This is the second highest Peruvian recognition, and has been awarded to politicians and scholars that have supported Peru. Other notable Poles that have received this aware include Maria Rostworowski - a scholar of Polish origin, an expert on the history of the Incas and Peru.
The touching ceremony included several ambassadors of Ibero-American countries accredited in Poland; former Ambassadors of Poland in Peru; Director of the Department of America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as well as outstanding scientists, representatives of the academic world, entrepreneurs and family members. The media was present as well, including the nationwide TVP television and various press agencies.
Majcherczyk was one of the organizers and participants of the Polish canoeing expedition "CanoAndes 79", which from May to June 1981 realized the first rafting and exploration of the Colca River, from Cruz del Cóndor (Oasis Sangalle) to Andamayo- the canyon exit. This expedition has discovered the world famous Colca Canyon
27 years later, Majcherczyk led the Polish-North American-Peruvian scientific expedition "Colca Condor 2008 & 2009" sponsored by the Warsaw Stock Exchange and Classic Travel and patronized by the prestigious "The Explorers Club" in New York. Its results were published by the Peru Geographic Association in 2010; which makes him one of the most important contemporary explorers in Poland and Europe.
It is also important to emphasize the important social work that Majcherczyk carried out through various humanitarian aid activities for the many rural communities in the Arequipa Province, his concern for the integration of these populations into production and commercial promotion, which allows them to improve their living conditions, and his deep desire to protect geography, landscape, nature, ecology, protecting not only the indigenous population of this place, but also its flora and fauna.
Jerzy Majcherczyk expressed his gratitude to the Peruvian Government for this important distinction, showing at the same time a great sentiment towards Peru and a desire to further contribute to the development of friendship and cooperation between Peru and Poland. He also stressed that he receives them as an expression of appreciation also for his family, his sons and sister and especially his wife, who actively helps him in this activity and tolerates a lot of time and energy devoted to Peru.
A nice touch was the appearance of Jerzy’s older and only sister, author of his biography, Eugenia Kosteczka. She recalled her brother's 37-year relationship with this Andean country and his fascination with it, which he passed on to his family and friends.
After the ceremony, the Peruvian Embassy offered refreshments of the traditional "Pisco de Honor" and Peruvian cuisine.
