Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism and Ethical Trekking in Peru and Around the World

At Hike Expeditions, we believe that true adventure lies in traveling with awareness. As a specialized trekking tourism agency, we recognize our deep responsibility to the pristine environments and ancestral communities we visit, especially in the heart of our operations, the Cusco region of Peru.

Our Responsible Tourism policy is the cornerstone of every expedition, ensuring that your guided trek is not only safe and memorable, but also ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to the local population. We position ourselves as leaders in sustainable tourism in Peru, dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and maximizing positive social impact.

Ethical Trekking: Leading the Way in Fair Treatment of Our Porters and Crew

Labor justice is the most critical factor in Andean trekking and a key differentiator for Hike Expeditions. We actively combat unfair labor practices on high-demand routes such as the Inca Trail and Salkantay.

1. Commitment to the Andean Porter (Chaskis)

Our porters are the backbone of our trekking expeditions and receive the highest level of respect and care.

• Fair and Decent Wages: We guarantee remuneration that significantly exceeds the legal minimum established in Peru for porters, ensuring that their work is fairly compensated.
• Strict Load Limits: We comply with and rigorously enforce the Porter Law, limiting the maximum load carried by our team, and we require clients to limit their luggage to the stipulated amount.
• Complete Quality Equipment: We provide all porters and camp staff with high-quality essential equipment, including proper mountain boots, thermal clothing, waterproof uniforms, and appropriate tents for rest.
• Health and Nutrition: We provide three nutritious, hot meals a day, designed by our mountain chefs to ensure the energy needed for high altitude. In addition, we cover medical insurance for the duration of the expedition.

Local Hiring and Professional Development

• Local Priority: We prioritize hiring trekking guides and kitchen staff who reside in communities near the hiking trails, ensuring that the economic flow of tourism remains in the Cusco region.
• Continuous Training: We invest in training our staff in areas such as WFR first aid, customer service, and language skills, promoting long-term professional development.

Environmental Sustainability: Adoption of the Leave No Trace (LNT) Principle

Our environmental policy is aggressive and proactive, focused on preserving the pristine beauty of national parks and Andean ecosystems.

Comprehensive Waste Management (Zero Footprint)

• “Pack In, Pack Out”: We strictly adhere to the Leave No Trace (LNT) philosophy. All waste generated during the trek (including organic, inorganic, and sanitary waste) is transported back to Cusco for proper sorting and final disposal or recycling.
• Use of Dry Waste Containers: We provide our clients with bags and containers to handle their personal waste responsibly.

Protection of Ecosystems and Natural Resources

• Sustainable Water Use: We use advanced water filtration and purification methods instead of relying solely on plastic bottled water, thereby drastically reducing PET waste on the mountain.
• Clean Kitchens and Camps: Our mountain chefs use clean-burning gas stoves instead of wood or polluting fuels, minimizing the impact on local forests and vegetation.
• Eco-Friendly Sanitary Facilities: On long-distance routes, where there is no permanent infrastructure, we use portable eco-friendly latrines that ensure hygienic management of human waste and prevent contamination of water sources.

Social Commitment: Regenerative Tourism in Andean Communities

The impact of Hike Expeditions goes beyond hiking; we actively seek to improve the quality of life in the areas where we operate.

Support for the Local Economy

• Fair Trade Supplies: We prioritize purchasing fresh food, fruits, and vegetables directly from farmers and markets in local communities in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits Andean families.
• Promotion of Handicrafts: We encourage our customers to visit and buy directly from textile and handicraft cooperatives, such as on the Lares Trek, ensuring a fair price for local products.

Conservation and Education Initiatives

• Reforestation Projects: We collaborate annually with communities in reforestation campaigns for native tree species, helping to stabilize the soil and restore Andean ecosystems.
• Sustainable Donations: Instead of direct cash donations, we focus our resources on infrastructure projects, such as improving schools or providing durable educational materials, ensuring a long-term investment in the community’s future.

Your Role as a Responsible Traveler: The Alliance for Ethical Trekking

At Hike Expeditions, Responsible Tourism is a team effort. You, as a traveler, are our vital partner in this mission.

• Cultural Respect: We encourage deep respect for local traditions. We ask permission before taking photographs of people and always show sensitivity toward the religious and social customs of the region.
• Minimizing Your Personal Waste: We encourage you to limit your use of single-use plastic containers and to bring all waste you generate back to Cusco.
• Use of Designated Trails: We instruct all clients to stay on marked trails to prevent soil erosion and protect native flora and fauna, especially on the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek.

Viaje con Propósito: Elija el Turismo Sostenible con Hike Expeditions

When you choose Hike Expeditions for your trekking expedition to Machu Picchu or any other destination, you are not just booking a trip: you are investing in a model of Responsible and Ethical Tourism that benefits guides, porters, communities, and Andean ecosystems.

Contact us today to plan your sustainable adventure and join our mission to leave a positive mark on the world!