This interesting Asháninka village in the Perene Valley has a lodge that has been recommended by Norwegian anthropologist Ole Steinert as an excellent way to understand the daily life of this indigenous group.

Ñapirori Lodge, which means “strong man” in the Asháninka language, consists of three houses built in native style, each with a double bed and a balcony out front. Around the lodges are mango trees, coffee plants, tropical flowers, and spectacular views of the Perene Valley.

The 40 families that live in San Miguel are very friendly and proud of their uncommercialized settlement. Men still hunt with bows and arrows and, during communal meetings, show up in traditional dress. This is a great place to stay for some days and be enriched with the Asháninka way of life.

Getting to San Miguel

Colectivos leave frequently from La Merced to Santa Ana, also called Villa Perené, and then from Santa Ana to San Miguel throughout the afternoon. The dirt road to San Miguel is about five or six kilometers up in the hills. From here it is a 500-meter walk farther to the village, where guests should ask for lodge owners.