Your impact
Why support childhood dementia?
Tragically, hundreds of thousands of children across the world suffer from dementia. It’s caused by more than 100 progressive genetic conditions that damage the brain and nervous system and cause cognitive decline.
In Australia, a baby is born every 3 days with a childhood dementia disorder from which they will die. 50% of these children will die before their 10th birthday; 70% before they reach adulthood. These children experience significant pain and suffering in their short lives and do not have access to adequate care and support. Their families bear the burden of their immense care requirements while they endure the incomprehensible grief of watching their children die slowly.
Childhood dementia causes a similar number of deaths in Australia to childhood cancer for patients aged 0-14 years. Yet most people are unaware of childhood dementia.
Creating awareness by challenging yourself and fundraising is a powerful way you can help these children and their families.
Trek Overview
On this eight-day trip, you'll walk through the beautiful countryside and rustic villages of Northern Spain, completing the last 100 km of the pilgrimage route to Santiago and receiving a "compostela" at the finish to prove your accomplishment.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sarria
Arrive at any time. Meet the group and your G Adventures Guide.
Day 2 - Sarria to Portomarín
Hike from Sarria to Portomarín throughout the course of the day.
Hiking time: 6 - 8hrs, ~23km
Day 3 - Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Early start from Portomarin, continue walking through fantastic scenery with a rich history en route to Palas de Rei.
Hiking time: 6 - 8hrs, ~25km
Day 4 - Palas de Rei/Melide
Continue the pilgrimage westwards, walking through the lush green valleys of Galicia.
Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs, ~15km
Day 5 - Melide to Arzúa
Follow the Camino from Melide to the village of Ribadiso and the town of Arzúa.
Hiking time: 4 - 6hrs, ~17km
Day 6 - Arzúa to Amenal
The Camino will pass through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams most of the day.
Hiking time: 6 - 8hrs, ~22km
Day 7 - Amenal to Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a final day of walking through spectacular scenery towards the final destination.
Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs, ~15km
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela
Revel in your accomplishment. Depart at any time for home or your next adventure.
Trip Costs & Fundraising Target
This trek has two financial components: your trek fee, which covers your participation costs, and your fundraising target, which is your commitment to raising funds for kids with dementia.
$2,439 per person
INCLUDED:
- 7 nights twin share accommodation in small family-run hotels or pensions (+$699 per person for your own room. This option is very limited and may not be available)
- 7 breakfasts. Allow USD285-370 for meals not included
- Luggage transport from village to village. You'll carry your own day pack of your essentials along the trail
- An expert guide or Chief Experience Officer (CEO) — accredited and safety equipped
- Childhood Dementia Initiative team merch to wear on the trek
- Fundraising support from Childhood Dementia Initiative.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches, dinners, trail snacks and refreshments. Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.
- Flights and transport to/from the start/finish of the trip
- Travel insurance (required by G Adventures)
- Personal spending.
$5,000 per person
- Your $5,000 fundraising target is your commitment to raising money for children with dementia
- We'll give you everything you need to reach it — templates, coaching, and ongoing support
- You set up a fundraising page on the Childhood Dementia Initiative website, and your supporters donate directly
- You'll receive all the instructions once your booking is confirmed
- Our last trek group on the Inca Trail raised an average of $7,349 per person. Think of the target as a floor, not a ceiling.
How to book your spot
Click Book Now and complete the short booking form
You'll receive a payment link from G Adventures to pay your $350 trek deposit
We'll send you a link to create your fundraising page — you can customise it later.
Payment Dates & Cancellations
At the time of booking - Pay your $350 deposit
60 Days Prior to Tour (24/02/2027) - Pay your final balance of $2,089
G Adventures Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation 60 days or more prior to departure = Deposit paid will become a Lifetime Deposit (LTD) and stay on file in your name to use on a G Adventures trip in the future
- Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to departure = LTD + 50% loss of final payment
- Cancellation within 30 days of departure = LTD + 100% loss of final payment.
Travel disruptions and insurance
Global events can affect international travel in ways none of us can predict or control. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance with trip cancellation cover.
If your plans change, G Adventures offers flexible cancellation terms as outlined above. Rather than losing your investment, your deposit converts to a Lifetime Deposit credit, which can be applied to any future G Adventures trip.
We also want to be transparent about fundraising. If you're unable to travel, any funds you've raised to that point will be retained by Childhood Dementia Initiative and directed in full to our mission. The generosity of your supporters won't be wasted, regardless of what happens with your trip.
Our experienced tour provider
- 35+ years of purpose-led adventure travel — Values-aligned with CDI's mission, going beyond fundraising to create real impact.
- Small groups that foster deep connection — Intimate groups keep trekkers connected to each other and the Camino.
- Expert guides who make every step count — World-class CEOs ensure every trekker feels supported, inspired, and cared for.
An inspiring community
Adventure-seekers out to make a difference
$235,700
Since we began in 2020, our community of adventure-seeking change-makers have raised $235,700 from treks in Australia and abroad.
75
75 special people from all over the world have joined together to scale peaks, cross rivers, and challenge their limits to support children with dementia.
5
From the Victorian Alps to the ancient Inca Trails of Peru, our 5 treks to date have been unforgettable. It's time for more bucket list adventures!
"Trekking with a group of people all committed to the same cause was incredible. The bond we formed, knowing we were making a difference for children with dementia, turned every challenge on the trail into something meaningful. It was an experience I’ll carry with me forever."
- Trek participant 2023
