What is World Tourism Day 2023? Sustainable Vacation in Cusco

This 27th of September, we are celebrating World Tourism Day 2023 in Cusco and all over the globe!

World Tourism Day is an international holiday established by the United Nations meant to raise awareness about the importance and impact of the tourism industry in the international community. Here in Cusco, tourism is especially important and it is the largest sector of our region’s economy. This means that hundreds of thousands of people in Cusco depend on tourism for a living, and luckily for them Cusco is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world; boasting a ton of ancient archeological sites to see, unique communities to explore, amazing natural landscapes, and even a world wonder.

However, the game is changing. This year, the United Nations has set the theme for World Tourism Day 2023 as “Tourism and Green Investment”, highlighting the importance of sustainable travel – travel that promotes local economies and that is not harmful to our mother earth.

If you are planning your next big trip abroad but also want to be mindful about sustainability, Cusco Peru could be the destination for you. In this article, we will highlight several fascinating destinations within the region of Cusco where you can partake in community rural tourism and have the highest beneficial impact on local populations in an eco-friendly way.

Rural community tourism, also known as experiential tourism, is the newest way to travel. It involves going into smaller yet enchanting communities to observe and take part in their well-preserved indigenous and artesian traditions that are uniquely part of their population. These types of destinations are not only for tripsters to brag about their off the beaten path experiences, but also for those looking to expand their knowledge about the natural world and develop invaluable skills that have been passed on through countless generations.

Another plus of choosing rural community tourism is that it is highly sustainable. Trips to these communities is a direct economic and cultural investment in their people. With every visit, visitors make a significant contribution to the financial stability of villages that have traditionally relied on subsistence activities to solely support their families that did not generate wealth to be put back into their quality of life.

Culturally, tourism in their communities is also highly beneficial as it provides them with a medium to preserve their ancient artesian traditions and culture by sharing it and popularizing it with the rest of the world. In other words, by including them in the tourism industry, they are empowered to bring their customs and livelihoods into the future so that they will never be forgotten.

Rural community tourism is also highly sustainable in the ecological sense, as it redirects tourist congestion from dense urban areas which typically receive large quantities of people. Crowds of millions of people often flock to regional capitals and touristic cities to spend their entire vacation there, leaving a massive ecological footprint in a single area via consumption and waste.

The region of Cusco is widely considered a mecca for rural community tourism as its countryside is filled with dozens of charming villages tucked away between scenic mountains, each one home to age-old and mysterious Andean knowledge that inhabitants are ready to share with outsiders.

Travelers who come to Cusco in order to visit these communities will find that the city of Cusco is conveniently located with a close proximity to all of these smaller destinations, making a trip to all of them possible and easily executed.

Chichubamba, nestled at an altitude of 2,687 meters within the heart of the Sacred Valley near Urubamba, exudes a captivating charm. Home to approximately 180 families, this serene village thrives through various avenues, including agriculture, livestock, guinea pig breeding, pottery craftsmanship, beekeeping, chocolate production, and a host of other cherished traditional practices that they enthusiastically share with their guests.

In Chichubamba, you have the unique opportunity to witness the day-to-day existence of these families amidst the verdant countryside that surrounds them. Their artisanal workshops are dedicated to showcasing the cultural wealth that has been passed down through generations. In doing so, they unveil closely-held ancestral wisdom and provide an immersive experience that immerses you in the intricacies of each age-old process.

Book now!: https://incaperutravel.com/tour/experiential-tourism-community-chichubamba/

Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of Cusco, Misminay stands as a radiant example of enduring ancestral customs and a profound connection with the natural environment. Through immersive tourism experiences, this community invites travelers to delve into their time-honored expertise in textile craftsmanship and agriculture. With open hearts, the locals extend a warm embrace to visitors, eager to impart their cherished cultural techniques and serve up delectable traditional dishes.

What heightens the allure of Misminay is its close proximity to the legendary Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Beyond participating in hands-on workshops centered around textile artistry and farming, travelers find themselves just a short journey away from the awe-inspiring energies of Machu Picchu, forging an unbroken link between age-old practices and timeless wonders, resulting in an all-encompassing Andean adventure.

Book now!: https://incaperutravel.com/tour/experiential-tourism-misminay-machu-picchu-community/

Unearth the hidden gem of Kinsacoccha, cradled among the towering Apus overlooking Pisaq. This extraordinary community, nestled within the confines of Peru’s National Potato Park, has gained recognition for its abundant potato cultivation. Here, you can partake in authentic traditions and receive a heartfelt reception. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of traditional music and dance while indulging in a diverse array of locally cultivated potatoes.

With approximately 500 dedicated residents who are fervently preserving their heritage, crafting unique textiles, and living in harmony with the natural world, Kinsacoccha offers an unfiltered Andean encounter that promises to enchant and captivate.

Book now!: https://incaperutravel.com/tour/kinsacoccha-machu-picchu-experiential-tourism/

Related blog that you might like: https://inkaperutravel.com/hidden-gems-of-cuscos-sacred-valley-part-1-huilloc-the-last-bastion-of-incan-culture/