Responsible Trekking is a 100% locally owned tour operator specializing in trekking, nature, and cultural tourism experiences in Peru. Our commitment is to provide authentic, safe, and sustainable journeys that create a positive impact not only for our travelers, but also for the local communities that are part of each experience, and for our own team members.
We believe tourism should be a tool for protecting natural and cultural heritage, strengthening local economies, and promoting responsible development in the destinations where we operate.
Responsible Trekking operates based on the principles of responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement, incorporating quality standards into every stage of our services, from trip planning to support throughout each expedition.
Our team is made up of tourism professionals, licensed guides, administrative staff, cooks, porters, and local partners who share the same vision: to create memorable experiences while protecting Peru’s natural and cultural heritage.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, Responsible Trekking has established a Permanent Social and Environmental Investment Program. Through this program, we allocate 1% of our annual sales to environmental conservation initiatives, supporting ecosystem protection, environmental education, clean-up campaigns, and projects that help preserve the destinations where we operate.
We also allocate 2% of our annual sales to the well-being and professional development of our team, supporting training programs, certifications, improved work equipment, employee well-being, and recognition initiatives. We believe that taking care of our people is just as important as protecting nature.
Story of Responsible Trekking
My name is José Inquiltupa, and my story begins in the mountains of Cusco, in the rural community of Salkantay. From a young age, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and, above all, the love and respect we have for our land.
During my childhood, I walked approximately two hours every day to get to school, crossing mountains and Andean landscapes along the way. That journey was much more than a daily commute, it became part of my upbringing and the beginning of a deep connection with nature, our culture, and the communities of the Andes.
Through hard work and dedication, I studied Accounting and Finance at the National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco (UNSAAC) and later earned a Master’s degree in Auditing from the same university.
My professional career began in the hospitality industry, where I worked for two years at Inkaterra Hotels in Machu Picchu. There, I gained firsthand experience with a way of doing tourism centered on respect for nature and conservation.
I later spent five years working for Marriott Hotels, an experience that allowed me to learn about the standards, processes, and expectations of the international hospitality industry.
I then worked as a financial manager and general accountant for leading tourism operators in Cusco. This stage of my career gave me an in-depth understanding of the tourism industry, its challenges and opportunities, as well as the needs of travelers looking for authentic experiences connected to our landscapes, communities, and culture.
With the support of my wife and children, the combination of my professional experience, Andean roots, and deep knowledge of our land led me to found Responsible Trekking and Travel, with a clear vision: to develop responsible tourism that creates real benefits for people, local communities, and nature.
Our commitment is to provide travel experiences that meet international standards of quality, safety, and professionalism, while working to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly and equitably among the families, local communities, and partners who are part of our experiences.
Protecting our landscapes is also a priority. That is why we promote and participate in clean-up campaigns, reforestation projects, and native tree-planting initiatives, helping conserve Andean ecosystems and our natural heritage for future generations.
Welcome to Responsible Trekking and Travel.
