Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we bridge the divide. Our goal is to connect local youths to their own environments, as travelers, and as stewards.
Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates fun new travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders. They see the sites, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories that we take for granted. Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
To celebrate eight years since the beginning of Peruvian Hearts’ focus on girls’ education and empowerment, 27 of the scholars and five team members took a trip to the mighty Machu Picchu.
Photo Credit: Peruvian Hearts
The Excursion:
On September 8th, 2019, the girls departed Cusco by bus at 3:00 am to make the most of their day trip to Machu Picchu. For several of the Peruvian Hearts scholars, it was their first opportunity to visit the famous ruins.
Photo Credit: Peruvian Hearts
The Details:
The bus arrived in Ollantaytambo, where the group boarded an early train that was soon winding its way alongside the Urubamba River. It was magical to watch the golden rays of the morning sun light up the surrounding valleys and mountains. The group was seated amongst tourists who had traveled great distances for this day. Everyone admired the stunning views out of the window together. They traveled through the scenic Sacred Valley, down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, located just below Machu Picchu.
Photo Credit: Peruvian Hearts
Anticipation grew as the girls approached the entrance to Machu Picchu, which was even more impressive in person than they possibly imagined. As they walked around the citadel, the guide spoke about their heritage and the innovative architecture of their ancestors. She explained the importance and significance of the ruins, which the girls found fascinating. Smiles didn’t leave their faces for the whole day.
On conclusion of the tour, it was time for a traditionally cooked lunch in the Machu Picchu Pueblo before making their way back home.
For the entire group, it was a meaningful and memorable experience that strengthened their bond with their home country as well as each other.
Photo Credit: Peruvian Hearts
Partner Organization:
Peruvian Hearts empowers young women and enables them to reach their full potential through a unique formula. They combine enhanced educational opportunities along with mentorship and participation in service and structured empowerment classes to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for these young women to rise and break the cycle of poverty.
Photo Credit: Peruvian Hearts
Have a read of more Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
