Responsible Travel in Peru: A Guide

Peru’s tourism celebrates its rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, from the towering Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and its vibrant indigenous communities. Recognizing the need to protect these treasures, Peru has embraced sustainable tourism practices that prioritize preservation over exploitation. By aligning with community-led projects and eco-conscious initiatives, sustainable tourism ensures that the wonders of Peru continue to inspire future generations.

Despite its stunning landscapes and rich culture, Peru faces significant challenges with tourism:

• Visitor congestion: Overcrowding at iconic sites like Machu Picchu strains infrastructure and resources.
• Environmental degradation: Pollution and habitat destruction threaten Peru's biodiversity.
• Economic inequities: Tourism’s benefits often bypass local communities, concentrating wealth elsewhere.Climate change impacts: Disruptions to biodiversity and unpredictable weather patterns affect tourism and agriculture.
• Disruption of local life: High visitor volumes can interfere with traditional ways of living.
• Safeguarding heritage crops such as potatoes and maize is another vital initiative. These culturally significant crops not only sustain local communities but also play a crucial role in climate change adaptation.

With our partners in Peru, Impactful Travel, we work closely with other tourism partners who share our sustainability philosophy. By upholding national laws, combating inequality, and supporting community-driven initiatives, we help ensure that tourism in Peru benefits both people and the planet. For example:

Community-Based Experiences and Homestays
We focus on fostering authentic connections through community-based travel. For instance, in Lake Titicaca, guests stay with local families, sharing in daily life and learning traditional crafts and fishing methods. These experiences not only enrich travelers but also channel income directly to host families, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the community.

Partnerships with Indigenous Communities in the Amazon
In the Peruvian Amazon, we collaborate with indigenous groups to offer stays in community-run lodges. Guests explore the rainforest with indigenous guides, gaining insights into local conservation efforts and supporting the people who have stewarded these landscapes for generations. These stays preserve cultural heritage and contribute to sustainable development in remote areas.

Supporting Sustainable Farming and Local Production
Peru’s agricultural heritage is deeply tied to its people. Visitors can explore coffee and chocolate production in the Sacred Valley, where they learn about sustainable farming practices and the challenges faced by local farmers. These tours directly support farming communities while promoting environmentally friendly production methods.

Promoting Responsible Tourism with Local Guides
Our partners prioritize employing local guides who bring unmatched cultural insights and passion for their homeland. By choosing local experts, travelers enhance their understanding of Peru’s rich history while supporting the local economy. Our guides also follow ethical guidelines, such as respecting wildlife, cultural sites, and ecological boundaries.

Sustainable travel is a collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute during your visit to Peru:

Stay in community-based accommodations: Choose rural homestays or community-run lodges for an authentic experience while directly supporting local economies.

Respect cultural sites and traditions: Visit sacred and historically significant sites with care to help preserve Peru’s cultural heritage.

Minimize waste: Reduce your environmental impact by using reusable items and avoiding single-use plastics.

Opt for green transportation: Consider using buses or trains over flights, and prioritize direct flights to minimize your carbon footprint.

Hire local guides: Tours led by locals enrich your journey and ensure that tourism revenue supports the region.

Aligning with Sustainable Partners
We collaborate only with partners who share our dedication to sustainability. Our partners adhere to national laws, uphold ethical practices, and implement measures to combat inequality and protect vulnerable populations. Should they fail to meet these standards, our contracts with them are terminated.
This commitment extends to accommodations. Whether it’s rural homestays or eco-conscious lodges, we prioritize properties that reduce waste, source food locally, and provide fair working conditions. Many of these accommodations also support local conservation projects, contributing to long-term sustainability efforts.

Ethical Excursions and Practices
We ensure that all excursions respect cultural, environmental, and social norms. We do not offer tours that exploit wildlife, harm local communities, or damage sensitive ecosystems. Our guides are trained to uphold these values, whether trekking through the rainforest or navigating archaeological sites. They’ll show you the best of Peru while maintaining respect for its people, culture, and environment.