Learn the Secrets of the Guardians of the Earth
Honouring Ancient Indigenous Wisdom with Postcard Travel Club Experiences
Quote of the Week
“Through consciousness, our minds have the power to change our planet and ourselves. It is time we heed the wisdom of the ancient Indigenous people and channel our consciousness and spirit to tend the garden and not destroy it.”
Bruce H. Lipton
Dear Postcard Travellers,
August 9 is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples — a perfect time to explore the timeless wisdom of ancient cultures through Postcard Travel Club experiences.
Join us as we journey to Kenya’s sun-soaked savannah to learn ancient hunting techniques from the Maasai. Meet the proud Rabari Shepherds of Rajasthan and discover how they live harmoniously with leopards, and admire the intricate ancestral weavings of the Quichua people in Ecuador.
Indigenous tribes hold vast reservoirs of precious information about the world’s natural areas. Did you know that around 40 percent of pharmaceutical products today draw from nature and traditional knowledge? In Peru, you can learn about traditional Andean remedies with one of our partners on a medicinal plant trail in the Amazon.
By exploring these rich traditions, we not only honor these guardians of the Earth, but we can also learn how to live more harmoniously and respectfully on this fragile planet we call home.
K. Hastings
Editor-in-Chief, Postcard Travel Club
Meet the Maasai Warriors of the Mara
Meeting the proud Maasai people is a highlight of a visit to Kenya or Tanzania. If you’re planning a trip to East Africa, several of our Postcard Partners offer rewarding cultural experiences where you can learn about Maasai customs and ceremonies.
With Cottar’s Safari Services, you can visit a traditional Maasai manyatta and experience their deep connection with the land. Witness their famous Adumu (jumping dance), and admire their bright Shuka attire adorned with intricate beadwork.
As a guest of Saruni Eagle View, you can tour an authentic Maasai community. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit schools, healthcare centres, homesteads and the market.
Kids and adults alike will love the Warriors Academy with the Maasai offered by Saruni Wild. Here, the Maasai share their traditional hunting skills and teach guests how to make fire, throw a spear and shoot a bow and arrow.
The Rabari Shepherds of Rajasthan: Living with Leopards
Living in harmony with nature is something the Rabari know well. These semi-nomadic herders and shepherds believe that a goat being killed by a leopard is a blessing from Lord Shiva. Even so, keeping their livestock safe from leopards is easy for them, as they know every movement of these elusive cats.
At Bera Safari Lodge, you can meet the colourful, semi-nomadic Rabari. Adorned with intricate hand-knotted red turbans and silver jewelry, these shepherds are known for their spirituality, rich culture and love of music. Share tea in their hand-plastered mud huts and listen to fascinating fables passed down through generations.
Explore local markets where Rabari women sell handcrafted goods, and experience dance and music performances. By engaging with the Rabaris, you help preserve their magical traditions and support their cultural heritage.
Admire the Quichua’s Exquisite Textiles
A visit to northern Ecuador is not complete without meeting the Quichua people of the Otavalos.
At Hotel Otavalo, you can learn about traditional Andean culture by visiting the nearby Indigenous community of La Compañía, nestled by San Pablo Lake.
Here, you'll meet a Quichua family dedicated to traditional weaving, an art passed down through generations. Witness the intricate process on traditional looms as they craft girdles with vibrant colors and designs, each thread preserving ancestral knowledge.
Engage with artisans through interactive demonstrations, learning firsthand about their techniques and stories. This experience not only deepens your appreciation for Andean culture but also helps sustain these rich traditions and supports the local artisans' livelihoods.
Learn About Medicinal Plants From the Eseeja de Infierno
Explore the profound wisdom of the Eseeja de Infierno native community at Posada Amazonas in Peru.
The local Amazon tribes’ intimate knowledge of medicinal plants reflects a deep connection to nature, empowering them with a range of natural remedies.
During a stay at Posada Amazonas, you can soak up this invaluable Indigenous knowledge firsthand on the medicinal plants trail. Discover plants like the anti-inflammatory cat’s claw vine and the spiritually significant ayahuasca vine. Native shamans use these and other plants to treat ailments from insomnia to cancer.
This trail offers a profound insight into the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, enriching your appreciation for the Amazon's complexity and the Quichua's precious traditions.
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