FAQFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can read the answers to the most frequently asked questions about RESPONS. If you have a question which is not being answered below, please do not hesitate to contact RESPONS with your question.
Capacity
Co2 Compensation scheme
Flight Ticket
Languages
Locations
Prices
Reservations
RESPONS
Security
Voluntourism
Weather
Capacity
Co2 Compensation scheme
Flight Ticket
Languages
Locations
Prices
Reservations
RESPONS
Security
Voluntourism
Weather
1. How many people can participate in the products that are offered?
Each of our destinations has a certain carrying capacity, which changes according to the type of travel, the group composition and specific needs. RESPONS is aware of the fact that it can only cater for smaller groups, however, travelling in small groups gives travellers the opportunity to have a unique and personal experience, whilst it ensures maximum environmental and social sustainability.
An overview of maximum participants for the different products can be find below.
* Capacity Vicos
Pay attention to the fact that there are indeed 7 guesthouses in Vicos which can host up to 35 guests together, but that these guesthouses are not all close to each other. Three guesthouses are situated in the upper part of Vicos (a 60 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas), three others are situated in the lower part of Vicos (45-90 minutes walking from Plaza de Armas) and one is situated high above the Plaza de Armas, about 45 minutes walking. In total it can take up to 90 minutes to go from one house to the other. Meaning that groups of more than 14 pax need to be separated during the visit to Vicos, only the museum visit at the beginning will be done together, and the Pachamanca on the final day can be done together, too.
** Capacity Asháninka Trail
This is an estimation; please inform at RESPONS about the latest information egarding the Asháninka Trail’s capacity.This is an estimation; please inform at RESPONS about the latest information egarding the Asháninka Trail’s capacity.
Each of our destinations has a certain carrying capacity, which changes according to the type of travel, the group composition and specific needs. RESPONS is aware of the fact that it can only cater for smaller groups, however, travelling in small groups gives travellers the opportunity to have a unique and personal experience, whilst it ensures maximum environmental and social sustainability.
An overview of maximum participants for the different products can be find below.
| RESPONSible products | Maximum number of participants |
| Homestay Vicos | 35* |
| Homestay Humacchuco | 25 |
| Homestay San Miguel de Marankiari | 14 |
| All versions Inka Naani | 15 |
| Asháninka Trail | 10** |
| Three Civilizations Adventure | max 8 |
| Yacu Tayta Jungle Experience | min 2 max 8 |
| Huaripampa ½ day | 25 |
| Pachamanca in Vicos | 100 |
* Capacity Vicos
Pay attention to the fact that there are indeed 7 guesthouses in Vicos which can host up to 35 guests together, but that these guesthouses are not all close to each other. Three guesthouses are situated in the upper part of Vicos (a 60 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas), three others are situated in the lower part of Vicos (45-90 minutes walking from Plaza de Armas) and one is situated high above the Plaza de Armas, about 45 minutes walking. In total it can take up to 90 minutes to go from one house to the other. Meaning that groups of more than 14 pax need to be separated during the visit to Vicos, only the museum visit at the beginning will be done together, and the Pachamanca on the final day can be done together, too.
** Capacity Asháninka Trail
This is an estimation; please inform at RESPONS about the latest information egarding the Asháninka Trail’s capacity.This is an estimation; please inform at RESPONS about the latest information egarding the Asháninka Trail’s capacity.
2. How does the CO2 compensation scheme work?
We are currently still working on setting up this compensation scheme, but the idea is that the compensation will be very fair, local, and sustainable. RESPONS has partnered up with the Huascarán National Park and NGO The Mountain Institute to assure maximum environmental sustainability, governmental support and knowledge about forestation. Also, several local tour operators have been included since the beginning, to ensure practical feasibility and maximum participation of the tourism sector. CO² emissions will be calculated according to real-life fuel usage and amount of kilometers per trip. Then, these emissions will be compensated by planting native trees in important reforestation areas as identified by the Huascarán National Park and/or The Mountain Institute. According to several studies, native trees at these altitudes do not absorb CO² like other trees in other ecosystems do, so amounts of trees and thus costs for compensation will also differ, to ensure that the trees planted thanks to compensation, over a period of maximum ten years, actually really do absorb the amount of CO² emitted during the trip of the traveler. As the first year of trying out this scheme evolves, we will keep you informed about the progress of the CO² compensation scheme
We are currently still working on setting up this compensation scheme, but the idea is that the compensation will be very fair, local, and sustainable. RESPONS has partnered up with the Huascarán National Park and NGO The Mountain Institute to assure maximum environmental sustainability, governmental support and knowledge about forestation. Also, several local tour operators have been included since the beginning, to ensure practical feasibility and maximum participation of the tourism sector. CO² emissions will be calculated according to real-life fuel usage and amount of kilometers per trip. Then, these emissions will be compensated by planting native trees in important reforestation areas as identified by the Huascarán National Park and/or The Mountain Institute. According to several studies, native trees at these altitudes do not absorb CO² like other trees in other ecosystems do, so amounts of trees and thus costs for compensation will also differ, to ensure that the trees planted thanks to compensation, over a period of maximum ten years, actually really do absorb the amount of CO² emitted during the trip of the traveler. As the first year of trying out this scheme evolves, we will keep you informed about the progress of the CO² compensation scheme
3. Does RESPONS also arrange flight tickets?
In principle RESPONS does not arrange flight tickets. Our broad offer of products and standard packages do not include flight tickets. However it is possible to arrange flight tickets for national flights when this is necessary for the trip, for example for our Yacu Tayta jungle experience.
In principle RESPONS does not arrange flight tickets. Our broad offer of products and standard packages do not include flight tickets. However it is possible to arrange flight tickets for national flights when this is necessary for the trip, for example for our Yacu Tayta jungle experience.
4. In what languages is the website?
English
The basic language of the website is English. For this reason the most recent products and news articles are put online in English first.
Spanish
The website is almost completely bilingual; English articles will be translated into Spanish as soon as possible. Some articles of less importance, however, will not be translated. Examples are old news articles, and some travelers experiences.
French
We also have a French version of the website but not all pages will be translated. The pages that are translated are the following:
The basic language of the website is English. For this reason the most recent products and news articles are put online in English first.
Spanish
The website is almost completely bilingual; English articles will be translated into Spanish as soon as possible. Some articles of less importance, however, will not be translated. Examples are old news articles, and some travelers experiences.
French
We also have a French version of the website but not all pages will be translated. The pages that are translated are the following:
- RESPONS: Homepage, About RESPONS, The RESPONS team, Our local Impacts, Contact Us
- Travel summaries and index: Homestays, Trekkings, tours and expeditions, accommodation
- General info: What to pack and leave
- Product descriptions of: Vicos, Humacchuco, Inka Naani.
5. What languages do the local guides speak?
Normally the local guides speak only Quechua and Spanish. On some package trips, an English, French or Dutch speaking guide is or can be included. Furthermore it is possible to hire a translator (English, Dutch, French, German) to go with you on the trip.
Normally the local guides speak only Quechua and Spanish. On some package trips, an English, French or Dutch speaking guide is or can be included. Furthermore it is possible to hire a translator (English, Dutch, French, German) to go with you on the trip.
6. Where is RESPONS situated?
RESPONS is based in the city Huaraz, in Ancash, Peru. This city is situated in the Andes mountain range and is surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. This fact make this location ideal for people interested in hiking or climbing mountains. Furthermore it is surrounded by numerous interesting ruins of past Andean cultures.
The visitor address of RESPONS is:
Avenida 28 Julio number 821
Huaraz, Ancash
Peru
Our opening hours are:
Monday-Saturday:
09:00-19:30
RESPONS is based in the city Huaraz, in Ancash, Peru. This city is situated in the Andes mountain range and is surrounded by the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. This fact make this location ideal for people interested in hiking or climbing mountains. Furthermore it is surrounded by numerous interesting ruins of past Andean cultures.
The visitor address of RESPONS is:
Avenida 28 Julio number 821
Huaraz, Ancash
Peru
Our opening hours are:
Monday-Saturday:
09:00-19:30
7. To what places does RESPONS organize trips?
RESPONS organizes trips to different places surrounding Huaraz, like Vicos, Humacchuco, Chavín and the Inka Naani path. Furthermore we have three trips to the jungle which we organize. Two of these trips go the central jungle near La Merced and the other jungle trip goes to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos.
How do we organize these trips to the jungle when we are situated in Huaraz you might ask yourself? Members of the RESPONS team have visited the product locations several times and we can state that we have built strong and trustful relationships with local partners who will make sure that your jungle experience will pass flawlessly. Furthermore we are certain that our local partners are fully sustainable and that their goals are in line with those of RESPONS.
RESPONS does not organize trips to the south of Peru, neither to other countries. We might, however, recommend you certain projects, tour operators or destinations based on personal contacts.
RESPONS organizes trips to different places surrounding Huaraz, like Vicos, Humacchuco, Chavín and the Inka Naani path. Furthermore we have three trips to the jungle which we organize. Two of these trips go the central jungle near La Merced and the other jungle trip goes to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve near Iquitos.
How do we organize these trips to the jungle when we are situated in Huaraz you might ask yourself? Members of the RESPONS team have visited the product locations several times and we can state that we have built strong and trustful relationships with local partners who will make sure that your jungle experience will pass flawlessly. Furthermore we are certain that our local partners are fully sustainable and that their goals are in line with those of RESPONS.
RESPONS does not organize trips to the south of Peru, neither to other countries. We might, however, recommend you certain projects, tour operators or destinations based on personal contacts.
8. Are all prices on the website in Soles?
Most prices are given in Peruvian Nuevos Soles, but there are some prices given in US Dollar. Please pay attention to the kind of currency of your destination of interest. For up-to-date conversion rates, check www.xe.com or www.oanda.com.
Most prices are given in Peruvian Nuevos Soles, but there are some prices given in US Dollar. Please pay attention to the kind of currency of your destination of interest. For up-to-date conversion rates, check www.xe.com or www.oanda.com.
9. In what ways can I pay?
At RESPONS we accept payments in Nuevos Soles, in US Dollars and Euros.
At RESPONS we accept payments in Nuevos Soles, in US Dollars and Euros.
10. Is IGV (19% sales taxes) included already in all of your prices?
19% Peruvian sales taxes is not included in the price of some products and should in those cases be added to the given prices. However, this tax is included in the standard packages. Below the prices, it is always mentioned what is in- and excluded.
19% Peruvian sales taxes is not included in the price of some products and should in those cases be added to the given prices. However, this tax is included in the standard packages. Below the prices, it is always mentioned what is in- and excluded.
11. What is included in the price?
It depends on the product what is included in the price. Underneath the price table on our website or in travel packages, it is always stated into detail what is included and excluded in the price. Hereunder we give an overview of what is generally in- or excluded.
A small overview of our prices for different products
It depends on the product what is included in the price. Underneath the price table on our website or in travel packages, it is always stated into detail what is included and excluded in the price. Hereunder we give an overview of what is generally in- or excluded.
A small overview of our prices for different products
| Product | Currency | Tax included | Transportation |
| Vicos | Soles | no | no |
| Humacchuco | US Dollar | no | no |
| San Miguel de Marankiari | Not Available yet | ||
| Versions Inka Naani | Soles | no | yes |
| Asháninka Trail | Not Available yet | ||
| Three Civilizations Adventure | Soles | no | yes |
| Yacu Tayta Jungle Experience | Soles | no | yes |
| Huaripampa | Soles | no | no |
| Pachamanca in Vicos | Soles | no | no |
12. What does RESPONS earn from the communities?
RESPONS includes 10-20% administration costs in all prices for products and packages. With this money RESPONS is able to pay among others for the office, the personnel and for the development of new products. Prices paid to the tourism committees are as agreed upon with those committees, who set the prices themselves. RESPONS only advices committees about these prices (for example to improve competitiveness) but never decides for them or pushes them to lower their prices.
RESPONS includes 10-20% administration costs in all prices for products and packages. With this money RESPONS is able to pay among others for the office, the personnel and for the development of new products. Prices paid to the tourism committees are as agreed upon with those committees, who set the prices themselves. RESPONS only advices committees about these prices (for example to improve competitiveness) but never decides for them or pushes them to lower their prices.
13. Is it possible to give tips or small gifts to the local community?
Yes it is, however there are some guidelines to make sure that healthy social balances are maintained. Small tips can be given to taxi drivers, local guides, and host families. General guides (Inka Naani, 3CivAdv) and translators can also be tipped according to their service. Donations are best given to the community development fund so that all community members benefit from it. When you visit one of the communities and you would like to bring a gift, do not give money or candy but bring materials which they can use for school or for gymnastics. In this way you will support the families in this big expense and at the same time you stimulate the children to go to school. Medicines, clothes or certain toys are also welcome; RESPONS or the tourism committee will be responsible for channeling these gifts, so that the social balance is not disturbed.
Yes it is, however there are some guidelines to make sure that healthy social balances are maintained. Small tips can be given to taxi drivers, local guides, and host families. General guides (Inka Naani, 3CivAdv) and translators can also be tipped according to their service. Donations are best given to the community development fund so that all community members benefit from it. When you visit one of the communities and you would like to bring a gift, do not give money or candy but bring materials which they can use for school or for gymnastics. In this way you will support the families in this big expense and at the same time you stimulate the children to go to school. Medicines, clothes or certain toys are also welcome; RESPONS or the tourism committee will be responsible for channeling these gifts, so that the social balance is not disturbed.
14. Is it possible to make an online reservation via the RESPONS website?
Unfortunately it is not possible anymore to make online reservations through the website, because automatic reservation forms, despite several security measures, create a lot of spam mail.
Unfortunately it is not possible anymore to make online reservations through the website, because automatic reservation forms, despite several security measures, create a lot of spam mail.
15. Where can I make a reservation?
- The most convenient way to make a reservation is by sending an email to our travel department.
Travel (at) respons.org - It is also possible to call our office in Huaraz on the following number:
(51-43) 427949
Keep in mind the time difference! You can call anytime during our opening hours. - Furthermore you can send mail to our mailing address in Huaraz.
RESPONS Sustainable Tourism Center
Casilla Postal 163
Huaraz, Ancash
Peru - When you are already in Huaraz, stop by our office for information and for travel advice.
Our visiting address is: Avenida 28 Julio number 821
Huaraz, Ancash
Peru
Our opening hours are:
Monday-Saturday:
09:00-07:30
16. Will I get a confirmation email?
After we have received your question or reservation we will make sure to send you a confirmation email including all necessary information.
When you make your reservation by walking by the office in Huaraz, we will give you all the information needed on the spot.
After we have received your question or reservation we will make sure to send you a confirmation email including all necessary information.
When you make your reservation by walking by the office in Huaraz, we will give you all the information needed on the spot.
17. How long in advance do I need to make a reservation?
It depends on the product or standard package how long in advance you will need to book. Below you will find the minimal amount of days in which you have to book in advance per product. For the standard packages we recommend that you will book as soon as possible so that all logistics can be arranged and secured in advance.
It depends on the product or standard package how long in advance you will need to book. Below you will find the minimal amount of days in which you have to book in advance per product. For the standard packages we recommend that you will book as soon as possible so that all logistics can be arranged and secured in advance.
| Product | Minimal amount of days booking in advance |
| Vicos | 1 day |
| Humacchuco | 2 days |
| San Miguel de Marankiari | 1 week |
| Versions Inka Naani | 1 week |
| Asháninka Trail | 1 week |
| Three Civilizations Adventure | 1 week |
| Yacu Tayta Jungle Experience | 2 weeks |
| Huaripampa ½ day | 2 days |
| Pachamanca in Vicos | 1 day |
18. Is RESPONS an NGO?
RESPONS is not an Non Governmental Organization* but we do work similarly to some NGO’s.For example, RESPONS strives to improve conservation and development through sustainable tourism. RESPONS seeks maximum profitability within its criteria of sustainability, that always prevail over commercial interests. RESPONS earns together with the communities, and holds a fair percentage over the total price for its own costs. Prices paid to the tourism committees are as agreed upon with those committees, who set the prices themselves. RESPONS only advices committees about these prices (for example to improve competitiveness) but never decides for them or pushes them to lower their prices.
*NGO = an organization which operates independent from the national government and focuses in a different way on society related issues. In general these are organizations involved in improvement of environmental protection, healthcare, development work or improvement of human rights.
RESPONS is not an Non Governmental Organization* but we do work similarly to some NGO’s.For example, RESPONS strives to improve conservation and development through sustainable tourism. RESPONS seeks maximum profitability within its criteria of sustainability, that always prevail over commercial interests. RESPONS earns together with the communities, and holds a fair percentage over the total price for its own costs. Prices paid to the tourism committees are as agreed upon with those committees, who set the prices themselves. RESPONS only advices committees about these prices (for example to improve competitiveness) but never decides for them or pushes them to lower their prices.
*NGO = an organization which operates independent from the national government and focuses in a different way on society related issues. In general these are organizations involved in improvement of environmental protection, healthcare, development work or improvement of human rights.
19. How is the safety situation in Peru?
The safety situation in the areas where RESPONS works is good and visitors are welcomed in a friendly manner. Nevertheless, there has been a growing separation between the poor and rich population. Since tourists are likely to attract attention, it is wise to travel ‘low profile’ showing valuable items as little as possible (cameras, IPods, wallets) and watching your luggage closely at all times.
For more tips and safety information visit the health and safety section of our website.
The safety situation in the areas where RESPONS works is good and visitors are welcomed in a friendly manner. Nevertheless, there has been a growing separation between the poor and rich population. Since tourists are likely to attract attention, it is wise to travel ‘low profile’ showing valuable items as little as possible (cameras, IPods, wallets) and watching your luggage closely at all times.
For more tips and safety information visit the health and safety section of our website.
20. How is the safety situation in the product locations?
As many of our product location are surrounding Huaraz, the safety situation is the same as mentioned above. Also in the rest of Peru the situation is good. The local partners with which we work are reliable and trustful. When participating in one of our jungle trips we will make sure that it is always possible to contact RESPONS when necessary, possibly with the help of emergency phones.
As many of our product location are surrounding Huaraz, the safety situation is the same as mentioned above. Also in the rest of Peru the situation is good. The local partners with which we work are reliable and trustful. When participating in one of our jungle trips we will make sure that it is always possible to contact RESPONS when necessary, possibly with the help of emergency phones.
21. Does RESPONS also organize long term volunteer projects?
RESPONS also organizes volunteer projects on the long term. One example of these volunteer projects which is always available is teaching English classes to children of the primary and secondary school and people involved in tourism in Vicos. For more information about this project click here.
Furthermore there might be other possibilities in the future in Vicos or in surrounding communities. Check back on our website to see what the actual possibilities are. It is also possible to be a long term volunteer at RESPONS.
RESPONS also organizes volunteer projects on the long term. One example of these volunteer projects which is always available is teaching English classes to children of the primary and secondary school and people involved in tourism in Vicos. For more information about this project click here.
Furthermore there might be other possibilities in the future in Vicos or in surrounding communities. Check back on our website to see what the actual possibilities are. It is also possible to be a long term volunteer at RESPONS.
22. How is the weather in Huaraz?
Sunshine and blue skies are predominant in the Peruvian Andes from May thru September. October to April is the rainy season (especially January to April). However sunshine and clear skies are still often present in the mornings and early afternoons. Seasonal temperatures do not vary much. Daytime highs will reach 30 º C (80º F) or more, with intense tropical high altitude sun and radiation. BRING LOTS OF SUNSCREEN! Also, don't forget a hat or head scarf and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes. Night time lows can reach 5 º C (40º F) on clear summer nights between May and September when you will see some of the most spectacular star filled night skies of your life in the Cordillera Blanca! The climbing season runs from May until September. Hiking, trekking, mountain biking and other activities are available all year long.
For more information about the weather on our project locations click here.
Sunshine and blue skies are predominant in the Peruvian Andes from May thru September. October to April is the rainy season (especially January to April). However sunshine and clear skies are still often present in the mornings and early afternoons. Seasonal temperatures do not vary much. Daytime highs will reach 30 º C (80º F) or more, with intense tropical high altitude sun and radiation. BRING LOTS OF SUNSCREEN! Also, don't forget a hat or head scarf and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes. Night time lows can reach 5 º C (40º F) on clear summer nights between May and September when you will see some of the most spectacular star filled night skies of your life in the Cordillera Blanca! The climbing season runs from May until September. Hiking, trekking, mountain biking and other activities are available all year long.
For more information about the weather on our project locations click here.
