Reforestation campaign
In recent years, wildfires and forest loss have increased in many parts of the world. The Andes and especially the Cusco region are facing this growing challenge as well.
In some areas, fire is used to create new grazing land for livestock or to clear land for agriculture. When these fires get out of control, they can destroy large areas of forest and native vegetation. Tree cutting also contributes to the gradual loss of vegetation across our Andean landscapes.
When we lose forests, we lose life, too. Trees help protect the soil, conserve water, and provide shelter and food for countless species of plants and animals. We know this is a major challenge, but we also believe that every small action can make a difference.
At Responsible Trekking, we want to help restore these landscapes through reforestation and the planting of native Andean trees. That’s why we launched this initiative in the Salkantay farming community, working alongside local residents to bring trees, biodiversity, and life back to these landscapes.
“It’s not just about planting trees. It’s about restoring a little of what we are losing and leaving behind greener, more vibrant mountains for generations to come.”
Reforestation campaign in the Salkantay rural community
On the morning of July 31, 2026, our Responsible Trekking team arrived in the rural community of Salkantay, Cusco, to take part in an important tree planting initiative. The goal was simple but meaningful: to help restore and protect the Andean landscape while working hand in hand with the local community.
Together for the Andean forests
Together with local community members from Salkantay, we planted four different native tree species that play an important role in the ecosystem and in the daily lives of Andean communities.
1. Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa)
A native species valued for its traditional uses, particularly the properties of its leaves and resin, as well as other medicinal resources traditionally used by local communities.
2. Queuña (Polylepis)
One of the most important trees in the Andes. Its roots help capture and retain water at high elevations while also contributing to the protection of mountain ecosystems.
3. Quishuar (Buddleja incana)
It helps protect the fragile soils of the high Andes from erosion. This species is also traditionally valued by local communities for its medicinal and artisanal uses.
4. Pine (Pinus)
In addition to helping protect the soil and reduce erosion, pine trees can provide a source of income for local communities through the responsible use of their wood.
But planting a tree means much more than simply putting a cutting into the ground. As these trees grow, they will also create new habitats for birds, insects, and other native wildlife, gradually helping bring life back to these landscapes.
Our responsibility goes beyond the journey
At Responsible Trekking, we believe that traveling through the Andes also means taking responsibility for the places that welcome us. That’s why our commitment doesn’t end when a hike is over. We want to help protect the mountains, preserve their landscapes, and value the traditions, knowledge, and tangible and intangible heritage of Andean communities.
“Every trail we walk leaves us with an experience and reminds us of something important: care.”
Upcoming Project: Bringing smiles to Andean children
For generations, many Andean communities have used natural resources to care for their health and teeth. However, over time, some of these traditional practices have been lost, and access to proper dental care remains limited in many remote communities.
That’s why, at Responsible Trekking, we want to do our part.
- Our goal is to bring a team of dental professionals to remote Andean communities where children need access to dental care. There, children will be able to receive services such as dental cleanings, cavity treatment, checkups, and other dental procedures, based on the professional evaluation of each child’s needs.
- But we don’t want to focus only on treatment. We also want to teach children, in a simple and fun way, how to brush their teeth properly and why maintaining good oral hygiene is so important.
- In addition, each child will receive a dental hygiene kit with basic items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, so they can continue taking care of their smile at home.
How can i help with this program?
“A donation can become a smile.”
With your help, we can prepare and provide dental hygiene kits for children in Andean communities who need this support. If you would like to contribute, you can donate toothbrushes and toothpaste or make a financial donation through our website. With these donations, we will purchase the kits directly in Cusco and take them to the communities we visit.
Every small contribution can help give a child access to something as important as good dental health and a smile they can take care of every day.
“Together, we can bring more smiles to the Andes.”