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
Peru for Less - 3
Weliveinatimewhenairtravelshrinksdistancestoprovideunprecedentedaccesstoalmostanyplacewewanttovisit.Withsufficienttime,effortandmoney,wecanreachthemostremotecornersoftheearth.Butwhataretheimpactsofquickaccesstoareasthatwerepreviouslydifficulttovisit?InSouthAmericaspecifically,whathappenswhenyearafteryearthousandsofpeoplehiketohistoricsiteslikeMachuPicchuorwhenweventuretothedeepestAmazonorwhenwevisitatraditionalcommunityinsearchofauthenticculture?
Responsibletravelisanumbrellatermthatencompassesawiderangeofsustainable,environmental,andculturallysensitivewaystopracticetourism.Theideaisthat,ratherthanbeingasourceofharm,tourismcanbeatoolforconservationandsustainablecommunitydevelopment.
AtPeruforLesswelovetohelpfellowtravelersplantheirdreamvacationtoPeruandwefinditonlyrighttogivebacktothepeopleandplacesthatmakethiscountrysospecial.Wefeelthatitisimportanttobringattentiontoandsupportthehardworkofnonprofitorganizationsandeco-friendlybusinessesinPeruandtosharesomehelpfultipsforvisitingPeru.Bydoingso,wehopetoenableconnectionsbetweenconscioustravelersandexcitingsustainableeffortsinPeruandtoinspireeveryonetotravelresponsibly.
Peru for Less - 4
Peru for Less - 5
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.
Peru for Less - 6
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
Peru for Less - 7
accommodations● Removeproductpackagingfromthingsyoubuyinpreparationforyourtrip
andleavethetrashathome● Inquireaboutoffsettingcarbonemissionsorcarboncreditprograms● Researchvolunteeropportunities
Duringyourtriptrips:
● Recycleandneverlitter(evenifthelocalsdo)● Conservewaterandenergy● Buylocalfoodsandsouvenirs● Respectlocalculture-askfirstbeforeshootingaphoto● Treadonmarkedtrailsonly● Takelocaltransportationwheneverpossible● Inquireaboutlocalsustainableprojects
Asconscioustravelers,wecanharnessourloveoftraveltoimprovetheplaceswevisitforthepeoplewholivethereandforfuturevisitors.
Peru for Less - 8
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”.
Peru for Less - 9
"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.”
Peru for Less - 10
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.
Peru for Less - 11
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.”
Peru for Less - 12
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.
Peru for Less - 13
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,
Peru for Less - 14
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.
Peru for Less - 15
Gift-giving guidelines
• Don’tgivecandy,cash,orhandouts• Don’tgivetrinketsunlesstheyhavesomespecialsignificancetoyou(you
madethemortheyaresouvenirsthatmarkwhereyou’refrom)• Don’tgivebooksorotherreadingmaterialsnotinthenativelanguage• Don’tgiveclothing–unlessspecificallyrequested;andneversend
secondhandunderpants
*Thesearejustguidelines.Ifindoubt,consultwithyourtourguidetogetadeepersenseofthelocalsituationandtodecidewhetherornottogive.
Peru for Less - 16
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.
Peru for Less - 17
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.
Peru for Less - 18
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.
Peru for Less - 19
Peru for Less - 20
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
Peru for Less - 21
in)yourhands.Youreduceyourplasticuseduringyourtravelsbybringingyourownsetofeatingutensilsorrequestingmetalonesatthehotel.
Peru for Less - 22
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
Peru for Less - 23
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.
Peru for Less - 24
LakeTiticaca-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess
Homestaysarealsoagreatwaytoensureyourmoneyisgoingdirectlytolocalpeople–andyou’llgettoexperiencestayingwithafamilywhilelearningfirsthandabouttheirlifeandculture.
Get involved
Yourparticipationincommunity-basedtourismprojectshastheeffectofincreasingdemandforthistypeofvacationinPeru,sogetinvolvedwhenyoucan.PairyourownpassionswiththeneedsofPeru.Someexamplesare:
● Providingmedicalcareandexpertise● TeachingEnglish(orotherlanguage)ataschool● Helpingunskilledworkerswithjobtrainingandprofessionaldevelopment
classes
Peru for Less - 25
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.
Peru for Less - 26
campinginPeru-AnaCastañedaCano/PeruforLess
Recycle:Thinktwicebeforethrowingyourrecyclablesintothetrashevenwhenyoudon’tseearecyclingbin.EachcityinPeruhasdifferentrecyclingresourcessoaskyourhotelwhereyoucandeposityourrecyclables.
Usewaterwisely:Stayhydratedduringyourtripbycarryingareusablewaterbottlethatyoucanrefillfromalargergallonsource;smallerplasticwaterbottlescreatealotofwaste.Packreusablecontainerstocarryfoodandsnackstofurtherreducepackaging.
Voluntourism:ThereareahugenumberofnonprofitorganizationsinPeruthatcouldbenefitfromyoursupport.Beforebuyinggiftstoshare,besuretoaskyourtravelagencyorguidewhatitemswillbethemostuseful.
Respectnature:Environmentalproblemsdon’tgoonvacationwhenyoutakeatrip.InPeru,stayonmarkedtrailswhiletrekkingintheAndesandstaywithyourguideonavisittothejungle.Avoiddisturbingthenaturalenvironmentorinterferingwithnaturalbehaviorbyfeedingwildanimals.
Peru for Less - 27
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.
Peru for Less - 28
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.
Peru for Less - 29
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.
Peru for Less - 30
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.
Peru for Less - 31
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.
Peru for Less - 32
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.
Peru for Less - 33
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.
Peru for Less - 34
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.
Peru for Less - 35
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.
Peru for Less - 36
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
Peru for Less - 37
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.
Peru for Less - 38
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.
Peru for Less - 39
Peru for Less - 40
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.
Peru for Less - 41
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.
Peru for Less - 42
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.”
Peru for Less - 43
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.
Peru for Less - 44
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
Peru for Less - 45
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.
Peru for Less - 46
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.
Peru for Less - 47
Awamaki
Oursustainabletourismprogramgrewoutpeople’sdesiretoseewherethebeautifultextilesofPeruaremade,whomakesthem,andhow.WeofferavarietyoftoursouttolocalcommunitiesandinOllantaytamboitself,werunworkshopsandhaveasmallLanguageCentre,wherevisitorscantakelessonsinSpanishorQuechua.
Ourcommunityeducationprogramisthehubofallofthemanycapacity-buildingworkshopsthatweprovideforthemorethan150womenthatweworkwith.Wegiveintensivecapacitybuildingintechnical,administrativeandleadershipskills–everythingfromknittingorhostingtouristsintheirhomes,tobusinessadministrationskills.WeprovideEnglishandcomputerclassestolocalpeopleinOllantaytambo,manyofwhomworkinthetourismindustryandforwhomtheseskillsarevital.Wealsocarryoutregularmonitoringandevaluationtoensurethatwearehavingapositiveimpactthroughourwork.
PFL:Whatpartdoyouplayintheorganization?
Laura:Astheprogram’sdirector,myroleistomanagethestaffhereinOllantaytamboandensurethattheprogrammaticworkwedostaysonmissionand
Peru for Less - 48
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.
Peru for Less - 49
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?
Peru for Less - 51
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.
Peru for Less - 52
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.
Peru for Less - 56
RefugioPosadaAmazonasProperty-TerraHall
ThecanopytoweratPosadaAmazonasjutsintotheskyandthelongclimbtothetopoffersarewardingvistaoverthetallestjungletrees.ThevastexpanseofgreenvegetationandtheTambopataRiverstretchesasfarastheeyecansee.Mygroupdidn’tspotanytoucansorparrots,butthesoundofnearbyhowlermonkeysaccompaniedourgreatview.
Otheractivitiesattheecolodgeincludeatriptothemacawclaylick,avisittoalocalworkingfarmandanighthike.Kayaking,mountainbiking,canopyclimbingandtreatmentsattheKuaiiWellnessCentercanbeenjoyedforanextrafee.
Mygroup’swildlife-spottingexperiencewasgreatlyenhancedthankstogoodweather,luck,andtheexpertiseofourguide,Luis.LikenearlyalloftheemployeesatPosadaAmazonas,LuisisfromthelocalcommunityofInfiernothatownsthelodge.Hisknowledgeofnativevegetationandhisabilitytospothidden,skillshelearnedfromgrowingupinthearea,madehimanexcellentguide.HeenthusiasticallyansweredourquestionsandtoldusaboutillegalgoldminingandloggingintheregionsurroundingtheTambopataNationalReservethatcontinuestodestroypartsofthejungle.
Peru for Less - 57
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.
Peru for Less - 60
Kathleen McAfee
Kathleenisanavidtravelerwithapassionfordiscoveringnewplacesandcultures.AsastaffmemberatPeruforLess,sheworksdiligentlytoinformandengagethetravelcommunityontheimportanceofresponsibletravelandsustainabletourisminordertopreservetheworld'smostpreciousandawe-inspiringattractionsforgenerationstocome.Kathleenlooksforwardtoseeingthistopicgainmoresupportandinfluenceinthetourismindustry,especiallyinPeru,asitisaleaderinpromotingresponsibletravelinitiativesinLatinAmerica.
Rachel Ricks
Rachelhasalwayslovedtraveling,andfollowingsomeadventuroustripsatayoungage,itwaslittlesurprisethatsheendedupwritingaboutitforaliving.HavingspenteightyearslivingandworkinginLondon,RachelsetofftoPeruwithnoplansotherthantotrylivinginadifferentcountry.InadditiontotravelingaroundSouthAmericaand–ofcourse–writingaboutherexperiences,shesetoffdeterminedtolearnSpanishandgettoknowadifferentculture.
Peru for Less - 61
Terra Hall
Beforeshewasevenborn,Terrawasdestinedtohavealoveaffairwiththisamazingplanetwecalledhome.Theproofisinhername:TerraFelicia,whichmeans"HappyEarth"inLatin.OnewayTerratriestokeeptheearth“happy”andhealthyisbypracticingwhatshepreachesbytravelingwithaconscience.Whenshe’snotglobetrotting(ortellingpeopleaboutitinherwork),Terralikestoplanhernextbigadventure.