July, 2008 Photo Contest

Name This Bear To win this month’s contest, see if you can name this bear, native to South America. Last Month's Winner So we stumped you last month with our photo of the island town of Lamu, Kenya.

Join a Women’s Earth Alliance Trip

This September, Women's Earth Alliance is leading a Transformative Advocacy international delegation of women public interest attorneys through Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico to learn about the human rights violations resulting from corporate destruction of sacred sites and vital natural resources, and to connect with the women spearheading innovative and powerful environmental justice campaigns. Contact Caitlin Sislin for more information.

Peru Tour Operators

Try contacting any these Tour Operators to help you organize your trips: Marilyn Velasquez Alvarado at Nuevos Caminos based in Huanchaco: maver_sl@hotmail.com Antula Mauriz at Infinite Adventures based in Huaraz: amauriz@infiniteadventures.com Carlo Grigoletto surf guide, based in Puemape: carlo@puemapelodge.com

High Andes

From Chachapoyas, head to the Ancash region. Visit the mountain town of Huaraz where you can see the capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and Negra located in Huascaran National Park. Try trekking and camping in the Park to enjoy the snowy peaks and turquoise lakes up close. We discovered four communities supported by the Mountain Institute around the park organizing home-stays and lunches, including Humachucco. Explore the ruins from one of the oldest civilizations in the world in the nearby Conchucos Valley where the acclaimed Chavin de Huantar temple ...

The Cloud People

Next, head inland. From Chiclayo, drive a dusty eight hours through dramatic landscapes of soaring green mountains to Chachapoyas, where the fierce People of the Clouds once lived. Visit their massive fortress at Kuelap, which is already gaining recognition as “the Machu Picchu of Northern Peru.” Archeological ruins in the area are easily accessed by hiking or horseback-riding, and home-stays and delicious “menu” lunches are available in communities en route.The area offers many intriguing sites - sarcophagi at Karajia, mausoleums at Revash, the Museum Leymebamba, Lagunda de los Condores; natural resources - 3rd ...

Coastal Towns of Trujillo

From Lima, fly into the charming colonial town of Trujillo; this is a great place to base yourself as you explore the nearby coastal towns – renown for pre-Incan archeological sites and world-class surfing spots. Porto Morin, about 45 km south of Trujillo, is a relatively unknown spot, but at high tide, fishermen will be pleased to take you to the nearby islands in their colorful fishing boats to explore the birdlife and sea lions. Mountain-boarding at nearby Pur Pur is another great option if you have your own gear. Next, stop at Huanchaco, located 20 ...