Discover The Unique Lodges Of Peru

In this fast-paced world of modern life, it is inspiring to know there are still people committed to offering rich and meaningful experiences that are founded on a deep desire to protect the culture and ecosystems that surround them.

On my recent CESO assignment, I was very privileged to be able to meet and work with some of these very exceptional people and travel to three of the six properties.  They operate privately-owned small to medium sized lodges in various locations in rural Peru.

Each lodge is unique and has its own story but all are committed to offering high quality tourism experiences with beautiful accommodations, exceptional cuisine and authentic learning programs that immerse the visitor in the local culture, history and environment.

The lodges are carefully restored historic (over 300 years old) casas and haciendas or lodges designed and created using ancient architectural methods (e.g. adobe style structures).  They operate using sustainable principles including environmental, social and cultural elements.

In 2010, these entrepreneurs came together to form the Asociación Turismo Rural Perú (ATRP), a not-for-profit association.  Their mission is to be the leaders in unique lodge-based sustainable rural tourism development and promotion in Peru.  As the Association is managed by volunteers only and its members are located throughout Peru, it has struggled to meet some of its objectives.
Over the next five years, the goal of the partnership between CESO and ATRP is to help strengthen the association by creating a strong clearly defined foundation that will better represent and meet the needs of its current and future members, including getting to market, while providing technical expertise and assistance to the individual members.

This will be achieved through a variety of CESO assignments that will support the development of a report called “Unique Lodges Of Peru: Exploring The Opportunity For Sustainable Tourism Growth in Rural Peru” as well as other projects.

In addition to reviewing international and national research, the report will use the current ATRP members as case studies for best practices in sustainable tourism development. It will include market research, experience development, environmental sustainability, human resources (including advancing gender equality), marketing and customer service.  Other potential projects include creating artisan cooperatives and developing value-added products that enhance tourism experiences.

I would like to thank CESO for the opportunity to participate in such exciting and rewarding work. I look forward to working with ATRP over the next five years.

I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support received from CESO’s Peruvian Country Representative, Elizabeth Cabrel.  She is an invaluable resource, excellent logistical coordinator and provides exceptional hospitality.

If you are travelling to Peru, I highly recommend that you visit one or more of the ATRP members for a truly extraordinary and authentic experience in Peru.  Please contact me for more information.