Visiting Quechua Communities: How to Do It Respectfully

Community tourism can transform a local economy or turn a community into a backdrop for Instagram photos. The difference lies in how the visit is designed and, above all, how willing we travelers are to step out of our comfort zone.

Questions we ask ourselves before each visit

• Did the community choose to receive tourism, or was it imposed on them?
• Who receives the money? An outside operator or the families?
• Does the activity respect the rhythms of work? A harvest, herding or a ceremony is not an attraction.
• Is there a clear agreement about photographs?

What is not respectful tourism

Taking photos without asking permission. Handing out candy to the children (it creates dependency and cavities). Wearing clothes "like theirs" to pose for pictures. Asking for ceremonial dances out of context. Paying too little because "it's cheaper than in the city".

What does help

Arriving with time to spare, not in a rush. Buying products directly from the artisans. Asking about their history. Speaking Quechua, even just a few words (rimaykullayki, sulpayki). Paying fair prices.

Languages

Quechua remains the mother tongue in many Cusco communities. Speaking Spanish helps, but older people often do not master it. Learning five phrases makes an enormous difference.

We work with community tourism cooperatives in Lares, Patabamba and Chinchero, where 100% of the cost of the visit stays with the host community.