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Common questions

Find answers to all your questions about the 2012 Peru Hiking Challenge.

FAQs

When does the trip take place?
What do I have to do to take part?
What sort of person takes part?
Where will we stay while hiking?
Do I have to carry my own kit?
Am I fit enough?
Do I have to meet any medical requirements?
How does Macmillan benefit?
What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship?
What will the weather be like?
What is included?
What is not included?
What else do I need?
What is the hiking like?
Can I extend my stay in Peru?
Who organises the trip?
Can I offset my carbon footprint?

When does the trip take place? Back to top

The trip will take place from 19-28 May 2012.

What do I have to do to take part? Back to top

Simply pay a £350 registration fee and return this with a completed application form.
You will then need to raise a minimum of £3,700 , of which £1,300 must be received by Macmillan Cancer Support four months prior to departure. The outstanding amount must be with us within one month of the event taking place.

What sort of person takes part? Back to top

The group will be made up of around 60 people, both men and women, from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, although you must be 18 or over to take part. Whilst some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the group quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.

Where will we stay while hiking? Back to top

While hiking on the trail we will be camping in two man tents, staying at basic campsites with few facilities.

Do I have to carry my own kit? Back to top

Throughout the trek we will be accompanied by porters who will carry all our equipment and supplies. You will carry a day pack to hold any equipment you might need during the day.

Am I fit enough? Back to top

Macmillan challenges are designed to suit people of average fitness. However, if you do not already walk on a regular basis you will need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack.

Do I have to meet any medical requirements? Back to top

Everyone on the challenge is required to complete a medical form that must be signed by your GP. Medical forms will be provided in your fundraising packs and individual surgeries may charge for this service.

How does Macmillan benefit? Back to top

At least 65% of the £3,700 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £3,700 the entire surplus will benefit the charity.

What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship? Back to top

We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to reach your target. You will also have the support of the Challenge Team and our extensive network of Macmillan fundraisers throughout the UK. However, if you do not manage to raise £1,300 four months prior to departure you will have the choice of making up the shortfall yourself or transferring to a later challenge, and thereby giving yourself longer to fundraise.

What will the weather be like? Back to top

Temperature: May 6-22°C.
Average number of days of rain in May: Eight.

It can be very hot and humid, which will add to the challenge of the event.

What is included? Back to top

Return flight: London – Lima – Cusco, Cusco – Lima – London.
Accommodation: Three nights rough camping, five nights in a 3* hotel.
All food other than three meals.
All camping equipment other than a sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Full support with local guides, cooks, porters, Discover Adventure leaders and doctors.
Macmillan Cancer Support representative.

What is not included? Back to top

Insurance: Our tour operator, Discover Adventure, offer insurance specifically created to cover you for the activity you will be undertaking.
Celebration meal on the final night, plus two other meals.
We also recommend around £150 - £200 for personal expenses

What else do I need? Back to top

A valid ten year passport is essential, but there are no visa requirements for UK citizens.
We recommend you consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.

What is the hiking like? Back to top

Each participant will need to carry a day pack for items needed during the day: water, sunscreen, camera, waterproofs etc. Trekking time varies from 3-12 hours per day. The route is on terrain ranging from gentle grassland paths to steep cloud forest trails which are stepped in places and can be uneven and muddy. Some paths have long, steep drops and gullies to the side, therefore, if you suffer from vertigo this trip is not recommended. The trip is challenging mainly because of the altitude at which we are trekking, however, plenty of time is built in to acclimatise.

Can I extend my stay in Peru? Back to top

Yes. If you’d like to stay out in Peru after the challenge our tour operator, Discover Adventure, will be happy to organise this for you. An administrative fee of £75 applies.

Who organises the trip? Back to top

This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply. If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7887 or email us at hiking@macmillan.org.uk .

Can I offset my carbon footprint? Back to top

One of the key determining criteria Macmillan looks for when selecting a tour operator to organise our events is a demonstrable appreciation of environmental concerns. Our tour operator Discover Adventure has links with Climate Care, a service that enables participants to neutralise the carbon emissions caused by taking long-haul flights.

For full details of how to offset your carbon emissions visit the Discover Adventure website.

Useful links

Contact us

Email hiking@macmillan.org.uk|

Call 020 7840 7887
Fax 020 7840 4717
Write to Team Macmillan, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.