Frequently Asked Questions

A. The 2022 Cuso Challenge takes place from September 24 to October 2, 2022, with five of the nine days spent hiking.

A. If you lead a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle, you should be good to go! While strength is important, endurance is key. The hike takes place at altitude (4400m) so we do recommend training to increase cardiovascular endurance.

A. Your age is less of a factor than physical endurance. Participants in the 2018 Cuso Challenge ranged in age from mid-20s to mid-70s!

A. An early breakfast followed by six to eight hours of walking, with many opportunities to stop and take in the remarkable scenery. Lunch and dinner provided along the route. In the evenings, we camp in two-person dome tents in the shadows of mountains.

A. Nope! You don’t need to worry about carrying your gear, setting up camp or cooking. This trip is fully supported with guides, porters, and cooking staff.

A. Walking up hills and climbing stairs can help condition your lower body. Take long hikes with a weighted backpack, up and down hills or on small mountains. Add weight as you increase your training.

A. You’ll have time to explore the city of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. You’ll meet those involved with a local Cuso project and have time to visit with volunteers and beneficiaries. This trek will take you through the remote Lares Valley and offer you real insight into how Andean peoples live. You’ll see glacial blue lakes, snowy peaks, and have time to explore the ruins at Machu Picchu.

Check out the video below to see this incredible trek in action!

A. Travel costs are in the range of $1,650 to $2,650, depending on the payment option you choose. Fundraising commitments range between $2,500 and $4,000. Everything is included (hotels, meals, transportation, etc.) except flights.

A. We’re here to provide you with all the support you need to achieve your fundraising goal! You have access to your own online fundraising page, one-on-one support with Cuso’s professional fundraising staff Amie amie.gibson@cusointernational.org and we will help design a successful fundraising campaign.

A. Cuso International works with Charity Challenge, a reputable and experienced tour operator. This is Cuso’s third trip with Charity Challenge and we can attest to the level of quality, organization and professionalism shown by their guides, doctors, and country staff. They advocate for responsible tourism and work alongside partners like the Rainforest Alliance and Climate Care.

A. There will be no more than 30 people on the trek. If we have between 10-16 people, there will be a small group supplement of $125. If a small group supplement is necessary, we will notify you before departure.

A. In Cusco and Aguas Calientes the accommodation will be in small family run hotels, and rooms are double occupancy. During the trek you will camp in spacious two-person dome tents. If you would like your own room/tent, there is a single room supplement.

A. Thermarest style sleeping mats are provided in Peru. You will need a good three-season sleeping bag.

A. Toilet tents are supplied during the camping days. They are set up near the campsite in locations away from watercourses and toilet paper is provided. You will be provided with warm water for washing yourself at camp. A portable toilet will be set up at all meal stops and camps.

A. There are a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders depending on the size of the group, all of whom speak fluent English. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. There is also a doctor with the group on the hiking days.

A. Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. We recommend approx. US$15 per person per trekking day (approx. US$60 in total) and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters.