Trips that have a positive impact on communities in Peru? Yes! There are many options within our reach so that when traveling we can help many families in our country improve their quality of life.

Sustainable tourism exists and I invite you to practice it! ⁠

We are living in an era where tourism, many times instead of helping, can worsen the situation of our environment, nature, indigenous communities and culture. It is difficult to find a positive impact tourism in the world that gives us the peace of mind of traveling, enjoying and knowing while supporting a community and taking care of our planet.

In my case, I had already had the opportunity to practice this type of tourism, on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca. And I can tell you that it was one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences I have lived.

This time, I was in Cusco and I could spend two days doing glamping, in Huilloc, Ollantaytambo district, with the Llanos family. Francisca and her beautiful children welcomed us with open arms and we were able to share beautiful moments together. First Yaritza and Delia, aged 9 and 12, invited us to walk with them to a lagoon that was about 45 minutes from their home. On the way we talked with them, we played, they taught us the cultivation of beans and other vegetables, they showed us flowers, they told us about their neighbors and they even combed us with pretty braids. Finally we arrived at the lagoon and after a good time having fun, we returned to the house.

At home Francisca was waiting for us with lunch. All prepared with the vegetables that are harvested in the yard. A delicious soup of ollucos, potatoes and beans cooked in a small pot of firewood. For dinner, baked chicken with quinoa and vegetables.

Needless to say about the view from our tent. During the day when you wake up, the first thing you see are eucalyptus trees, mountains and some snow-covered trees and at night, I swear that I had never seen a starry sky in my life like the one I saw in Huilloc. A night when we were only accompanied by the sounds of nature, the darkness in the middle of the Andes and no signal on the cell phone. They are factors that invite you to reflection and to feel an indescribable peace.

The next day, after breakfast we went for another walk to see alpacas in their natural habitat. An incredible experience! And when we returned Francisca, her daughters and some friends of his were waiting for us, to teach us the process and the techniques they use to make their fabrics. Since they took the wool from the sheep and alpacas, spinning, dyeing with natural inputs such as plants and the famous cochineal and finally taught us how they made the fabric. I even had the opportunity to “try” to do it with Francisca’s instructions, but it is more complicated than it seems. So we better leave it to the experts.

These types of experiences are what make rural community tourism so special; because they make us feel more humble and grateful for what we have.

Where can you find sustainable tourism options?

I found the experience in Cusco through www.iterraperu.com.

A website that promotes this type of tourism working together with some NGOs and small / medium-sized tourism agencies that generate a direct benefit on communities and the environment. Here you can find several options within our country and other parts of the world in case you also want to practice it abroad.

If you liked my glamping experience in Huilloc, Cusco. It was with Qhispikay Glamping that in addition to Huilloc, it has two other camps in Misminay and Piuray.

Glampling for those who do not know the term, is like camping but with all the comforts of a normal room.

The tents have heating, beds, down comforters, blankets, bedside table, cushions, central table and typical details of the Andes. In addition the bathrooms are very modern, have hot water, mirrors and even plugs in case you want to dry your hair or use them for some other electrical appliance.

The families that welcome you will make you live a unique cultural experience that I assure you will be kept in your memory and in your heart forever.