Environmental Commitments: Machu Picchu

Protected Areas

Machu Picchu is an UNESCO World Heritage site, protected for both its cultural and natural significance.

Water Conservation

Be aware of water scarcity in some Andean communities and conserve resources.

Cultural Sensitivity

Ensuring your presence contributes positively to local economies and traditions.

Cultural preservation efforts

Engage thoughtfully with Peru's rich heritage.

Preservation Practices

Community-based Tourism: Seek out community-based tourism programs to support local cultural preservation.
Learn and Appreciate: Take the time to learn about Inca history, Quechua culture, and Andean spiritual beliefs. This fosters appreciation.
Traditional Arts: Support traditional artisans by purchasing authentic local crafts.
Sacred Sites: Treat ancient sites with reverence, respecting their historical and spiritual significance.

Respectful interaction guidelines

Polite and mindful interactions enrich your experience.

Interaction Tips

Patience and Politeness: Practice patience and politeness in all interactions. A smile and a few words in Spanish or Quechua go a long way.
Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional communities, especially churches or sacred places. This shows respect for local customs.
Engage with Interest: Engage with locals respectfully. Ask questions with genuine interest about their way of life, crafts, or traditions.
Bargain Fairly: When bargaining in markets, do so respectfully. Avoid aggressive haggling, as it seen as devaluing the artisan's work.

Photography and Religious Site Ethics

Photography Considerations

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas. Respect 'no' responses. Observe 'no photography' signs in museums and sacred sites; flash photography is usually prohibited. Drones are generally not allowed at major archaeological sites like Machu Picchu.

Religious Site Etiquette

Enter quietly, remove hats, keep voices low, and do not touch altars or artifacts unless permitted. Observe services respectfully.

Mindful Engagement

When taking photographs, always ask permission. Show deep respect for ancestral sites and cultural traditions by adhering to local etiquette.

Economic Contribution

Ensure your travel contributes positively to local economies and communities.

Community-based tourism initiatives

Directly supporting local communities benefits everyone.

Direct Support

Direct Support: Seek out and support tours or homestays that are directly owned and operated by local communities. These initiatives that economic benefits go directly to the people living in the region, fostering sustainable development.
Authentic Experiences: These programs often more authentic cultural experiences, as you engage directly with locals and learn about their daily lives.
Ethical Operators: Choose tour operators like G Adventures that prioritize ethical practices and community well-being.
Local Employment: Opt for services that hire local guides and staff directly, rather than relying solely on large international entities.

Fair trade and ethical shopping options

Conscious purchasing helps preserve artisan livelihoods.

Shopping Ethically

Prioritize Local: Prioritize purchasing souvenirs from artisan cooperatives or shops that explicitly state fair trade practices. This producers receive fair wages for their work and that ethical labor standards are met.
Avoid Mass-Produced: Be wary of mass-produced items or those that seem suspiciously cheap, as they may not fair compensation to the makers.
Illegal Materials: Never purchase items made from illegal materials (e.g., certain animal products, archaeological artifacts).
Sustainable Goods: Seek out products that minimize environmental impact, perhaps from retailers like Patagonia for outdoor gear or Package Free Shop for reusable items.

Supporting local businesses

Your spending choices can make a significant difference locally.

Dining Choices

Eat at local restaurants, especially those offering 'Menu del Día', to support small businesses.

Market Purchases

Purchase produce and goods from local markets to directly support local vendors.

Local Guides

When booking tours, choose operators that employ local guides and staff; this directly supports the local economy.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Do not contribute to child begging. Never purchase archaeological artifacts; it is illegal and damages heritage. Be cautious of "volunteer tourism" that may displace local jobs. Direct financial aid best channeled through established NGOs like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood) Therainforestsite.greatergood.com.

Support Local

Support local economies by choosing community-based tourism, purchasing fair-trade goods, and dining at local establishments.

Environmental Commitments