Solidarity trip to Peru, Bolivia and Chile: the "Andean Trilogy" of Viventura

It is the purpose of Viventura: offer stays in South America conducive to meeting local and supporting, through its ViSocial foundation for social projects focusing on education communities, health, environment and development.

These South American holidays, the Andean Trilogy is a circuit which, as its name suggests, has the distinction of covering three Andean countries mythical: Peru, Bolivia and Chile. There is also the "historic" Viventura circuit, one of the earliest proposed by the agency. True to the philosophy of travel Viventura, this circuit is a mix of discovery of the "must do" experiences and encounters and off the beaten path ...
Jonathan Dehouck of Viventura office of Peru, and Mathilde Arnod, based in La Paz (and just to participate in this tour, it's good), tell us a little more about this "Andean Trilogy" ...

The visit of the "classics". ...

Of the 3 weeks' duration of stay, Peru holds a prominent place, but the idea from the start was to enjoy closeness with Bolivia and Chile, to provide an overview of these two destinations for travelers: Visiting La Paz, Bolivian capital that can not be ignored: the amazing salt desert of Uyuni, the valleys of the Moon and Death, Santiago ... "This brief overview of Bolivia and Chile gives the opportunity to experience the cultural differences between the three countries, "says Mathilde. Probably a good way to give the urge travelers to discover return both destinations in a little more depth.

Crossing South Lipez, BOLIVIA © Viventura

The Peruvian side circuit start of the vacation, going about it by the attractions of the destination: the capital Lima, of course, the Ballestas Islands and remarkable wildlife oasis Huacachina, the mysterious lines of Nazca, Arequipa, the "White City", the Colca Canyon and condors, the mythical Cusco, Machu Picchu fabulous, Lake Titicaca ...
As with all of its circuits, Viventura always favors small family hotels to host: "We choose to smaller institutions that are participating in the local economy, while ensuring the cleanliness and quality of the bedding, "says Jonathan. "Side guides a person oversees all recruitment and training by destination: our guides are either French settled for many years in the country, local guides speaking perfect"

Salt desert of Uyuni, BOLIVIA © Viventura

Engaged in meetings ... and small special moments

A true moment of encounter and exchange awaits travelers in the discovery of Lake Titicaca: they will stay on the peninsula Capachica, located 3800 meters above sea level, by any of the three peasant communities (Hilata , Llachon Santa Maria), supported by the foundation ViSocial and living culture of potatoes (Peru is THE land of potatoes, with hundreds of different varieties), Fisheries and Livestock trout. Accommodation (individual) is homestay with sharing meals at the head of the community, visit the village and activities (making demonstration of natural soaps, small celebration in traditional clothes ...) all at a pace that used to soak up the lifestyle of these communities.

Capachica, a traveler trying to learn to spin wool! © Viventura

In Arequipa, the cooking class, taught by a chef cooking school in the city, will allow travelers to try their hand at making Peruvian specialties: Rocoto Relleno (stuffed peppers), Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef) or Rellena still Causa (mashed stuffed) ... before, of course, to go to their tasting! "These are times very friendly, like the Pisco Sour evening, during which we learn to make the famous Peruvian cocktail made ​​with Pisco" . and everyone shares his achievements then - Mathilde "Everyone puts his hand to the dough, dose according to taste (! spicy for flat or +) says. "

Cooking lessons in Arequipa, Lomo saltado and Causa © Viventura

Next social engagement, residence permits to visit one of the projects supported in the city of Arequipa school San Juan Apostol, which receives 630 children and why ViSocial Foundation funded the construction of 8 rooms classes, helps finance the meal and monitoring children's health; the quarry Parcha, employing forty workers, subject to significant risks, for which the foundation is implementing protective actions and training. "These visits optional according to the travelers want, are always appreciated," explains Mathilde. "People have lots of questions, they are interested in the project, and are happy to actually see that a part of their stay is for meaningful projects which directly benefit the local population."
This year, it is even possible to sponsor a local initiative, bypassing the "stay" box. But, of course, the ideal is to be able to go there during a stay which joins the Andean solidarity with pleasure!
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More information about the agency Viventura
More info on the Andean Trilogy (22 days)