Panorama of Machu Picchu terraces, watcher's hut and Wuayna Picchu with shadow in early morning light. Machu Picchu is the famous lost city of the Incas near the river Urubamba located in the region of the sacred valley of Cuzco. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the 7 new world wonders.
It’s 2019 and anything can be cruelty-free and eco-friendly these days — including trekking to Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic city in the clouds.
A crew of intrepid explorers are planning to hike the ambitious Inca Trail in April of 2020 — all while eating a plant-based diet, wearing cruelty-free gear, and offsetting their travel emissions.
“Although less strenuous than Kilimanjaro, Inca Trail is one of the world’s classic hikes, and it’s been on my bucket list for several years,” says organizer Mike Weinberg of his inspiration for the trip.
The cost is around $2,500 total (including meals, guides, airfare, etc, although airfare varies depending on origin), and registrations are being accepted through the end of September.
The adventure will include a four-day, high-altitude, porter-supported, carbon-offset trek. The trail is located northwest of Cusco, Peru. Machu Picchu is an ancient city known for its mysterious history and stunning architecture and views.
Elevations over the 28+ mile trek range from a whopping 7,873 to 13,779 feet. The team is out to showcase what’s possible on a plant-based diet, all while raising funds to support NutritionFacts.org.
“The first two all-vegan trips I organized, to Kilimanjaro and Antarctica, were fabulous,” he adds. “To be surrounded by like-minded vegans is an amazing experience. The camaraderie we developed was one of my favorite parts of each trip.
Participants don’t have to be vegan, but they do have to agree to eat exclusively plant-based while training (at least 60 days prior to the trek) and bring and wear 100% animal-free gear.
As far as the travel emissions, trekkers will donate to CoolEffect.org, a group that funds tree plantings, grassland and forest preservation, wind turbines, economical cookstoves, and a bird sanctuary — all to offset carbon emissions.
Once reaching the peak, the team will unfurl a Vegan Inca Trail banner! Because vegans can do anything!
Check out the group’s Facebook page for more info and all the juicy deets!
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Thanks, Hannah, for the fantastic article! After a flurry of bookings over the last few days, 15 of the 16 available slots have been filled! There is one spot remaining for a lucky male trekker in order to balance the shared hotel/tent situation. For details, search Facebook for "Vegan Inca Trail"
Thanks so much!
Mike