SUGGESTIONS WHEN VISITING THE SANCTUARY AND ITS BUFFER ZONES These guidelines are suggestions to follow in an effort to practice respectful, environmentally conscientious behavior when planning trips and when visiting the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and its buffer zones. Aspire to Invisibility: Observe, but do not disturb natural eco-systems. Move cautiously and quietly in natural areas. Do not collect natural souvenirs unless you have specific permits to collect. Do not use recordings, decoys, or loud noises to attract birds or wildlife. Observe locally established rules and regulations in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Respect and follow the signs along the trails. Vanish Without a Trace: Minimize impact on the environment. Travel in small groups. Leave no litter. Conserve water. Bring and use biodegradable soaps and detergents. Remove packaging from items before leaving your last lodging. Do not distribute non-degradable, breakable gifts or items in non-degradable packaging. Do not buy or consume animal or plant products harvested from unmanaged wild populations. Use the toilette facilities available hygienically. Seize the Power of Your Experience: Act directly and deliberately to accomplish good conservation. Pick up litter left by others. Join and contribute local conservation organizations. Make a donation, over and above admission fees to local citizen support organizations so that funding stays locally. Attend local cultural and heritage events. Hire local guides. Discuss conservation issues with local residents and guides. Advocate for sustainable use of the natural environments you visit. When planning your trip, ask suppliers about their environmental practices and whether they actively participate in rural development and environmental conservation.  If you do not choose them for environmental reasons, let them know so they can make corrections. Tell guides and institution staff your suggestions and observations for improvements they can make to positively effect conservation. Do not patronize accommodations, organizations, vendors, operators, destinations, or individuals that consciously violate environmental regulations and ethics. Do not purchase souvenirs or natural medicines made of protected species or illegal archeological artifacts offered for sale on the street or in markets.  Report these cases to local authorities. Respect Local Cultures: Address support staff by name and show appropriate appreciation for their services. Learn proper local etiquette. Evaluate requests for gifts carefully. Take photographs within guidelines suggested by guides and do not take photographs of people without previous permission. Do not drive an excessively hard bargain. Purchase souvenirs close to their point of origin or from the original makers. Listen and learn; do not criticize cultural practices. Ask your guide about the most culturally appropriate way to reciprocate for local hospitality.