Salkantay Trek and Responsible Tourism: How to Travel Sustainably in 2025

The Salkantay Trek is a breathtaking alternative to the Inca Trail, offering stunning views, rich biodiversity, and a journey through Andean culture. As travel to Peru grows in popularity, it’s important for adventurers to consider how they can explore this beautiful region sustainably. By practicing responsible tourism on the Salkantay Trek in 2025, you can help preserve its natural beauty, support local communities, and minimize your environmental impact. This guide will help you understand how to travel responsibly and leave a positive impact on your trek to Machu Picchu.

1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Trekking Company

One of the first steps in practicing responsible tourism on the Salkantay Trek is choosing a trekking company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices. Look for companies that are committed to protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism.

What to Look For in an Eco-Friendly Trekking Company:

• Sustainable Practices: Choose a company that minimizes waste, avoids single-use plastics, and practices “Leave No Trace” principles. They should provide eco-friendly gear and ensure proper waste disposal.
• Support for Local Communities: Ensure the trekking company works with local guides, porters, and artisans, providing fair wages and helping to support the local economy.
• Low-Impact Travel: Opt for companies that offer smaller group sizes and use eco-lodges or sustainable camping practices to reduce the environmental impact.

For an eco-friendly trekking experience, check out Guiding Cusco Expeditions, which prioritizes sustainability and local community support.

2. Respect the Environment: Leave No Trace

When trekking through the Salkantay Region, it’s crucial to respect the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles. This helps preserve the pristine landscapes for future generations and protects the delicate ecosystems you’ll encounter along the way.

Leave No Trace Principles for the Salkantay Trek:

• Pack Out All Waste: Whatever you bring into the mountains, take it back with you. This includes food wrappers, plastic bottles, and any other trash. Make sure to properly dispose of waste in designated areas.
• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it during the trek. Avoid using plastic bags and opt for reusable containers and eco-friendly packaging.
• Stay on Designated Trails: Straying off the marked trails can damage fragile ecosystems and disturb wildlife. Always stick to the designated paths to avoid harming the environment.
• Respect Wildlife: Don’t disturb or feed the wildlife along the trail. Observe animals from a distance and avoid actions that could alter their natural behaviors.

For more tips on responsible trekking practices, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

The Salkantay Trek offers various types of accommodations, from traditional camping to luxurious eco-lodges. Choosing eco-friendly lodging options can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism efforts in the region.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation Options:

• Eco-Lodges: These lodges are designed with sustainability in mind, using solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and environmentally friendly construction materials. Staying at an eco-lodge allows you to enjoy a comfortable stay while minimizing your environmental impact.
• Sustainable Camping: If you’re camping during the trek, make sure your trekking company follows sustainable camping practices, such as using biodegradable toiletries, minimizing waste, and properly disposing of trash.

For lodge-to-lodge treks that focus on sustainability, explore the options available at Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

4. Support Local Communities

Traveling responsibly on the Salkantay Trek means supporting the local communities you encounter along the way. Many of the villages in the Salkantay Region depend on tourism for their livelihoods, and by choosing to engage with local businesses, artisans, and farmers, you can contribute to the region’s economic development.

How to Support Local Communities:

• Hire Local Guides and Porters: Make sure your trekking company employs local guides and porters. This not only supports the local economy but also provides valuable insight into the region’s culture and history.
• Buy Locally Made Goods: When visiting villages along the trek, purchase handicrafts, textiles, and other goods directly from local artisans. This helps preserve traditional crafts and provides income for the community.
• Eat Locally: If you have the chance, enjoy meals prepared by local communities using locally sourced ingredients. This supports local agriculture and ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared by those living in the region.

For a trekking company that works closely with local communities, check out Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

5. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint

Traveling to Peru for the Salkantay Trek involves a long journey for most visitors, and it’s important to think about how to minimize your carbon footprint during your travels.

Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:

• Choose Public Transportation: Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of private vehicles. In Cusco, take buses or shared transportation to reach the trailhead.
• Fly Less, Stay Longer: Instead of flying in and out for a short trip, consider staying longer in Peru to make the most of your journey. This allows you to explore more of the country without the environmental impact of multiple flights.
• Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Many airlines and travel companies offer carbon offset programs that allow you to invest in environmental projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives, to balance out your carbon footprint.

For more information on reducing your environmental impact while trekking, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

6. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

Responsible tourism is not only about preserving the environment but also about respecting the culture and traditions of the people who live in the regions you’re visiting. The Salkantay Trek takes you through remote Andean villages where traditional customs are still practiced.

How to Show Cultural Respect:

• Learn Basic Phrases in Quechua: While Spanish is widely spoken in Peru, many people in the Salkantay Region speak Quechua, the indigenous language of the Andes. Learning a few simple phrases in Quechua can help you connect with locals and show respect for their culture.
• Ask Permission for Photos: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly in remote villages. Some communities are sensitive to being photographed, and it’s important to be respectful.
• Dress Modestly: When visiting villages or religious sites, dress modestly to respect local customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.

For more guidance on traveling respectfully in indigenous communities, follow Guiding Cusco Expeditions for tips on responsible travel.

7. Volunteer or Give Back to the Region

If you’re looking to make a lasting impact during your visit, consider incorporating volunteering or giving back into your trek. Some organizations and trekking companies offer opportunities to engage in local community projects, such as supporting schools, conservation efforts, or environmental education initiatives.

How to Get Involved:

• Volunteer Opportunities: Some trekking companies partner with local organizations to offer short-term volunteer opportunities, such as helping with reforestation projects or community development programs.
• Donations: If volunteering isn’t an option, consider making a donation to a local charity that supports education, healthcare, or conservation in the Salkantay Region.
• Tree Planting Programs: Participate in reforestation projects that help restore degraded areas of the Andes, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty.

For information on how you can give back to the Salkantay Region, contact Guiding Cusco Expeditions.

Traveling responsibly on the Salkantay Trek in 2025 not only enhances your experience but also ensures that future generations can enjoy the same beauty and cultural richness of the region. By choosing eco-friendly trekking companies, respecting the environment, supporting local communities, and minimizing your carbon footprint, you can have a positive and meaningful impact during your trek. Responsible tourism is about leaving the trail and the communities you encounter better than you found them, ensuring that your adventure is both memorable and sustainable.

For more information or to book a sustainable trek, visit Guiding Cusco Expeditions, or contact us directly via WhatsApp.