Summit For Impact: Machu Picchu, Peru

Summit for Impact events support YCI to accelerate youth innovation for good around the world. This includes funding grants within our HerStart Catalyst Fund to propel women-led social enterprises forward.

Women in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda who have joined our HerStart program are eligible to apply for seed funding, coaching and business mentorship through the HerStart Catalyst Fund. The Fund helps to kickstart businesses as they scale up driving a more equal, climate-resilient and inclusive economy.

Read about YCI's impact here and explore stories from real people and partners involved in our work on The Feed. 

Yes! YCI organizes Summit for Impact events almost every year.

We are currently also promoting an event to summit the infamous Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. More interested in going to Africa with us? Check out our upcoming Summit for Impact: Mt. Kilimanjaro happening in March 2026.

Below is an overview of what is covered by the total fundraised amount, and what is separate from that in terms of costs to participate.

What’s included:

• Machu Picchu entrance tickets
• Trek guides, cook, and additional support staff
• 2 nights of hotel accommodation in Cusco (pre and post trek) and all accommodations on the trek itself
• Most meals on the trek (details will be provided)
• Filtered water, tea and snacks every day of the trek
• Rain covers, overnight duffle bag and cloth snack bag
• Emergency health and evacuation insurance
• Duffle bag for overnight items, rain covers and cloth snack bag provided by trekking company
• Big donation to YCI and the HerStart Catalyst Fund for women entrepreneurs!

What’s not included:

• International airfare to and from Cusco
• Entry visa (if required; not required for most Canadian or Americans)
• Required/recommended vaccinations and medications
• Any meals and drinks not listed
• Hiring of personal equipment for the climb (including sleeping bags and walking poles)
• Personal travel insurance  for flights and belongings (highly recommended)
• Gratuities for the guides – Please see FAQs for tipping guidelines

YCI will provide you with a user friendly platform and helpful toolkit to complete fundraising. We encourage you to be creative with your crowdfunding ideas and we are here to support you along the way.

All donations over $20 are eligible for a Canadian tax receipt.

Register here by October 1 to join the Summit for Impact in Peru from April 19-25, 2026.

You will need to provide your basic information along with a deposit of $500 CAD to complete registration.

Once you have registered, you will receive a few emails over the coming months with a detailed welcome package and forms to complete.

YCI will provide you with all the resources and information you need leading up to departure to help you fundraise and prepare for the travel and trek itself!

No, the deposits or any funds raised are not refundable. We are working with an excellent company in Peru to facilitate the best trip possible for our group and early deposits are required for this process.

All additional funds that are raised are not refundable, as these are charitable donations that are tax receipted.

There is no upper age limit to join YCI's Summit for Impact events. For the Peru event, children over the age of 16 who are accompanied by their parents or a guardian, are able to sign up as well.

Read the next question about fitness levels and altitude challenges to best inform your decision to sign up!

A good level of fitness is required due to long days of walking, high altitude and rough terrain. People of all ages and backgrounds have completed this trek. Anyone who leads an active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to do it.

Altitude sickness can be one of the biggest challenges; this is why arriving at least 2-3 days earlier is important to help with acclimatizing and will help you to have a good trekking experience.

There are also several opportunities to pay small amounts to take trains/busses/mules for parts of the trek instead of walking, if necessary.

The more you exercise before the climb, the better, as it will give you that extra boost!

YCI will provide a detailed packing list based on years of experience on what (and what not) to pack for the trek. This will be part of your welcome package.

We are also happy to answer any specific questions about packing as you prepare!

Yes! Some essential equipment is available for low-cost rental and will be ready for you upon arrival in Peru. This includes walking poles and sleeping bags. You will fill out a form before the trip to let us know if you want to rent these items, or if you have your own.

Overnight bags for your belongings (sized for the weight limit carried by porters/mules), cloth snack bags (to avoid plastic) and rain covers will also be provided free of charge.

During the trek we will be staying in unique campsites and lodges that are adapted to the environment. Toilets and showers are available at each campsite.

• Day 1: Pre-trek and stay at hotel in Cusco
• Day 2: Sky Camp (glass igloos) are located in front of the mountains
• Day 3: Mountain Sky View camp is surrounded by tropical mountains and rocky rivers under the stars
• Day 4: Brand-new Jungle Domes allow you to immerse yourself in the green environment
• Day 5: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Day 6: Hotel in Cusco

5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners are included with the trekking company. They have incredible chefs that cook delicious, Peruvian inspired meals at each campsite along the way.

The following food and drink are also included:

• Filtered water during the hike

• Wake up tea

• Tea Time or Happy Hour

• Snacks on the trail daily

The team will accommodate allergies and food restrictions to the best of their ability. This information will be collected by the YCI team. Reach out to YCI if you have concerns.

Under current policies, both Canadian and American citizens have visa-free entry to Peru for tourist purposes.

If you are from another Nationality or Citizenship, please research any entry requirements that may be needed in advance.

Ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity after the travel dates. It’s also wise to carry proof of onward travel or accommodations for a smooth process.

During your trek, safety is our number one priority. The guides are highly experienced at monitoring any health issues and can help you assess and respond to any issues.

YCI also provides emergency medical and evacuation insurance to cover each participant during the trek. More detailed information will be provided after registration.

Peru is in general a safe, hassle-free country. That said, you do need to take the usual precautions while travelling abroad.

Tipping is common practice for all the hard work guides, cooks and other support staff put into each trek (you will be amazed). YCI will arrange and collect an appropriate tipping amount (suggested by the trekking company head office) to give as a group near the end of the experience.

We have carefully selected an outstanding company to lead the climb that follows ethical and sustainable travel standards.

It is important to use minimal plastic and leave no rubbish behind on the trek. We follow the local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection.

YCI is always looking to grow and expand our network of talented and passionate individuals around the world who are committed to accelerating youth innovation.

You can check out current event and program opportunities with YCI here, or contact us directly if you are interested in exploring how to support in a different way. All job and board member opportunities are listed on our website here.

A huge way to support YCI is through fundraising and donations. So signing up for this event, donating or starting your own fundraising Circle of Impact (even without doing a trek) is a great way to contribute to youth innovation around the world!