Machu Picchu is a unique place in the world, not only is it a beautiful stone city, it is the perfect synchrony between what man and nature can do. Machu Picchu is the proof that the hand of man can do great things without this signifying a conflict with nature. All of this makes taking care of and preserving it a task not only of the authorities of Peru but of each of the people who visit the Inca city.
To speak of Responsible Tourism Tips, is to speak of diverse proposals directed to face, the negative impacts of the tourism: like damages to ecosystems, destruction of the flora and fauna alienation of lands, etc.
Knowing some Responsible Tourism Tips for the Inca Trail is important to be able to enjoy the walk.
Caring for the Environment in the routes of the Inca Trail, implies enjoying the walk, respecting the Site that is hosting it, taking care not to leave trash anywhere, not damaging the Inca and pre-Inca walls, with pints and other external factors; not setting fire to the walls because they break and crack the rocks. Likewise, you are asked not to collect wildlife, especially orchids, as it is depredated, the native flora of the place.
In Peru, the main language is Spanish. The majority of Andean people, who will find in the tourist places are bilingual, speak Spanish and Quechua their mother tongue. You can learn some phrases in Quechua, Spanish and you will have better communication with the local population and an unforgettable trip.
When you are traveling, you are a guest and you can not do anything that you do not do at home, so it is necessary to learn about the customs of the place we are going to visit.
Respect their traditions, inform us if it is prudent or not to make donations, like medicines, sweets or others that could be invasive for the local population.
Avoid annoying attitudes, such as interrupting in the churches during the religious service, taking photographs, or traveling through the facilities of the place.
To break into the privacy of families, to photograph them without their permission, to make inappropriate comments in front of the local inhabitants, about their uses and customs.
If you are spending your money, try to do it in local communities, help your economy and increase the benefits you get from tourism; which is often the only livelihood of many families in these communities.
In addition, helping the local population is an important way to encourage the authorities to continue with the permit system.
Demonstrating to visitors from all over the world, that the permit system does not reduce revenues, but creates a healthier tourism industry.
The Inca Trail is hard during the rainy season, and it is better to avoid it during this season, since this is the worst time for erosion. If it rains and you have a lot to carry, it is worth considering hiring an extra porter, to help you with your personal luggage. Not only will you be creating more tourism income for people from local communities, but you will be practicing responsible hiking, as the road becomes very slippery, you will have more control if you have less weight to carry.
Definitely think about using canes, but keep in mind that only those that have rubber tips on the Inca Trail are allowed; to protect the landscape and the stones. And these are not allowed inside the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Try as much as possible to avoid plastic water bottles. Water purification tablets and a bottle that you can refill are your best option. For the walk, bring cleaning supplies such as soaps, detergents and biodegradable bags, as well as ecological sunscreens.
The Inca Trail takes hundreds of years without cigarette butts, bottles or other waste, so please do not start now. We use clean fuel (Gas), as kerosene is not allowed due to the possible environmental hazards caused by the spill. Bonfires are not allowed on the Inca Trail.
Our long experience has allowed us to know thoroughly, the potential impacts on the environment and local communities. Hiking the Inca Trail with the Responsible People is a responsible decision.
We are committed to the employment of locals from nearby communities, fairly remunerated. We have a policy of respect and ethics for our porters. Beyond money, we will connect you with people, with their culture and traditions, promoting a cultural exchange within a framework of respect. If the cost of the trail is very cheap, you can be sure that the porters who carry your luggage will bear the brunt of the budget. Our goalkeepers are remunerated above what is established by law; can chat with them, participate with them, sing with them, without any condescension.
The Responsible People is committed to nature conservation, offering training to local communities on how to conserve their lands. This with the awareness of knowing that we carry out our operations in intangible areas, natural reserves and world heritages.
Probably only visit the Inca Trail once; so enjoy it.
Av. Tupac Amaru PP-10B Santiago - Cusco - Peru
Phone: +51 84 217 551
Mail: info@responsiblepeople.org