday
Salkantay Trek Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa Santa Teresa
Day 3 is a much gentler day of trekking, and you walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa river, through native forests, coffee and fruit plantations, and past a beautiful waterfall. While the views are not as breathtaking as the day before, the warmth and lush vegetation will be a welcome change from the cold and high altitude of the previous days. Tonight’s campsite is located near to the village of La Playa and there are some facilities and also a river to refresh yourself in.
Max altitude: 9,372ft / 2,840m above sea level Distance covered: 6.21 miles / 10km Approx. trekking time: 7 hrs
Overnight Camping
Thursday
Salkantay Trek Day 4: Playa Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes Setting off early, today you’ll walk along the road for about 45 minutes before turning off onto a footpath leading to the Aobamba valley. From here you’ll climb upwards for about 2 hours, through a forest with native trees, and stopping to admire the Llactapata archaeological site. From here there are stunning views of Machu Picchu mountain and Apu Salkantay. Continuing downhill, you’ll cross the Aobamba river and then board a train at Hidroélectrica (Hydroelectric Plant) to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Max altitude: 9,240ft / 2,800m above sea level Distance covered: 5.59 miles / 9km Approx. trekking time: 7 hrs
Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Aguas Calientes
Friday
Salkantay Trek Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco Early in the morning, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, finally entering the breath-taking UNESCO Heritage site. You have the option to hike Machu Picchu Mountain* (3-4 hours round trip, rigorous and steep) with stunning views down to the ruins. Enjoy a full guided tour, taking in all the highlights – including the terraces, temples, burial sites and other sacred places. Your guide will show you the best spots for those classic Machu Picchu photos. At the end of the tour, you’ll transfer back to Cusco by bus and train.
Max altitude: 7,995ft / 2,437m above sea level Distance covered: 0.93 miles / 1.5km Approx. trekking time: 3 hrs
Overnight at Casa Andina Standard Cusco
*Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional cost.
Saturday
According to your flight time, a Good Life Expeditions representative will meet you at your hotel to bring you to Cusco airport. With a full week of adventures in the rearview mirror, bid farewell to Peru for onward travel or your international departure from Lima.
Total Trip Cost (Including Fundraising Goals): $2,500
$500 Registration Fee
$2,000 Mandatory Fundraising Goal
Any amount fundraised above $2,000 can be used to cover your flight costs. You will buy your own international and domestic flights, provide us with the receipt, and we will reimburse you the extra money that you fundraised above $2,000 up to your entire flight costs. Any additional fundraised money above your flight costs will be donated directly to MEDLIFE.
Inclusions
4 hotel nights, 3 camping nights (hotels are subject to change, according to availability)
Breakfast at all hotels
All meals during the Salkantay Trek
Tours stated in the itinerary
English speaking tour guides
Transfers and entrance fees
Trains to/from Machu Picchu
Emergency Travel Health Insurance for the duration of your trip (this can be upgraded for $130 for additional coverage)
Easy and simple fundraising tools
Exclusions
International airfare
Domestic airfare
The following meals
Lunch and dinner on day 1
Dinner on day 2
Lunch and dinner on day 7
Tips
Cancellation Policies
$300 of the registration fee is non-refundable
$200 of the registration fee is refundable up to 120 days before the trip leaves
Donations are refundable up to 120 days before the trip leaves
Less than 120 days before the trip leaves, you will be expected to pay the difference if you don’t reach the required fundraising amount
Optional Extensions (additional cost)
MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip in Cusco or Lima
Continue your dedication to the communities of Peru with a one week educational and impactful Service Learning Trip (SLT) with MEDLIFE. Work hand in hand with the local community on development projects and mobile medical clinics while you grow your understanding of the realities of extreme poverty and personally connect with the communities that MEDLIFE supports. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Expedition Add-On in Peru or Ecuador
For those interested in exploring more of Peru, or South America, Good Life Expeditions can arrange additional responsible travel experiences. Examples include continuing with your adventures in the Sacred Valley to get a deeper understanding of the area, exploring the Amazon Jungle on a 4 day / 3 night extension, or adding an additional week in the biodiverse and magical Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. The possibilities are endless, so contact [email protected] for a personalized recommendation.
Contact us with questions or head to the highlights tab to sign up by paying the registration fee.
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Day 4: Tuesday
Day 6: Thursday