To help enjoy the richness of Peru, we suggest you think about the following during your visit. Be sensitive to local customs Conduct that may be acceptable in certain Western communities (ie. Drug use, nude sun bathing, loud and gregarious public conversation) is not appropriate in this region and culture.

Do not hand out sweets, loose change or small gifts, this only serves to corrupt and create begging mentality where none existed before.

Churches are often viewed as tourist attractions; however, their primary purpose is as houses of worship for local residents; visitors should be quiet and respectful.

Be aware of people’s sensitivity to be photographed; always ask first.

Be perceptive of your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others. There are many different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc., which are not wrong or inferior, just different.

Act as an example for other travelers who are less informed than you!

Be flexible in your expectations Approach your travels with an open mind and you will not be disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an chance for more in-depth learning or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to change the situation to you.

Take the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador. Much of the world’s image of western tourists is based on the unrealities of television and magazines. Look for situations for cultural exchange whereby learning about each other’s lives is mutual. Getting to know the person sitting next to you on a local bus or the person cooking your food takes is often a rewarding experience (and a good chance to practice your Spanish!). Practice environmental minimum impact Follow the international “Leave No Trace” rules. Pack out everything that you bring in, including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or plastic water bottles. Relieve yourself at least 70 meters from any water source. Remove litter that others leave behind.

When hiking, stay on the trail. Don’t trample delicate vegetation or remove any form of plant or animal life. Don’t approach, surround or chase animals you may observe in order to get a photograph.

In the Inca Trail
Although the Porter’s Law establishes that companies must pay their porters 41 soles per day, only about 10% of companies actually trekking comply with this requirement. Some companies still paying their porters as low as 20 soles per day and achieve their porters sign receipts for 41 soles per day! Many believe that shippers cannot complain or be fired and even put the jobs of their co-workers at risk. Do not be surprised by the low prices that some agencies charge for Inca Trail, you may not being made legal payments to porters or simply make sure that at this low price of train tickets include tickets, the Inca Trail, besides of adequate nutrition for both passengers as porters.

Without neglecting the possibility that neither pay taxes bill In Samari Travel we have included for plentiful nutritious meals for everyone in our group and that includes the porters. If you do not believe us, we invite you to ask the guide on the trek to show you the portions being prepared by the cook or ask to read the trek reviews kept in out office from clients who have already witnessed the meals. Our porters do not rely on leftovers.