Deforestation is a significant problem in the Andes due to commercial logging, clear-cutting for agricultural use, as well as household uses of wood for cooking and home-building. We are now working on a reforestation project that involves tourist participation as part of the " Plant for the Planet" program of the United Nations Environment Program. Transfer to a local community such as Rumira, Pachar or Piri with your guide and meet a representative of the community who will take you to the project site where you will help plant new, native Queuna, Tara, Aliso, and Huaranguay trees, water existing trees, and providing other maintenance at the project facility. Travelers, alongside community members and the guide, will improve the irrigation system, construct fencing for the site and the water storage pool, and develop a windmill water pump. You will learn about the history of the project, its sustainability due to the inclusion of the local youth association, and get your hands dirty. The trip will include a tour of the community and lunch at a local restaurant located near the project site. In the evening, transfer back to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
This full day trip is approximately 7 hours. Click
here for information on Plant for the Planet