15/04/2015
Anne De Thelín, like so many other travelers to Peru, fell in love with the Andean nation upon her arrival from Paris. Deciding to plant her feet in the Amazon jungle, De Thelín has since begun an admirable project to construct the first self-sufficient and sustainable well-being center in Iquitos.
Although she studied International Business as well as International Tourism, De Thelín perhaps learned the most when she decided to make a five-week stay in the Peruvian Amazon to study Shamanism and the use of medicinal plants. Witnessing the benefits of the natural environment first-hand inspired De Thelín to create a space where others could visit, stay, and heal.
Implementing architectural techniques of Earthship (in which building are constructed using both natural and recycled material), the Inti Eco Lodge is both sun and wind powered, uses no mechanical or electrical devices, recycles rainwater, and maintains gardens to provide food for both guests and workers. (According to Wikipedia, the first Earthship construction in South America was built in Patagonia as recently as January 2015.)
And support has been great so far. “Locals and visitors from around the world” have helped to construct the lodge, tells De Thelín in the video posted on the project’s Indiegogo page. The efforts put forth will be put right back into that community as the non-profit project directs all profits towards supporting programs like reforestation, animal welfare, and the surrounding native communities.
Balancing care for the environment with that of the guests, Inti Eco Lodge offers yoga, meditation, massage and dance classes. Creativity can also be nourished in spaces dedicated to art, such as painting and sculpting.
Prices vary according to the type of accommodation (which range from simple dormitories to luxury tree houses), however prices will be kept reasonable, ensures De Thelín, in order to make the experience of responsible tourism accessible.
“Our main goal is to create a unique place of living and an authentic experience,” states De Thelín.
