How Aqua Expeditions Supports Local Communities in the Peruvian Amazon
26 February 2025 | Peruvian Amazon
At Aqua Expeditions, we are firm believers of sustainable travel – the idea that our journeys should leave a meaningful, positive impact on the breathtaking destinations we explore. In the Peruvian Amazon, where our luxury river vessels, Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon, sail in, our commitment goes far beyond our exceptional onboard hospitality. We also actively engage local communities, fostering sustainable economic opportunities, assisting in the preservation of local cultures, and championing environmental conservation. Read on to discover some of the ways we make a difference.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
One of the most impactful ways we contribute to the local communities in our operations is by employing local guides from the villages along the waterways we explore. These guides, many of whom are supporting families, accompany guests on nature walks – sharing their deep knowledge of the rainforests’ flora, fauna, and indigenous traditions. Communities such as Bolivar and Puerto Prado in the Samiria and Marañón Rivers respectively, for example, have organized rotational systems that allow multiple residents to participate as guides – ensuring that the tourism revenue is spread fairly. This initiative directly benefits 40 households by providing economic support.
Back in 2010, we also started an initiative that involves the rental of traditional canoes to guests, giving them an opportunity to experience the Peruvian Amazon’s waterways in an authentic and serene way. Aimed at supporting women from the communities we visit by having them chaperone guests on their canoes, this initiative provides a direct source of income for approximately 25 individuals, strengthening their role in the local economy. By supporting these women, Aqua hopes to foster economic independence and educate visitors about the traditional ways of navigating the river, all the while providing a unique experience.
Handicrafts are another important source of income for many Amazonian communities, and we actively support local artisans by purchasing their work for use on our vessels. Located in the Ucayali River, the Puerto Miguel community is home to skilled craftspeople specializing in creating intricate napkin holders shaped like insects and birds – the very same one used onboard. Additionally, we also procure the traditional fans and decorative snack bags given to guests before their departure from the Shipibo indigenous people. By incorporating these handmade items into our guest experience, we provide artisans with consistent revenue while introducing travelers to the beauty and craftsmanship of Amazonian culture.
Environmental Stewardship and Conservation
Sustainability is a key pillar of Aqua Expeditions’ philosophy, and we work closely with local communities to promote environmentally responsible practices – ensuring that the destinations we visit remain pristine (or even more so) for generations to come. In the Peruvian Amazon, we strive towards this endeavour by supporting the Palm Tree management Group of the 20 de Enero community, located in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Their conservation efforts are aimed towards curbing the unsustainable harvesting and felling of the Aguaje Palm – a keystone species of the Amazon of which animals such as macaws, monkeys, and tapirs, rely on for food and shelter. The members of the community, numbering 15 people, demonstrate the sustainable way of harvesting the fruit without harming the tree, using artisanal tree climbers. Through guests visits and financial contributions, Aqua Expeditions helps to sustain this initiative while supporting the community members and their families.
Over in the San Francisco community of Marañón River, our itineraries take us to a local beekeeping farm. It’s here that the local beekeeper works tirelessly to cultivate the native Melipona bee – a stingless bee vital for pollination and rainforest biodiversity. Our visits to the beekeeping site provides a chance for guests to witness the intricate process of honey production, as well as learn about their ecological significance from the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP) program-trained beekeeper. Through these visits, we aim to educate guests about the value of eco-friendly harvesting practices, with the added benefit of generating additional income for the beekeeper through additional honey sales.
Cultural Preservation and Traditional Craftsmanship
The Amazon is not just a region of immense biodiversity – it is also home to rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Aqua Expeditions actively supports the preservation of indigenous crafts by working with local artisans, ensuring their skills continue to be recognized and valued. One such partnership is with the Amazonas Native Community in the Marañón River – a group of 13 women artisans who are descendants of the Kukama Kukamiria indigenous people. These women specialize in working with Chambira palm fibers, weaving them into intricate bags, baskets, and jewelry. To color their creations, they also utilize natural dyes extracted from plants.
During our visits, guests are invited to participate in a hands-on session where they learn about the weaving process and create their own fiber bracelets to take home. This interactive experience fosters cultural exchange while directly supporting the artisans, compensating them for each visitor and purchasing handcrafted items to be sold or used onboard.
Beyond handicrafts, cultural preservation is also embedded in our employment practices. Many of the local guides and community hosts who lead excursions, share their stories, and welcome guests into their villages are members of indigenous groups. Their involvement ensures that Amazonian traditions, knowledge, and perspectives are represented authentically, creating a deeper and more meaningful experience for travelers.
A Commitment to Responsible Travel
At Aqua Expeditions, we believe that tourism should be a force for good – one that supports local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and protects the environment. Every journey we offer in the Peruvian Amazon is designed with this in mind. By integrating local communities into our operations, we ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably, creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans, beekeepers, canoe operators, and guides alike.
Our guests play a vital role in this mission. Every visit, every purchase, and every interaction contributes to a network of support that helps communities thrive. Whether it’s witnessing sustainable palm harvesting, learning about beekeeping, or crafting a bracelet with indigenous artisans, travelers leave not just with unforgettable memories, but a deeper appreciation for the people who call the Amazon home.
Join us on a voyage and discover the heart of the Amazon in a way that makes a difference.
