lake titicaca indigenous

“Through consciousness, our minds have the power to change our planet and ourselves. It is time we heed the wisdom of the ancient indigenous people and channel our consciousness and spirit to tend the garden and not destroy it.”

–Bruce Lipton

With Indigenous Travel, we can learn about indigenous cultures and deepen our understanding for indigenous peoples. Hence, we can truly honor their humanity, our shared humanity and then appreciate the many contributions they’ve made to society.

Despite their rich cultural heritage and traditions, many indigenous peoples are noticeably absent from historical narratives. That historical imbalance must be reconciled.

Indigenous travel offers curious travelers with a great opportunity to contribute to indigenous communities and at the same time experience their culture personally and make a difference to their lives with tourism. The stories below reflect our attempt to educate and restore harmony and accuracy to our collective history.


totem

Western New York’s New Onöhsagwëde’ Cultural Center

By Kathleen Walls

The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, New York are the homeland of The Seneca Nation, one of six Native American tribes that formed a confederacy in the region. The largest of the six tribes, The Seneca, who lived in the Western part of the Confederacy, called themselves the Onöndowa’ga,’ or … Read more   Read more

United States Experiences Indigenous Preservation
paine national park Patagonia

Patagonia’s Indigenous Communities: 5 Cultural Experiences to Discover on an Expedition

In Patagonia, a sub-region of Chile and Argentina, there are many exciting cultural experiences to discover.  However, wherever you go, responsible travel is what you should strive for. It is important to understand how your actions impact your destination. Let’s dive into a list of the indigenous communities you can … Read more   Read more

Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility
aquinnah Martha Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard: Along the Deaf Heritage Trail and beyond

Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language.   Read more

United States History Indigenous
22 foot Statue of Standing Bear

America’s First Native American Civil Rights Leader—Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe

By Lana Van Cleave

However, there is a lesser-known story. Yet one that exemplifies enormous courage and one which has had an immense impact on our nation. It is a story of forced settlement, death, devotion, and incredible spirit. It is the story of Chief Standing Bear.   Read more

United States History Indigenous
Licin woman

Locals of Licin, East Java

By Ziba Redif

The sleepy village of Licin is situated in the Banyuwangi regency of East Java, Indonesia. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Banyuwangi – Java’s easternmost tip – and an hour from the slopes of Kawah Ijen, the legendary volcano famous for its electric blue flames.   Read more

Asia Agritourism Indigenous Sustainability
jerusalem Hasdic Jewish men at Western Wall

Brooklyn’s Hasidic neighborhood and Ecuador’s Huaorani people

Join World Footprints as we learn about the cultural heritages of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Community and Ecuador’s Huaorani people.   Read more

The World History Indigenous Humanity
Sedona Arizona Red Rocks desert

Attractions on Arizona Tribal Land (That Aren’t Casinos)

By Breana Johnson

Looking for family-friendly attractions in Arizona? Support Native economy, experience culture, and have fun by visiting these destinations.   Read more

United States Family Travel Indigenous
mapuche house

Chilean Tourism and the Indigenous Mapuche

By Leijia Hanrahan

The regions of Biobío and Araucanía, which lie somewhere in the middle of the 2,653 miles that stretch from Chile’s top to bottom, are nevertheless known as “the south.”   Read more

Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility
coya Las Cholitas

Bolivia’s Las Cholitas

By SJ Armstrong

The cholita indigenous women from Bolivia’s countryside, are an indomitable symbol of resilience. In a country ravaged by colonial greed, ransacked resources, and periods of crippling poverty, the Bolivian people are no stranger to adversity.   Read more

Central and South America Indigenous
papua new guinea

Confronting Cannibalism Stereotypes in Papua New Guinea

By Cara Siera

I hate to admit it, but when we booked our trip, I didn’t even know where to find Papua New Guinea on the map. Our travel companions had selected the destination. But in the months leading up to our departure, I began to fall in love with a place that … Read more   Read more

Oceania Experiences History Indigenous
dream catcher

Exploring Indigenous Tourism and Istanbul

Indigenous tourism is tourism that directly engages Indigenous people, either by allowing them to manage a site or making Indigenous culture the focus for a destination. An Indigenous-focus tourist is generally an international or domestic tourist who participates in or undertakes at least one Indigenous tourism activity during a holiday, … Read more   Read more

The World History Indigenous
Embera longboats

Visiting Panama’s Embera People

By Chez Chesak

Our wooden longboat plied the Chagres River deeper and deeper into the Panamanian rain forest. Soon the boatmen, one wearing a loincloth and the other a beaded skirt, were poling us through channels so narrow that it looked like the river had disappeared.   Read more

Central and South America History Indigenous
indonesia North Sumantra Lake Toba

4 Incredible Places to Visit in Lake Toba, Sumatra

By Nayla Azmi

Lake Toba, or Danau Toba in Bahasa, is a huge, natural lake occupying the caldera of a supervolcano and an important site for the Batak Indigenous people.   Read more

Asia Off the Beaten Path Indigenous
The condition of Landak river before the flash flood

How one Indonesian community is using ecotourism income to fight deforestation and climate change

By Nayla Azmi

Climate change is impacting the world in significant ways. We know this. But it’s impacting the beautiful islands of Indonesia, in particular…   Read more

Asia Eco-tourism Indigenous