Thousands visit the famous lost city of Machu Picchu every year, with trips reliant on the assistance of Peru’s porters.
Tourism, therefore, sustains many livelihoods and families in the nearby city of Cusco and Peru’s Sacred Valley region.
"The lack of tourism has significantly impacted the livelihood of the porters and cooks, many of whom have no other source of income," said the Lata Foundation on Monday (1 March).
It has set up a new fundraising campaign, Peru 25 For 25, urging supporters to take on a 25-mile challenge, the length of the Inca trail, in support of those communities affected by the lack of tourism.
Peru 25 For 25 calls on all those who have trekked the trail, as well as the wider public, to complete 25 miles’ activity – running, swimming, walking, cycling or any other activity of their choice – and set a fundraising target.
Every £25 raised will cover an essential food parcel for one porter and their family for a month, with 100% of donated funds going directly to the cause.
Those not able to participate can still donate to the appeal.
Lata Foundation chair Jude Berry said: "Many of the porters have returned to their villages and communities in the Andes. They are surviving, but they are struggling without any income from tourism.
"On behalf of the Lata Foundation, we want to urge all those who have previously trekked the Inca trail and the wider public to support this important initiative either by challenging themselves to take on 25 miles in March or pledging £25 to this cause.
"At the Lata Foundation, many of our regular donors are travel companies and understandably, not all are in the position to support us right now so we hope this campaign has a wide and far-reaching impact."
Anyone wishing to take part of donate should visit latafoundation.org/25for25.
