Traveling through Peru means discovering—step by step—a country of coast, Andes, and Amazon; cities with living history, unique flavors, and cultures with millenary roots. You’ll enjoy it even more when we travel consciously: planning calmly, learning local rules, and choosing services that create fair jobs, strengthen culture, and help protect the environment. It also means noticing how each decision—from waste management and water use to respecting wildlife and sacred places—influences the places we visit and the people who welcome us.
This guide shares key ideas for responsible tourism: what to avoid, how to respect local communities, and which habits to adopt to enjoy more while caring better, with simple tips you can apply at every stage of your trip.
What is responsible tourism and why does it matter?
Responsible tourism is a way of traveling—and of managing tourism—that seeks to reduce negative impacts and enhance benefits for destinations and their residents. When we talk about sustainable tourism, we refer to the goal of balancing environmental, social, and economic dimensions; responsible tourism, for its part, focuses on the everyday actions taken by travelers, businesses, communities, and authorities to move toward that goal in practice.
Broadly speaking, sustainable tourism aims for less impact and more benefits for nature and communities; getting closer to that idea requires small, responsible actions from everyone. The two concepts complement each other: sustainability sets the goal, while responsibility describes the “how” behind each decision—from choosing local operators and respecting carrying capacity to avoiding activities that harm wildlife or reducing waste.
In Peru, this approach is especially relevant due to its megadiversity (coastal deserts, high Andean mountains, Amazon rainforest) and living cultural heritage (Quechua and Aymara peoples, Amazonian communities, traditions, and archaeological sites). In sensitive ecosystems and cultural contexts, an informed visit can tip the balance toward shared well-being.
Common mistakes travelers should avoid in Peru
- Underestimating distances and altitude
Very tight itineraries often mean more transfers and less enjoyment. It’s better to savor experiences at a comfortable pace instead of trying to see everything at once. Build in acclimatization days in places like Cusco, Arequipa, or Puno so your body can adjust. - Overlooking local rules and carrying capacity
Protected areas and archaeological sites have specific guidelines (marked trails, drone permits, schedules, and capacity limits). It’s worth checking the site rules with your operator or guide and following them to help care for the place. - Treating culture as a backdrop
For photos and shopping, a warm, respectful approach works best: ask for permission, talk about the craftwork, and agree on a fair price—this honors a living culture. - Engaging with wildlife without welfare criteria
With wildlife, observing without interfering is ideal: keeping your distance and following accredited guides helps animals stay calm and safe. - Keeping micro-waste under control
On beaches and trails, a small container for your waste helps a lot. When possible, look for the destination’s bins or collection points; guides usually know exactly where they are and can point you to the best place to dispose of trash. The idea is simple: what you bring ends up in the right container. - Disconnecting your spending from the local fabric
Booking everything through global platforms and eating only at chains leaves less money in the destination. Prefer formal local operators, certified guides, markets, and community workshops—your purchase can translate into jobs, conservation, and cultural pride. - Timetables without a strategy (crowding)
To avoid crowds, consider off-peak times and mix the classic highlights with lesser-known spots; it usually improves the experience and helps distribute visitor flow more evenly.
Environmental impact: practices to avoid on your trip
Single-use plastics
Bottles, straws, and bags take decades to break down. Bring a reusable bottle, tote, and cutlery. Besides protecting the environment, you’ll save money and avoid unnecessary waste.
Wasting water and energy
In the Andes and coastal deserts, water is critical. Skip daily towel/linen changes, take short showers, and switch off lights and heaters when you leave. Many lodgings already encourage these practices.
Leaving the trail (off-trail)
Foot traffic erodes soils and damages fragile wetlands and vegetation. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s indications.
Noise and drones without permission
Noise disturbs wildlife and communities. In several archaeological sites and natural areas, drones are restricted or require permits; if it’s unclear, it’s best not to use them.
Purchases without traceability
Avoid products made from protected species (feathers, skins) or uncertified woods. Choose crafts with sustainable materials and clear origin; you’ll reduce impacts and support the people who make them.
Stringing together unnecessary flights
Flying more increases your carbon footprint. Group destinations logically, consider buses or trains when practical, and—if it fits—offset emissions (the priority is to emit less).
Behaviors that affect local communities
Taking photos without permission
A person’s image—their home or a ritual—belongs to them. Ask first, say thanks, and accept a “no” without insisting.
Bargaining that ignores the value of work
Negotiation can be part of market culture, but pushing it too far precarizes livelihoods. If something seems “too cheap,” someone might be losing out. Pay fair prices and ask about the product’s story: materials, technique, time.
Improvised “donations”
Handing out sweets or money to children can create dependency. If you want to support, buy local products, hire community services, or collaborate with reputable long-term projects.
Demanding “authenticity” for the photo
Requesting staged scenes or stereotypes can be uncomfortable. Prefer co-designed experiences with communities, where hosts decide what to share and how.
Dress and behavior in sacred spaces
In churches, temples, and apus (sacred mountains), quiet and respect are expected. Learn about cultural and religious codes before your visit.
Tips for practicing responsible tourism in Peru
- Choose operators with good practices
It helps to look for signs like clear environmental and social policies, local employment, small groups, accredited guides, waste management, and respect for carrying capacity. Transparency often signals real commitment. - Acclimatize and take care of your health
At altitude, staying hydrated, eating lightly, and taking it easy on the first day tends to work well. Taking care of yourself reduces surprises and makes visits more pleasant for everyone. - Observe wildlife from a distance
To keep animals calm and safe, it’s best to observe without interfering, maintain distance, and follow guidance from accredited experts. - Shop with impact
Talking with artisans about materials, origin, and meaning values their work. Paying a fair price supports families and traditions. - Manage your waste
A “zero-disposables kit” (reusable bottle, cutlery, tote, and a small container for micro-waste) makes a big difference. When possible, find the destination’s collection points; guides can tell you exactly where to dispose of trash properly. - Stays that add value
Consider lodgings with energy efficiency, plastic reduction, local hiring, and support for community projects. - Alternative times and places
To avoid crowds, many travelers pick quieter time slots and mix iconic sites with lesser-known corners. It usually improves the experience and spreads pressure on resources. - Food with purpose
Exploring markets and local kitchens, asking about seasonal produce or responsible fishing connects you with the place’s identity and supports producers. - Communicate with respect
A few basic greetings in Quechua or Aymara, listening to hosts, and leaving reviews that recognize good practices (not only price) can make a positive difference. - Volunteering with care
If you’re interested in helping, it’s useful to review projects with standards and measurable results. Sometimes, supporting through conscious consumption and sharing local initiatives also goes a long way.
Conclusion
Responsible tourism is more than a label—it’s a kind and thoughtful way to travel and care for places and the people who live there. In a country as diverse as Peru, small gestures make a big difference: who you book with, what you choose to buy, when you visit, how you move, how you manage your waste, and what you share. When many people add these simple habits, travel can boost conservation, well-being, and community pride.
Would you like us to help you plan it?
At Guru Explorers, we’ll be happy to support you: we design tailor-made routes and schedules, work with certified local guides, and collaborate with partners committed to nature and communities. Let’s talk and craft your responsible trip to Peru together.
For more inspiration, check out these tourist places in Peru.
We’d love to be part of your next adventure—well planned, well lived, and well cared for.