“Responsible travel”, “Sustainable travel” and “Ecotourism” are all terms that are widely used in tours to Peru, especially when looking for a trip with a purpose.
Responsible travel allows local communities to earn incomes from tourism, supports conservation and tries to limit the environmental impact of the vacation itself.
Being a responsible traveler in Peru does not necessarily mean that you will ride a bike or sleep in a mud hut, even if this is the experience that you are looking for. You can also have a high-end holiday and still be responsible by ensuring that the company you select is ethical in its operations.
Ecotourism and Responsible Travel in Peru.
– Reduction of plastic usage
Reducing our plastic consumption may be simple if we are at home, but it is more challenging to reduce our plastic consumption when travelling. Here is our list of five ways to reduce plastic while travelling:
- Get a reusable water bottle.
- Pack reusable carrier bags.
- Say no to plastic straws.
- Reduce plastic in your toiletries.
– Reduction of carbon footprint
Part of being a responsible traveler is to leave as light of a carbon footprint as possible. For many destinations in Peru, a flight is unavoidable, however, there are several ways to minimize your footprint once you get here. To reduce your footprint in Peru, you can take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, fly between regions as directly as possible, or take cycling and walking tours.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel in Peru.
Travelling responsibly and sustainably in Peru includes respecting the local culture and keeping an open mind. There are many different ways to do this:
– Respect Mother Earth (Pachamama in Quechua)
Be kind to everything that lives, embrace the beauty of Peru by respecting the boundaries. Do some research to ensure that you are not buying any products coming from endangered fauna or flora. When camping and hiking, follow the guidelines for that area and use local guides.
– Visit and respect traditional communities
Ask about visiting traditional villages such as Patacancha or Chaullacocha, located in the Andes. Learning a few simple phrases of the local language, Quechua, before you travel is a good idea, too. It helps to break down social and cultural barriers, and the people you meet will appreciate the effort.
– Prioritize the well-being of the people and places you visit
When visiting Peru or any other place, it is essential to be respectful of the people, culture and environment. It is an enriching experience to absorb everything while travelling, to be one with nature and kindly exchange knowledge with native communities.
Homestay – deeply connect with local culture.
Peru homestays are an outstanding way to experience an authentic side of Peru and create lifetime memories by learning Peruvian traditions, immersing yourself in the daily life in the Andes, and sharing knowledge with your host family.
There are two lifechanging experiences we highly recommend when visiting a native Andean community:
– Llama Blessing
The llama blessing ceremony in Peru is an ancestral celebration in honor these fluffy lovely animals. Here we will cut their fur and also sing and dance as a part of the celebration. Not only to pay homage to the llamas but also other camelids such as alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Historically in this region, these are all sacred animals.
– Pachamanca
Pachamanca (from Quechua pacha “earth”, manka “pot”) is a traditional Peruvian dish baked with the aid of hot stones under the earth. This technique has existed since the time of the Inca Empire and has been preserved to this day.
Immerse in local culture.
For more than 20 years Kallpa and its founder Domingo Atao, have carefully built relationships with families living in remote indigenous communities across The Andes.
– Support traditional communities and share knowledge.
Provide income to native families by staying overnight in local and traditional local villages in Peru. If you are willing to experience a responsible journey to Peru, with Kallpa Travel you will have the opportunity to learn more about our ancient cultures while exchanging your knowledge with traditional communities.
– Comfort during your treks.
All our homestays are strategically located among the mountains of Peru. Our families live in areas that work well when combined with our tours and treks, so while trekking, you can spend your night in the comfort of a warm bed and private bedroom. Our homestays help with local economic development through sustainable and responsible tourism.
5 Tips to Be a Responsible Tourist in Peru.
Traveling responsibly is everyone’s responsibility; from the travel agency that crafts your travel experience to the travelers that book their adventures with them. Here is a list of what you can do to leave a positive impact in our local communities and the environment:
1. Hire a local travel agency
Planning a responsible trip requires a lot of research – and it remains especially difficult to find information on responsible tourism in remote destinations and developing countries. So, recruiting a local and experienced tour operator to do the legwork is the best choice. On one hand, it will make your planning easier. On the other hand, you will support the local economy.
2. Native Experienced Guides.
Hiring local guides is recommended if you plan to come to Peru to deeply learn about their ancestral culture and customs. A local expert will proudly demonstrate their culture and not only talk about it. You will have a local friend and also a great connoisseur of Peruvian history and traditions.
3. Support the preservation of cultural traditions.
A simple way to be a responsible traveler in Peru is to help the economy by shopping locally. Buy your gifts from traders and artists directly. Get clothes tailored locally. Eat at a local restaurant and taste our delicious Peruvian cuisine.
4. Buy direct from Artists
If you really enjoy traditional arts and crafts, try to include a visit to villages where they are made and meet the artists themselves. There are many communities throughout the Andes which specialize in their unique crafts.
5. Avoid mass tourism, and choose private tours instead.
One of the best ways to preserve the planet when you travel is by avoiding massive trips. Mass tourism may unbalance the natural environment, endanger some species or interfere in the local dynamics.
For this reason, travelling on private tours has become a valuable alternative now more than ever. In addition, to being a solution for safe travel in the post-pandemic era, it is the best option to leave a positive footprint with your vacation.