Awamaki is a non-profit social enterprise which creates lasting impact in the Andes mountains of Peru by empowering rural women’s cooperatives to launch successful small businesses, creating authentic, high-quality products and experiences. Since 2009, Awamaki invests in women’s skills, connects them to market access and supports their leadership so they can increase their income and transform their communities.
Three cooperatives have already participated in the organization’s sustainable tourism program in which they learn the administrative procedures and cultural expectations of hosting international visitors. The program involves working directly with indigenous artisans in order to create mutually respectful and transparent tourism experiences. Graduate cooperatives are equipped to partner with other tourism providers, such as agencies or guides, to offer sustainable tourism experiences.