At Tierras Vivas, we believe that protecting Machu Picchu is a shared responsibility. That is why we teamed up with SERNANP (the National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and fellow Inca Trail operators to take real action. Alongside the organization Responsible People, we are running training sessions and community workshops dedicated entirely to safeguarding the fragile ecosystem of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
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One of our favorite moments took place right in Aguas Calientes at the Tupac Amaru School. We gathered with local kids, teenagers, parents, and community leaders to take a solemn oath. Together, we pledged to defend our natural heritage under a proud new banner: "Guardians of Machu Picchu's Nature."
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This gathering kicked off on World Environment Day as part of the "I Love the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Without Plastic" campaign. To make the message stick, SERNANP experts joined us for a live theater performance called Guardians of Machu Picchu. A character dressed as a skeleton—representing "The Polluter"—walked in carrying a heavy bag of trash, showing how human waste destroys local wildlife and pollutes the vital Vilcanota River. Then, the "Guardian of Machu Picchu" appeared, calling on the children for help. Seeing the kids rush in to clean up the stage and commit to protecting their home was incredibly inspiring.
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The event also highlighted how Aguas Calientes earned its Carbon Neutral certification. As the main gateway to Machu Picchu, the town fights a daily battle against plastic waste left behind by travelers. Through local recycling programs, community efforts, and projects like the nearby Butterfly Museum (carefully managed by SERNANP specialists), the town is proving that sustainable tourism is possible.
How You Can Help Protect Machu Picchu
As travelers, your choices make a massive difference. Here is how you can help us keep the Sanctuary pristine:
Ditch the plastic: Avoid bringing single-use plastic bottles to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Bring a reusable flask instead.
Pack it out: Always keep your trash in your backpack until you find a proper bin. Never leave a trace on the trails.
Choose green: Use biodegradable products whenever possible.
Any waste disposed of in the town or citadel is collected by local recycling teams and processed at the specialized recycling plant in Puente Ruinas, right at the base of the mountain.
Our Lasting Commitment
Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are the heart of Peru’s tourism, which means they face the highest pressure. Tierras Vivas is fully committed to lessening that impact. Together with Responsible People and SERNANP, we aren't just designing sustainable tours—we are actively supporting local community training and planting trees to reforest the sacred Andes.
