Trekking for kids

The expedition begins in Salvador, one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, founded in 1549, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its colorful buildings, numerous churches, narrow cobblestone streets, beaches, and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador while we work to improve the lives of children from a local orphanage. The optional add-on trip to experience the Amazon Jungle in Manaus will also make this an expedition to remember.

Trek

After we complete our projects we will travel 250 miles inland, off the beaten tourist path, to what is probably Brazil’s best-kept secret, Chapada Diamantina National Park, or Diamand Trails. Chapada Diamantina has been named in numerous travel magazines, as one of the top trekking destinations in the Americas, and even the world. Our 4-day journey will take us through the Pati Valley where we will see some of the most beautiful landscapes of spectacular table-top mountains, deep canyons, lush valleys, and towering waterfalls. Dubbed by some as the “Lost World” of Brazil, this hidden gem will not disappoint.

Our Trek will be led by local professional guides. We will hike 5-8 hours a day over varied terrain, carrying a pack and sleeping in the local resident's homes. We require that all Trekkers be in good physical condition. It’s important that a good physical conditioning program be undertaken at least two months before departure.

Orphanage

Our group of Trekkers will spend 4 days with the children from a local orphanage in Salvador. Before the Trek, we will spend time getting to know the children, playing games, improving the orphanage’s facilities, and taking them on a field trip. After the Trek, we will return to the orphanage to celebrate our time together with food, music, and dancing.

Amazon Jungle (Optional Extension)

Our 2-day jungle adventure begins with a flight to Manaus and then a boat ride to the confluence of two of the world’s greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and the Amazon. We will then continue on to our accommodations for the night in the heart of the jungle, where we will go on a night safari in a boat, take a jungle walk to learn about the native plants and animals, and participate in other activities.

Please contact Tricia Donaldson, Director of Operations, for more information.

Expedition Costs

Group Size: maximum of 18 Trekkers (minimum 12)

Expedition Dates: June 22-July 2, 2016 (Please note: dates listed are the arrival and departure dates to/from Salvador)

Amazon Jungle Dates: July 2-4, 2016 (Please note: departure is from Manaus)

Price for Expedition: $1875 (18+), $1700 (14-17 yr olds)

Tax-deductible portion of trip cost: $1150

Fundraising Commitment: $1000 (18+), $500 (14-17 yr olds)
tax-deductible donations for orphanage projects

Price for Amazon Jungle Extension: $575

Included • 4-day guided Trek
• TFK trip leader
• 5 nights accommodation in guesthouses or local resident's homes on Trek
• 5 nights hotel with breakfast (double or triple occupancy) in Salvador
• All meals on Trek
• Most meals on non-trek days
• All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off
• National Park fees
• Tips for local guides
• Group travel insurance
• Activities with the children at an orphanage including, a field trip and party
• TFK t-shirts and luggage tags

Not Included • Airfare to Brazil (Salvador airport)
• A few meals
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water
• Tips to hotel staff

Included on Amazon Jungle Extension • 2-day guided Amazon jungle adventure (boat ride, night safari, jungle walk, and more)
• 2 nights accommodation (1 night in Manaus, 1 night in jungle)
• All meals
• Flight to Manaus and airport transfers
• Tips for local guides

Not Included on Amazon Extension • Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and bottled water

Expedition Requirements

• 18+ or 14-17 accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 for orphanage ($500 for 14-17 yr. olds)

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application
• Pay $500 deposit ($50 non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for orphanage projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in-country and meet your TFK group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here to read about TFK’s Registration and Cancellation Policies.

Sample itinerary

Download Schedule here.

Gear List

Coming Soon

Background Information

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Brochures • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page (coming soon)
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• upload photos
• post messages to donors

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000 minimum
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• orphanage project flyer

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.