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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.