Sustainable Tourism in Cusco: How to Travel Responsibly

Sustainable tourism in Cusco means traveling in a way that cares for the environment, respects local communities and protects Inca heritage. In practice, it means choosing responsible hotels and tour operators, buying from local artisans, cutting down on waste and visiting archaeological sites without damaging them. These simple choices make a big difference.

Cusco welcomes travelers from all over the world throughout the year, and every visit leaves a mark. As guides from Cusco, we want that mark to be a positive one: helping to preserve the essence our Inca ancestors cared for so deeply and benefiting the people who live here. This guide brings together practical tips to make that happen. If you are also wondering about safety, read our guide on whether Peru is safe to visit.

What Is Sustainable Tourism in Cusco?

It is a way of traveling that balances three things: the visitor’s experience, the care of nature and the well-being of local people. It is not about giving anything up, but about making better decisions: where to stay, who to travel with, what to buy and how to behave in sacred or fragile places.

In a region where tourism is one of the main sources of work, those decisions directly affect the families who welcome you, the Andean landscapes and the preservation of sites that have stood for centuries.

How Can You Practice Sustainable Tourism in Cusco?

These are the practices we recommend to every traveler who joins us.

Choose Sustainable Accommodation

Look for hotels and hostels committed to eco-friendly practices and to the community: places that save water and energy, reduce plastic, hire local staff and work with local suppliers. Asking about these practices before you book also encourages more businesses to adopt them.

Travel With Responsible Operators

Choose companies that promote fair tourism, with local guides, fair treatment of porters and muleteers, reasonably sized groups and respect for the culture and the natural environment. On routes like the Classic Inca Trail, a responsible operator looks after both the trail and the people who make the trek possible.

Shop Local and Support Artisans

Buying at markets and directly from artisans helps keep Cusco’s traditions alive, such as weaving and pottery. Ask where products come from, value handmade work and bargain respectfully. Eating at local restaurants and picanterías also keeps the benefits in the community.

Reduce Your Waste

• Carry a reusable bottle and refill it instead of buying bottled water every day.
• Use a cloth bag for shopping and say no to single-use plastics.
• On treks, pack out all your trash, including organic waste.

Protect Archaeological Sites

Inca walls, like the ones you will see at Sacsayhuamán or at the Inca sites of the South Valley, are fragile even if they look indestructible. To avoid contributing to their deterioration:

• Do not climb on the walls or lean against them.
• Stay on the marked paths and circuits.
• Do not take stones or leave any marks.
• Always follow the instructions of your guide and the site staff.

Respect Local Communities and Their Culture

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities and during ceremonies. Learning a greeting in Quechua, dressing respectfully in temples and churches, and joining Cusco’s festivals as a considerate guest rather than just a spectator are simple ways to show appreciation for the local culture. If you plan to visit the high Andes, our guide to Ausangate, a sacred mountain for the communities of the region, explains the Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage and how to get there.

Why Does Responsible Tourism Matter in Cusco?

Interest in Cusco keeps growing, and with it the pressure on its trails, archaeological sites and communities. If every traveler makes good choices, tourism can remain a source of decent work, an incentive to protect the landscapes and a way to keep Andean traditions alive for future generations.

Traveling this way is also more rewarding. Talking with artisans, spending time with rural families or exploring the city on foot, for example on a Cusco city tour with a local guide, brings you closer to the culture in a way no rushed itinerary can.

Travel to Cusco Responsibly

If you want to experience the Andes up close and with a positive impact, we recommend the Lares Trek, a route that passes through areas of Andean communities. If you have questions about planning a more sustainable trip, contact us and we will be happy to help.