Culinary tour of Peru

Planet

Although it is not included on this sample itinerary our partners in the Amazon are committed to numerous research and conservation projects. Some examples of these efforts include working with lodges that strive to protect the rainforest from development and employing local people, giving them an opportunity to work and live well without engaging in activities that harm the environment like logging, hunting, or mining. Several lodges are also directly involved with additional projects including conservation research projects, promoting sustainable development practices locally, and implementing green initiatives at lodges themselves.

A non-profit partner with many of these lodges is Peru Verde which expands their coverage of sustainable practices. This organization takes a holistic approach to conservation in the Amazon. They work on some truly amazing projects such as renting 1,800 hectares of forest from a tea company to prevent deforestation, protecting and monitoring the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and numerous other species to prevent them from being hunted, and working with local communities throughout the southern Amazon to develop sustainable agricultural practices.

People

Many visitors to Peru quickly pass through Cuzco and the Sacred Valley in order to reach Machu Picchu in as little time as possible. However, we believe by taking the time to explore the former Inca capital and gateway to Machu Picchu you are enriching your understanding of Peruvian history and culture by having time to interact and support the local communities who have been here for centuries.

Additionally, in the Sacred Valley we are delighted to have partnered with Awamaki, a non-profit organization who assists artisan women to start and run their own businesses. The founding idea of the organization is that women are ideally placed to invest in their children, homes, and communities. The objective of their efforts is to provide women with a reliable source of income in order to increase their quality of life and well-being in addition to preserving cultural practices that have existed for centuries.