Changing Lives

Responsible Travel

Change the world simply by having the best time of your life.

We have always believed in the power of travel to change lives, but for that power to exist, we must travel the right way.

From the very beginning, Tunqui Expeditions’ vision of responsible travel has been about giving back as much (if not more) than you take. Yes, traveling should be incredibly fun (have you been on one of our tours?), but we also believe that travel should be a force for good.

For you, for local communities around the world, and for the planet itself—we call it “community tourism.”

See how we do it below.

Tunqui: Changing Lives is What We Do

With your help, we can ensure that travel becomes the force for good we know it can be, just as we envisioned when we first founded our company.

Act Responsibly

Our efforts to protect and conserve our world are divided into two key approaches:

1. Acting Responsibly

This is our commitment to improving the sustainability of our own operations. Change cannot happen without taking action—and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

Want to make sure your next trip follows these guidelines? Just travel with us!

2. Creating Positive Impact

Creating a Positive Impact is our second approach to responsible travel. These initiatives focus on leaving the right impact on the places you visit with us.

Additional Commitments to Responsible Travel

Here are more ways you can see our commitment to Changing Lives in the Peruvian Andes.

Tunqui Expeditions’ Top 10 Responsible Travel Tips

1. Learn Before You Travel
Before leaving home, learn as much as you can about the countries you are visiting—their language, religion, culture, local rules, and values.

2. Understand Local Customs
Learn about appropriate behavior and body language, such as the concept of “saving face.”

3. Support Local Businesses
Choose locally-owned businesses, hotels, restaurants, and services.
Eat local food and drink local brands of beer and other beverages.
Use public transportation, rent a bike, or walk whenever possible—you’ll meet locals and get to know the place better.

4. Think Before You Act
Avoid dining at restaurants, shopping at stores, or attending events that promote animal cruelty or the exploitation of endangered species.

5. Shop Responsibly
Buy products from traditional artisans and locally-made goods—this helps preserve traditional craftsmanship and supports the local economy instead of imported items.
If bargaining is part of the culture, do so respectfully, remembering that a small amount for you may be extremely important to the seller.

6. Dress Respectfully
Be aware of local dress codes. Dress modestly in religious sites and check appropriate swimwear regulations for pools and beaches.

7. Ask Before Taking Photos
Always ask permission before taking photos or videos of people.
Consider sending them copies of the pictures to create a mutual exchange.

8. Be Cautious with Gifts & Donations
Avoid giving money or gifts directly to beggars, children, or people you have just met. Instead, support the community through local schools, clinics, or development projects—this is more constructive and sustainable.

9. Leave Only Footprints
Treat the environment as you would your own home.
Carry out all waste when traveling in remote areas.
Use eco-friendly alternatives instead of plastic bags, and always say “No” to plastic bags.
For cigarette butts, an empty film container makes a perfect portable ashtray.

10. Give Back After Returning Home
When you return home, think about how you can support organizations and programs (like those supported by Tunqui Foundations) that protect the well-being, culture, and environment of the destinations you were fortunate enough to visit.

At Tunqui Expeditions, responsible travel means traveling with purpose.

Together, we can protect communities, preserve cultures, and conserve nature—ensuring a better world for future generations.