At Pride Adventure Travel, our aim is to offer a different type of gay travel experience. While gay cruises and resort-style parties offer thrilling experiences for the gay community with high-energy celebrations and indulgent luxury, our adventures focus on a different kind of excitement. Our custom tours provide immersive and transformative journeys that connect our travelers with local cultures, communities, and natural wonders.
This October, we’re proud to offer a custom tour to Peru for California Gay Adventures, bringing together over 30 like-minded men to share in this meaningful journey. Our itinerary includes visits to two remarkable Planeterra projects that exemplify our mission to foster sustainable, impactful travel. These experiences are curated to reveal how exploration can contribute to the well-being of local communities.
About Planeterra
Planeterra, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of travel to positively impact communities worldwide. By developing social enterprises and partnering with local organizations, Planeterra helps provide sustainable income opportunities for disadvantaged communities while preserving their cultural heritage and protecting the environment.
Women’s Weaving Co-op – Peru
Since 2005, Planeterra has worked with the Ccaccaccollo community to develop a women’s weaving cooperative that empowers local women to preserve traditional weaving techniques while achieving financial independence. Our group will visit this community as part of the Sacred Valley tour, where our travelers can meet the artisans and learn about the entire weaving process, from hand-spinning the wool to dyeing it with natural colors, culminating in a weaving demonstration.
We will be able to purchase high-quality textiles directly from the 55+ women who now belong to the association, providing a stable income for their families while promoting cultural preservation. The cooperative maintains traditional weaving methods using llama and alpaca wool while also experimenting with new production techniques to create items that travelers will find useful for their journeys.
Check out some of the photos I took from my experience in the Sacred Valley in 2023.
Parwa Community Restaurant – Peru
Located in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village in the Sacred Valley, the Parwa Community Restaurant is a standout example of how tourism can bring about positive change. This initiative is owned by the Huchuy Qosqo Association, which reinvests all income into community development projects. By sourcing ingredients from local farmers, the restaurant bolsters the village’s economy and provides training, fair wages, health insurance, and pensions to its staff.
The restaurant serves Peruvian delicacies like quinoa soup and causa—a local dish comparable to a California roll but made with layers of potato and toppings like fish, chili purée, and avocado. Dining here isn’t just about the delicious food; it’s about the experience. When we visit we will enjoy meals family-style with breathtaking views of the mountains and an on-site produce garden, surrounded by traditional Peruvian décor. The hospitality at Parwa, characterized by genuine smiles and insightful conversations about local traditions, underscores the significant impact of this project, particularly for women who gain new skills and leadership opportunities.
I am excited to visit again, last time I was here we were treated to a special celebration. The women of the town dressed me up and we danced and drank big bottles of warm Peruvian beer. It was an amazing experience.
Making a Real Difference
I am very proud to working with organization like Planettera and G Adventures who curate experiences that make a tangible difference in the lives of local people in the countries we visit. Our travelers not only explore Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural sites but also directly support communities striving for a better future. These meaningful connections with local projects like those led by Planeterra show how travel can leave a positive footprint while offering unforgettable adventures.
I hope you will join me in celebrating sustainable tourism that uplifts and inspires!
For those who are registered for our adventure in October… I am so pumped to experience this again with all of you!
Thanks,
Chris Smith, Chief Adventure Officer
Pride Adventure Travel
