A guide to visiting indigenous communities

The best travel experiences are about getting beneath the surface of a destination, and indigenous peoples make up integral, even foundational pieces of a country’s cultural identity. Visiting these communities and interacting with indigenous people can be a hugely rewarding and memorable part of a trip, so long as it’s done ethically and respectfully. The nuances in how you should interact depends on the destination and the particular indigenous group, of course – but there is a general sense of etiquette that tourists can adopt to encourage a positive experience. In this article, we’ve built a guide to visiting indigenous communities with awareness and respect when traveling. At the end, check out our recommendations for ethical visits to indigenous communities in some of our incredible destinations.

What counts as an indigenous community?

When we refer to an indigenous community or peoples, we’re referring to those who live off their ancestral land in a destination, and have done so for hundreds, or even thousands of years. As the original inhabitants, they often have their own distinct cultural identity, connection to nature and their environment, and their own unique ways of living.

Some examples of these indigenous peoples include the tribes that live in the Amazon rainforest, the Aboriginal communities of Australia, the nomadic groups of Mongolia, or the Sami reindeer herders of Scandinavian nations. Visiting indigenous communities can deepen your understanding of a destination, its ethnic groups and its history. It’s also a great way of contributing economically to these communities so they can continue to live in a way that honours their homeland, traditions, environment and lifestyle.

However, it can be a worry when you want to seek out these interactions, yet you’re not sure which tourist experiences are legitimate, or whether you should approach certain groups at all.

Respectful ways to interact with the indigenous

When there’s an understanding from you, the outsider, that you’re a guest in their home country, and you are keen to understand their history, identity and customs, then your interactions should generate warmth and respect. Here are some helpful ways to go about this.

Do some research beforehand

As part of being culturally sensitive, do some research first. Meeting people in indigenous communities can be very educational, however it will give the experience more depth if you have some idea of their history and way of life ahead of time. Read up or ask your local guide about the indigenous group and the challenges they might face within their country.

Be culturally sensitive

Indigenous communities tend to have distinct traditions and customs, such as ways of greeting, not showing certain parts of the body, rules around eating and sleeping arrangements, and so on. It’s important to honour these customs at all times, and though it’s fun and educational to share respective traditions, do not put your own preferences ahead of theirs when in their space. Naturally, some common sense comes into play, too – if you don’t want to eat, drink or take part in something, of course you can politely decline.

Indigenous peoples also face a lot of challenges, often related to their rights to operate as their own political entity, to stay on the land they grew up on, and to protect the environment that is key to sustaining their lifestyle – so be sensitive to this.

Take an interest

If you’re visiting a local indigenous village or market, there’s a fine line between keeping your distance and coming across as voyeuristic. Rather than simply staring, take an interest in the goings-on – especially at markets, dances or performances and during overnight stays; get involved, have conversations, ask questions.

Make a contribution

Though indigenous people usually live off the land, in lots of cases their livelihood depends on money from visitors either buying wares, taking guided tours or making contributions. Take each scenario on a case-by-case basis (you shouldn’t feel overly pressured by individuals to pay up) but it’s polite to buy handicrafts, tip your hosts or offer a contribution for the memorable experience you’re having.

Ask before taking photos

Taking photographs in an indigenous town or village can feel intrusive at times, but if you’re on a guided tour or in a touristy area, the local people will likely be accustomed to photography. In any case, always ask permission to take photographs before doing so. If the subject seems interested in the camera, show them the photos you’ve taken to see if they like the shots.

Protect their homeland and environment

Indigenous people are intrinsically linked with their environment and the natural world; it’s often the source of their food, fuel, crafts and livelihoods. Be respectful of the environment you’re visiting (as we should be at all times!), and learn more about how you could help contribute to its continued protection.

What counts as inappropriate when visiting indigenous peoples?

Whether the responsibility lies with us as visitors, with the organisers of the specific tour or activity, or both, sometimes tourist interactions with indigenous people don’t feel quite right. Here are some signs that you may have had an unethical encounter with an indigenous group while travelling within a destination.

It feels exploitative

In a lot of interactions with indigenous people there is a transactional element (you are usually paying money or buying crafts in order to be there) – this can be unavoidable. However, an unethical experience with an indigenous community can feel exploitative, voyeuristic or false. You’ll tend to know when the experience feels opportunistic, money-driven or forced, rather than positive and authentic.

There wasn’t a clear invitation

Of course, for a visit to be ethical, the indigenous community must be happy to have you there. Often there will be very clear indications that you’re welcome – during a booked overnight stay, a locally-run guided tour, for instance, or if you’ve been specifically asked by someone in a community to join them.

If you have unintentionally come across indigenous people while travelling, however, and there are no clear signs to interact with them, or you sense uncertainty from them, then do not disturb them beyond pleasantries or a nod of hello.

Taking photos without permission

Taking photos of people shouldn’t feel voyeuristic, or like you’re objectifying or ‘othering’ them. It goes without saying, but treat indigenous people as you would any stranger you’re meeting for the first time. Everyone deserves the respect of permission before being photographed – so be sure to always ask first.

Visiting indigenous communities in an ethical way:

You’ll find indigenous people living in almost every destination across the world, and lots of ways to visit them that benefit the local communities. Here are just some of the experiences that we promote alongside our local travel experts.

The Hadzabe people of Tanzania

Numerous indigenous tribes exist in Tanzania (the Maasai being the most-known); the pastoral Hadzabe tribes are located mostly around the Serengeti National Park. On a visit to their communities, you can learn to carve the bows and arrows they use to hunt, and even take part in a traditional dance ceremony. On this same cultural tour of Tanzania, you can visit the Datoga tribes, a semi-pastoral people who herd livestock, and meet lots of other local Tanzanians such as coffee farmers.

The Sherpas of the Himalayas, Nepal

Nepal is home to over 100 ethnic groups, and when on a trekking tour of the Himalayas, you may encounter the indigenous Sherpa people. Inhabiting these regions for thousands of years has made many Sherpas experts in mountaineering, so they’re often paid to accompany hikers on climbing expeditions. So long as you offer justified compensation, this is a great way to get to know the indigenous people of the Sherpa Valley and understand their rich cultural heritage.

The Barasana tribes of the Amazon, Brazil

So many tribes inhabit the Amazon rainforest, and some have had zero contact with outsiders. Those who have had some contact, such as the Barasana tribe (part of a larger indigenous group called the Tukanoan peoples), allow short tourist visits. The Barasana are a spiritual people, deeply connected to the rainforest – a tour of the Amazon in Brazil can include observing their traditional rituals and dances.

Make it happen

If you’d like to discuss our stance on visiting indigenous communities in any of our destinations, feel free to get in touch for a conversation. Our travel experts are locally-based in the destination, and have in-depth knowledge when it comes to visiting local communities.