Inca Trail trek with homestay

Planet

We work to minimize the negative environmental impact of tourism in several important ways. These include:

-Collaborating with hotels, restaurants, and operators that follow sustainable tourism priorities. This includes conservation of water & electricity, use of local products & materials, and employment of primarily local workers. In the case of Amazon, we work only with lodges that respect local environmental laws and wildlife, and prioritizes the conservation of resources.

-Following Leave No Trace standards on our treks. We pack out all waste, provide reusable utensils and dishes, respect wildlife & locals, and maintain quiet & dark campsites throughout the night.

-We provide reusable water bottles and drinking water refills on all treks and multi-day tours. This reduces the amount of plastic waste generated by our clients.

-Careful ground transportation planning: this allows us to avoid unnecessary trips.

-Purchasing locally-produced items wherever possible. This includes trek supplies such as local produce and services from local companies (printing, box lunches, consulting services).

People

We work closely with local communities to develop unique, fun and safe activities for our clients. Partner community members set their own pricing, and are paid directly by Ayni (no intermediaries involved). Programs respect local traditions and culture, and work to incorporate as much local knowledge as possible.

We work with local artisans and community members to support traditional weavers and farmers. This includes llama care and weaving workshops, traditional meals with local families, hiking little-known trails with local guides, and much more.

We work exclusively with highly experienced local guides that speak English, Spanish and Quechua. This improves our client´s understanding and experience, and supports an endangered language (Quechua).

Along with our specifically community-based activities, we work with locals in other important ways. Our office staff is 100% Peruvian and female, predominately from Cusco. We pay fair wages to all workers, including office workers, guides, cooks, horsemen & drivers. Benefits are provided for all full time workers.

Our ultimate goal is that locals benefit from international tourism. This includes getting our clients off the beaten path, where the economic benefits of tourism are normally much lower, supporting and honoring traditions, promoting the use of Quechua and respect for the language, and creating/participating in beneficial community projects.