Ahead of International Women’s Day, the impact-led adventure travel specialist, Explorations Company, founded by philanthropist and conservationist in her own right, Nicola Shepherd, is shining a light on the magical land of Peru. All too often, sadly, travel reflects the gender imbalances that exist in wider society. Seeking to address this, through its network of talented women on the ground and dedication to inclusive, empowering travel for all, Explorations Company is excited to introduce “Las Poderosas” – The Women of Peru.
Celebrating the work of some of South America’s most inspiring women, Explorations Company is proud to offer a way to experience Peru through female eyes and to understand the hopes, fears and daily realities of life for modern Peruvian women.
Opening up its book of contacts, Explorations Company will introduce guests to the influential women who are leading the way in Peru today. Embark upon a trip with Explorations Company, and hear the stories of innovators such as Mariana Costa Cheva, the brains behind Laboratoria, a business that trains young low-income Peruvian women to get into the technology industry. Be inspired by former ballerina Vania Masias, whose foundation D1 is giving new hope to thousands of barrio children through the medium of street dance. Or join Tatiana Espoinosa, an award-winning and internationally recognised conservationist, whose women-led non-profit ARBIO is pioneering new ways to conserve the Amazon rainforest.
For those that prefer to engage at a more grassroots level, Explorations Company can introduce guests to traditional weaving communities in the highlands, matriarchal societies in the Amazon Basin and women’s groups all over Peru that are working to make women’s voices heard. Crucially, encounters provide learning opportunities not just for guests of Explorations Company, but for their hosts.
Over an intimate lunch or dinner, out in the field or in the workplace, those embarking on a trip with Explorations Company will have the chance to connect more deeply, share stories and perspectives, and, one hopes, make new friends. Those drawn towards making a positive impact, will have the opportunity to discuss this and see how their contribution of time, money or resources might make a difference.
Explorations Company has no set itinerary. Rather, the team works with each guest to identify their passion points and design a bespoke itinerary accordingly. Whatever their purpose of passion – be it politics, journalism, social regeneration, conservation, business, music, art, fashion or food – Explorations Company will pave the way so that guests can meet the women whose work most interests them. Whether travelling solo, as a mother and daughter, or as a group of friends or colleagues, encounters with Peru’s amazing women will be a source of delight, inspiration and empowerment for both parties.
For more information on Peru and the women’s empowerment projects it supports, visit www.explorationscompany.com
10 nights from £9,350 pp based on two adults travelling. Includes 3 nights in Lima at Hotel B, 3 nights in the Amazon at ARBIO and 3 nights in the Sacred Valley at Hotel Sol y Luna and 1 night at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Also includes a full programme of private visits to projects and meetings or lunches with women whose work interests you, private guiding and road/river transportation, train travel aboard the Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu, most meals (including dinner at Pia Leon’s restaurant Kjolle in Lima) and all domestic flights within Peru. www.explorationscompany.com
