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Where does my trip start?
Machu Picchu begins in Lima, Peru, where you will catch a flight to Cusco. You will most likely be traveling with other Moondance students and your instructors! We use Club Travel to coordinate all travel for international trips to ensure that students arrive as a group.
What happens in a typical day?
That depends on whether you are backpacking, exploring ruins, completing a service project, or rafting, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of Peru, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will start a day of rafting, Spanish lessons, or pack packs and start hiking to the next destination! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, learning Peruvian cooking methods, or summitting a peak along the Inca Trail, your group will pick a great campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with "moonup;" a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
Though knowledge of Spanish may be useful during homestays or when traveling, it is certainly not required. Your leaders will be fluent in Spanish in order to coordinate travel and logistics at the airport and with outfitters. You may find it fun to practice phrases with the sons and daughters of families, or exchange greetings in the local markets when you buy a souvenir.
What exactly is a homestay?
Homestays are an excellent way to become immersed in the culture of Peru, rather than passively observing it from the trail. During the first week of your adventure, you will stay with families who will allow you to help prepare meals in the outskirts of Cusco. From this experience, you will gain the perspective of a child who wakes every morning to tend to the family cattle, or of parents who relate stories of family life within the valleys of the Andes.
What is the weather like in Peru?
June and July are part of the dry season in Peru with hot, dry days and cold, dry nights. The nights can get pretty chilly, so be sure to follow the Clothing and Equipment List that you receive after you sign on!
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
This famous trail is challenging at times because you are winding through mountainous areas with various changes in altitude. You will have plenty of opportunities to take breaks for water, snacks and exploring. As with all backpacking sections, you will gain an incredible sense of accomplishment after each day and by the time you reach Machu Picchu, you will feel 100% comfortable on the trail and most likely hate to leave!
Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?
Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in, so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!
Are there any vaccinations I need for this trip?
The only required vaccination for entry into Peru is a current tetanus booster. However, we have been requested by our Peru outfitters and medical advisor with The Travel Clinic in Atlanta to make certain that all of our Machu Picchu students have at least a current tetanus booster, a Hepatitis A vaccination and a typhoid vaccination. We do strongly encourage that you contact your family physician and / or the CDC in Atlanta concerning these preventative health measures. For more detailed information, please visit www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm on the web.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to find your way using topographical maps and a compass, or how to help navigate Class IV whitewater rapids. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging jungle trek and a heavy pack, the beauty of simple living found within the strong family ties of those you meet, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road..
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