19th century explorer, Antonio Raimondi, once referred to Peru as a "beggar sitting on a bench of gold." Peru is a country of vast resources, culture and history. The richness and diversity of the Amazon rainforest, the fabulous cuisine and colorful textiles of Cusco, and the wonder and magnificence of Machu Picchu are only some examples of the beauty and nature that make up this Andean country.
Still, with so much to offer, Peru continues to struggle with poverty, social unrest and threats to biological and cultural diversity. Almost half of Peruvians live below the national poverty line despite a billion dollar mining industry, fertile land for agriculture, almost 2,500 km of coastlines, a growing textile industry, tourism and more. Foreign investment and government corruption have redirected the country's wealth and resources away from its people. The government has, in turn, sought out foreign aid and free trade policies that complicate the situation worse. Peru continues with an agenda of privatization, despite the opposition that has reverberated across the continent. Privatization of resources such as water and mining are surrounded by controversy. Water privatization exasperates the problem of a basic right to water. Bolivia has struggled with water issues for years. Peru comes in at a close second. With a population of about 27 million, 6.4 million Peruvians don't have access to water services and 11.3 million don't have sanitation services.
Peru is also struggling with its past. Recently, former president Alberto Fujimori was extradited from Chile and is facing charges of corruption and human rights abuses. With his cohorts already in jail, Fujimori waits trial while his supporters, Fujimoristas, still wait for a political comeback, partly because Fujimori is credited with the defeat of the violent Maoist insurgency, the Shining Path (el Sendero Luminoso). Current president, Alan Garcia, has also been accused of corruption and human rights abuses, with a higher death toll during his five-year presidency than the ten years of Fujimori.
The capital city of Lima is home to one-third the population of Peru. However, Peru is everything from small coastal towns, to high communities in the Andes, and rainforest villages to desert cities. Since the end of the military dictatorship, increasing efforts have been put into decentralization, though ruling groups still try to retain their power.
Despite the thorny politicians, the ideological violence, and the economic setbacks, spend some time in Peru and soon you'll see the power and the riches of the people, the culture and the land. From soup kitchens to community weaving projects, grassroots democracy and popular expression are not jut alive; they're thriving. For Peru is much more than gold. It's the tropical macaws and charming alpacas. It's the tales of Vargas Llosa, and the cumbia beats. It's stunning mountains, which may seem insurmountable, but hold a world of their own.
by Rebecca Towle Global Exchange 2007
Travel with Reality Tours to Peru
Currently we are only offering customized tours to Peru, but please check our Reality Tours page for updates!
For more information, contact Malia with any questions about upcoming trips. Or call us toll-free at 800-497-1994
