Now you can use ancient Inca pouches in Cusco! They are called chuspas (Quechua for bag). The idea is for the traveler to put disposals inside them, while doing a trip or enjoying outdoors time, TOUR IN PERU promotes sustainability and environmental protection!
Committed to ecological conservation
Caring our sites and nature: One of the main goals of environmental care in tourism is drastically reducing levels of solid waste in archaeological sites in Cusco, and of course in nature. The kind of waste is comprised by disposable plastic objects like straws, cups, bottles, polystyrene and similars, also paper and cardboard.
Guidelines for great practicces: TOUR IN PERU has been following ecological sustainability procedures along its near 11 years of activities. As part of this encompassing process, we have posted a series of Guidelines of Good Practices for the Tourists, as well as for our stakeholders and team; this also complies with recent government regulations regarding a ban of disposable plastics.
Using bags during your tours, our operations: Now, since TOUR IN PERU supports sustainability in every way, the idea of using the ancient Inca bags is suggested to all our clients. The advantages of having an available chuspa with you all along the Inca Trail for getting rid of disposals like plastic bottles, paper, snack bags and similars.
A great commitment for us all: We’re also gradually getting all our staff and travelers from around the World to follow suit. Using the chuspas is a larger initiative of the Peruvian Environment Department, our regional natural reserves authority (SERNANP) and several other responsible travel agencies and tour operators in Cusco.
Proud of the great initiatives: This way, we’ll be significantly reducing solid waste in the Cusco region’s touristic circuits, preventing contamination of lands, woods, rivers, lakes, archaeological sites and poisoning of many animal species. Clearly there is a joint effort of Cusco’s travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and, of course tourists, to protect all natural resources. One of the latest positive outcomes is the organic waste plant in Aguas Calientes, now fully operational; proper management of touring residues is certainly something to be quite proud of!
Some Chuspa Facts…
- Puches or bags: Chuspas are also called pouches or bags in some places, countries.
- These pouches were very typical in the Inca time, mainly to carry coca leaves, which people chewed for many great reasons; you know coca leaves are said to be the best natural way to prevent altitude sickness.
- Chuspas were said to be a source of pride: for some village’s weavers, who were admired by the beauty of colors and designs.
- Inca royalty’s burials usually contained chuspas, because belief in an afterlife where the person would need his personal belongings was widespread. You can learn much more about Inca religion reading our blog entry regarding the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival), their most important ritual.
- Easily to get yours: You can find this beautiful, traditional bags when in Cusco, some of them are made of fine alpaca wool; they are also great for taking books, waterbottle, smartphones and related personal items, anywhere with you!
TOUR IN PERU promotes sustainability and the recovery of our ancient culture, and once again with this exciting initiative! Support it by using chuspas, a practical and very touristic way to take care of our environment!
