Sacred Valley and Inca Trail vacation

Planet

Activity & Environment
Few vacations have as little detrimental impact on the environment and local residents as a trekking trip. We adhere to all of the Inca Trail regulations. Permits are limited on the Inca Trail in order to reduce overcrowding and damage due to footfall, but our guides and porters are still very mindful of how we treat the environment. Our entry fees to the trail as well as archaeological and historic sites contribute directly towards their maintenance and upkeep.
Water is a really important issue with walking trips and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital that we have a system for providing clean water without causing lots of waste with plastic bottles. We suggest that instead of repeatedly buying bottled water, guests should re-fill a singular bottle.

Group size
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in a unique, family-run hotel that cannot benefit from big coach tours and other mass tourism due to its limited size.

UK office
Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

Accommodation and Meals
On this trip we stay in a selection of small, locally owned hotels and lodges. We prefer to use small businesses for our accommodation, activities and services as these are the companies which have most direct benefit to the communities which we visit, for instance by employing local residents. Where meals are not included, clients are encouraged to eat out at local authentic restaurants and immerse themselves by experimenting with Peruvian cuisine and to try snacks at markets such as San Pedro market in Cuzco.

Community & Culture:
Day three is a free day to explore Cuzco, guests are recommended to visit the Mercado San Pedro to try some local produce. This is also a great place to purchase souvenirs, our local guides are able to advise clients on which products to buy and which to avoid - for example, walking sticks made of wood are one to avoid as they are potentially a product of deforestation, however, there are many handicraft markets who sell handmade alpaca jumpers and scarves. By purchasing these products, guests are supporting the local workers by sustaining their work.