The International Day of the World's Indigenous People - Latin America

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is welcomed on August 9th. Latin America is home to an estimated 50 million people who identify as indigenous, comprising over 800 different indigenous groups and speaking hundreds of different languages. By paying homage to some of Latin America's indigenous communities, Viva Expeditions hopes this day will encourage more travellers to spend time with local communities across Latin America. 

Chichicastenango Market, Guatemala

With almost half the population bearing indigenous roots and an insane concentration of ancient Mayan legacies, Guatemala can undoubtedly be considered a great indigenous cultural destination. The high-altitude traditional Mayan city of Chichicastenango is famous the world over for its mind-boggling open-air market that's held twice a week. By coincidence, this year's International Day of the World's Indigenous People falls on market day. Today, sellers from nearby (and quite far) villages, all dressed in traditional garb are selling their hand-made wares. Considered Guatemala's epitome Mayan city, Chichicastenango boasts an indigenous population of over 98% and is an unrivalled cultural hub.

Mapuche of southern Patagonia, Chile

Over 11% of Chile's population hails from an indigenous background with the most prominent, oldest and outspoken being the Mapuche of southern Patagonia. Living on their ancestral land for more than 2,000 years. With a rich cultural tradition in alternative medicines, textile weaving, wood carving, metalwork and exquisite silver jewellery making. The Mapuche also harvest one of the world's greatest unfamiliar super berries, the maqui berry that grows in Patagonia. Near the volcano-framed southern town of Pucon, Mapuche villages dot the countryside. Here you can visit traditional homes, learn about their astonishing hand-made wares and share a meal with a local community.

Añangu Kichwa, Ecuadorian Amazon

Deep in the Amazon, the Napo Wildlife Centre Amazon Lodge offers unparalleled experiences in the ancestral land of the Añangu Kichwa, one of 14 indigenous peoples living in the country, combining to make up just 7% of the total population. In the heart of this UNESCO-listed biosphere, you can visit a local indigenous village, learning all about their traditional way of life and how they live and indeed thrive in this mesmerising yet challenging environment.  Internationally recognised for their relentless efforts to preserve the indigenous identity of their local community and their unique biodiverse jungle, the community-based program also offers traditional ceremonies and unique culinary experiences.

Uru and the floating totora reed islands, Peru

Almost a quarter of Peru's population has indigenous ethnicity, comprising groups such as the Aymara, Quechua, Aguaruna and Achuar. The Aymara, inhabit the country's southern highlands and, specifically, the area around Puno and Lake Titicaca. Here you can meet one of the smallest and most distinctive indigenous group of all: the Uru. Inhabiting over 70 floating totora reed islands (Uros Islands) in the heart of the world's highest navigable lake, floating between Peru and Bolivia, the Uru have been living this way since pre-Inca times, trading with the mainland Aymara group for centuries.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

High-resolution images of each of the trips mentioned are available below. Please use photo credit provided.

• Guatemala's Chichicastenango market
• Chile's Mapuche
• Ecuador's Añangu Kichwa
• Peru floating reed islands

Contact:

Saul Greenland

Saul@vivaexpeditions.com

(0064) 9 950 5918

About Viva Expeditions

Viva Expeditions is a Latin America and Antarctica travel specialist with over ten years' experience of routes, destinations as well as the Central and South American people and their cultures. Each employee has travelled independently or worked as a tour leader and guide reaching the furthermost corners of the continent. The company has driven over half a million kilometres in South America. 

Viva Expeditions creates and operates its own small group holidays and overland expeditions. The company's trips include carefully designed small ship cruises, overland expeditions, tailor-made adventures and luxury escapes. Viva Expedition's holiday collection consists of over 200 tours to Antarctica, South and Central America.

As proud members of Rainforest Alliance, Viva Expeditions highly values responsible tourism as a dynamic way to create better experiences for travellers while benefiting the environment and local populations.

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Founder and Managing Director Rachel Williams travels across South America year-round. You will probably find Rachel swimming in the Antarctic sea  or traveling in the wilds of Patagonia.

Rachel previously worked for five years as a tour guide in South America then worked for a wholesaler in New Zealand. She quickly noticed her colleagues had no experience of the South American continent. Driven to give others the Latin America experience she loves, Rachel launched Viva Expeditions in 2008.