Sustainable Travel with AB Expeditions: Caring for Nature and Communities
At AB Expeditions, sustainability is not just a word—it is a responsibility we take seriously every day. As a local travel agency based in Cusco, we work closely with nature and Andean communities, and we understand how important it is to protect the land that makes our adventures possible.
For us, sustainable travel means giving back to the environment, supporting local people, and helping preserve the Andes for future generations.
Protecting the Andes Through Native Tree Planting
Every year, our team organizes tree-planting activities using native Andean plants. These activities are part of our long-term commitment to environmental conservation. This year, we traveled to the Patacancha community, where we planted Queuña trees, one of the most important native tree species in the high Andes.
Queuña trees play a vital role in the ecosystem. They provide shelter for endemic bird species, help reduce soil erosion in the mountains, and retain water in the ground, which is essential in high-altitude environments. By planting these trees, we help protect water sources and strengthen the natural balance of the Andean landscape.
This project also supports the local economy. The community members grow the native plants themselves and sell them locally, creating sustainable income while protecting their environment. In this way, conservation and community development go hand in hand.
Cleaning Campaign on the Huchuy Qosqo Route – Sacred Valley
As part of our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, we organized a cleaning campaign along the Huchuy Qosqo route in the Sacred Valley. The day started very early in Cusco, from where we traveled to the town of Siway and then began our hike toward Lamay.
During approximately nine hours of trekking, we collected garbage left along the trail, mainly plastic bottles and food packaging such as candy and cookie wrappers. Carrying the bags of waste made the hike more challenging, especially on the final two-hour downhill section into the Sacred Valley. Despite the physical effort, the campaign was highly rewarding, as we were able to remove a significant amount of trash and contribute to keeping this historic and scenic route clean for future hikers.
Cleaning Campaign at Rainbow Mountain, Peru
As part of our commitment to environmental protection and responsible tourism, our team recently carried out a cleaning campaign at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and its surrounding areas. We collected garbage left along the hiking trails and nearby zones by visitors.
Unfortunately, some travelers still leave waste behind, showing a lack of respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). All the collected trash was transported to Cusco for proper disposal, helping to preserve the natural beauty of the area and protect local communities and wildlife.
Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and encourage visitors to care for the places they explore, ensuring these unique landscapes remain clean for future generations.
Reducing Plastic on All Our Treks
On all our treks—whether it’s the Inca Trail, Ausangate, or other routes around Cusco—we make a strong effort to reduce plastic use as much as possible. We encourage reusable containers, avoid unnecessary packaging, and manage waste carefully during every trip.
Reducing plastic helps keep the trails clean, protects wildlife, and preserves the natural beauty of the Andes. Small actions, when done consistently, can make a big difference.
Traveling with Purpose
When you travel with AB Expeditions, you are choosing more than just an adventure. You are choosing a company that values ethical tourism, environmental care, and community support.
We believe that travel should leave positive footprints, not negative ones. By traveling responsibly together, we can protect the Andes, support local communities, and create meaningful experiences that will last a lifetime.
My name is Abel, and I am the co-founder of AB Expeditions, a local travel company based in Cusco. I was born in Chinchero, in the community of Chusso. My journey began working as a farmer, then later as a porter on the Inca Trail. After that, I studied to become a tour guide, learned English, and spent 20 years guiding different treks around the Cusco region.
Over the years, I began writing blogs about the treks I’ve done and sharing useful tips about traveling in Cusco. Eventually, I founded AB Expeditions to offer authentic travel experiences with a strong commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
- Abel
- Abel
- Abel
- Abel
