Peru for Less - 1

Peru for Less - 2

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Responsible travel: So much more than a catchphrase

Traveling responsibly: Easy as 1, 2, 3

“Responsible travel” under a microscope

Why conservation is key during Machu Picchu’s tourism boom

Gift-giving basics every adventurer should know

Trekking tips to keep Peru’s wide open spaces looking good

5 ridiculously easy ways for travelers to use less plastic

How you can help local communities in Peru on your trip

7 surefire steps to get in Mother Nature’s good graces

Cultural traditions and habits from Peru that you might not know

11 ecotourism tips to protect Machu Picchu’s legacy

Not-to-miss ways to support porter welfare on the Inca Trail

Featured Responsible Travel Actors in Peru

Bridging distances in the Amazon

Living culture in the Sacred Valley

Weaving wonderwomen of Awamaki [Interview]

A volunteer’s experience at the world’s highest navigable lake

Discover the Peruvian jungle at Posada Amazonas

About our sustainable travel efforts

About our sustainable travel experts

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Weliveinatimewhenairtravelshrinksdistancestoprovideunprecedentedaccesstoalmostanyplacewewanttovisit.Withsufficienttime,effortandmoney,wecanreachthemostremotecornersoftheearth.Butwhataretheimpactsofquickaccesstoareasthatwerepreviouslydifficulttovisit?InSouthAmericaspecifically,whathappenswhenyearafteryearthousandsofpeoplehiketohistoricsiteslikeMachuPicchuorwhenweventuretothedeepestAmazonorwhenwevisitatraditionalcommunityinsearchofauthenticculture?

Responsibletravelisanumbrellatermthatencompassesawiderangeofsustainable,environmental,andculturallysensitivewaystopracticetourism.Theideaisthat,ratherthanbeingasourceofharm,tourismcanbeatoolforconservationandsustainablecommunitydevelopment.

AtPeruforLesswelovetohelpfellowtravelersplantheirdreamvacationtoPeruandwefinditonlyrighttogivebacktothepeopleandplacesthatmakethiscountrysospecial.Wefeelthatitisimportanttobringattentiontoandsupportthehardworkofnonprofitorganizationsandeco-friendlybusinessesinPeruandtosharesomehelpfultipsforvisitingPeru.Bydoingso,wehopetoenableconnectionsbetweenconscioustravelersandexcitingsustainableeffortsinPeruandtoinspireeveryonetotravelresponsibly.

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Responsibletravelcantakemanyforms,rangingfromhugegovernmentinitiativestosmallpersonaldecisions.Attheleveloftheindividual,travelingresponsiblymeansbeingawareoftheimpactsoftourismandactingtomakethoseimpactspositivewhenpossible.It’saboutchoosingwheretotravel(ornottravel);whatmodeoftransporttotake;whattopack;wheretobuy,sleep,andeat.Thesearechoicesoverwhichwehavecontrol.Whenwebookwithatravelagencyortouroperator,it’saboutensuringthattheirpolicyistoeducatetravelersaboutthelocalcultureandtheenvironment,togivebacktothecommunitiestheyworkin,tofulfillandexceedminimumworkplacestandardsintheircountries,andtosupportsustainabilityprojectsthatintendtopreservetheplanet’swondersforfuturegenerations.

Get off the big tour bus

Inthelongrun,masstourismisanunsustainablewaytotravel.Largepackagedtoursorganizehugegroupsoftravelerswhomovearoundinbigbuses,climbonandofftogawkatsightsandsnapphotos,andinteractonlyminimallywiththepeopleandcultureofthehostcountry.Thismodeoftravelstretchesthelimitsofnaturalresources,itdilutesauthenticlocaltraditions,anditoftenbenefitsafewbigplayersattheexpenseofimpactedcommunities.

Whenbookingtours,it’simportanttoknowwhetherthecompanyemployslocalguides-peoplewhogrewupintheareacanlendaninsiderperspectiveandadeeperunderstandingofthelocalcultureandcommunity.

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Beforeyoutravel,taketimetolearnaboutthehistoryofaplaceandsomebasicphrasesinthelocallanguage.Thiswillcreateamoremeaningfultravelexperienceandopportunitiesforconnectionandconversation.Pausetosoakinalandscape;reflectandaskquestions;absorbthelocalflavorandfeel.Patronizelocallyownedandoperatedestablishments.Gettingoffthebeatenpathisnotjustaboutseekingnovelexperiences,it’saboutmakingrealconnectionstotheplacewevisitandthepeoplewholivethere.

LocalkidsplayinginCusco-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Practical t ips for responsible travel

Pre-trippointers:

● Readabouttheplaceyou’llvisit● Askyourtravelcompanyaboutlocalguides,groupsizes,and

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accommodations● Removeproductpackagingfromthingsyoubuyinpreparationforyourtrip

andleavethetrashathome● Inquireaboutoffsettingcarbonemissionsorcarboncreditprograms● Researchvolunteeropportunities

Duringyourtriptrips:

● Recycleandneverlitter(evenifthelocalsdo)● Conservewaterandenergy● Buylocalfoodsandsouvenirs● Respectlocalculture-askfirstbeforeshootingaphoto● Treadonmarkedtrailsonly● Takelocaltransportationwheneverpossible● Inquireaboutlocalsustainableprojects

Asconscioustravelers,wecanharnessourloveoftraveltoimprovetheplaceswevisitforthepeoplewholivethereandforfuturevisitors.

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TheproposedconstructionofanewairportlocatedintheSacredValleycouldquadruplethenumberoftravelersabletowitnessthemysticalruinsofMachuPicchu.OnonehandthiscouldstimulatetheeconomyinanareaofPerustillplaguedbypoverty.Ontheother,theconcernthataneventualeightmilliontravelerscouldthreatenthepreservationoffamousancientIncaruins.

Currently,visitorstotheformerIncacivilizationmustfirstfly(orbus)toCuscoandtheneithertakeafourhourtraintoAguasCalientes,thetownnearesttotheruins,ortrektheIncaTrail.TwomillionpassengersflyintotheCuscoairportannually.Thenewone,whichcrewswouldbeconstructedinthetownofChinchero,couldhandleasmanyasfivemillionpeopleby2020,itsprojectedopeningdate.Inlateryears,upwardsofeightmillionpassengerswouldlandontherunwayeachyear.

“Theairportwouldcreateacatalysttobringinextratouristdollars”,explainedFabricioOrtiz,thepresidentoftheAssociationofTouristGuidesinMachuPicchu(AsociacióndeGuíasProfesionalesenTurismo,ResidentesdeMachuPicchu).“Boththeconstructionandcompletionphasesoftheairportitselfwouldspawnjobcreation.Theeightmilliontravelerswouldneedsomewheretosleep,eatandshop,andlocalscouldfillthatneed,aswellastheirownfinancialneeds,byworkinginthehotels,restaurantsandstoresthatcropup”.

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"HikingtoMachuPicchu"-EduardoZárate/Flickr

ButOrtiz,whoalsoworksasPeruforLess'residentMachuPicchuexpertandguide,alsopointedoutthatwhilethedevelopmentwouldquadrupletheflowoffinancesthroughtheSacredValley,hesaiditwouldalsoquadruplethenumberofpeopleusingthearea’sresources,aswellasthevolumeofpollutantspumpedintotheairandthefoottraffictrekkingthroughandontopofpreciousruins.Atriskisthedelicateecosystemaswellasthelocalswhorelyonitfortheirlivelihoods.

“AsaCusqueño,I’mhumbledthatpeoplefromallovertheworldwanttoseePeru,butI’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitIamworriedaboutthefloodoftouristscomingwhenthenewairportisbuilt,”saidOrtiz.“Everythingfromthespikeinvisitorspotentiallyharmingtheruinstotheinfringingdevelopmentinhibitingthelocalcultureareconcerns.Andwhataboutthefloraandfaunahere?Ourecosystemisincrediblydelicate,soIworryabouttheimpactofyearsofconstructionaswellasthesharpincreaseinpeoplecominginandout.Theironyis,theruins,localculture,andnaturalbeautyarewhatsparkedtraveltoMachuPicchuandtheyarewhatcouldendupbeingimpactedthemost.”

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FlyingintoPeru-AndreiDimoftee/Flickr

Whiletheconcernssurroundingatouristicboomareveryreal,Ortizsaidatravelers'impactonMachuPicchu'sruin,ecosystemandpeopledoesn’thavetobeanegativeone.

InPeru,tourismisamajoreconomicdriver.Itnotonlycreatesjobswithintheindustryitself,butalsowithinotherindustriesthroughthe“multipliereffect.”Whenhospitalityworkers,tourguidesandtravelagentsearnmoney,theyspenditintheirlocalcommunities,whichendsupcreatingmorejobs,oftentimessmall-scaleenterpriseswhichbenefitsmallorruralcommunities.Andvisitstohotels,airportsandrestaurantsgeneratetaxdollarswhichusuallygobackintothecommunityviaroads,schoolsandhousing.

Theeconomicbenefitsoftenspilloverintosocialbenefits.Themoneygeneratedbytourismcanimproveanarea’saccesstocleandrinkingwater,sanitationandmedicalcare.IntheAndes,tourismpreservesthehighlandcultureaslocalsfeelnotonlyencouragedbutalsoproudtokeeptraditionalcuisine,celebrationsandhandicraftsapartofeverydaylife.Additionally,tourismallowsforanexchangebetweennativesandforeignersthatcreatesabetterculturalunderstandingandraisesawarenesstosocietalissueslikehumanrightsandpoverty.

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HikingtheIncaTrailtoMachuPicchu-H20Alchemist/Flickr

Finally,whilethetourismindustrycanposeathreattotheenvironmentviatheconstructionofhotels,restaurants,roadsandairportsliketheoneintheSacredValley,itcanalsoworktoprotectMotherEarth.OneexampleistourismtotheManuBiosphereReserveontheedgeoftheAmazonwheretravelerscanwitnessfirst-handtheimportanceofprotectingtheplantsandanimalsthatinhabitit.Ontopofthat,ecotourismcreatesjobssolocalshaveameansofincomethatgoesbeyondthedetrimentalactivitiesthathaveplaguedthejunglefordecadeslikedeforestation,illegalmining,poachingandover-fishing.

“Everythingwedo,nomatterhowbigorsmall,makesanimpact,”notedOrtiz.“Whilewehavenocontrolovertheairportbeingbuilt,wedohavecontroloverourday-to-dayactions.Whenitcomestotravel,itiseachofourresponsibilitiestomakesuretheimpactwearemakingisapositiveone.”

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Despitealongperiodofeconomicgrowth,non-urbanPerufacestheproblemscommontodevelopingcountries,includingsomeareasmarkedbynotablepoverty.AccordingtotheWorldBank,Peruhasaruralpovertyrateof18percent(2012),thoughsomesourcesestimateitisashighas50percent.

Giventhesefacts,whentravelersbegintoprepareforavacationinPeru,manyfeelmotivatedtohelpthepeopleandcommunitiestheywillencounterontheirtrip,andoftenask,“WhatgiftscanIbring?”Theanswerisnotsimple,anditraisesahostofcomplexissuesthatunderlayresponsiblegift-giving.Responsible gift -giving basics

Thebasicruleofthumbforresponsiblegift-givingistorefrainfromgivingmoneyorhandoutsdirectlytopeople,whetherchildrenoradults.Inhightourismareas,eventhemostwell-intentionedgiftorcashdonationcancreateasituationofdependencewherelocalscometorelyonforeignvisitorsassourcesofgifts.

Therealityisthatsmallgiftsrarelyresultinanylong-termimprovementinpeople’slives.IfyouwanttotakeadvantageofyourtriptosupportlocalcommunitiesinPeru,thebeststrategyistoplanaheadand,workingwithanon-profitorlocally-basedorganization,toidentifyexactlyhowyoucanofferassistanceinamutually-beneficialmanner.Thekeyistogiveinawaythatissustainableandthathasthebroadereffectofempoweringlocalcommunitiesforthelong-run.

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GiftgivingbasicsinPeru-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Responsiblegift-givingdoesnothavetobeginandendwithyourvacation.Therearemyriadlong-termprojectsthatyoucangetinvolvedwith–inhousing,education,healthcare,conservation,andmanyotherareas–thatcanmakeahugeimpactonthethingsthatreallymatterinpeople’sdailylivesandthatwillgivepeoplethecapacitytoshapetheirownfutures.Ingeneral,itpaystoknowthathumaninteraction,compassion,understanding,andsharedknowledgearefarmorevaluablethanyourgifts.It’saboutconnection,andputtingfacestoplaces.It’saboutmutualrespect.Often,thebestgiftyoucangiveisbeingthereandmakingtheefforttolearnfromoneanother.Sobeforeyougiveagift,entertheseplaceswiththehonest,ambitiousbeliefthatmaybeyourdesiretomakeaconnectioncanmakeadifference,notjustintheplacesyouarevisitingbutalsoinyourself.Visit ing local communities & programs Thegift-givingquestionoftenariseswhentravelersarrangeahomestayorbookatourortrekthatwillinvolveinteractionswithlocalcommunities.Naturally,

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mostofuswanttoprovidesometokenofgratitudeinexchangeforthehospitalityofafamilyoracommunitythatreceivesus.Incaseslikethis,askyourtravelagency,touroperator,orguidetotellyouexactlywhatgiftsoritemswillbemostusefultothehostfamilyorcommunity.Dosomeresearchonthecommunity-basedtoursorprogramsinwhichyouwillbeparticipating–itshouldbethecommunityitself(notaforeigneroroutsideorganization)thatisdeterminingitsownneedsandtheextentofyourparticipationinitsprojects.Ifthecommunityhasartisantraditionsandtextilesforsale,yourpurchasemeansthatthemoneygoesstraightbacktotheartistandyou’llalsogetaone-of-a-kindsouvenir.Giving goods Insomecases,travelersdonotdirectlyparticipateinacommunity-basedtourismproject,butwouldstillliketogivesomethingback.Thesameprinciplesapply.Researchandfindacommunity-basedorganizationorprogramthatwillacceptcontributionsofmoneyorsupplies.Givingdoesn’thavetobematerial–itcanalsoinvolveideasandtalents.Ifyouwillbevisitingaschool,orphanage,orhospital,forinstance,thinkabouthowyoucancontributeyourspecificskillsorresourcestoatangibleprojectthatthey’vedeveloped.SchoolsuppliesareauniversallyusefulgiftthroughoutPeru.Pencils,pens,crayons,stickers,andnotepadsareallpopular.Again,ratherthangivingtoindividualsatrandom,itisbesttogivetoaschool,organization,orteacherwhocanorganizedistributionbasedonneed.Additionally,allcitiesandfair-sizedtownsinPeruhavefamily-ownedstoreswhereyoucanbuyitemslocallyandatcheapercoststhanbackhome.Thisbringstwoaddedbonuses:youcankeepyourcommitmenttopackinglightandyou’llalsobesupportingthelocaleconomy.Someitemsarebestpurchasedonceyou’reinthecountry–forexample,freshfruitstobringtoahostfamilyinaremoteregionornewSpanish-language(orbilingual)booksandeducationalmaterials.Itmaynotalwaysbepossible,buttrytoestablisharelationshipwiththechildren,community,ororganizationthatyouwillbegivingto.Givinggiftsastokensoffriendshiporcloseassociationalwayshasmorevaluethantrinketsgivenoutofasenseofobligation.

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Gift-giving guidelines

• Don’tgivecandy,cash,orhandouts• Don’tgivetrinketsunlesstheyhavesomespecialsignificancetoyou(you

madethemortheyaresouvenirsthatmarkwhereyou’refrom)• Don’tgivebooksorotherreadingmaterialsnotinthenativelanguage• Don’tgiveclothing–unlessspecificallyrequested;andneversend

secondhandunderpants

*Thesearejustguidelines.Ifindoubt,consultwithyourtourguidetogetadeepersenseofthelocalsituationandtodecidewhetherornottogive.

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FromtheiconicIncaTrailtothestunningCordilleraBlancamountainrangeinthenorth,Peruisawonderlandofendlesstrekkingopportunities.Yet,there’sarealriskofcausingirreversibledamageonthenaturalbeautywiththeincreasingnumberoftouristsvisitingtheseareaseveryseason.Whilemosttrekkerswon’thikeindependentlyinPeru,butwithaguide,it’sstillimportanttobeawareofpositivehikingandcampingpracticestokeeptheenvironmentintact.Respect Mother Nature Andeanwaterwaysandlakesarefragileecosystemsandsourcesofdrinkingwaterforlocalpeople,sodon’tbetemptedtobatheorwashclothesenroute.Mostguidedtreksprovideyouwithwarmwateratthestartandendofeachdaytowashwith;justmakesureyoudisposeofusedwatercarefully–atleast65feet(20m)fromanynaturalwatersource.Afterall,partoftheexperienceofanadventuroustrekistogoafewdayswithoutapropershower.Sticktomarkedpathstoavoidmoreerosion–temptingasshortcutsmightlook,tramplingbootsdamagethefabricofthehillside. TheCuscoregionisaUNESCONaturalWorldHeritageSitefamousforitsspeciesofrarefloraandfauna–soleavethemwheretheylookbest–intheirnaturalhomes.

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TrekkingintheAndesofPeru-MadeleineHolland/Flickr

Code green actions for campers

Beconsideratewhencampingbyleavingnosignyouwerethere.Don’tcampinruinsasancientwallscouldgetdamaged.Campfiresareriskysosticktocampingstovesforcookingandextralayersforkeepingwarm.

Carryallwasteoffthemountainandkeepaneyeonothermembersofyourgroupandensuretheydothesame.

Takeplentyofwastebagstocarryouttrash;orevenbetter,minimizetheamountofwasteyou’llproducebytakingyourfoodanddrinkinreusablecontainers.

Alwaysusepurpose-builttoiletsalongtrails,butifneeded,makesureyou’reatleast150feet(45m)fromboththepathandanywatersource,digasmallholeandburywell.

It’simportanttobeaconscientiousoutdooradventurer.FollowtheseguidelinesabouttrekkingresponsiblyandkeepthePeruvianlandscapespristinenotjustforfuturegenerationsoftravelersbutalsofortheplants,animals,andpeoplethatcalltheregionhome.

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Astravelers,weknowthatreducingourcollectivecarbonfootprintissometimesthelastthingwethinkaboutwhenpreparingforatrip.Butinreality,beinggreenisthemostimportantthingyoucandoduringyouradventures.

Beinganinformedandenvironmentallyconscioustravelerisjustonefacetofpromotingsustainabilitywithinthetourismindustryinordertopreserveandprotecttheenvironmentaswellasthelocalcultures.

Plasticisharmfultothehealthoflandandsealife,somakingawholeheartedefforttouselessofitonyourjourneywillmakeabigdifference,especiallytothelocalpeopleyoumeetalongtheway.Afterall,yourtraveldestinationistheirhome.Onyournextvacation,considertheseeco-friendly,plastic-reducingtipstoensurethatyouleavethetiniest,almostnon-existentcarbonfootprintpossible.

1. Bring a reusable water bottle

Unfortunately,consumingbottledwaterinLatinAmericaisunavoidable.Becauseofthepoorwatersanitationinfrastructureinmanycountries,itisinadvisabletodrinkwaterfromthetap.Buttherearewaystoreducehowmanyplasticbottlesyouconsumethroughoutyourtrip.

First,bringareusablewaterbottle,orpurchaseoneatalocalmarket.Thiswillallowyoutorefillitaninfinitenumberoftimes.Buywaterinbulkandleaveitinyourhotelroomforusethroughoutyourstay.Manygroceryandconveniencestoressellbottledwaterbytheliterormore,andoftentimesanattendantwillhelpyoucarryitashortdistanceforafewsoles.

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2. Inquire about natural water purif ication techniques

Thisisveryusefulifyouplantodoalotofhikingduringyourtrip.Waterfromthetaporfreshspringwatercanbemadesafetodrinkthroughavarietyofmethods.

OneoftheeasiestwaysisbypurchasingwaterpurificationtabletsbeforeyourtripfromasportinggoodsstorelikeREIorBig5.AnotheroptionisaUVlightstickthatneutralizesharmfulbacteriapresentinuntreatedwater.Thenthere’stheoldfashionedboilingtechnique.

3. Reusable bags are essential

Oneofthebestwaystoreduceyourplasticconsumptionwhiletravelingistostashyourstuffinreusablecottonorrecycledplasticbags.Bringasmanyasyouthinkyoumightneed.Youcanalsopurchaseabeautifullyhandcraftedbagalongyourjourneytoprovideyouwithatangible,lastingsouvenir,aswellasthewarmfuzzyfeelingofknowingthatyoucontributedtothelocaleconomyanddidMotherNatureafavor.

4. Reevaluate your toi letr ies

Whiletravelsizetoiletriesareconvenient,theycancomeatthecostoftheenvironment.Insteadofbuyinglotsoftoiletriesinsmallplasticbottles,considermakinglittleswitchesintheproductsyoudecidetobringalong.Itcanmakeabigdifferencefortheenvironment.Trybringingbarsoapinareusablesoaptravelercontainer.Thisisnotreallyahugesacrificebecausemanybodywashesthataresoldinplasticbottlesalsocomeinthebarform,suchasDove,Caress,orLever.Youcanalsobringarazorthatusesrefillablecartridgesorthatiselectric,insteadofusingdisposableones.Togotheextramile,purchasebiodegradable,chemical-freebathproducts.

5. Pack your own cutlery

Plasticeatingutensilsareoneofthemostharmfulwastesfortheenvironmentandyourhealth.PlasticscutleryandStyrofoamto-gocontainersaremadefrom#6PS(polystyrene)whichismadefrompetroleumby-products.Theseproductsaremadetobelightweightwhichmeansthewindcaneasilycarrythemintonaturalhabitatsliketheoceanorothersensitiveecosystems.Pairthatwiththefactthattheytakemillionsofyearstodecomposeandyou’vegotafewenvironmentalissueson(and

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in)yourhands.Youreduceyourplasticuseduringyourtravelsbybringingyourownsetofeatingutensilsorrequestingmetalonesatthehotel.

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TravelingtoPerucanbeanincrediblyrewardingculturalexperience,onethatinspiresmanyofustowanttogivebacktothelocalpeoplethathelpmakeourtripsospecial.Inacountrywitharapidlygrowing,butstilldevelopingeconomy,thereisplentyyoucandotosupportthelocalcommunitiesthataremostimpactedbytheboomingtourismindustry.

Buy local

TrybuyingPeruvianwheninPeru.Thisincludeseverythingfromfood,toclothes,tosouvenirs.Afunwaytosupportthelocaleconomyisbysamplingthelocalcuisineratherthanstickingtowhat’sfamiliarfromhome–chancesareyourfavoritemealwon’ttastethesameanyway.Patronizeindependent,locally-ownedbusinessesratherthanchainestablishments.You’llbeputtingyourmoneyintolocalhandsratherthanthoseofdistantglobalcompanies.

Thesamegoesforsouvenir-shopping–it’smuchbettertotakehomeagenuinemementoofthecountry,handcraftedintheplaceyouvisited,ratherthanamass-producedtrinketimportedfromChina.Justdouble-checkthatwhatyou’rebuyingisn’tplunderedfromthejungle,madefromanendangeredspecies,orillegaltobuyandtakehomewithyou.

Check credentials

Makesurethecompanyyou’rebookingatrekortourwithtreatsitsguidesandportersfairlyandlooksoutfortheirwelfare.PeruvianlawstatesthatportersshouldreceiveaminimumwageofS/.43(~US$15)perdayandshouldnotcarry

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morethanthemaximumweightof44pounds(20kg).Stillsomecompanieschoosetotakeadvantageoftheirportersbyunderpayingthemandoverworkingthem.

Beforebookingwithacompany,reviewthecompany’swebsitecarefullyandasktherightquestions:

● Doesthecompanyfollowthelegalweightcarrylimitsforporters?● Areportersgiventherightequipment,clothingandshoesforthetrek?● Howdoesthecompanyrespectthelocalcultureandenvironmentsthetour

willtakeyouinto?

Sleep easy

Peru’sgrowingnumberofeco-friendlylodgesandhotelsmakesiteasiertoreduceyourimpactonthelocalenvironmentwhenyoutravel.Accommodationsthatemphasizesustainabilityalsotendtopayfairwagestotheirworkersandutilizelocalresourcesandproducts,suchashand-madefurnitureorfoodsfromnearbypermaculturefarms.

EcotourismismostdevelopedinPeruinthetouristhotspotsoftheAmazonandAndesregions.

HerearesomeofourfavoriteAmazonecolodges:

● PosadaAmazonasisaleadingexampleofaresponsibleecotourismprojectinthesouthernjungleregionofPeru.ThelodgeisownedbythelocalInfiernocommunityandmanagedwithRainforestExpeditions,aPeruviancompanycommittedtocombiningtourismwithenvironmentaleducation.TravelersarenotonlygivenachancetoseejunglewildlifeatPosada,butalsogivebacktothecommunity.

● Travelersdon’thavetosacrificecomforttotravelresponsiblyinthejungle.InkaterraReservaAmazonicaisaluxuryecolodgelocatedintheheartofthelushMadredeDiosregioninsouthernPeruthat’scommittedtoecologicalpreservation.Enjoythecomfortsofathoughtfullydesignedjunglelodge,whilealsotravelingresponsibly.

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LakeTiticaca-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Homestaysarealsoagreatwaytoensureyourmoneyisgoingdirectlytolocalpeople–andyou’llgettoexperiencestayingwithafamilywhilelearningfirsthandabouttheirlifeandculture.

Get involved

Yourparticipationincommunity-basedtourismprojectshastheeffectofincreasingdemandforthistypeofvacationinPeru,sogetinvolvedwhenyoucan.PairyourownpassionswiththeneedsofPeru.Someexamplesare:

● Providingmedicalcareandexpertise● TeachingEnglish(orotherlanguage)ataschool● Helpingunskilledworkerswithjobtrainingandprofessionaldevelopment

classes

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Frombookinganoutdoorexcursiontoenjoying5-starluxurycomforts,thedecisionsyoumakeaboutwhattodoandwheretostayonyourvacationcanhelpleaveapositiveimpactontheplacesyouvisit.Hereare10easywaystobearesponsibletraveler.

Unplugbeforeyouleave:Unplugthoseenergy-suckingappliances,includingplasmatelevisions,videogames,laptops,DVDplayersandcellphonechargersbeforeleavingonyourtrip.Eachyearabout10percentofallenergyiswastedintheUnitedStatesbecauseappliancesareleftplugged-inwhenthey’renotinuse.It’snotonlytheenvironmentallyfriendlythingtodo,butyou’llalsoseethesavingsonyournextenergybill.

Minimizeyourcarbonfootprint:Cutyouremissionsandplanatravelitinerarywithenvironment-friendlytransportation:bike,walkandtakepublictransit.Theseearth-friendlyalternativesareoftencheaperthanpayingforacaborrentingacarandofferauniquewaytoobserveandinteractwithlocals.

Reuse&Reduce:Carryyourtravelpurchasesandsouvenirsinreusablebagstocutoutwastesothatlessplasticpackagingfindsitswaytothetrashandlandfills.Additionally,insteadofprintingoutallyourtravelinformationonnumerouspiecesofpaper,downloadmapsandtravelguidestoyoursmartphoneortablettoreferencethroughoutyourtrip.Mosthotels,restaurantsandcafesthroughoutPeruofferfreewirelessInternet,whichmeansthatyourtravelinformationwillbeatyourfingertipswheneveryouneedit.

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campinginPeru-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Recycle:Thinktwicebeforethrowingyourrecyclablesintothetrashevenwhenyoudon’tseearecyclingbin.EachcityinPeruhasdifferentrecyclingresourcessoaskyourhotelwhereyoucandeposityourrecyclables.

Usewaterwisely:Stayhydratedduringyourtripbycarryingareusablewaterbottlethatyoucanrefillfromalargergallonsource;smallerplasticwaterbottlescreatealotofwaste.Packreusablecontainerstocarryfoodandsnackstofurtherreducepackaging.

Voluntourism:ThereareahugenumberofnonprofitorganizationsinPeruthatcouldbenefitfromyoursupport.Beforebuyinggiftstoshare,besuretoaskyourtravelagencyorguidewhatitemswillbethemostuseful.

Respectnature:Environmentalproblemsdon’tgoonvacationwhenyoutakeatrip.InPeru,stayonmarkedtrailswhiletrekkingintheAndesandstaywithyourguideonavisittothejungle.Avoiddisturbingthenaturalenvironmentorinterferingwithnaturalbehaviorbyfeedingwildanimals.

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Responsibletravelisnotjustaboutpreservingtheenvironmentandsupportinglocalcommunities,it’salsoaboutexperiencinganewculture,sharingandlearningsomethingnew.Peru’srichcultureisoneoftheabsolutehighlightsoftravelingtothiscountry.Someculturalaspectsareplainlyevident,whilepickinguponotherpracticesrequiresacarefuleyeandearfordetail.

Andeantradition

OnatriptoPeruyou’lllikelycomeacrossthewordQuechua.TheQuechuaaredescribedasthedirectdescendantsoftheIncas,butinthepresent-day,theycompriseseveralindigenousgroupsscatteredthroughoutSouthAmerica.TheQuechuacultureisstillveryprevalentinthemusic,dance,dress,food,andlanguageoftheAndeanregioninPeru.

ThevibranttextilessoldinartisanshopsinPeruhavebecomeastaplesouveniramongtravelersandplayanimportanteconomicandculturalroleinmanyAndeancommunities.Womengenerallywearskirtsandpetticoats,whilementypicallywearmulticoloredponchos.Tomakethesetextiles,thewoolofllamas,alpacasandsheepisspun,dyed,andwovenintobeautifulblanketsandclothing.Thesetextilesdisplayintricatepatternsanddesignsthatcommunicatesymbolsandmythsthatarelocallyimportant.

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CultureinCusco-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Andeancultureisalsoreflectedinthelocalcuisine.Theappearanceofcuy,orguineapig,onarestaurantmenumaycomeasashocktounpreparedtravelers.GuineapigsarenotconsideredpetsinPeru,butratheradeliciousfooddelicacy.EatingcuyisatraditionfromIncatimes,whentherodentwastypicallyeatenbyroyalty.Todayguineapigcanbeorderedgrilled,roastedordeepfried,servedwholeorchoppedintosmallerpieces,andthedishisstillreservedforspecialoccasions.

ThespiritualbeliefsofmodernPeruvians,especiallythoseofwhoareraisedintraditionalAndeancommunities,havedeeprootsinIncamythology.Oneexampleisthecontinuingreverenceshowntohighmountainpeaks,whichareconsideredsacredandbelievedtobethedwellingplacesofpowerfulspiritscalledapus.Todaypeoplemakeofferingstotheapusbygatheringfood,drink,cocaleaves,andotherplantsasasymbolofgratitudeforallthatthespiritsprovide.

Cusco,theformerIncacapital,hastwelvesacredapus–oneofwhichisMachuPicchu.ManytravelerscometoPerutoseetheseimpressiveIncaruinsbutit’simportanttorememberthatforlocals,thesearemorethanjustruins,theyaresacred,historicalplaces.Beingenvironmentallyfriendlyisnotjustcommonsense,it’salsoawaytodemonstrateculturalawarenessandsensitivity.

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Operating on “Peruvian t ime”

Whenitcomestosocialevents,itmaybehelpfultoknowthatmanypeoplefromPeruoperateonlahoraperuanaor“Peruviantime.”Inotherwords,theculturalnormistoarrivelate.IfyoumakeplanstomeetyournewPeruvianfriendsfordinnerat7:30p.m.,chancesaretheywillshowupcloserto8p.m.OneimportantexceptiontoPeruviantimeisforofficialbusinessortravelmatters,suchasaflights,busdepartures,ortourschedules,andit’sbesttoshowupontime.

Common courtesy

Therealculturalexperiencebeginswhenyouencounteralanguagebarrier.SpanishistheofficiallanguageofPeru,andthelocalpeopleyouencounterwillmostlikelyspeaklittleornoEnglish.Beforeyourtripit’sagoodideatofamiliarizeyourselfwithsomeSpanishphrasesandcarryatravel-sizedictionaryonyourtrip.RaisingyourvoicewhilerepeatingyourquestiontoaSpanishspeakingaudiencewon’thelpthesituation.Patienceandalittlenon-verbalcommunication–handgestures,facialexpressionsandwritingdownthenamesofdestinations–canusuallydothetrickandmostpeoplearehappytotrytohelpyouout.

Ingeneral,Peruisaconservativecountryandasatravelerit’sbesttodressthepart.WhatyouconsideracutelittleoutfitmightbeculturallyoffensiveandrisquétosomepeopleinPeru,especiallyinchurches.Whenindoubt,covermoreskintoavoiddrawingattention.

InCuscoyouwillseelocalwomenwearingbrightlocaltextilesagainstspectacularscenesrightoutofNationalGeographicandyou’lllikelywanttotakeapicturetocapturethemoment.Berespectfulandmakesureyouaskbeforetakingpicturesofpeople,especiallyifyousensethey’reuncomfortablewithyourattention.Somefamiliesposeforpictureswithtravelersasasourceofincome.BepreparedtopayatipofS/.1-3foranimpromptuphotoshootwithlocals.

There’ssomethingtolearnwitheverynew,strangeorexcitingculturalencounter.EducateyourselfaboutthelocalwaysinPeruandthensoakuptheexperience:You’llreturnhomewithmorethanjustpictures.

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MachuPicchuisoneofthoseplacesthatmakesthetop10ofalmosteverybucketlist.It’snotjusttheruinsthatcallcurioustravelersfromnearlyeverycorneroftheworld,butalsotherobustculture,beautifullandscapesandendlesssenseofadventure.

But,withmillionsoftravelersvisitingeverysingleyear,MachuPicchuandthesurroundingareaareatrisk,bothenvironmentallyandculturallyspeaking.

That’swhyweatPeruforLesssatdownwithourresidentMachuPicchuexpert,FabricioOrtiz,togettipsandtricksonwhatstepsvisitorscantaketopreserveMachuPicchu,alongwiththeecosystem,customsandlesser-knownruinsthatsurroundtheIncacitadel.

1. DON’T get naked

Overthepastdecade,MachuPicchuandCuscohavebecomehavensfortravelerfromallovertheworld,andinsomecasestherehavebeenvisitorswhohavebeenlessthanrespectfulofthesacredruins.InMarchof2014,anumberofyoungtouristsdecidedtostripnakedandexposethemselvesduringtheirvisittoMachuPicchuaspartofthe“nakedtourism”fad.Whilestreakinginsomepartsoftheworldcanmakeforagoodstoryandinterestingpictures,doingitinPerucanmakeforsomeserioustrouble,especiallynowthatthegovernmentiscrackingdownonthosewhoexposetheircracks.TheirobsceneactendedindetainmentandevictionfromCusco.

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MachuPicchuwithraysofsun-yotut/Flickr

2. DO stay on the trai l

ThetrailthatwindsthroughMachuPicchunotonlyprotectstheruins,butalsothepeoplevisiting.Atmorethanfivecenturiesold,someofthestructureisworn,crackedanddeteriorating.Meanderingfromthesetpathcouldnotonlyfurtherdamagethewallsandflooring,butalsoleadtoavisitorhurtingthemselves.Afterall,thecitadelisonthesideofamountainandit’salongwaytothebottom.

3. DON’T touch the ruins

Whileit’stemptingtotouchthemassiverockschiseledbythehandsoftheIncas,it’sabadidea.Lotions,sunscreensandbugspraysallcontainchemicalsthatcandamagedtherocksurface.Additionally,thousandsvisitMachuPicchueverysingleday;imaginethewearandtearthatwouldtakeplaceifeachofthemdraggedtheirfingersalongthecitadel’ssurfaces.

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MachuPicchuruins-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

4. DO keep distance from the l lamas

Althoughtheyarecute,snugglylookingandincrediblyusedtohumans,llamasareknowntospit,chargeandevenbiteiftheyfeelthreatened.Thellamas,whotheIncasopenlyworshipped,callMachuPicchuhome—besuretorespectthemontheirturf.Ontopofthat,theyaren’talwaysthecleanestanimalsandcarrydisease,fleasandmites.

5. DON’T pollute

Thisnotonlygoesforwastepollution,suchasbagsandbottles,butalsonoisepollution.Itnotonlydisturbstheplantandanimallife,butalsotheexperienceforothertravelers.ManyofthemhavetraveledgreatdistancestoexperienceMachuPicchu,andsomeevenviewthesacredsiteasaspiritualone.

6. DO keep the entrance t icket

Watchingthesunappearoverthehorizon,followedbythefogandcloudsdissipatingintothinairandfinally,witnessingthesunsetintothemajesticmountainsmakesforaverylongdayatMachuPicchu.Eatingandgoingtothebathroominsidetheruinsarestrictlyprohibited.Luckily,thereareacoupleofrestaurantchoicesandcleanrestroomsjustoutsidethegates.Headtheretorelievehunger(oryourself).Keepingtheticketensuresre-entrance.

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Manmeetsllama-BRosen/Flickr

7. DON’T l i tter

Thisgoesfornotonlyitemslikeplasticbottlesandwrappers,butalsofruitandvegetablewastelikeapplecores,aswellascigarettebuttsandchewinggum.Don’tthrowanythingonthegroundofMachuPicchuthatyouwouldn’twantonthefloorofyourownhome.

8. DO bring a reusable water bottle

Alltrash,includingplasticdrinkingbottles,hastobeshippedfromMachuPicchutoCuscoCityviatrain.Helpreducewastebycarryingwaterinabottlethatdoesn’tgettossedwhenemptied.

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Useabottleandbegreen-RyanHyde/Flickr

9. DON’T buy products made from protected animals

Peruishometodozensofendangeredorprotectedplantandanimalspecies,includingjaguars,pumas,caymansandmonkeys.Neverbuyaproductmadeofathreatenedplantoranimalspecies.

10. DO respect locals

Makesureyouareaskingforpermissionbeforesnappingashotofthelocalscladinintricatelysewnoutfitsorofgovernmentworkerslikesoldiersandpoliceofficers.Additionally,localsfollowCatholicism,Pachamama(MotherEarth)orahybridofthetwo.Observethesanctityoftheirreligion.Whenthetownarecelebratingtheirpatronsaintorotherreligiousfestivals,makesuretoberespectfulduringthestreetprocessionsandmomentsofsilence.

11. DON’T steal

Thisgoesforpiecesoftheruinsandthenaturalfloraandfaunathatcallthemhome.

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Asaresponsibletraveler,it’syourinitiativetoasktherightquestionsandworkwithatrekkingcompanythattreatsitsportersfairly.AsPeru’smostsoughtaftertrek,theIncaTrailtoMachuPicchudoesnotpermitpackanimals,solocalportersarecontractedtocarrythecampingequipmentandpersonalbelongingsofeachtrekkinggroup.Unfortunately,licensedcompaniesstillfallshortofsatisfyinglegalstandardstoprotectporterwelfareand“toogoodtobetrue”pricescomeattheexpenseofunfairlylowwages.

Porter welfare at a glance

ChoosingareputabletouroperatorforyourIncaTrailadventurebeginswithanunderstandingoftheunfairtreatmentandworkconditionsexperiencedbysomeporters.

ThePeruviangovernmentintroducedthePorterLawin2003thatsetworkstandards.Amongtheselegalrequirements,portersshouldcarryaloadweighingnomorethan44pounds(20kg)andreceiveaminimumwageofS/.45(~US$16)perday.

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IncaTrailporters

ToenforcePorterLawstandards,thepackofeachporterisweighedatthebeginningoftheIncaTrailandagainatasecondcheckpoint.Ifthepackexceeds44pounds(20kg),thetouroperatorreceivesafineandtoomanynotificationswillresultinthecompanylosingtheirlicensefortheIncaTrail.Someoperatorscutexpensesbyusingfewerporters,resultinginunfairtreatment.Thesecompaniesmightasktrekkerstocarrytheirownbagsacrossthecheckpointssothattheirpackweightisn’tconsidered.Then,afterthecheckpointthetrekker’spackweightisdistributedandloadedtothebagsoftheporterswhoseownbagstemporarilysatisfiedregulation.Additionally,ofthe44pounds(20kg)ofpackweight,11pounds(5kg)arepermittedbylawforthepersonalequipmentoftheporter.Companiescanalsolimitthepersonalweightofeachportersothatthere’sroomformoregroupcampingequipment:suchactionoftenresultsinportersnothavingadequateclothingandpersonalgeartokeepthemwarmatsuchhighaltitudes.

ManyportersarealsolandownerswhofarmcropsorraiseanimalsandearnmoneyworkingtheIncaTrailtosupporttheirfamilies.BylawtheyshouldearnatleastS/.45(~US$16)aday,anamountslightlyhigherthanPeru’slegalminimumwage.Licensedtouroperatorssometimesrewardthehardworkoftheirporterswithhigherwages,butportersareoftenpaidmuchless.Manyportersdon’tcomplainandsettleforwagesaslowasS/.30(~US$11)perdaywhilesigningpaymentreceiptsforS/.45(~US$16)becausetheydon’twanttolosetheirjobs.

Find a reputable tour operator

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EveryyearthePeruviangovernmentgrantsorrenewsacertainnumberofPeruvian-ownedtrekkingcompanieswithlicensestotakegroupsontheIncaTrail.Justbecauseacompanyhasalicensedoesn’tmeantheytreattheirportersfairly.

AsyounarrowdownyourIncaTrailoptions,applyyourknowledgeofPeru’sPorterLawtojudgeacompany’sethicalpractices.ComparetouroperatorwebsitesandreadforanymentionoflegalstandardsandinvolvementwithlocalAndeancommunities.ReadclienttestimonialsfromadditionalonlinesourcesandaskseasonedIncaTrailtrekkersabouttheirownexperienceandrecommendations.

OfthecompanieslicensedtoworktheIncaTrail,WaykiTrekisagoodgo-toprovider.WaykiTrekisapioneerofsustainabletourisminPeruthatpridesitselfinworkingwithruralcommunitiessothatlocalbusinessesbenefitdirectly.Amongmanysocialprojects,theWaykiteamhasestablishedcommunallibraries,workshopsthathelppreservelocalidentityandculture,andamedicalcenterthatservesaremoteAndeanvillage.

Questions to consider:

ConsiderthefollowingdetailstoensureporterwelfarebeforebookingyourreservationsfortheIncaTrail:

Whyisthispricesomuchlower?“Togoodtobetrueprices”arearedflagforporterwelfare.Oftencompaniesofferingseverelyreducedpricesdosobecausetheycutcornerswithweightrestrictionsandpaytheirportersverylowwages.It’sunlikelythatporterwelfareishighonacompany’slistiftheychargeunderUS$500(2014)forafour-dayIncaTrailtrek.

HowmanyporterswillbeaccompanyingyourgroupontheIncaTrail?Thenumberofportersonatrekdependsonthesizeofthegroup.Responsibletouroperatorsgenerallyuseaboutthreeportersforeverytwotrekkers.

WhoareyoubookingyourIncaTrailtourwith?AlimitednumberofPeruvian-ownedtrekkingcompaniescanleadgroupsontheIncaTrail.Forthisreason,it’snotuncommonfortourcompaniessellingpackagedealsandcustomizedtripstopartnerwiththeselicensestrekkingcompanieswhenofferingtravelerstheIncaTrailtrek.Tellatourcompanyrepresentativethatporterwelfareisimportanttoyou.InquireabouttheaccommodationsthetrekkingcompanyprovidesitsportersontheIncaTrailandaskhowtheycomplywithlegalstandards.

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Thank your porters

PortersareatrekkersbestfriendontheIncaTrailandshowingyourappreciationisimportant.

Duringthetrek:Interactwiththeportersonyourtrek.TaketheinitiativetosparkupaconversationandlearnabouttheirlifeintheAndes.Ifyoudon’tspeakSpanish,asmileandsimplegraciaswillshowyourgratitudefortheirhelp.

Afterthetrek:Tippingisanicewaytothankyourporterforajobwelldone.Theamountisuptoyourdiscretion,butmostIncaTrailoperatorssuggestacollectiveS/.50-60(~US$18-22)tipforeachporterfromthegroup.Thismaynotseemlikemuchbywesternstandards,buttheamountshouldbeseeninperspectivetocountrystandards.Tippingtoomuchmightencouragesomeporterstocelebratebyspendtheiradditionalcashondrinksafterthetrek.Thisobviouslyisnotthecaseforallporters,butitdoeshappen.Donations,suchasclothingandschoolsupplies,areuniversallyusefulandanicewaytothankyourportersinadditiontoastandardtip.

EthicaltrekkingisbecominganincreasinglyimportantissueinPeru.SupporttheseimportanteffortsbylookingoutforporterwelfareandchooseareputabletouroperatorforyouradventuroustrekontheIncaTrail.

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TheInternationalForumforRuralTransportandDevelopment(IFRTD)isaglobalnetworkoforganizationsthatworkswithruralcommunitiesindevelopingcountriestoimprovetheiraccesstomobilityandotherservices.

InPeru,researchersforIFRTDhavebeenworkingwithindigenouscommunitiesalongtheCenepaRiver.Located40miles(~65km)fromtheborderwithEcuadorinthefarnorthernprovinceofAmazonas,theCenepadistrictishometoindigenousAwajunandWampicommunitieswhodependontheriverfortheirprimarymodeoftransport.WhilePeruhasoneofthefastest-growingeconomiesinSouthAmerica,indigenousAmazonianpopulationsliketheAwajunandtheWampihavebeenleftbehind.AccordingtoPeruviangovernmentstatistics,thesecommunitiesliveinextremepoverty.

Complex concerns, innovative solutions

ThevillagesoftheAwajunandWampiarescatteredalongtheCenepaRiverandarealmosttotallyisolated.Toaccesshealthservices,thevillagersmusttraveltohealthcentersinlargertownsdownriver.Butrivertransport–bycanoe,pequepeque,skiff,motorboat,orcargoboat–isslowandunreliable.Itcantakehours,sometimesdays,toreachthenearesttown.Evenwhentransportisavailable,peoplerarelyhavemoneytopayforservicesorthehighcostsoffuelandtheymustgointodebtornegotiateanexchangetoobtainmobility.Intherainyseason,rivertravelbecomesunsafeforsmallervesselsandfloodingoftendestroysthemakeshiftportsandjetties.

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KidsplayingintheAmazon-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess

Theeconomicrestrictionsonmobilityinhibitthecapacityofpatientstoseekattentionforaninjuryorillness,andbythesametoken,itrestrictstheabilityofdoctors,nurses,andothermedicallytrainedstafftogettoisolatedcommunitiestoprovideevenroutinecare.Thereare12healthpostsandonehealthcenterinthecapitaltoservethecommunities,buttheseareill-equippedandpatientsinneedofgreaterinterventionmusttravelfourhoursbyriverfromthehealthcenterinHuampanitotheclosesthospitalinSantaMariadeNieva.

ThePeruviangovernmentprovidessmallrationsofgasolinetotransportpatientsandtoaidmedicalstaffvisitstolocalcommunities,butthisisrarelyenoughtosatisfyactualneeds.Thisconfluenceoffactors–poverty,thehighcostoffuel,lackoftransportservices,lackoffunding,andgeographicaldistance–isproducingdeadlyconsequences.

TheleadingcausesofdeathamongAwajunandWampiarediseasesthatcanbeeasilytreatedinmostotherpartsofPeru,includingacutediarrhea,respiratoryillness,typhoid,andintestinalparasites.Amongwomen,childbirthisaleadingcauseofdeathduetolackofmidwivesand/orinadequatemedicalequipment.TheingestionofdetergentsbyyoungwomenwiththeintentofsuicideisalsoadisturbingtrendinCenepa.

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Messages from Amazonas, a social media project

In2009,IFRTDarmedvillagerswithmobilephones,camcorders,andwind-upchargers.AccordingtoMattBarker,avolunteerwithIFRTD,theideaistousesocialmediato“overcometheenormousdistancesbetweenthecommunity,theoutsideworld,andthepolicymakerswhocanimprovetheirqualityoflife.”Equippedwiththepropertools,thevillagerscanexplainintheirownwordsthedireproblemsthattheyface.Thestoriesarethenbroadcasttoaglobalpubliconblogs,Facebook,andYouTube.

Thevideosarefilmedagainstthebackdropoftherainforest,withgreenjunglegrowthallaroundandacacophonoussymphonyofchirps,trills,andtwittersasthesoundtrack.Theself-selectedintervieweesshareheart-wrenchingaccountsofhowthishealthcrisisaffectsthem.Inthevideomessages,thespeakerstestifyinvoicesthataretentative,lowwithsadness,sometimesstridentwithanger. “Wearetimid,”saysoneAwajunman.

Thevillagersrecalltheillnessofawife,thedeathofason,thesuicideofadaughter.Theirwordspalpablyconveythefrustrationofbeingthwartedandunabletotakeactiontohelpalovedone.“Ithinkweshouldbeabletosavechildren’slives,”RafaelUkunchamsaysinhistestimonial.“Wediequicklybecausewedon’tknowhowtopreventortreatillness.”

ITRFDarguesthat,giventhesituationofextremepovertyinthesecommunities,localandregionalgovernmentsshouldrecognizethelackofmobilityandaccesstohealthcareasbasicproblemsthatneedrealsolutions.Thevideosprovideacalltoactiontopolicy-makersinPerutotakeresponsibilityforprovidingadequateaccesstomedicalservices.

Inhervideotestimonial,DeliciaSantiaktalksaboutherdaughter.Theyoungwomanhadanargumentwithherhusband.Disconsolateanddepressed,sheingestedatoxicplant.Thefamilywasunabletofindamotorboatorevenacanoetotakehertoahealthcenterandthedaughterdied.Later,Deliciawastoldthatthehealthcenterwouldnothavebeenabletotreatherdaughteranywaybecausetheyarenotsuppliedwiththerightmedicines.Attheendofhermessage,Deliciastates,“Isharemystorywithyouinthehopethatsomeonetakesnoticeandcanhelpus.”

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NotfarfromCusco,theVilcanotaRiverwindsitswaythroughtheSacredValleyoftheIncas,allthewaytoMachuPicchu.Someofthevillageshereareratherwell-known–Pisacforitstraditionalmarket,Ollantaytamboforitsmonolithicruins–butventureoffthebeatenpath,climbupthehillsthatoverlookthevalleyandyou’llfindincredibleplacesthatrarelymakeitintotheguidebooks.

WisdomfromtheAndes

IntheSacredValleyofPeru,eightQuechua-speakingcommunitieshavecometogethertoformanassociationcalledLaTierradelosYachaqs.WithtrainingandguidancefromCodespa,anNGObasedinSpain,thecommunitieshaveopenedtheirdoorstovisitorsinterestedinruralcommunity-basedtourism.Allprofitsgeneratedfromtours,hikes,andhomestaysgodirectlybacktocommunityhouseholds.Theadditionalincomeenablesfamiliestodevelopsustainablecommunityprojectswhilealsoallowingthemtoconservetheirculturalheritage.

TheQuechuawordyachaq,similartosabioinSpanish,referstosomeonewhopossessesextraordinaryknowledgeabouttheworld.TheAndeancommunitiesoftheSacredValleyrefertothemselvesaslosyachaqsbecausetheyhavelearnedtolivefromandwiththeearthwithouttaxingnaturalresources.Overmanygenerations,theyhavedevelopedmythsandlegendsabouthowtheworldworks,storiesthatexplainhowtobalancewhatwetakefromthePachamama(MotherEarth)withwhatwegiveback.Thisancientwisdomisappliedtoallareasoflife,includingtextilearts,ceramics,andhandicrafts,foodpreparation,agriculture,ceremoniesandrituals.

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TierradelosYachaqs

TheeightcommunitiesthatformtheassociationarespreadoutintheareabetweenPisacandOllantaytambo.AfewcommunitiesmaintainthetraditionalorganizationalstructureofIncatimes,withavarayoc,ormaximumauthority,whoiselectedeverytwoyearsandwhosoundsapututo,orconchshell,tosummonthevillageforgatherings.

Thecommunitiessubsistmostlybypasturingllamas,alpacas,andsheep,andbycultivatingcropsofcorn,potatoes,beans,quinoa,andtarwi.Theyusethetraditionalagriculturetoolsoftheirancestors,likethechaquitaclla,atypeoffootplow.Forplantingandharvesting,theycarefullymonitorcalendarcyclesand,whenthetimeisright,theyperformritualsandmakeofferingstothePachamamaandtotheapus(mountainspirits).Forcommunitiesthatliterallyliveofftheseedsthattheysow,ancestralknowledgeismorethanjustalinkbetweenthepastandthepresent;itiswhatsustainsthem.

Experience La Tierra de los Yachaqs

ToparticipateinoneofLaTierradelosYachaqs’programsistoexperiencetheAndesinawayfewpeopledo,seenfromtheperspectiveofpeopleswhohave

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beenrootedheresincetimeimmemorial.Plants,animals,andeventheancestralpathsthatwindtheirwayupanddowntheslopesofmountains–alloftheseacquirenewdimensions,propertiesthatremainunseenunlessyouknowwhattolookfor.

ExcursionsandactivitiesareorganizedaroundthemessuchasAndeantextilesandhandicrafts,ethnobotany,agricultureandanimalhusbandry.MostactivitiesarecarriedoutinQuechua,thefirstlanguageofthecommunities,butaninterpreterisalwaysavailabletotranslate.Witheveryactivity,visitorsgaintremendousinsightintohowthesecommunitiesuseancestralknowledgetoforgerelationshipswiththenaturethatsurroundsthem.

Togiveoneexample,“UnveilingAndeanTextiles”istaughtbyweaverswhoexplaintheiconographyoftextilesandwhosharethestoriesthatarewovenintoeverygarmentandpieceofcloth.Theweaversalsodemonstratetheprocessofmakingtextilesfromstarttofinish:shearingwool,coloringwithnaturalplantdyes,spinning,weaving,creatingshapesandpatternsthatrepresentculturalknowledge.ThisistheprocessformakingthebrightclothingthathasbecomeadistinctivesymbolofPeru’slivingindigenousheritage.

Additionalactivitiesincludelearningagriculturaltechniquesfromfarmers,hikingonthemountainsideinsearchofplants,orclimbingtohighestaltitudepasturestoseeflocksofcamelidsgrazingamongtheclouds.Otherhikesgobetweendestinationsofgreatlocalimportance,suchasHuchuyQosqo,thePerolniyocwaterfalls,andtheIncaquarriesatCachiccata.Homestaysarealsoofferedonalimitedbasis.

FortheYachaqs,theconnectiontonatureisnotautomatic.Ritualsanddailypracticesarerequiredtomaintainandrefreshthelink.Itinvolvestheworkofsortingthroughapouchofcocaleavestofindthethree,perfectlyshaped,blemish-freeleavesneededforaK’intu,agivingofthankstothePachamamaforallthatsheprovides.

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LauraBennettistheProgramsDirectorforAwamaki,anonprofitorganizationbasedinOllantaytambo,asmalltowninPeru’sSacredValleythat’sbestknownforhousingtherailwaystationyou’resuretopassthroughonatriptoorfromMachuPicchu.WecaughtupwithLauratogleansomeofherinsightsabouttheorganizationandtolearnhowyoucangetinvolved.

PFL:Firstly,howwouldyouintroduceAwamakitopeopleunfamiliarwiththeorganization?

Laura:AwamakiisaPeruvian-Americannon-profitorganizationworkinginandaroundOllantaytambo.Werunthreeprogramsinwomen’sfairtradeartisancooperatives,sustainabletourism,andcommunitycapacity-building,andwebelieveinusingasocialenterprisemodeltoachieveourgoals.

AttheheartofAwamakiisourworkwithfivewomen’sartisancooperatives,providingthemwithskills-basedtrainingsandmostimportantly,connectingthemtoglobalmarkets,enablingthemtoearnanincometoinvestintheirfamiliesandtransformtheircommunities.Thewomeninthesefivecooperativesmakeallthewovenandknittedproductssuchashats,gloves,scarves,babybootiesandlegwarmersthatwesellinourfairtradestoreinOllantaytamboaswellastoanumberofinternationalclients.Wesellwoventextilesstraightfromtheloom,andwealsosellfashionableproductsthatfeaturethetextiles,forexampleshoulderbags,purses,andiPodcases.

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Awamaki

Oursustainabletourismprogramgrewoutpeople’sdesiretoseewherethebeautifultextilesofPeruaremade,whomakesthem,andhow.WeofferavarietyoftoursouttolocalcommunitiesandinOllantaytamboitself,werunworkshopsandhaveasmallLanguageCentre,wherevisitorscantakelessonsinSpanishorQuechua.

Ourcommunityeducationprogramisthehubofallofthemanycapacity-buildingworkshopsthatweprovideforthemorethan150womenthatweworkwith.Wegiveintensivecapacitybuildingintechnical,administrativeandleadershipskills–everythingfromknittingorhostingtouristsintheirhomes,tobusinessadministrationskills.WeprovideEnglishandcomputerclassestolocalpeopleinOllantaytambo,manyofwhomworkinthetourismindustryandforwhomtheseskillsarevital.Wealsocarryoutregularmonitoringandevaluationtoensurethatwearehavingapositiveimpactthroughourwork.

PFL:Whatpartdoyouplayintheorganization?

Laura:Astheprogram’sdirector,myroleistomanagethestaffhereinOllantaytamboandensurethattheprogrammaticworkwedostaysonmissionand

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truetothevisionofAwamaki.Alargepartofmyroleisdaytodaytroubleshootingandproblemsolving,whetherthatissomethingassimpleascontractinganelectriciantofixabrokenlight,ordecision-makinginmorecomplexareassuchashowtobestassistourcooperativemembersaffectedbyfloodingduringtherainyseason.IalsoplayanactiveroleintheNetworkofNGOsintheSacredValley,andIactastherepresentativeforAwamakiforanyvisitorsorpotentialcollaborators.

PFL:WhichisyourpersonalfavoriteAwamakiprojectandwhy?

Laura:MyfavoriteAwamakiprojectisourCooperativeofSpanishteachers.WeworkedwithFairServicesinCusco(anestablishedSpanishschool)todevelopaspecificsix-monthtrainingprogramforthewomen,manyofwhoareyoungsinglemothers,withminimalformaleducationortrainingandwhowouldotherwisestruggleforanincome.Thewomenhavesincethenbeenverysuccessfullyteachingone-on-onelessonstoAwamakivolunteersandtourists.

Thereasonthattheyaremyfavoritegroupisduetotheirpassionforlearningandself-development,andtheamazingpersonalconnectionsthattheymakewiththevolunteersandtourists.Theyhaveevengivenuptheirownsparetimetopaintthewallsandvarnishthefloors!

PFL:What’snextforAwamaki?

Laura:Wehaveworkedveryhardonbuildingwhatwedo,sonowwe’returningourfocustohowwedoit.Inotherwords,wearecontinuingtoimprovethequalityofwhatwedoacrossallprograms.IntheWomen’sCooperativesprogram,thishasmeantworkingwithallofourwomen’scooperativestoimprovethequalityoftheproductstheyaremaking,whetherthatisthroughworkshopsinmeasurementsforourweavers;ortakingourknitterstovisitothercooperativesthatareatamoreadvancedstageofexportinginternationallysothattheycanreallyunderstandtheimportanceofproducinghighqualityproducts;ortrainingourartisansinOllantaytambobasedontourists’feedbacksothattheycanconstantlyimprovetheirworkshops.

Withanimprovementinthequalityofourofferingsacrosstheboard,wehopetobeinapositiontofurtherpromoteAwamakisothatwecanplacemoreincomeinthehandsofthewomenthatwesupport.

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PFL:HowcantravelersgetinvolvedinAwamaki’sworkintheSacredValley–fromquick‘n’easyoptionstobiggercommitments?

Laura:TherearemanywaystogetinvolvedwithAwamaki’swork!Ifyou’repassingthroughOllantaytambo,visitourFairTradestoreandbuyoneofthebeautifulhandmadeproducts.Themajorityoftheproceedsfromthesalegostraightbacktotheverysamewomanwhomadetheproduct.OrsignupforadayworkshopinPeruviancooking,woodcarving,basketweaving,orpottery,allledbylocalartisans.OrgoononeofourQuechuaCommunityVisitswhereyoucanseeourwomenweaversatwork,andevenlearntoweaveyourownbracelettotakehome.

Toimmerseyourselflongerintheculture,optforoneofourhomestaysinOllantaytambo–arealchancetointeractwithalocalfamily.YoumightevenlearnsomeQuechuaoverthedinnertable!

Ifyouhaveamonthorsotospare,takepartinourServiceTravelprogramthatcombinestourismactivitieswithserviceprojectsthroughAwamakiandsomeofourpartnerNGOs.Thisisagreatwaytofitinalltheamazingtouristicexperiencesavailablewhilealsogivingsomethingbacktothecommunitythroughvoluntaryprojects.Andforpeoplewhoreallywanttogetinvolvedatthedeepestlevel,wehaveafantasticvolunteerprogramfor12weeks,6monthsorevenlonger.

Peru for Less - 50

Voluntourismisagreatwaytoobtainarichculturalexperiencewhilegivingbacktothelocalcommunity.ThereareseveralnonprofitorganizationsthroughoutPerudoingamazingwork,eachofferingauniquevolunteerexperience.

CombineherpassionsfortravelandgivingbackiswhatbroughtBrynnaB.toPeru.TheenrichingtripandthepeoplethatBrynnaworkedwithduringhertimeleftalastingimpressiononherandmarkedashiftfromwantingnotjusttotravel,buttoliveandworkabroad.InourinterviewwithBrynna,shesharesherexperienceofworkingwithlocalwomeninPuno,givesussomeadviceaboutvolunteeringanddescribeswhatitwasliketodanceinaPeruvianfestival.

PFL:WhatsparkedyourinterestinvolunteeringinPeru?

Brynna:IstudiedabroadinCostaRicaduringmyjunioryearincollegeanddecidedthatIabsolutelywantedtogoabroadagainsoIstartinglookingforwaystotravelandstillgetschoolcredit.WhileIwasinCostaRicaIwatchedthemovie“MotorcyleDiaries”anddecidedthatmynexttripabroadwouldbePeruandfromthereIstartedlookingforinternshipopportunitiesinPeru.

IoriginallylookedatopportunitiesinCusco,butultimatelyendedupgoingwithFSDwhoonlyworkedinPuno.Theyprovidemicrofinanceloanstovariouswomen’sgroupsinPunoandtheyalsoofferdifferenttypesofworkshopsonreproductivehealth,nutrition,budgeting,andbasicaccounting.IwasabletousetheinternshiptogetcreditformySociologydegreeandwenttoPunoformywintersemesterin2007.WhenIsignedupformyinternship,IknewabsolutelynothingaboutPuno(andnotverymuchaboutPeru),butIboughtabunchofguidebooksandstartedreadingup.

PFL:Whattypeofworkdidyoudo?

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Brynna:Halfmytimeasavolunteerwasspentorganizingthenonprofit'smicro-financedocumentsandaccounts.IpassedhandwrittenrecordsintocomputerfilesandtrainedthestafftoaccessalloftheaccountinformationinExcelfiles.

Theremainderofmyworkwastomeetwithandmonitorthevariouswomen’sgroupsindifferentneighborhoodsinPuno.Eachgrouphadmonthlymeetingtoreviewtheirmicrocreditaccounts.Thegroupactedasa“backer”totheindividualwomenthattookoutloans,inthatthewomenwouldhavetobepartofoneofthegroupsweworkedwithandreceivetrainingonhowtouseandbudgetthemoney.Mostoftheloanswereprettysmall(S/.400,orlessthanUS$145)andthepaymentschedulewasbasedontheamountoftheloan.Insomecasesoneofthewomenwouldbebehindonloanpaymentsandtheentiregroupwouldneedtopitchintocoverthepaymentcost,sothegroupmadesurethatitsmemberscametothemeetings,paidontimeandthattheirbusinessesweregoingwell.

Duringthemonthlyloanmeetings,wewouldalsotalkwiththewomenaboutwhatkindoftrainingstheywereinterestedinorneededandthenIwouldprepareaworkshopandscheduleatimetoprovidethetraining.Alotofthetrainingswererelatedtowomen’shealth(especiallyreproductivehealthandregularhealthscreenings).Wealsodidtrainingsonbudgeting,basicaccountkeepingandbasicbusinessplanning,sothatthewomencouldmakethebestuseoftheirmicro-creditloansandmakesurethattheyknewhowtokeeptheirownrecords,growtheirsmallbusinessesandbeabletomakeloanrepaymentsontime.

PFL:Whatwasthemostrewardingpartofyourexperience?

Brynna:Asavolunteerorintern,youalwaysimaginethatyouwillbedoing“lifechanging”workandoftengointoyourexperiencelookingtomakeadifferenceinabigway.Whilesomevolunteersmaybefortunateenoughtoliterallysavelives,butinmostcasesit’simportanttoadjustyourperspectiveandrealizehowevenseeminglysmallactionscanmakeabigdifference.

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BrynnavolunteeringinPuno-BrynnaB.

AtfirstIwasdisappointedthatIwouldonlybepreparingandpresentingworkshopsonhealth,nutritionandothertrainingpoints.WithafewhoursofinternetresearchIwasabletoprepareallthepresentationinformationandfeltlikeIshouldbetacklingmuchbiggerissues.ThenIrealizedthatwhilereproductivehealthorbasicnutritionwassomethingthatIcouldeasilyresearchandpresent,mostofthewomenIwaspresentingtodidn’thavethetime,resourcesor(orinmanycases)thebasiceducationrequiredtogatherthisinformationontheirown.CreatingpresentationswassomethingthatIwasabletodobecauseIhadreceivededucationinhowtosearchfor,summarizeandcommunicateideasclearly–andthisisn’tsomethingthatpeople“justknowhowtodo.”

PFL:What’syourfondestmemoryofbeingavolunteer?

Brynna:Idon’thaveonespecificmemorythatstandsout,butmytimeasaninternwasdefinitelyalifechangingexperience.AsaninternIcametorealizepeople–acrosscultures,languages,clothingandlifeexperiences–havemuchmoreincommonthanwetendtorealize.ItamazedmethatIcouldfeel“athome”thousandsofmilesawayfrommyhomeintheUnitedStatesinasettingthatwassodifferentfromanythingIhadexperiencedbefore.

Peru for Less - 53

PFL:Canyoutellusaboutaninterestingculturalexperienceyouhad?

Brynna:DancingintheVirgindelaCandelariacelebrationwasprobablymymostinterestingexperience.TheannualcelebrationtakesplaceinearlyFebruary,whichwasaboutamonthafterIarrivedinPuno.Thereweretwoothervolunteersinmyprogramatthetime,andwewereinvitedtodancewiththeLacustre,oneofthelocalgroupsthatparticipatesinCandelaria.

Itwasinterestingtogofromaspectatorofthedancesandparades,toanactualparticipantfortheCandelariacelebration.ThereareseveraldifferenttypesofdancesthatarepresentedinCandelaria,fromtraditionaldancesthatareperformedbypeoplefromTaquileIslandtoverycolorfulandmoderndances,likeDiablada,thatcomefromBolivia.TheLacustregroupdancesSicuris,whichismuchlessintricate(morefreestyle)danceaccompaniedbyzampoñas(woodflutes)andpercussioninstruments.Inmycase,IworeaXenaWarriorPrincesscostume.

Theentireeventwasthecraziest,mostuniquethingthatIhaveeverexperiencedandIamverygladtohavehadtheopportunitytoparticipate.

PFL:Whataresometipsforavolunteerthatdoesn’tspeakSpanish?

Brynna:ImajoredinSpanishandhadalreadyspent9monthsinCostaRicabeforeIwenttoPuno,soluckilyIdidn’thavetoomanyproblemswiththelanguageduringmyinternship.Forvolunteersthatdon’tspeakSpanish,Iwouldrecommendlookingforvolunteeropportunitieswherespeakingthelanguageisn’tasimportant.Workingwithchildren,forexample,issomethingthatdoesn’trequirespeakingthelocallanguage.Evenspeakingaminimalamountofthelocallanguageandmakinganefforttocommunicatehoweverpossiblemakesabigdifferenceinthequalityofexperiencethatthevolunteerhas.

Peru for Less - 54

PosadaAmazonasisconvenientlylocatedjust45minutesbyboatfromthetownofPuertoMaldonadoinPeru’ssouthernjungleregion.Theecolodgebeganoperationin1998asapartnershipbetweenthelocalcommunityofInfierno(theowners)andthePeruvianecotourismcompanyRainforestExpeditions(theoperators).Today,thelodgeisashiningexampleofaprofitable,environmentallysustainableprojectinPeruthatinvolvesthelocalaffectedcommunityinessentialways.AnEnglish-speakingguidefromPosadawillmeetyouattheairportandaccompanyyourgrouptothePortofInfiernowhereyoutakeaboattherestofthewaytothelodge.Thispartofthejourneyalsoprovidesthefirstintroductiontojunglecuisine:IwasgivenasnackoflocallygrownBrazilnutsandbananas,andlunchwaswrappedinalargebananaleaf.Itwasashortwalktothelodgeaftertheboatdockedontherivershore.

Theopen-airdesignofthelodgeisevidentwhenyouenterthemainlobby,whereyourguidewillexplainthedetailsofyourstay.Amongitsmanyenvironmentally-friendlymeasures,PosadaAmazonasprovidesguestswithbiodegradablesoapandshampoo,lightsroomswithkerosenelampsandcandlesinsteadofelectricbulbs,anduseslocallygrownproductstocookflavorfulmeals.

Peru for Less - 55

AmazoninPeru

You’llhavetimetosettleintoyourroombeforedepartingonajungleexcursion.Thirtyspaciousbedrooms,eachwithaprivatebathroom,areseparatedbylightcanefencing.Whileroomsareprivate,theyarenotsoundproofandguestsareaskedtoreducevolumesatnight.Eachroomhasthreewallswithawindowlessverandathatopensintothesurroundingjungleforsafe,yetclosecontactwiththeenvironment.Giventheexposure,usingthemosquitonettingovereachbedisrecommendedatnight.

DailyexcursionsatPosadaAmazonasareorganizedaroundthebesttimestoseedifferenttypesofwildlife,usuallyintheearlymorningandeveninghours.Alloftheexcursionsareashort10to15minuteboatrideawayordepartdirectlyfromthelodgeintothejungle.

ThelakeexcursiontoTresChimbateswasmyfavorite.Itwasworththeearlymorningwake-upcalltoseetheresidentfamilyofgiantriverotters,acaiman,piranhas,andseveralspeciesofbirds.

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RefugioPosadaAmazonasProperty-TerraHall

ThecanopytoweratPosadaAmazonasjutsintotheskyandthelongclimbtothetopoffersarewardingvistaoverthetallestjungletrees.ThevastexpanseofgreenvegetationandtheTambopataRiverstretchesasfarastheeyecansee.Mygroupdidn’tspotanytoucansorparrots,butthesoundofnearbyhowlermonkeysaccompaniedourgreatview.

Otheractivitiesattheecolodgeincludeatriptothemacawclaylick,avisittoalocalworkingfarmandanighthike.Kayaking,mountainbiking,canopyclimbingandtreatmentsattheKuaiiWellnessCentercanbeenjoyedforanextrafee.

Mygroup’swildlife-spottingexperiencewasgreatlyenhancedthankstogoodweather,luck,andtheexpertiseofourguide,Luis.LikenearlyalloftheemployeesatPosadaAmazonas,LuisisfromthelocalcommunityofInfiernothatownsthelodge.Hisknowledgeofnativevegetationandhisabilitytospothidden,skillshelearnedfromgrowingupinthearea,madehimanexcellentguide.HeenthusiasticallyansweredourquestionsandtoldusaboutillegalgoldminingandloggingintheregionsurroundingtheTambopataNationalReservethatcontinuestodestroypartsofthejungle.

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piranha-BrittFracolli

ThelocalcommunityofInfiernoownsaterritoryof9,558hectares(23,618acres)ofthejunglewherePosadaAmazonasislocated.Theecolodgeisnotonlyasourceoflivelihoodforthecommunityof600people,buthashelpedtospreadawarenessabouttheneedtoprotectthisfragileecosystemfromfurtherdestruction.So,whenplanningyourjungleadventuretoPeru,stayatanecolodgelikePosadaAmazonastohelppreservetheenvironmentandsupportthelocalcommunity.

Peru for Less - 58

PeruforLessisdoingitsparttomakesureourimpactontheplaceswetraveltoisapositiveone.WeworkwithhotelsandtouroperatorsinArgentina,Bolivia,Brazil,Chile,CostaRica,EcuadorandPeruwhomakeconservation,sustainabilityandcommunitydevelopmentapriority.Becauseweworkdirectlywithlocallyownedcompanieswhoemploythepeoplewholivethere,themoneyspentbyourclientsstayswithinthecommunity.Ourprovidersareinvolvedinreforestationprojects,conservationinitiativesandlow-ecologicalfootprintprogramslikeincorporatingrecycling,biodegradablecleaningandbathproductsandlowtonoenergydevicestopowertheirday-to-dayoperations. AtPeruforLess,ourtoppriorityistoprovidetravelerswithanexperiencethatconnectsthemtoaculture,acountryandanenvironmentdifferentfromtheirownwhilealsoempoweringlocalcommunities.Afterall,ourresponsibilityisnotjusttocurioustravelers,butalsothepeopleandplacestheyaregoingtosee.

Peru for Less - 59

Anabel Mota

AnabelspentthreefullyearsexploringthelengthandwidthofSouthAmericaandiscurrentlyhoningherwandererchopsinSoutheastAsia.Shebelievesthatthekeytobettertravelistotravelwithaconscious.Ittakesabitmoretimeandresearchtotravelresponsibly,buttherewards-realconnectionswiththepeopleandplacesyouvisit-makeitallworthit.WhennotwritingabouttravelandLatinAmerica,youcanfindAnabelsettingouttoseeanddothethingsshe'sonlyreadaboutinbooks.

Britt Fracoll i

Brittisaloveroftravelwithasoftspotforyummycuisineanddestinationsenvelopedbymountains.Afewyearsago,thesweetwhispersofwanderlustcoaxedhertoSouthAmericaincompanyofherbackpack.BrittnowhappilylivesandworksinPeru,acountryrichincultureandfullofnaturalgemsthatshewantsfuturegenerationstoenjoy.

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Kathleen McAfee

Kathleenisanavidtravelerwithapassionfordiscoveringnewplacesandcultures.AsastaffmemberatPeruforLess,sheworksdiligentlytoinformandengagethetravelcommunityontheimportanceofresponsibletravelandsustainabletourisminordertopreservetheworld'smostpreciousandawe-inspiringattractionsforgenerationstocome.Kathleenlooksforwardtoseeingthistopicgainmoresupportandinfluenceinthetourismindustry,especiallyinPeru,asitisaleaderinpromotingresponsibletravelinitiativesinLatinAmerica.

Rachel Ricks

Rachelhasalwayslovedtraveling,andfollowingsomeadventuroustripsatayoungage,itwaslittlesurprisethatsheendedupwritingaboutitforaliving.HavingspenteightyearslivingandworkinginLondon,RachelsetofftoPeruwithnoplansotherthantotrylivinginadifferentcountry.InadditiontotravelingaroundSouthAmericaand–ofcourse–writingaboutherexperiences,shesetoffdeterminedtolearnSpanishandgettoknowadifferentculture.

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Terra Hall

Beforeshewasevenborn,Terrawasdestinedtohavealoveaffairwiththisamazingplanetwecalledhome.Theproofisinhername:TerraFelicia,whichmeans"HappyEarth"inLatin.OnewayTerratriestokeeptheearth“happy”andhealthyisbypracticingwhatshepreachesbytravelingwithaconscience.Whenshe’snotglobetrotting(ortellingpeopleaboutitinherwork),Terralikestoplanhernextbigadventure.