RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL OPERATOR

Vidal Expeditions is a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru. We organize responsible tours to Machu Picchu and other places around Cusco. We believe that good tourism management benefits everyone, and we are committed to sustainable tourism practices and environmental protection. Creating benefits and support for communities along our routes.

Vidal Expeditions, have created different social projects to help indigenoues communities at different areas Cusco. Tourism is one of the biggest industries that involves millions of people in the world, but many local businesses and communities do not benefit from it, that is why Vidal Expediitons have designed spcial projects to change it. A HAND FOR OUR BROTHERS, have been created to break this cycle by supporting and uplifting community tourism around Cusco. Economic opportunities are created, places are protected and culture are celebrated through travel. Community impact projects spanning education, healthcare, small business development, and conservation awareness are touch points that mark our 5-year long collaboration with A HAND FOR OUR BROTHERS, an independent non-profit organization committed to the socio-economic development of rural communities bordering our areas of operation.

Eco-Friendly Tours

Everyone who conforms Vidal Expeditions knows have big responsabilty protecting our environment, this is why we designed different excursion with the purpose to help the conservation of our ecosystem. Sustainable tourism is a model for ensuring that nature, culture and history is preserved. This is becoming increasingly important with more and more tourists traveling every year.

The goal of a zero waste product along our different tour as Inca Trail is to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. As more and more zero waste products become available, zero waste is becoming an accessible way to reduce your environmental impact. Bringging a propper water container than can be reusable bottle where you can refill in water taps throughout your hiking days will help us to protect our enviroroment. One of the most important sustainable tourism tips is to support local people and their communities by investing your money in them rather than the corporate companies.

Sustainable Tour Operator

At Vidal Expeditions, we are committed to environmental and social protection, we organize different resposible excursions to the Historic Santuray of Machu Picchu and other protected natural areas in Peru, we organize different cleanning campaigns along our routes and reforestation activities, We practice responsible tourism for a better world, where the care and preservation of the ecosystem are essential.

As a direct tour operator of the Inca Trail in the Protected Natural Area of Machu Picchu, our priority is to show all our clients what kind of incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna we have, and this must be appreciated to learn from and preserve for future generations. Our team is committed to showing you the wonders of our culture, traditions, and history. We are proud to be part of this incredible legacy that our ancestors have passed down to us. With your help and our effort, we are sure we can enjoy it without leaving a trace.

Travelers Code of conduct

The Historic Santuary Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible archaeological sites in Peru, and nowadays many people want to visit it. Our authorities have created different regulations to preserve it, as well as the Inca Trail routes, all of which are located in the Natural Protected Area of Machu Picchu. As a local tour operator, we work together with our authorities to protect our ecosystem, environment, and biodiversity and respect all the regulations along these routes.

Have a look in the following travelers Code of conduct.

• Take time and learn about the places you will visit (history, culture, restrictions).
• Learn basic words of the local language (Spanish and Quechua).
• Respect the local culture, dress up accordingly, and ask permission to take pictures.
• Do not take gifts such as candies or cookies to local children; it is better to donate a book or pen
• Do not buy Inca, pre-Incan objects, antique fabrics, or paintings from the colonial. All these items are considered national property.
• Buy from local people. Bargaining is normal in local markets; however, paid what is fair.
• Please do not leave any garbage on the places we visit.

Our Different Tours to Machu Picchu

As a local tour operator of the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and alternative tours, our team family is 100% from the Cusco region, and more of them come from different communities away from Cusco. Machu Picchu, also known as the Moder Seven Wonders, is located in the protected natural area of the Cusco region, and it preserves much of the unique biodiversity on the planet, such as the spectacled bear, unique in South America, different varieties of orchids, native and endemic species of birds, and more. We are ready to create an authentic experience along the different tours that we lead in Cusco.

• Inca Trail: Hike to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu through the Classic Inca Trail, where you can preserve one of the most wonderful biodiversity on the planet and combine it with culture, traditions, history, flora, and fauna..
• Salkantay Trek: This extraordinary trail crosses the Andes mountains in the Natural Protected Area of Machu Picchu and combines alpine lakes, snowy mountains, history, traditions, and culture.
• Lares Trek: Embark on an adventure to discover the incredible Quechua communities in the Andes of Peru and explore Machu Picchu after the train ride through the Uurbamba Valley.
• Inca Jungle Trail: Explore the most stunning places in the high jungle of Peru and enjoy the different activities such as mountain biking, water rafting, hiking on the Inca Trail, zip-lining, and Machu Picchu.

Supporting Local Families

Working in tourist industry is not only taking people to a great destination, at Vidal Expeditions we many local communities in our different excursions. Local communities are the hosts and partners of your tours, and they deserve your respect and appreciation. we engaged with local communities to be able to involve them in our tourist activities as suppliers, such as tour guides with fair wages, good working conditions, and opportunities, we use the local camping areas, lodges and restaurants. You can also learn about and respect the local customs, traditions, and languages, and avoid any behavior that might be offensive or inappropriate. Additionally, you can contribute to the local economy and social development by buying local products, services, and souvenirs, and by donating to or volunteering for local causes.

Code Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (ESNNA)

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru has expressed its commitment to combat the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents through the implementation of the Code of Conduct against ESNNA.

At Vidal Expeditions, we are committed to ensuring that safeguarding measures are incorporated, accessible, and clearly communicated to staff, partners, vulnerable adults, and their communities in languages and formats they understand. The Vidal Expeditions travel agency has a clear commitment to a policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and harassment of vulnerable groups, in line with Law No. 30963, which punishes the crime of sexual exploitation in its various modalities and related crimes. It applies to Vidal Expeditions' direct programming and implementing partners as representatives of the company's values and principles, and this policy is intended to articulate the definitions, boundaries, and expectations of our representatives in relation to the exercise of our work. The policy on sexual exploitation and harassment of vulnerable groups applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Any violation of this policy will be taken seriously and will receive a response. Violations of this policy could be considered felonies and grounds for contract termination.

The group of people that make up the Vidal Expedition are bound by the following terms:

• Representatives have a duty to create a safe working environment that respects the dignity and rights of all people.
• Staff and representatives are strictly prohibited from committing any form of harassment, exploitation, or sexual abuse towards any person with whom they come into contact through their work.
• Vidal Expeditions strictly prohibits staff and representatives from engaging in any form of abusive, exploitative, or harmful conduct against persons benefiting from the agency's support.
• Motivate tourism professionals to join the fight against the demand of this national and international scourge.

With respect to the complaints

Anyone can report incidents of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of concern by sending an e-mail to the Whistleblower function (denunciasvidalexpeditions@gmail.com), which will refer you to trained Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse staff.

"Let us all be advocates for protection and make sure that the rights and dignity of victims and vulnerable groups are respected."