Peru’s Hidden Gems, Why NOT to Hike the Inca Trail + Amazing (Less Crowded) Alternatives with Heather Jasper

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:

• Sign up for our FREE newsletter

• Heather’s website

• An Ethical Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail

• Horizon Guides Alternatives to the Inca Trail

• Instagram

Want More?

• How to Plan a Hike on the Inca Trail, Winning $500,000 on a Game Show, Learning from the Past with Philip Gibbons

• Nomadic Matt on “How to Travel the World on $75 a Day,” Budget Travel, and Finding Your Balance While Traveling

• DIY Adventure: Around the World in a $100 Car, the Pan-American Highway in a School Bus, Community-Powered Travel with Global Convoy Founder Joel Chevaillier

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