While it’s possible to practice aspects of responsible tourism anywhere you travel, Bolivia is a place you can really make an impact. To follow are a few very tangible ways to do so:
1. Buy local—If you’re looking for souvenirs, groceries for dinner, or alpaca to keep you warm, save your Bolivianos for the local vendors. Make conscious decisions to support Bolivian-owned tour agencies, accommodations and restaurants, and take part in strengthening this rather weak economy.
2. Don’t litter—You will undoubtedly see scads of locals tossing their trash out bus and taxi windows, into ditches and gutters, roadsides and ruins. Avoid the tendency to do likewise, as you wouldn’t contribute to the waste back home, so don’t do it here. Instead, set an example by saving your trash for the bin.
3. Respect the culture—Bolivia is culturally conservative, a country with an extremely large traditional indigenous population. So, whether it is in regard to their way of living, dressing, eating, acting, or your way of doing the same, remember that you are in their country, and ought to abide by their customs. Indulge and immerse, and you’re experience, and impact, will likely be more positive for it.