I have always believed that life is a collection of stories, and the best way to travel is not just to collect postcards, but to leave a meaningful mark. When you think of Peru or Machu Picchu, you surely imagine the Andean peaks, Incan mysticism, and the unparalleled adventure in Cusco. And it’s true, it is magical. But there is another side to this land that needs our attention.
My story, and the one I want you to make yours too WITH Purpose Travel, begins far from the tourist hustle, in the rural province of Acomayo, Cusco. Here, the beauty of the landscape is as stark as the difficulties many families face every day.
🌬️ Project 1: A Breath of Life – The True Journey is Improving a Home
Imagine this: a mother cooking in a tiny space where the smoke from the wood fire has no escape. That thick smoke, which fills the only room serving as both kitchen and bedroom, not only darkens the walls but infiltrates the lungs, especially those of the children. It is a silent, yet devastating reality for their health. Our foundation steps in here with a clear purpose: health through the home. For just $950 USD, we can transform a dwelling. We invest in roof improvement to stop rain and wind, and install improved stoves with chimneys and ventilation ducts. By channeling the smoke outside, we not only prevent serious respiratory diseases but give these families cleaner air and, literally, a breath for a better quality of life. Traveling to Peru and knowing your contribution directly improves a child’s health is the best souvenir you can take home.
☀️ Project 2: The Sun’s Embrace – Warmth to Combat Extreme Cold
The Andean highlands are unforgiving. Nights in Cusco reach extreme temperatures that threaten health, especially for the elderly and the very young. How do we combat this extreme cold without access to heating? With the wisdom and energy of the sun. We have developed a simple and brilliant system: conditioning a wall with a polycarbonate sheet to create a thermal chamber. During the day, the sun heats this space, and at night, a ventilation system directs that accumulated warmth into the house. It’s a solidarity bioclimatic architecture solution that keeps the home warm, protects against frost, and prevents illness. Your trip to Machu Picchu can fund vital warmth for a family during the icy Andean winter.
🐾 Project 3: Street Hope – The Veterinary Clinic for a Safer Cusco
When you visit Cusco, you notice the overwhelming number of stray dogs. This is not only a problem for the suffering animals but a public health risk due to diseases like rabies. My vision is to create a free shelter and veterinary clinic. Our first step is massive sterilization to control the population and alleviate suffering. With your support and that of volunteer veterinarians, we can offer care and eventually, a safe home. We want a more compassionate Peru, and this begins with caring for the creatures wandering the streets of the Incan city.
Your Purpose Trip to Peru starts here.
