Finding Local Solutions in Peru
Exploring Native Cultures and Sustainable Alternatives in a Globalized World Program DetailsProgram Interest FormThrough the Amazon Rainforest, to Villa Rica
Sustainable Approaches to Human Security with the Native Yanesha People.
The 7 Elements program in Peru is based in the lush Amazon Basin, separated by the Andes Mountains from the coastline, where we arrive in Lima to explore the capital and Peru’s largest city. Then we travel over the mountains and inland to meet our partner community in the Biosphere Reserve Oxapampa-Ashaninka Yanesha, the homeland of the indigenous Yanesha people.
The ecologically rich tropical rainforests of the Amazon encompass some of the world’s most remote and least explored areas, and is also home to millions of indigenous highland people, including the Yanesha. The Yanesha people are intent on preserving their culture, language and protecting the land reserved to them, which is often under threat from oil companies, logging, mining, cattle farming, and other illegal activity. Historically, the Yanesha people relied on a natural economic system, depending upon a balanced environment for subsistence agriculture, hunting, and fishing. Without connections to, and independent of, the negative influences of global economic and environmental systems, they thrived.
The impact of colonial culture over 150 years ago produced dramatic changes, including development and reliance on cash crops, such as coffee, and a new set of challenges along with them. With a changing environment, their cash crop is extremely vulnerable. The Yanesha community has partnered with 7 Elements to support the development a large managed coffee and reforestation nursery, as well as a knowledge sharing center that will allow them to connect to agricultural universities to discover new coffee plant varieties that are resistant to negative environmental inputs. Through these projects with the Yanesha people, our educational focus is on the impacts of globalization, and global integration, on indigenous culture, and environmental sustainability. Our groups will also explore the abundant rainforest and rivers in the area surrounding the Yanesha community.
7e Lodge Located in Finca Santa Rosa, Peru
Lodging in Peru set in Finca Santa Rosa, a small international award winning coffee farm 10 minutes outside of Villa Rica. This town is famous for the best coffee production in Peru. With hot and cold water students are encouraged to explore, learn about coffee production and meet the farm animals.
Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores
Villa Rica
Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores is located on the corner of town in Villa Rica. Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores provides one of the best views of Villa Rica offering.
Capacity
- 2-3 Students per room
- 50 beds
- 23 rooms
Beautiful View Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores
Hotel Lobby Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores
Outside of Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores
Room in Hospedaje Casa de Adultos Mayores
Hotel España Lima
A great option for a beautiful colonial and historic style hotel. Located in the historic center of Lima, a cultural experience can be found by simply walking through the city streets.
Capacity
- 45 rooms
- Single, Double and Quad Rooms
Amenities
- Internet
- Television
- Hot Water
- Shuttle Available
- Breakfast
Double-Room-Hotel-España
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Hospedaje Esperanza
Oxapampa
Hospedaje Ezperanza offers traditional German style lodging in Oxapampa for overnight trips to Oxapampa.
Capacity
- Up to 70 Occupany
- Double, Triple & Quintuple Rooms Available
Amenities
- Internet
- Lounge area for students to relax
- Parking
- Fitness Center
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7e's Approach to Human Security.
In Peru, 7 Elements facilitates projects with the Yanesha people. Our educational focus is on the impacts of globalization, and global integration, on indigenous culture, and environmental sustainability. Our groups will also explore the abundant rainforest and rivers in the area surrounding the Yanesha community.
Our Projects in Peru
The Yanesha community has partnered with 7 Elements to support the development of agricultural initiatives and community structures to promote health, sanitation and sustainability of the Yanesha people and their culture.
1. Local Vivero
Construction and maintenance of a local Vivero in Yanesha Community, Union de la Selva, a little under 2 hours from Villa Rica. Students work alongside Yanesha Natives on the expansion and current operation of 7e funded vivero in Union de la Selva. The project began in response to identified need for coffee diversification and reforestation from 7e employee and community member, Ruth San Francisco.
2. Community Center
Construction of a community center with the Yanesha community in Union de la Selva. Students work alongside Yanesha natives in the construction of a community health and first aid centre using plastic bottles. The project has been identified by the community leader and health committee as the number one priority project for the community. The community has 2 community health workers who would utilize the space and the community plans to resource the centre to improve health security for the Yanesha people.
Special Highlights
Take a look at some highlights of our Peru Programs. These are what our participants consider as their favorite parts of the programs!
Explore the City of Lima!
Tour the city of Lima to experience the beautiful culture and architecture of the country’s capital!
Peruvian Coffee Tasting!
Learn about the art of cultivating, harvesting and tasting excellent coffee!
Visit the Rio Tigre Waterfall!
Explore and take photos on the hanging bridge. Swim in the basin of the waterfall!
Travel to Peru in this August!
Explore the Culture of Peru and Learn about the Yanesha People Learn More!Recent Travels and Programs
Stay up to do date with our program blogs for pictures and day to day recaps of our High School and University trips.
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