MY PERU ADVENTURE: Trekking to Machu Picchu

by on July 31, 2013

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This October, I’m taking part in an exciting trekking adventure in the mountains of Peru to raise money for World Vision Australia. And I need your help to reach my fundraising target!

I’ve teamed up with Inspired Adventures, a company that organises life-changing trips in support of various charities, to join a group of like-minded Aussies on a two-week trip to Peru. I’ll be visiting Lima, then flying to Cusco where I’ll acclimatise to the high altitude and check out the Urubamba Valley. That’s followed by the highlight of the trip, a 4-day trek from Cusco all the way to the ‘Lost city of the Incas’ Machu Picchu. Sounds pretty cool right? I know, I can’t wait – not only will I get to experience all this awesomeness, but I’ll also be raising money for World Vision Australia.

World Vision is Australia’s largest overseas aid organisation, working in over 59 countries to provide aid to poverty-stricken communities all over the world. Part of my trip includes a visit to a World Vision project in Peru to see first-hand what the money we raise goes towards. My goal is to raise $5000 by the end of September, so if you would like to support me then please visit my fundraising page and donate a few bucks. It would mean a lot to me and you will be helping a great cause.

I’ve been wanting to do something like this for awhile. As much as I am LOVING my new dream career as a cartoonist, the fact of the matter is that I spend all my time indoors in a small room, slouched over a drawing table or computer. I need to practice what I preach in my comics and get out into the world, explore new places, experience other cultures and just do something exciting.

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Also, of all the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is the one I’ve always wanted to see the most. For the uninitiated, Machu Picchu is the ruins of a 500-year old Incan city situated high up in the mountains of the Andes, 2500m above sea-level. It was never found by the Spanish during their rule and was only discovered by the outside world in 1911.

I’m really looking forward to it and I know that with your help, we can reach the fundraising target. Of course I will blog all about the trip and take lots of photos and share it with you when I return.

In the meantime, since there’s no way I’m fit enough to attempt a 4-day trek at high altitude right now, I have just over two months to get in shape!

Thanks as always – I’ll keep you updated with how it goes.
– Gav

UPDATE: The fundraising has ended – thanks to everyone who donated! I really appreciate it and I can’t wait for my trip in late October.