“Amidst the mountainous surrounding, stunning architecture and rich culture of Cusco, you will see bitter reality of young children either working or begging in the streets. 35% of children working in the streets of Cusco are unable to cope with the stress of both working and going to school. This often results in their giving up their studies in order to provide for their families. Other children leave home because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned.”  – YouTube Video: “Planeterra’s Peru Streetkids Project”

Planeterra established the Peru Streetkids Project to give back to the people in the communities where so many travelers visit every year to explore the Inca Trail and Machu Pichu during their travels through South America.

The project partners with a local organization called Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW) (Quechua for “House of the People of the Sun”), a non-profit organization based in Cusco that was developed in response to the growing problem of children living and working on the streets. The House acts as a safe haven for children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty.

By providing these children with a place where they receive guidance and support, IRW helps keep the children off the streets and gives them the hope, confidence and skills needed to create a future for themselves. Planeterra, with the help of Gap Adventures and hundreds of travelers, has raised over $100,000 USD to purchase a permanent home for that will provide IRW with long-term security and support.

Travelers participating in Planeterra’s Project Machu Picchu voluntour will have the opportunity to support the Peru Streetkids Project by volunteering alongside staff and children at IRW.

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