The Inca Trail and Quechua Community project

What Has Been Achieved So Far

Over the past two years of trekking with Andina Travel on this trek, a great deal has been done. Through the hard work of Andina and the money raised by our Dragoman groups the following has been achieved.

2005

Schools: Desks; Books; Painted school room & blackboard; Replaced some windows
Other Work: Worked with communities to create new camping areas in both communities we visit. The communities can charge other trekkers to use these facilities Planted trees around the campsite and school areas
Building of new toilet facilities specifically for the campsite
Recruited new teacher for the Cuncani community
Planting and harvesting alongside the local villagers, increasing type of crops available to local people to improve their diets
Quechua lessons with the local school children
Clean up of popular sections of trail, plastic rubbish

2006

The following is the result of our visits in 2006:
Our groups have carried on cleaning up around and at the schools in two different Quechuan communities and have helped in the planting and the financing of thousands of trees. Money has also been spent on improving the education within the schools, including the provision of new teachers. Recent groups have just started to take clay ovens into the villages - these will cut down on need for firewood during the wet season, last much longer and are far less smokey and therefore much better for the health of families and in particular the women. In 2007 funds will be allocated to the completion of the Cuncani Community Centre and the plan is for the roof to go on in June. In the spring, work on the greenhouses will continue, which will allow the communities to grow a variety of highly nutritious products that helps the health of the communities.

Once the community centre is up and running, the local Quechuans will be able to demonstrate their traditional weaving and also sell their crafts to our future groups. The centre will also provide a place for community meetings and for heathchecks and education. This is planned for later in the year.

Our groups will also continue to work with the children in schools in Quechua and English and also working with the villagers during planting and harvesting times