Machu Picchu lodge based trek, Peru
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We are passionate about the places we visit. To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:
• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.
• Are rigorous in following 'take it in, take it out' guidelines when hiking through the stunning natural environment visited on this holiday.
The Lodges’ environment.
When someone decides to build lodges in the middle of remote, stunning mountain scenery then alarm bells ring for those who care about protecting these places.
You should be reassured to know that the lodges are owned and operated by a team genuinely passionate about the environment and communities they work in.
There are four lodges built along the trek. Each one designed by a local architect using local stone, wood and straw in the traditional adobe Inca style. Nevertheless, it took over 10,000 mule journeys to get the materials to complete them. Construction was supervised and approved by the National Institute of Natural Resources.
Electricity is provided using state-of-the art gas generators. Water is from local sources and there are ‘filling stations’ at each lodge. Water from plastic bottles is charged at a premium and profits are donated to the community. The company has also set up an eco-team to maintain the trail, clean up litter and assist with conservation.
Community
Our passion for the places we visit extends to the people who live there. To help support them, we:
• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.
• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.
The Lodges’ company background.
Mountain Lodges of Peru is a Peruvian family business. The driving force behind the project was, and is, to eliminate poverty in the Salkantay region of Peru within 20 years.
The staff.
Before the lodges were built, there was hardly anyone in the community who had a regular income. The owners offered work to any and all locals who wanted to work and showed the willingness to learn. Salaries are four times the national minimum wage and everyone has a pension and health insurance. As all staff are drawn from the local area, the lodges are a focal point of each community. Each lodge has a female manager, as this is seen as a hugely important aspect in the community.
The community projects.
Aside from those working directly for the lodges, the company also supports the wider community and you are welcome to visit and learn about these projects if you have an interest.
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