Learning for Hope offers a different kind of travel experience for those who like to see the world and work together with their brothers and sisters in other countries.
Some people like to travel and stay in luxury resorts; others like to do volunteer work in developing countries. Learning for Hope is looking to work with people who are in the middle. That is to say, we offer travel experiences that allow people to get the best of both worlds.
LOCATION
Learning for Hope is a based out of 
Cusco, Peru. Cusco is a major tourist destination, thanks to its own archaeological treasures and its proximity to Machu Pichu. It is located at roughly 3400 meters above sea level. It is a major city centre with access to all of the modern technology and goodies your heart may desire. Yes it is in South America; however you will not find snakes and spiders while walking down the street.
HOW LONG ARE THE TRIPS?
Individuals can organize their trips for the amount of time that they desire. Depending on activities and personal needs, individual travelers can stay for months if they desire. Groups generally stay for 10 days; however two weeks or more is possible as long as there is advance notice.
WHERE DO YOU STAY?
People who choose to work and travel with Learning for Hope have a wide variety of boarding options.
- We provide people with the option
of staying with local families. The families are middle class families with comfortable homes; however, more importantly, they are good people with whom you will be able to get a true taste of Peruvian culture and hospitality. Living with these families is the backbone of our experience and it is a part of what makes us different from your typical travel experience.
- For those of you who are a bit
more adventurous, we also offer the possibility of staying with families in the mountain communities where we are working. These families live in simple homes (no showers, not a great deal of material wealth); however, they have been chosen because of their wealth in other areas such as culture, friendship and spirit.
- For those of you who prefer to stay in a hotel, Carmen Munoz Franco is the administrator of the Killa Inti Hotel in Cusco, a two star hotel that is more than capable of providing you with comfortable sleeping arrangements. You can get a look at the hotel and its accommodations at www.killaintihotel.com.
WHAT DO THE TRIPS INCLUDE?
Learning for Hope offers a wide variety of travel experiences for travelers. The following is a list of possible activities and trips that individuals and groups may choose from:
1) Machu Pichu/Ollantaytambo
It has recently been named one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Guided tours of the ruins are available through Edwin, our site guide and trek leader. Visit Ollantaytambo, a quaint little town with cobblestone streets and homes built upon the
remains of buildings dating back to Pre-Colonial times.
2) Tipon
Travel to the ancient Incan water temple located roughly half an hour outside of
Cusco. Group interested in exploring the spiritual side of Peru can request the
services of a shaman will facilitate a welcome ceremony.
3) Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado)
Travel to the Pisac, located in the Sacred Valley, roughly 40 minutes outside of Cusco.
Experience the traditional market. (GREAT FOR SOUVENIR HUNTERS)
4) Cusco (City Tours)
Experience the many beautiful archaeological wonders of Cusco including the
Cathedral, Koricancha, the Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Sacsayhuaman, etc.
5) Community Tours
Travel to one of the communities where we are currently working. Tour the schools
and visit the people you are helping out with your work and donations. If you choose
to do so, you can stay with one of carefully chosen families. FOR GROUPS, WORK PROJECTS CAN BE ORGANIZED. For example, in August of 2007, a group of
people from Toronto repainted the walls of the school in Sacaca. In July and August
of 2008, groups from Pickering built a school garden in the patio of the school in
Yanahuara.
6) Trekking
Travel with Edwin to several destinations including the Inca Trail, Choquequirao,
Salkantay, etc. Private and group treks can be arranged in advance.
7) Salsa Lessons/Traditional Dance Lessons
Learn how to dance salsa, cumbia or more traditional dances such as Sayas, Huaynos,
Marinera, etc.
8) Soccer Games
Cusco is home to Cienciano. If the home dates coincide with your stay, a trip to the
stadium is easy, affordable and safe.
9) Language Classes
For individuals interested in staying in Cusco a little bit longer, Spanish and Quechua
lessons can be arranged.
GROUPS
Learning for Hope can accommodate high school and university groups. A private bus with a driver who used to be a teacher will be at the disposal of any group.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TRIP COST?
Each trip, depending on the options chosen by the traveler or the group, will have its own cost. However, it is important that people understand that Learning for Hope offers trips at cost. Learning for Hope is able to offer trips at cost because Carmen Munoz Franco is willing to work for free as long as people make a contribution and a commitment to help her people. None of the organizers make money off of the trip.