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Country: BOLIVIA, CHILE, ECUADOR, PERU
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| VentureCo |
The Ironyard
64-66 Market Place
Warks
UNITED KINGDOM
CV34 4SD
Phone: 01926 411 122
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Program description: |
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Inca and Amazon Venture – 15 Weeks - Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Bolivia. From the depths of the Amazon jungle to the heights of Machu Picchu. The Inca sun-god, Inti, was eclipsed when the Spanish conquistadors killed the last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, in 1532. Inca Venture explores the jungles, deserts, and high Andes of the Inca Empire, between Atahualpa’s northern outpost, Quito and his southern capital Cusco; the “Naval of the Universe”.
Three phases make one Venture
Cultural Orientation and Learn Spanish!
Live and work with a remote Inca community!
Explore off the beaten track on the trail to Machu Picchu!
Inca and Amazon Venture follows a similar trail to Inca Venturer but includes an exploration of Chile’s Atacama desert and the Uyuni Salt Flats of southern Bolivia.
Venture Highlights: Travel Survival Course in UK before departure. Three weeks of 1-to-1 Spanish tuition in Ecuador and Peru along with cultural introduction. Community development projects in Ecuador and Peru, work with the people and live a foreign culture. Two high altitude expedition treks in the Andes. Exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile. 4 x 4 jeep crossing of the Uyuni salt flats. Amazon wildlife and jungle exploration in Bolivia. Adventure activities including mountain biking, surfing and white-water rafting.New friends and the time of your life!
Venture Summary
Inca & Amazon Venture, 15 weeks
Weeks 1 & 2 Cultural Orientation and Language School: Quito, Ecuador. Spanish tuition one-to-one or in small groups. Weekend visit to indigenous market and expedition skills training. Accommodation in VentureCo’s “Selva Alegre” hostel.
Weeks 3 & 4 Community Development Projects Ecuador Option 1: Urban Micro-greenhouse Project: Quito Ecuador. Join the municipality of Quito’s “Urban Agriculture” program in disadvantaged residential districts. Accommodation in family homestays. Option 2: Machalilla National Park: Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. Developing footpaths and information boards in the park. Constructing classrooms and day-care centres in nearby villages. Accommodation in the VentureCo Field centre.
Week 5 Expedition Ecuador: Amazon Jungle & River Exploration. Amazon jungle exploration and white-water rafting on the Napo river. Expedition Peru: Pacific coast. Border crossing into Peru. Surf beaches and the ancient mud-walled city at Chan Chan.
Weeks 6 & 7 Rural Community Development Project in the Andes, Peru. Installing trekking and camping facilities in highland villages along The Great Inca Road. Polylepis tree reforestation in the Cordillera Blanca. Self-supported camping accommodation.
Week 8 Expedition Peru: High Altitude Trek. 5-day high altitude mountain trek along the Inca Naani section of the Great Inca Road. Self-supported camping accommodation
Week 9 Expedition Peru: Lima, Ballestas Isles, Nazca Lines & Arequipa. Sample city life in Lima, offshore safari to view marine wildlife on the Ballestas Isles. Fly over the 2000-year old Nazca Lines. Colonial splendour in Arequipa
Week 10 Expedition Chile: The Atacama Desert. Enter Chile at Arica and travel to the desert oasis of “San Pedro de Atacama”. Activities include mountain biking, horse-riding and the eerie “Lunar Valley”
Week 11 Expedition Bolivia: The Uyuni Salt Flats and the silver of Potosi. Into Bolivia’s “Empty Quarter” and across the Uyuni Salt Flats. Potosi, the highest city in the world, famous for its mines, metals and money.
Week 12 Expedition Bolivia: Andes to Amazon – mountain and jungle. Cross the Altiplano to La Paz and trek from the Andes to the Amazon on the four-day Choro trail. Jungle wildlife safari.
Week 13 Expedition Peru: Lake Titicaca and on to Cusco. Cross Lake Titicaca to enter Peru and experience life on the islands. Journey through the Inca heartlands to Cusco
Week 14 Language School refresher course: Cusco, Peru. Spanish tuition at Amigos Language School. Assist with the Amigos street children project. Accommodation in family homestays.
Week 15 Expedition Peru: The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. 5-day high altitude mountain trek through stunning Andean landscapes to Machu Picchu. Venture finale in Lima.
Thinking about onward travel?
This Venture is a comprehensive introduction to travelling in South America so when it’s all over, why not stay on and explore a bit more? South America itself is a huge continent and countries like Argentina and Brazil are within easy reach of your Venture finishing point. Further a field you can fly north to Central America and make use of your Spanish skills in countries like Guatemala, Mexico and even Cuba! Airline connections are available to incorporate South America into a Round the World travel plan.
VentureCo’s staff have explored all 11 countries in South America and all 7 countries in Central America. Call us to talk through your ideas and develop a travel plan.
This is an all-inclusive trip, with full support and a range of services provided before, during and after the Venture.
Included in the price:
Travel Safety Course held in the UK.
All food
All accommodation
Language tuition and homestays.
Cultural orientation
Expedition activities including:
Inca Naani, Choro Trail and Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, mountain biking and whitewater rafting, Nazca Lines flight, Uyuni salt flat crossing, Bolivian jungle safari, Lake Titicaca sail-trek and Ballestas Isles by motor launch.
Trekking permits, guides and porters fees, & Machu Picchu entry permit.
Transport throughout the Venture.
Development project funding through the VentureCo Trust
“With flights” price includes “open jaw” flights from London to Quito and home from Lima to London
Not included:
Travel insurance.
Visas and travel documents.
Inoculations
Items of a personal nature.
Tips to guides/porters.
Drinks and evenings out.
“With flights” price does not include airport taxes which currently stand at £108. These costs are subject to change beyond our control and we will confirm the precise amount at your Venture Travel Safety Course (about 10 weeks before departure)
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: Gap Year: 17-20. Career Gap: 21 and over.
Travel to site: Group Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 10 to 16
Living arrangements on the program: Varies, Tents/Rustic Accommodation, Group living, Home stays (living with local families)
How long does the program last?: 3-6 months
What are the dates of this program: Inca & Amazon Venture [46] departs on 12-01-07
Inca & Amazon Venture [CG 47] departs on 02-02-07
Inca & Amazon Venture [48] departs on 23-02-07
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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This is travel with purpose:
Learn the language. Give something back to the local community by working directly with them.
Explore the backcountry and neighbouring lands on an expedition that requires all 16 team members to work together. Guided by experienced leaders you will learn about high altitude trekking and wilderness craft.
After 16 weeks you will possess the confidence, language skills and knowledge to undertake independent, onward travel.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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£4870 (16 weeks)
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Typical person for this program: |
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Venturers are enthusiastic and motivated team-players, with plenty of initiative and a desire to make a positive contribution to the communities they visit.
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