THE BUCKET LIST RAINFOREST Peru has three major vegetation zones: the Amazon rainforest, Andean sierra, and Pacific coast. Together, they build a rich, diverse landscape. I live in Lima, the dry, costal capital. Traffic in the city can be insane and limit one s adventurous spirit. However, as I am moving in three short months, I have decided to use Day 14 s challenge as a starting point to my exploration of what this terrific country has to offer. SIERRA COAST
DESTINATIONS BALLESTAS ISLAND LOMAS DE LÚCUMO MACHU PICCHU / HUAYNA PICCHU 250 KILOMETERS 43.1 KILOMETERS 1,126 KILOMETERS
DESTINATIONS MANU NATIONAL PARK 1,230 KILOMETERS HUASCARÁN NATIONAL PARK 456 KILOMETERS TITICACA NATIONAL RESERVE 749 KILOMETERS
WHY CONNECT WITH NATURE? TO LEARN THAT TO APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS EVERYTHING HAS A PURPOSE TO FIND YOUR OWN TRUTH TO BE ALONE TO LEARN TO LISTEN TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT TO BE GRATEFUL TO LEARN RESPONSIBILITY TO LEARN TO TRUST IN YOURSELF I SHARED MY OWN EXPERIENCE DURING THIS OCTOBER SPRING BREAK
THE DESTINATION ENTRANCE FEE IS S/8.00 FROM 8 AM TO 2 PM WHAT TO BRING: Botica Natural s passion fruit nogurt (nut yogurt) Local, small business Yogurt is sold in a recycled glass jar Vegan & made with organic ingredients 4 homemade energy choco-balls Packaged in beeswax wrap Made with Amazona Chocolate s 70% bitter cacao coins, a sustainable, organic, and local alternative LOMAS DE LÚCUMO HOW TO ECO-TRAVEL: TAKE THE LIMA-LURIN BUS (S/ 3.00) GET OFF AT PACHACAMAC TAKE A CIENEGUILLA COMBI (S/ 1.00) GET OFF AT QUEBRADA VERDE Elite s ecological napkins Latin American regional brand: lower carbon footprint than US major brands that require greater transportation Produced with less water and energy than their standard napkin Use the empty yogurt container to keep used napkins. These will be safely disposed later Water bottle
WHAT TO WEAR Goodwill and garage sales can save you a pretty penny as well as the environment. Look at your local options for hiking and workout clothes. In Peru, the Retro-Feria in Miraflores is certainly a great place to start. Brands like PACT sell organic, fair trade sportswear. Supporting socially and environmentally conscious companies might be more expensive than the fast fashion selections but can be a long-term investment. In this day and age, you can always find hidden gems in your closet. Hiking clothes do not need to be exclusive, some leggings and a comfortable top will suffice. For me, this means wearing my old yoga pants and my sister s old college hoodie. Join a clothes swap & customize party and look for workout clothes. If you can t find one, create one.@storiesbehindthings can help you get started. MADE BY SARAH LAZAROVIC
LEAVE NO TRACE PLAN + PREPARE Visit during low-season (November to May) in small groups Ask for a map at the entrance for guidance Repackage food to minimize waste TRAVEL ON DURABLE SURFACES Walk on the established path Although camping is allowed for an extra S/5.00, avoid it. Sites are not defined and making one could disturb the environment s equilibrium LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Do not take rocks or plants as souvenirs Do not build structures RESPECT WILDLIFE Observe from a distance Do not feed animals Protect your food by storing in secure containers BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS Respect visitors and their experience Avoid loud voices and noises If lost, show other users to the trail