How to Ensure Travel Sustainable on the Inca Trails? Best Practices for Preservation and Conduct Guidelines
The extensive network of the Inca Trail is an archaeological and natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists each year, eager to experience its kilometers of history and beauty. However, tourism can jeopardize the preservation of this invaluable heritage and threaten the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Below, we detail some essential practices that Peru Top Experience implements to ensure responsible tourism on the Inca Trails and Machu Picchu.
- Respect the Park Regulations
Following the regulations established by the authorities of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (SERNANP) is crucial to protect visitors and the natural and archaeological environment. In a joint effort between the Ministry of Culture, SERNANP, and various Inca Trail Operator Associations, regulations have been implemented, including restrictions on the number of daily visitors, access schedules, and restricted areas. Well-informed and rigorously complying with these regulations ensures your safety and contributes to the site’s conservation.
Rules of Conduct on the Inca Trail
As an Inca Trail tour operator agency, we are committed to the preservation and respect of the Millennial Inca Trail. Here we share some important rules that you must follow during your tour:
1-Before starting your trip, you will receive an informative talk on the day-to-day activities on the Inca Trail by your assigned guide.
2-Collaborate and respect SERNANP park rangers, as well as controllers, counselors and supervisors in the performance of their duties.
3-Use toilets, laundry facilities, camping areas and signage correctly.
4-Report any incident that threatens cultural and natural heritage, or that affects the provision of tourist services on the Inca Trail.
5-Maintain respectful behavior, avoiding conflicts and respecting the order and tranquility of the Inca Trail.
6-Keep in mind that the Camino may be closed for maintenance and recovery, especially in February, and respect the entry and travel times.
7-It is mandatory that you identify yourself with your original documents and register at the SERNANP and DDC-Cusco checkpoints.
8-Our guides are officially registered on the SERNANP list.
9-Respect the maximum capacity of users per day, which is 500 on routes 1 to 4 and 250 on route 5.
10 The size of the travel groups is between 4 and 42 members, as established.
By following these rules, we contribute to the conservation of the Inca Trail and ensure a safe and sustainable experience.
- Reduce Environmental Impact
By adopting preservation standards and best practices, we carry biodegradable bags on each expedition to collect all waste. Not leaving trash on the Inca Trail or the campsites is essential. We use biodegradable products and avoid single-use plastics. We carry reusable bottles and cloth bags for the food we transport. Complying with all regulations, Peru Top Experience trains all our support staff and guides in best practices and solid waste management.
- Respect Flora and Fauna
Avoid touching or picking plants and flowers, and do not interfere with wildlife. Maintain a prudent distance from animals and do not feed them, as this can alter their natural behaviors and ecosystems. Observe the natural fauna from a safe distance using binoculars for a better experience without disturbing their natural habitat.
- Preserve Archaeological Sites
Do not touch, climb, or lean on archaeological structures. Preserving these sites depends on our ability to interact with them respectfully and consciously. Follow marked trails and do not cross-protective barriers. Avoid using drones, as they can cause damage to structures and disturb other visitors. If you witness any act threatening archaeological site preservation, report it to park rangers and competent authorities on the Inca Trail network.
- Support Local Communities
Contribute to the local economy by hiring Inca Trail operator agencies and purchasing products and services from residents. This helps increase Sustainable Tourism and ensures that local communities benefit from tourism. As an agency, we actively participate in community workshops and cultural activities, learning about and promoting their traditions and living culture.
- Inform and Educate Yourself
Before embarking on your journey, learn about the Inca Trail’s history, culture, and ecology. Greater understanding will allow you to appreciate the experience more and act more responsibly. Remember that we will have an informative talk explaining everything about your trip in detail. Additionally, you can find more information about the Inca Trail and conduct guidelines on our website and TikTok videos.
- Participate in Conservation Programs
At Peru Top Experience, we regularly attend conservation and volunteer programs. Many organizations offer the opportunity to participate in activities that help maintain the Inca Trail in good condition. These activities include trail cleaning, restoration of damaged areas, and wildlife monitoring. Participating in these programs contributes to preserving the trail and provides an enriching and educational experience.
- Use Common Areas Responsibly
Common areas, such as campsites and rest areas, are vital for a safe and enjoyable experience on the Inca Trail. Use these areas responsibly by keeping them clean and organized. Do not leave waste or personal belongings scattered around. Respect other tourists by reducing noise, especially during rest hours. If you use facilities such as bathrooms or showers, leave them in the same or better condition than you found. Remember that we all share these spaces, and everyone must maintain them in good condition.
- Plan Responsibly
Due to high demand and the limited number of daily permits to access the Inca Trail, planning your trip in advance is crucial. Reserve your spot several months in advance to secure your entry. Planning during off-peak seasons can help avoid tourist overload, resulting in less environmental pressure. Ensure you are physically prepared for the journey and bring the appropriate equipment. Responsible preparation guarantees a more pleasant experience and contributes to the Inca Trail’s preservation.
- Be an Ambassador of Responsible Tourism
Share your knowledge and responsible practices with other tourists. Raising awareness is key to multiplying the positive impact and ensuring the preservation of the Inca Trail for future generations. Use your social networks to spread messages about responsible tourism and participate in traveler forums and communities to promote good practices. Every small effort counts towards protecting this cultural and natural heritage. By adopting these best practices, we can enjoy the majesty of the Inca Trail while contributing to its conservation. Let’s make tourism a force for good and preserve this treasure so that future generations can also marvel at its greatness!
Prohibitions in the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu and the Inca Trail Routes
Peru Top Experience, as a tour operator agency of the Inca Trail, we want to share with you the prohibitions on the Inca Trail route. These are intended to safeguard visitors and preserve the Inka Trail Network of the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu, mainly prohibiting:
1-The entry of free tourists and/or service providers without the respective authorization.
2-Movement along railways and/or unauthorized routes.
3-The entry of minors who do not appear in the annex, as well as relatives of guides and/or support staff.
4-Alter or contaminate the natural and/or cultural landscape, as well as archaeological monuments.
5-Camping or spending the night outside the assigned camp-except in situations of force majeure after determination by the park ranger and/or security personnel.
6-Enter and/or use elements that threaten the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, as well as goods for public use.
7-Make bonfires in the Inka Trail Network, in archaeological monuments and/or surrounding areas of the natural environment.
8-Climb the walls, make marks on the dirt floors and/or scratches on the archaeological monuments.
9-Make any type of graffiti.
10-Disturb and/or affect wild flora and fauna species.
11-Carry out overflights and/or use airspace without prior authorization from the DDC-CUSCO and SERNANP.
12-The intake of food within archaeological monuments.
13-Place political and commercial advertisements on the Inka Road Network.
14-Transit and work while intoxicated or under the influence of other narcotics (drugs among others).
15-Entry and transit of motor vehicles.
16-Transfer tourists from one group to another.
17-The abandonment of the group of tourists by the tour guide and/or Tourism graduate.
18-Obscene acts contrary to morality and good customs.
Thank you for your cooperation, enjoy this fantastic tour! We are Peru Top Experience your Travel Agency