By Maureen Valentine

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With its origins in Peru’s central highlands more than 1000 years before to the rise of the Inca Empire, Quechua civilisation has an extraordinary cultural heritage of religious, musical and literary traditions. Unfortunately, a growing influx of tourism through Peru’s legendary Sacred Valley has left local indigenous villages fighting to preserve their Quechua way of life. Thankfully, an innovative local organisation aims to safeguard Andean mores by instilling confidence in the local people through education and by teaching the visiting public about their hosts’ native practices and beliefs.

The Sacred Valley of Peru, where green rolling hills meet the snow-capped Andes, is a land of breathtaking vistas. No wonder Pachamama's Path wishes to preserve the traditions of this beautiful land.

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Posted under Peru, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Paula Ferreira

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On the morning of Saturday, 20 February 2010, the south of Madeira Island was lashed by an incredible 52mm of rainfall in one hour (9:00 to 10:00). The consequence was a series of mudslides and floods that struck mainly in the capital city of Funchal, Ribeira Brava and several other smaller towns in the area.

Flood waters fill the Avenida Arriaga of Funchal, Madeira, the day after heavy rains provoked deadly mudslides

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Posted under Portugal, countries, whl.travel newsletter

By Ethan Gelber

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“The months January and February in Cusco are known for the rain,” said Raymond Scholten of Chaska Tours, an ecotourism and adventure tour operator – your whl.travel local connection – based in this famous city of southern Peru. “Everybody is prepared for the rain, but this year the amount broke all records. It rained endlessly for almost two days and nights, which caused the rise of all the rivers.”

Flooding and rainfall damaged local homes, business and roads in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru

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Posted under General, Peru, countries