Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru.
In this episode, we dig i…Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail ethically?
Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru.
In this episode, we dig into why Heather believes it’s nearly impossible to hike the Inca Trail ethically, and she offers lesser-known, more respectful alternatives and hidden gems across Peru.
This episode may help you become a better traveler and make more informed decisions. Heather explains why the system behind the Inca Trail, from permit quotas to porter treatment, is deeply flawed. You’ll hear exactly what red flags to look for when choosing a trekking company in Peru and what questions to ask before booking. We also explore alternative routes that offer just as much beauty with less harm, plus other parts of Peru that travelers often skip entirely.
What’s one assumption you hold about a destination you’re planning, and how might you challenge it? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
How Heather built a career in travel writing while living in Peru (and her thoughts on AI!)
Why she says the Inca Trail is almost impossible to hike ethically
What happened during the pandemic that sharpened her view on porter welfare
How to spot an “unethical” trekking company just by their marketing or photos
The surprising reason why smaller trekking agencies tend to be more ethical
Specific treks in Peru that bypass the worst of mass tourism
Hidden destinations in Peru beyond Machu Picchu - art, desert, rainforest, and religious tourism
And so much more
Resources:
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Heather’s website
An Ethical Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail
Horizon Guides Alternatives to the Inca Trail
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Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probab…Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probably a fifth-grade student, it was just one of those iconic historical places that I remember from my childhood. Always saying, 'I'm going to go there someday.'"
Michael recommends a carefully planned itinerary for visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas, focusing on acclimatization, cultural immersion, and maximizing the experience. Here's the itinerary he outlines:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima (Miraflores District)
Objective : Relax after the flight and ease into the trip.
Stay : Miraflores, a safe and upscale district with excellent dining options and boutique hotels.
Activities :
Explore the Malecón (a scenic coastal walkway).
Visit nearby Barranco for its artsy vibe and street art.
Have dinner at Isolina , a restaurant known for authentic Peruvian food.
Tip : Avoid visiting downtown Lima unless you have extra time, as the Spanish colonial architecture is similar to what you'll see in Cusco.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/ travel-to-machu-picchu /
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Today Joe recounts his recent South American adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Santiago, and Lima. Discover his experience with an Adventures By Disney guided tour. You'll hear about vibrant destinations like Cusco and Chilean vineyards, as well as incredible culinary exper…Today Joe recounts his recent South American adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Santiago, and Lima. Discover his experience with an Adventures By Disney guided tour. You'll hear about vibrant destinations like Cusco and Chilean vineyards, as well as incredible culinary experiences, including dining at some of the world's best restaurants. Plus, get insights into using public transportation, selecting the best accommodations, and making the most of premium travel options. Whether you're planning a trip or love travel stories, this episode is packed with tips and entertaining tales from Joe's journey.
Plus, Joe will share his "gear of the week" pick at the halfway point. Can you guess it?
See all of our gear of the week at StackingAdventures.com/gotw
Be a part of the show! Have you been to Peru or Chile (or have your own experience with Adventures By Disney)? Leave us a voicemail, and YOU can be on the show during our recap episode. You can just head to StackingAdventures.com/voicemail and leave your note.
In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures podcast, I catch up with David and Didi mid-tour, while they break for Christmas in Cusco, Peru. I first learned about them quite a while before their adventure started, when they were still in the preparation stages and wanted some advice. Two months ago, …In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures podcast, I catch up with David and Didi mid-tour, while they break for Christmas in Cusco, Peru. I first learned about them quite a while before their adventure started, when they were still in the preparation stages and wanted some advice. Two months ago, David and Didi landed in Colombia to begin what they have dubbed Project Aire Libre, which roughly translates as the Free Air Project. Over the past two months, they have made their way south through Colombia, Ecuador and are now in Peru. Amazingly, David and Didi haven't been following the traditional bicycle touring route through South America, but have been stitching together their route using a variety of roads and trails. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.
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