Hiking vacation in Peru, Mount Ausangate

Planet

On our treks, we purchase fresh, locally produced food and, where possible, prioritise local products over imported goods, including Andean ingredients in our cooking. We reduce waste by choosing products with minimal packaging, carrying rubbish out of trekking areas, avoiding litter and keeping water sources clean. Campsites are left clean after use.

We operate our treks in partnership with a locally owned and managed company in Cusco. Local staff are employed and provided with ongoing training. Trek staff are not expected to carry more than the maximum permitted load and are provided with tents and food. Staff are paid and treated fairly, and the company supports the Tourism Concern Porters Policy.

Clean-burning fuel is used to prepare meals, and biodegradable detergents are used to wash cooking and eating utensils. Where any part of a tour or trek is operated by another company, efforts are made to ensure that appropriate operating standards are maintained.

We continue to donate to a reforestation project in Peru.

People

Since 2006, we have supported the Huchuy Yachaq community project in the Hermanos Ayar neighbourhood on the outskirts of Cusco and continue to contribute annually.

The project was established by volunteer social workers and teachers to provide social and educational support to children and families in the neighbourhood. Children are encouraged to attend afternoon study and recreational sessions and participate in vacation programmes. Previous contributions have supported educational books and games, tables and chairs, improvements to the community-owned building, functioning toilets, school materials and vacation activities.