weltwärts
informs
weltwärts
informs
Hiking in Peru: South-North volunteers found association on returning home
17 former South-North volunteers from Peru completed the weltwärts volunteer programme – and returned home inspired to do something new. Drawing on Germany’s networks of hiking routes and trekking associations, they banded together to do something positive in their home country. They founded a hiking association (“Club de Caminantes”), supported by the villagers and weltwärts volunteers at working locally at Ecoselva. Now they have created routes for sustainable hiking tourism in the Peruvian regions of Pasco and Huanuco. Patrick Ballesteros played a role in founding the association. Patrick volunteered with weltwärts in Bremen in northern Germany from 2019 to 2020 and trekked across Europe. In this interview, he explains the significance of weltwärts in founding the new association – and which season is best for hiking in Peru.
What made the biggest personal impression on you while you were in Germany?
Patrick: I really liked the fact that people in Germany care so much about environmental conservation. I think it’s brilliant that Ecoselva focuses so heavily on eco-friendly production and responsible tourism. During my time in Germany, it occurred to me that this could also benefit my local community if done in the right way.
What inspired you to found the hiking association?
Patrick: Thanks to Ecoselva and Weltweitwandern, I got the opportunity to take part in some hikes in Europe. It was a really wonderful experience which I’m grateful for. I got to know people who were deeply committed to hiking. So it just seemed logical to promote hiking routes here in Pozuzo, Peru. Heiner from Ecoselva was a key supporter of our initiative, working alongside the IDMA. In July 2019, even before setting off on my weltwärts service in Germany, I got the chance to take part in a hiking tour in Pozuzo from Pampahuasi to Buena Vista. This was organised in collaboration with volunteers from Ecoselva. That’s why I think weltwärts was and is so important for this project.
What do you have to bring with on the tours?
Patrick: Appropriate footwear and suitable equipment for the route are a good idea. Sun cream is important too, because the sun here is very strong even when you’re in the woods. Mosquito repellent is also wise.
"During my time in Germany, it occurred to me that this could also benefit my local community"
Many countries in Latin America have a rainy season with heavy downpours. Is this the case in Peru – and can you go hiking anyway?
Patrick: Here in Pozuzo, the rainy season usually starts in December and lasts until April. During this time, February and March have the most rainfall. Going hiking during this period is certainly doable. At Club de Caminantes, we recommend taking waterproof clothing and suitable equipment.
Is there a time of year you would particularly recommend for hiking?
Patrick: Between May and October. Personally, I think May and June are the best months, because this is when the mountains are at their greenest – and you get to see the flora in its full glory.
What languages are the tours available in?
Patrick: Only Spanish for now. But in future, we may also involve partners who can offer guided tours in other languages. This way, anyone who wants to go hiking in and around Pozuzo can join in.
What makes your hiking routes special?
Patrick: We’re currently considering creating at least five hiking routes in the area. The exciting thing is that you may get to see tourist attractions during the tour, such as the Paccha and Delfín waterfalls, or the “colono dormido” mountain, which means sleeping colonialist.
Is there a range of difficulty levels?
Patrick: Of course. We offer tours lasting around three hours to eight hours. There are also plans to expand our range of routes to include treks of two to three days. That’s our goal for the future.
How does your association contribute to ecotourism in Peru? What can be done to create additional incentives for environmental protection?
Patrick: I think that hiking in general is a very environmentally friendly form of tourism. The traces we leave behind when walking are not harmful to the ecosystem. And it’s amazing to admire the natural beauty of Pozuzo along the way. Locals do that kind of thing a lot anyway – and enthusiasm is contagious. I reckon our association is just going to keep on growing.