Nestled within the Peruvian Amazon lies La Patarashca Group, a symbol of community-driven hospitality led by Cindy Reátegui García. Cindy Reátegui García, a proud Tarapoto native, is La Patarashca Group's commercial manager, and her efforts have helped to propel the family business to new heights, all while maintaining a deep dedication to her local community.
Rooted in her upbringing amidst the beautiful Amazon rainforest, Cindy's connection to the environment runs deep. "I have always felt a strong connection with nature, especially the rainforest," Cindy shares In fact, her passion for protecting and sharing ancestral knowledge about the Amazon Region led her to create two conservation organizations focused on wildlife rescue, reforestation and medicinal plant research.
Cindy has infused her love for the Amazon into her work at La Patarashca and in the community. From its origins as a cozy family restaurant, La Patarashca Group has blossomed into a diverse business spanning hospitality and tourism. "La Patarashca began as a restaurant 31 years ago. My parents started it with five tables," Cindy reminisces. "Nowadays, La Patarashca is a group of seven companies, all dedicated to tourism, hotels and gastronomy."
Central to La Patarashca's mission is the empowerment of local women, a cause close to Cindy's heart as she has followed in her mother’s footsteps. "Since the creation of La Patarashca, one of the missions of the company and of the family has been to work with local communities and empower local women," she emphasized.
In 2009, La Patarashca Group founded the Ponayacu Association, a non-profit that focuses on various environmental and social projects. The group actively involves women in various aspects of its operations, providing tailored training and skill-building programs. “We provide training and capacity building both for women working in the group and with women of the communities where we do tourism,” said Cindy.
Looking ahead, Cindy envisions La Patarashca Group as a steadfast advocate for sustainable tourism practices. "We strive to ensure that the projects we carry out respect the natural environment," she explains. Initiatives such as waste reduction, community engagement, and responsible sourcing underscore the group's commitment to preserving the Amazon for generations to come.
Finally, when asked about advice for women in the travel industry, Cindy offers a profound reflection on life's purpose. "I ask myself again and again, what is the ultimate purpose of life, what are we here for?" she shares. "And again my answer is: we are not alone. We live in a society, in a never-ending network, interacting in a web of human relationships. The peace we experience when we help others is one of the most lasting."
Cindy emphasizes that working in tourism is about sharing this sentiment with every place visited. " To work in tourism is to share this peace of every place we visit, making every trip a unique and true experience by bringing together all of our five senses."
Cindy Reátegui García's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the power of authenticity, purpose, and community-driven action. Through her leadership, she has not only shaped La Patarashca Group into a leader of sustainability and high-quality travel offerings, but has also uplifted her local community and worked to preserve her lush Amazon surroundings.
Join us on March 26th for our Women+ in Travel: Learning from Women+ on the Ground virtual event to hear more from Cindy and other inspiring speakers making a positive impact on travelers, local communities, and the travel industry through their meaningful work on the ground.