Destinations
Responsible travel on the Inca Trail (Page 3)
After the trek
Most Inca Trail tour operators will give you the option of returning immediately to Cusco after seeing Machu Picchu or staying on in Aguas Calientes, the small town nearby. Aguas Calientes has a host of its own problems: it has expanded too rapidly and uncontrolled; its sewage is polluting the river and upsetting the fragile ecosystem that exists in Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary; it’s incredibly ugly.
It is possible to stay in Aguas Calientes without further contributing to the damage if you choose your accommodation carefully. I recommend Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. It’s one of Peru’s leading eco hotels and is an experience in itself. Humming birds and orchids thrive here and the hotel works hard to promote the conservation of Peru’s natural environment.
Questions to ask before booking your Inca Trail trek
Who owns the tour operator? Peruvian-owned operators are not only usually cheaper, but put the money directly into the Peruvian economy rather than channelling it out of the country.
How seriously does the tour operator take its environmental responsibilities? If they do things beyond the minimum requirement, such as voluntary litter picking schemes, then you can more confidently trust them.
How does the tour operator treat their porters? Ask about equipment, sleeping conditions and any benefits such as medical insurance.
Recommended trekking companies
www.llamapath.com
www.perutreks.com
www.andeantreks.com
www.peru-planet.net
Read related features and reviews
Images: Peru - Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail
Review: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
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