19th century explorer, Antonio Raimondi, once referred to Peru
as a “beggar sitting on a bench of gold.” Indeed, Peru’s riches
include more than just gold. The richness and diversity of the
Amazon rainforest, the fabulous cuisine and textiles of Cuzco,
and the wonder and magnificence of Machu Picchu are only some
examples of the culture, beauty, history and nature that make up
Peru. Still, with so much to offer, Peru continues to struggle
with poverty, social unrest and threats to biological and
cultural diversity. Almost half of Peruvians live below the
national poverty line despite a billion dollar mining industry,
fertile land for agriculture, almost 2,500 km of coastlines, a
growing textile industry, tourism and more. Foreign investment
and government corruption have redirected the country’s wealth
and resources away from its people. The government has, in turn,
sought out foreign aid and free trade policies that complicate
the situation. Come visit Peru with Global Exchange and
experience its splendors f