Tourists at Machu Picchu. Photo: ANDINA/Archive

The diplomat told Andina news agency that about 18,000 Korean tourists arrived in Peru last year, an average of 1,500 visitors a day. “This number will triple once Korean Air starts operations this year,” he said.

The Korean ambassador recalled that in September 2011 Peru and South Korea signed an aviation agreement which provides for the establishment of direct flights between Seoul and Lima in 2012.

Moreover, Park noted that direct flights between the two countries will have a positive impact on tourist arrivals from Asian countries like Japan and China.

“All these countries in Asia are interested in visiting Peru, a country with an extremely rich culture and cradle of the Inca civilization,” said the Korean ambassador in Lima.

On the other hand, Park said that the free trade agreement signed by Peru and South Korea in August 2011 has led to an exponential increase in bilateral trade.

In response to this increase in trade, the diplomat said that Korean Air has already launched cargo service between Korea and Peru.

A gold rush that accelerated with the onset of the 2008 global recession is compounding the woes of the Amazon basin, laying waste to Peruvian rain forest and spilling tons of toxic mercury into the air and water. An army of small-scale miners in the state of Madre de Dios has swelled to some 40,000.

“Extracting an ounce of gold costs from $400 to $500 and the profit is $1,000 per ounce,” notes Peru’s environment minister, Antonio Brack. In just a decade, gold has more than tripled in value.

Government controls are mostly futile.

“We found that nearly all the public officials in Puerto Maldonado were involved,” the minister said. “In 2010, the regional mining director had a mining company. His No. 2 had one. His wife had one. His sister had one (as did) the sister of the No. 2. They were all in it. And you think anyone is going to regulate anything?”

The entire article on the situation can be found here. It is worthwhile reading.

Is is to no ones surprise that with all of the disagreeing happening surrounding these lists created by travelers from all around the world that there is at least 1 thing that is for certain…the Amazon is definitely one of the world natural wonders!

Maniti Camp Expeditions in Iquitos, Peru offers world class amazon river cruises, amazon jungle tours, and more! Maniti Expeditions is based out of Iquitos, Peru and operates between the Peru/Colombia/Brazil border all the way upriver into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and everywhere in between. For more information please visit our website at www.manitiexpeditions.com or email us

IDE is a unique on-site learning experience that immerses attendees in the destination and provides agents with the skills to market their business and increase sales.

At the event Maniti Expeditions will offer information on exclusive pre- and post-tour options give attendees the flexibility to extend their journey and learn more about specific interests, at their own pace and on their own schedule.

The anual event hosted by ASTA also offers agents complimentary sightseeing tours that take them to the places their clients want to visit; a trade show featuring suppliers they won’t meet anywhere else; networking opportunities that will translate into future sales; and, industry-recognized destination certification.

“Travel agents attending the upcoming IDE in Lima have the opportunity personally experience the ‘real’ Peru thanks to several can’t-miss events showcasing Lima’s extensive offerings. Being a successful travel professional today means being able to provide the unique details and first-hand experience that means the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable trip for their clients,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “There is no other travel industry event like IDE.”

Look for Maniti Expeditions at the event and be sure to visit us for more information, promotions, discounts, and the latest news on tourism in Iquitos, our Iquitos Jungle Lodge, and Amazon Rainforest Tours!

Minister Silva stated that the recent inclusion of the Amazon rainforest in the provisional list of the New 7 Wonders of Nature would greatly benefit the tourist flow in the entire northern Amazon region.

“Peru’s Amazon will attract tourist from around the world, but especially from the United States and Europe since they want to have some contact with nature and they are always looking for information and new experiences,” the minister told Andina news agency.

Moreover, Minister Silva said that tourism to the Peruvian Amazon would be boosted by Norte Pone (The North Rocks) campaign which was launched in October and offers several discount packages.

In the framework of said campaign, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced yesterday the ‘Peru Mucho Gusto’ food festival, scheduled for December 8-11 in Tarapoto, San Martin.

This fourth edition will feature dishes from various regions such as Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Cajamarca, Amazonas, Loreto and San Martin.

These huts were located in the Vale do Javari region which is on the Peruvian border and is an area believed to have the greatest number of uncontacted tribes in the world.  Researchers have discovered a dozen tribes previously uncontacted in the Vale do Javari area which bring the number of uncontacted individuals making this area home up to 2000 people.

http://www.uncontactedtribes.org – For the first time, extraordinary aerial footage of one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes has been released. Survival’s new film, narrated by Gillian Anderson, has launched our campaign to help protect the earth’s most vulnerable peoples.