The information in the gapyear.com placement database is provided by each individual company. Gapyear.com claims no responsibility for inaccurate, misleading or libellious information. Please ensure that you check all details with the specific organisation before booking or accepting placement.

GYC0311 - Andes Madventure Country: Peru Cost: £750.00 Please note: For the month of August only this project is priced at £999. A kitty contribution of $390 is payable locally. Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 3 weeks Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7522 or

 

	This placement would suit... anyone who wants to have a laugh, work hard, give back and go MAD! Planes, trains, automobiles and...reed canoes!?! All these and more will be employed during 21 days of Peruvian adventure. Madventurer are offering two different programmes for their now well established 'Madventure'. Beginning in Peru's capital gives you the opportunity to tour some of Lima's excellent museums, the perfect way to try and gain some understanding of the many and varied cultures that have influenced Peru's voluminous history. In addition the Plaza de Armas is a must see, especially the Cathedral and the nearby San Francisco Monastery where you can descend into the spooky catacombs! South of Lima you'll visit the enigma that is the site of the Nasca Lines. Take to the air to see them for yourself, then perhaps explain to the rest of the group why they're there...no one else seems to know for certain! Nearby Chauchilla Cemetery showcases another ancient curiosity: mummies. The resort of Huacachina provides a fantastic location to try your hand at some sandboarding...like, totally awesome dude! There our jaunt through the Atacama Desert comes to an end and we leave for the Andes and Arequipa. The mountains surrounding 'The White City' truly do warrant the tag 'imposing'. Once your gaze has dropped from them the striking architecture of the city will be the next feature to divert your attention. Whilst in Arequipa the history of the city can be explored but there are also opportunities to go cycling, trekking, horse riding and to visit the Colca Canyon. The 900 metre deep Canyon is not only spectacular in it's own right, it is home to a significant number of that iconic Peruvian bird, the Condor. Condors appear to be staunch adherents to the proverb, 'The early bird catches the worm' and you'll have to rise at stupid o' clock to catch a glimpse of them, an inconvenience that will be instantly forgotten when they glide into view. Having seen how it's done, it's your turn to take to the skies with a flight to Cusco. From here you can access the Inca Trail, the famous old Inca roadway leading to the breath-taking Machu Picchu. It will mean four days of effort but the porters will carry the majority of your equipment, and do so with a cheery smile!!! After you've completed the trek, toured the ruins and paused to really drink in the unique atmosphere, it's back to Cusco for some relaxation and maybe a bit of shopping, perhaps in the markets found in the close by Sacred Valley. Lake Titicaca, at 3,800 metres above sea level is the highest navigable lake in the world and there's certainly no lack of it. We'll venture onto the enormous lake by boat and step onto the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians. Following that there'll be the opportunity to spend an evening with a family on a more conventional island made of solid earth! Some of the programmes will continue on into Bolivia and come to a close in the capital, La Paz. Approaching by bus is perhaps the best way to arrive as you are treated to a panoramic view of the entire city, situated, as it is, in the bottom of a bowl surrounded by mountains. A city of bowler hats, hills, stunning scenery, Llama foetus' and, when we arrive, a bit of a party to celebrate a job well done! Alternatively, one route will not dip into Bolivia but will include a trip to Huaraz in the north of Peru and at the heart of the climbing and trekking 'scene' in Peru. Huascaran, Peru's highest peak can be seen from Huaraz and a number of trek's including the popular four day 'Santa Cruz Loop' as well as the 5,750 metre peak of Pisco are certainly possible for those keen to try. There's also the nearby archaeological sites of Chavin de Huantar and Wilkawain to visit and a host of other activities to get involved with. So there you have it, 21 days of discovering some of the best Peru has to offer. A fascinating country that will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Included in The Price Inca Trail Nazca Lines Flights All Accommodation of the Madventure All Transport of the Madventure Experienced Crew What the Kitty Goes Towards Boat Trip and Family Stay on Lake Titicaca Sandboarding In Huacachina Boat Trip to Islas Ballestas, Pisco The Santa Cruz Trek All Food The Kitty: The idea of the Kitty is to provide a flexible aspect to the adventure. We appreciate that not everyone will want to do every activity so this gives the group and its individuals a little more choice in what they can or cannot do. Therefore, for example, if someone decides they do not want to do one particular activity then they could save the money that it would have cost and put it towards something else. That way everyone is guaranteed the Andes Madventure of their life! Give a little back to Peru and its people by volunteering on a Madventurer development project. Please call us on the number below for more details. 0845 344 7522 Madventurer offers the chance to combine volunteer projects in rural communities with adventurous overland travel. Projects typically include building and teaching but medical, conservation and coaching schemes are also frequently run. Groups leave year-round to destinations in Africa, South America, South-East Asia, the Indian Sub-Continent and Pacific Islands.