Climb it like Cotton

The world's largest independently-owned adventure tour operator applauds Fearne Cotton, Alexandra Burke, Denise Van Outen and friends for completing the Inca Trail and raising the profile of Peru.

Gap Adventures and its non-profit organisation Planeterra has been helping to rebuild the Ccaccaccollo, Ryannioc and Chitapampa communities since they were destroyed by the landslides eight months ago.

Planeterra, which was established seven years ago by Gap Adventures to give back to the communities visited on its trips, has raised around £9,000 since January to help with relief and rebuilding the towns.

"Due to the landslides, travellers were not able to visit the worst affected communities from January - June 2010, so travel to Peru and the Inca Trail is extremely important in order to help support the locals. Hopefully the celebrities trek will drive travellers to this region," says Richard Edwards, Director of Planeterra.

The non-profit organisation has two projects in Peru - a women's weaving co-operative and a drop-in centre for Cuzco children and youth.

"By providing the women in the Ccaccaccollo community with looms and alpacas, they are able to make their traditional high quality textiles and support themselves and their families with the profits", he says.

Thanks to travellers' donations and Gap Adventures' matching contributions, Planeterra also bought a house in Cuzco which acts as a haven for 50 children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty.

To book or for more information on Planeterra and Gap Adventures visit: planeterra.org / gapadventures.co.uk