Embark on International Adventures: Hike, Stay, and Learn Cheese-Making with Locals

In Peru's mountains, artisans share their weaving skills with guests. In Ecuador's highlands, travelers get hands-on experience in cheese-making. Meanwhile, families in Nepal's lush forests welcome visitors into their homes. Forget snack bars and souvenir shops—this is genuine cultural immersion.

Community-based tourism offers a unique travel experience that empowers local communities over large corporations. Instead of rushing from city to city, visitors are encouraged to embrace a slower pace and engage with daily life. Locals collaborate with nonprofits to curate programs that highlight their cultural heritage. Moreover, a significant portion of the revenue remains within the community, aiding local growth and conservation efforts.

Explore four community-driven tourism initiatives worldwide that allow you to connect with local residents and savor life at a more personal, human scale.

Yunguilla Community in Ecuador

Forty years ago, families in the Yunguilla Community of Ecuador's cloud forest relied on tree-cutting for charcoal to sustain themselves. Now, residents thrive through tourism while emphasizing conservation. Visitors can experience daily life by staying in rural family homes, sharing meals, and participating in activities like cheese-making and livestock care.

In April, I spent a night in Yunguilla as part of a week-long guided tour with Intrepid Travel. Three of us were graciously hosted by a couple, each provided with our own bedroom. We hiked through the rejuvenated forest that afternoon, learning about the community’s sustainable practices. Later, our hosts prepared a delicious meal, and we enjoyed it around the table with their extended family, laughing and chatting despite the language differences.

Meket Community Tourism Walk, Ethiopia

For an adventurous getaway, consider the Meket Community Tourism Walk, a trek through Ethiopia's subtropical terrain. Along the route on the Meket escarpment, six accommodations allow you to explore the plateau rim over the course of a week. You'll stay in traditional thatched huts called tukuls, enjoying hot showers, drinks, and home-cooked meals.

Each day of the trek unveils new wonders, from deep gorges and baboon sightings to a visit to an ancient church carved into rock. Tesfa Tours, a local tour operator, employs guides who share rich stories about the region's history and culture, ensuring you leave with a deeper understanding of the area. The walking trails are well-kept and easy-going, with an expected daily trek of about five hours, depending on your itinerary.

Madi Valley, Nepal

In the tranquil Madi Valley of southern Nepal, visitors can experience a homestay, enjoying a private bedroom and bathroom within a local family's home.

This region is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with the nearby Chitwan National Park renowned for its diverse wildlife, including rhinos, jungle cats, and elephants. You can also embark on a bird-watching tour or a bike ride to spot animals venturing out from the park.

While staying here, indulge in local cuisine and enjoy a Magar dance performance. A homestay not only immerses travelers in the community but also contributes to its welfare. Revenue from tourism supports local schools and healthcare facilities, enhancing residents' quality of life.

You can explore this area as part of an Intrepid Nepal tour or independently book a room at one of the many homestays, such as the Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay operated by the Magar community.

Ccaccaccollo Community, Peru

While Cuzco, Peru, is renowned as a top travel hotspot, there's much more to explore beyond Machu Picchu. Just 45 minutes away, the Ccaccaccollo Community features a women's weaving cooperative run by 46 local Quechuan women. Here, visitors can observe traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, gaining insight into their historical significance and the role of alpaca textiles in Andean culture. You can purchase hats, scarves, or blankets directly from the artisans, with proceeds supporting training programs for future generations.

You can explore this community on a day trip or opt for an overnight stay at the community homestay. G Adventures, which initially helped fund this initiative, includes visits to the co-op in its Peru travel itineraries, but you can also arrange to visit independently.