New Voluntourism Tours!

We are pleased to announce that our monthly newsletter has embraced the age of Globalization to reflect our expanded product range. No longer will the news be from only Peru, but from all the countries where we operate tours: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. We start with an article comparing the forms of celebrating Carnaval across the Continent.

Also, in proud recognition of our new ‘Voluntourism’ tours, we examine some of the innovative ways that more vulnerable communities across the Continent are responding to the manifold threats to their environment, livelihoods and lifestyles.

And finally, we celebrate two of the alcoholic successes of South America – Argentinean wine and Peruvian Pisco. Cheers!

Leah Li
Marketing Manager
Peru For Less
leah@peruforless.com

Living La Vida Loca ... some might say! The summer months of January and February bring to Latin America one of the largest celebrations of the year, “El Carnaval”, a Christian festival of extravagance just before the austerity of Lent. Although Brazil’s wild and extravagant Carnival celebrations take the world’s stage, the rest of South America can lay claim to some grand carnival celebrations. Carnival is traditionally celebrated with dancing, music, festivities and huge parades through the streets but each region has contributed its own history and culture to give their carnival celebrations a unique touch that can’t be found elsewhere. Read about Carnaval Festivities in Latin America»

Indigenous Community Goes Back to its Roots In northeastern region of Argentina, near the border with Brazil, a community of Guarani Indians has found a way to bring peace back to the community and history and culture back to the people as they have been confronted with loss of valuable land for farming, alcoholism, inadequate nutrition and unemployment. Read about how an Argentine indigenous group returns to its old ways»

Peru to Grow Blueberries to Alleviate Poverty Peruvian President, Alan Garcia, has initiated a social program called Sierra Exportadora aimed at helping those who live in the highlands to generate income by exporting their goods. Blueberries have been recognized by the international scientific community for their extremely high antioxidant content per serving in comparison with more than 20 other fruits. Valued for its nutritional content, blueberries yield high profits due to the high prices they can be sold at. Read about how Peru grows blueberries to lessen poverty»

Wales to import Peruvian jungle coffee An anthropologist who has been working with the Ashaninka people of the Peruvian Amazon for 30 years, Dilwyn Jenkins, is helping the indigenous community generate income by exporting the coffee they grow to Wales. As logging and smuggling activities are threatening the delicate Amazonian habitat and the way of life of the indigenous community, Jenkins, who also writes The Rough Guide to Peru, is helping the community develop sustainable farming and ecotourism. Read about Wales importing Peru coffee from the Amazon»

Argentinean Wine gains French backing One of Argentina’s most distinguished wines, the Malbec has caught the attention of the French. This month a joint venture between Argentina and Cahors, a town in the southwest of France, was announced to promote and develop the reputation of the Malbec grape. In April a symposium will be held in Cahors with wine producers from both Cahors and Argentine to inaugurate the joint venture. Read more on French Companies back Argentine Wine»

Firewater ... and How to Enjoy it! The tangy, sweet and undeniably intoxicating Peruvian cocktail, the Pisco Sour, was celebrated this month on Feb.2, National Pisco Sour Day. This concoction of pisco, lemon juice, egg white and sugar syrup whipped and served with a dash of Angostura bitters has a long history beginning with the arrival of Spaniards to the New World. Read about Peru national drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour»