Gulf for Good invites all those ready for the adventure of a lifetime

The adventure will see enthusiastic participants following the ancient route of the Incas. The aim of the Challenge is to bring together Gulf nationals and expatriates of all backgrounds to experience one of the most stunning treks in the world and raise funds for a children's charity in Peru.

Ravi Chandran, Gulf for Good's Challenge Director said,

"Finally, after years of dreaming of setting foot in South America, I will soon be travelling to the other corner of the world to experience the colours and beauty of Peru and the 'Alternative' Inca Trail promises to be a fantastic challenge."

No hiking experience is necessary, but participants should start training now to ensure that they are in good shape for it! "The trail has some steep terrain at high altitudes, so building up walking stamina is key," he added.

Originally built for the Inca Empire's civilian and military communications, the trail spanned more than 40,000 km from Ecuador to Chile. Participants will follow an exceptional 5-day route along an uncrowded, alternative section of the Inca Trail, through the mountains above the Lares valley and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,300m. The route will pass through quiet villages, hot springs and virtually deserted Inca ruins, as well as the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Rated at a hard fitness level and accompanied by a local team of experienced guides, participants in this challenge will be able to truly test their limits whilst experiencing and exploring an exceptional part of South America in the company of like-minded individuals. Participants will need to raise a minimum sponsorship to take part, but no previous experience is necessary and free training sessions will be held.

The beneficiaries of this 25th Gulf for Good challenge will be the children of the Quilla Huata village near Cuzco, where the charity Peru's Challenge is building a primary school. Participants will be able to visit this project and see for themselves the wonderful work this local charity is doing for the underprivileged children of the region.

G4G Co-Founder and Chairman, Brian Wilkie said "The highlight of the challenge for the majority of participants is when they visit the charity project being supported. We hear constantly that the challenges we organise make a huge difference to peoples' lives. Obviously, the charities that receive the funds benefit enormously, but doing the challenge itself often turns out to be a life-changing experience for many challengers."

To date, 23 G4G Challenges, with over 500 participants from 36 countries including many Gulf nationals, have raised more than $1.5m for schools, hospitals, orphanages, and medical equipment in 16 countries in the Middle East, South America, Asia and Africa.

Gulf for Good helps with fund-raising ideas; training and fitness suggestions; as well as clothing and equipment advice. On the challenge, it provides flights and transfers, accommodation, food, guides and medical backup. Other 2009 G4G adventure challenges include the Himalayan Panorama Adventure in May (hiking), the Annapurna Circuit Trek (Nepal) in October and the Cycling the Seven Emirates Challenge (UAE) in November/December.