Between the coast, mountains and jungle, Peru boasts some of the most fantastic archaeological sites and natural wonders, including Machu Picchu, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon rainforest and the northern beaches. But how do you assure that you travel the country in a responsible way and maybe even make a small, but significant, difference?
Within and surrounding the destinations of Peru are ancient cultures that have left their mark on the territory and people who live there today. As a result of the cultures, natural beauty and complex history of this country, Peru has become a major travel destination, attracting travelers from all around the globe.
However, while tourism plays a crucial part in the economy of Peru, oftentimes it results in adverse effects on the environment and local communities. For that reason, we at Enigma will always encourage you to employ sustainable tourism and ecotourism practices when traveling throughout Peru in order to minimize your travel footprint and preserve the country’s attractions for generations to come.
The following are some simple but very effective principles to abide by when traveling through Peru:
Be sensitive to local cultures and customs
In Peru, especially in the rural areas, the people follow certain beliefs and practices that you may not be familiar with. When exposed to these new customs, always keep an open mind and be perceptive of how your own behaviors may affect the local people. For example, while churches are often very beautiful, always remember that they are a place of worship and you should be quiet and respectful when visiting.
Moreover, avoid giving out candies or loose change to people you meet. While you may believe that you are doing good, this behavior can encourage a begging mentality and should be avoided. Alternatively, consider donating to local organizations that work to help impoverished communities or support other human rights movements. If you’re not sure which organizations are reputable, we would be happy to provide suggestions.
Support local communities
While traveling through Peru, you’ll definitely want to take home a souvenir or two to remember your trip by. We always recommend that you buy products that were made in Peru by Peruvians. In addition, we recommend that you buy clothing and other products that have been made in a sustainable manner with minimal impact to the environment.
While traveling through Peru you are likely to be tempted by the colorful goods and textiles that are available in the markets. Items from these markets make for nice cheap souvenirs, but the quality is likely not comparable to other upscale stores. Moreover, while it is common to haggle the price down in these markets, the livelihood of the sellers depends on the souvenirs that they are able to sell. So while it may feel good to haggle, always agree on a fair price and remember that while one or two soles may not mean a lot to you, it makes a huge difference to the sellers in the markets.
At Enigma, we are happy to give recommendations of stores where you can buy quality, low-impact souvenirs that support local communities. We even have a personal shopping assistant in Lima who would be happy to accompany you on any shopping excursion.
Minimize your environmental impact
Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with the second largest portion of the Amazon rainforest. In fact, the Amazon rainforest covers approximately 74% of the country’s territory and is teeming with plant and animal life. And yet, despite the precious ecosystems that exist here, Peru is suffering from overdevelopment and climate change. In order to conserve and preserve the environment, there are some simple things that you can do while traveling that will minimize your impact.
1. Cut back on your use of plastic
While traveling through Peru, we always recommend that you drink bottled or purified water. To cut back on plastic waste, it is a good idea to refill reusable water bottles from a trusted source. In addition, always recycle when the option is available.
2. Opt for reusing hotel linens and towels
Many hotels will wash your sheets and towels every day unless told otherwise. To reduce unnecessary water and detergent waste, opt for reusing bedlinens and towels for a couple days.
3. Research animal parks before visiting
While it is always nice to support a sanctuary that provides for animals that can’t survive on their own in the wild, be sure to research the animal parks you visit. Some parks poach animals from their natural environment or mistreat the animals in captivity. Always support wildlife centers that work towards preservation and protection. Additionally, Enigma does not promote wildlife performances, animal rides (with the exception of domesticated animals) or the use of animals as photographic props or for cuddling.
4. Pay attention to what you’re buying
While it is always fun to take home something exotic or rare, avoid buying souvenirs that are made from illegal or endangered materials, or are actually archaeological artifacts. The purchase of these items promotes poaching and thievery.
In the end, it is the little changes that you make while traveling that can have a huge impact on the preservation and conservation efforts in Peru. It is our responsibility as travelers to respect the local cultures and environment. This country has a lot to offer, and the customs, incredible landscapes and delicate ecosystems are all a part of the charm.
