Trekking for kids

Trip Report: Peru Trek 2006 - Inca Trail

Trekking for Kids is pleased to report that its second expedition to Peru, to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in May of 2006, was a tremendous success! Apart from trekking the 50 km, Trekking for Kids’ volunteers returned to El Hogar de Niños Ciegos, an orphanage and school for over 100 blind and disabled children, run by the Franciscan Sisters in Cuzco, Peru.

Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors, Trekking for Kids was able to donate $31,000 to the orphanage. The donations from Inca Trek 2006 came as direct funds or in kind donations from donors throughout the United States. Trekking for Kids volunteers organized information and fundraising gatherings in Atlanta, Miami, Salt Lake City, Washington, DC, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Because of the generous donations and the help from our volunteers, Trekking for Kids was able to complete several, much needed, improvement projects for the orphans at El Hogar de Niños Ciegos. We resurfaced the outdoor soccer/basketball court, built a running long-jump, constructed a sun-shade over the outdoor bleachers, repaired the animal pens and fence, and painted the gazebo.

In addition, we were able to bring many needed supplies for the children, including braillers, a braille printer, and other specialty items for the blind, wheelchairs, recreational and physical therapy equipment, warm clothing, toys, medicine, food, and much more.

On the Trail: Trekking for Kids Trekkers hiked the 50 km Inca Trail in four days from Cuzco to Machu Picchu at an average altitude of 11,000 feet. The Trekkers experienced the beauty of the Andes as well as the wonders of the ancient Inca Civilization.

At the Orphanage: Trekking for Kids volunteers spent five days with the orphans and staff of El Hogar de Niños Ciegos. Apart from spending unforgettable hours with the orphans, the volunteers cut the children’s hair, taught art, music, dental hygiene and physical therapy classes, and carried out several improvement projects.

The group ended the trip at the ruins of Machu Picchu; and later, with an afternoon of festivities at the orphanage, which included a Catholic Mass, entertainment by Ronald McDonald, and a party with dinner and dancing for the orphans and staff.

Trekking for Kids would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our volunteers, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and friends who helped make the Inca Trek 2006 a success. We invite you to join our team in Nepal in 2007 or become a contributor, and experience the magic of Trekking for Kids, as we Improve Today, Secure Tomorrow…One Step at a Time®.