Greetings from Peru! I spent 9 days in Lima having a crash course in Spanish. It helps that I speak french which is somewhat similar but I still have a long way to go before I can carry on any sort of conversation. Luckily for me I have a wonderful guide and interpretor here in Cusco, high in the Andes.

Yeiber is from a small community, Maras, where they speak the original language Quechan. In Peru there are over 100 different dialects. He works as a tour guide and his company offers volunteer opportunities for youth from around the world.   Since the Spanish conquered the Incas much has changed in this country. In 1821 they gained their independence but have only recently began to be recognized for their diverse richness both geographically and culturally. Machu Picchu was recently  recognized as one of the Wonders of the World so tourism has exploded with over 2 million visitors per year. This has been great for the economy but not so good for the indigenous people who struggle to maintain their sustainable practices. Other influences they battle are pollution, mining and logging devastation and climate changes due to global warming. It´s important to support these people who are the keepers of the land. Small tribes fight valiantly to protect the rainforest from further destruction. The Amazon is responsable for over 20% of the earth´s oxygen so they have an arduous task. Please help me to share their story. We appreciate your support through contribution or sharing.
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