PART I – Days 1-6 : Project with a positive impact in Chirikyacu

Positive impact project in the Community of Chirikyacu: The community of Chirikyacu is located in the department of Saint-Martin, in the province of Lamas, specifically in the district of San Roque de Cumbaza. It is situated approximately 23 km (90 minutes by highway) from the city of Tarapoto. The community is strongly committed to conserving its natural resources. Consequently, their objectives include developing ecotourism projects to facilitate exchanges with travelers and researchers keen to discover the region’s biodiversity and culture in harmony with the local community. To achieve this, they have set up a coordinating office for sustainable development projects, allowing different travelers, researchers, and community members to collaboratively work on biodiversity protection. Some of the projects they have completed include the construction of community lodging where our group will stay, and where the community will work to provide meal services every day.
For the year 2025, the community is willing to introduce academic objectives into their projects to raise awareness among their children about the various ecological challenges they will face. Additionally, they aim to equip their children with the skills needed to sustain the community through revenue streams such as ecotourism and rural tourism. To achieve this, they plan to repurpose one of the classrooms in the small school, which currently has 15 students, for ecological and language learning purposes. Symmes D’arcy will work on constructing the necessary infrastructure and furniture within an 8 x 4 square meter area. The tasks involved in this project include:
• Providing English learning materials for students aged 6 to 12
• Designing educational games and preparing the students to understand and play them
• Teaching English lessons to the students through games and interactive activities.
• Reforestation on a 150-square-meter area that involves planting a significant number of trees to restore the ecosystem and promote biodiversity. The reforestation process includes clearing the area, preparing the soil, and selecting suitable species such as heliconias, miconias, verbenaceas, flowers, and bushes that will provide food for birds and hummingbirds. Overall, reforestation in a 150-square-meter area can have a positive impact on the environment by creating wildlife habitats, improving air quality, and sequestering carbon dioxide. It is a valuable conservation practice that contributes to the health and resilience of ecosystems.
Workshops and excursions:
• Excursion to Chirapillo waterfall.
• Handcrafted
• Textile
• Dance
• Ceramics
• Cooking
• Sports activities with community members.

-Day 1: Direct International flight to Lima with arrival in the morning of Day 2
-Day 2: Domestic flight from Lima to Tarapoto (1h30)
-Private transport from Tarapoto airport to Lamas (1h)
-Private transport “pick-up” from Lamas to Chirikyacu (30 min)
-5 nights in the community lodging of Chirikyacu

PART II – Days 7-9 : Huacachina and Lima

Huacachina is known as the “Oasis of America”.This oasis was formed due to an underground current of water, which generated the growth of plants and trees in the middle of the ica desert. Currently, there are efforts underway in order to preserve the oasis, and to help to preserve the vegetation which is made up of palm trees, eucalyptus and carob trees. Also, It has the largest sand dunes in South America and it is home of the best Dune Buggy and Sandboarding activities in South America.

• Experience the thrill of buggy rides and sandboarding, followed by camping in the heart of the desert.
• Explore "The Costa Verde," a scenic walkway adjacent to a series of beaches, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Surf lesson in one of the beaches of “The Costa Verde” (optional: 45$ USD).
• Experience the most renowned dish from South America's vibrant culinary destination: Ceviche Peruano. This citrus-infused raw seafood delicacy can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a main course. It features ultra-fresh fish marinated in fresh lime juice, accompanied by thinly sliced red onions and sweet potatoes.

-Day 7 – Morning: Domestic flight from Tarapoto to Lima (1h30)
-Private transport from Lima to Ica (Huacachina) (4h)
-1 night of camping in the desert of Huacachina (fully-furnished camping equipment)
-1 night in a hostel of Lima
– Day 9: Direct international flight to Montreal and arrival at 16h20

• Preps

  Travel documents

  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage

  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health

  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety

  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Payment Terms

  1.Immediately:: $300 non-refundable
  2.November 15, 2024: $1800
  3. December 16, 2024: $1725

  PAYMENT  METHODS

  1. INTERAC  EMAIL TRANSFERS  – Proceed with the transfer after signing up online. Include the student’s name in the wire message.
  The email to send the transfer is: finance@alyraexpeditions.com
  Question: which destination?
  Answer: peru

  2.CREDIT CARD: Please note that an additional 3% fee will be charged to the trip price for credit card payments. If you choose this option, we will send you a link by e-mail to pay online.

  Cancellation / Modifications By The Traveler

  In case of cancellation, the Traveller, even in cases of events outside of their control. The minimum cancellation fees are as follows:

  • a) 121 days or more prior to departure: 1st deposit
  • b) 91 to 120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip package
  • c) 46 to 90 days prior to departure:75% of trip package
  • d) 45 days or fewer prior to departure: 100% of package

• These prices include

  • The international direct flights from Montreal;
  • Domestic flights: Lima- Tarapoto round trip;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation (private bus);
  • Lodging in the hostel of the community: multiple occupancy for students and double occupancy for the chaperones;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water during the trip;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides as stated;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants;
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • 0.1% for the OPC’s FICAV (Consumer Protection Office) tax;;
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation Coverage. Youth/Student Deluxe Plan for students of 17 years old and younger only.

• These prices do not include

  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports);
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.