If there’s one experience we wholeheartedly recommend as a responsible travel agency, it’s staying in a homestay. Travel isn’t just about ticking places off a map—it’s about creating connections with the people and cultures that make those places extraordinary. Homestays are a gateway to discovering authentic traditions, supporting sustainable development, and forming lifelong bonds with hosts from around the world.
As passionate advocates for homestays, our team has countless stories to share. In this blog, we’re excited to showcase some of these experiences to inspire you. Don’t miss out on making this part of your next trip!
Savor authentic dishes
One of the best parts of traveling is diving into local cuisine. We’ve all loved eating our fill at scenic restaurants, only to be amazed by even more new flavors at local markets. You see ingredients you’ve never heard of and wonder how they’re used. Homestays bridge that gap, letting you enjoy authentic home-cooked meals—the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s also a perfect chance to share a dish from your own culture—cooking together is a delicious way to learn about each other’s traditions!
“I absolutely love cooking. I believe the best conversations happen between sharp knives, and this time was no exception. Cooking brings people together, and seeing everyone happy while engaged in this timeless activity fascinates me. So, when I joined a cooking class in Otavalo, I knew it would be unique—and it truly was.
Claudia, our host, organized everything perfectly, ensuring each of us had an active role. I shared this experience with my dear friends Guido and Agnes. Together, we laughed while chopping fresh ingredients and grinding corn to make flour. Following Claudia’s guidance around the kitchen table was unforgettable. Her experience made the class natural and engaging, as we prepared local dishes using fresh ingredients from the garden.
Once the cooking was done, we shared the feast we had prepared with our own hands. The food was delicious, but what made it special was the joy of sharing something genuine with wonderful people—a perfect mix of culture, food, and friendship.
I left Otavalo full of gratitude and admiration for Ecuadorian culture. This cooking class was more than recipes—it was a window into Andean life and its traditions.”
Alejandro Teus Honig – Co-founder, Impactful Travel
Be an actor in preserving culture and nature
It’s not just nature that’s disappearing at an alarming rate—culture is also fading, with authentic traditions becoming less common. Many cultural experiences are now tailored specifically for tourists, losing their genuine essence and meaning. As a result, true cultural heritage is being replaced by performances designed to entertain rather than preserve tradition.
Taking the less-walked routes and staying with locals opens up opportunities for cultural exchange and a deeper connection with authentic traditions and customs.
“When I had the chance to experience our chocolate and coffee route, I quickly realized it was far more than a trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, I had the pleasure of meeting three local coffee farmers: Julia, Alejandro, and Enrique. Staying with them allowed me to form deeper connections with their traditions, offering a chance to pause and truly savor my journey through Peru.
Alejandro welcomed me to his farm, where I learned about the intricate coffee production process and enjoyed the rich aroma of fresh organic coffee. Our heartfelt conversation revealed how hosting travelers has helped him value his culture even more, inspiring his passion for Peruvian coffee.
Enrique, a pioneer in organic farming, practices permaculture and creates his own compost to avoid chemical agents. Staying with his family allowed me to support his efforts in protecting forests and promoting sustainable agriculture. A walk with his son, a biology student, introduced me to the rich cloud forest ecosystem, home to vibrant butterflies, rare orchids, and even the spectacled bear—reminiscent of little Paddington!
Looking back on this journey, I’m deeply grateful for the inspiring individuals I met and the chance to see how tourism can support their heritage and efforts to protect the environment.”
Indie Van Herzeele – Travel Designer, Impactful Travel
Discover hidden gems
Locals know best when it comes to finding the best spots and staying at a homestay gives you the chance to discover them firsthand! Homestay hosts love to share their culture and favorite places, along with the stories behind these unique gems that you wouldn’t learn about otherwise.
“My connection with the Matsiguenka culture began through my work, when I visited the Shipetiari community, located by the Alto Madre de Dios River. The Matsiguenka are peaceful, joyful people with a deep knowledge of the forest’s medicinal and spiritual plants.
Connecting with the jungle requires openness, but it’s much easier when guided by the Matsiguenka, who offer a truly authentic, indigenous perspective on living in harmony with nature. Shipetiari offers activities that immerse you in Matsiguenka customs—from walking among towering trees and learning about medicinal plants to savoring dishes like Pacamoto—fish cooked in bamboo with yuca and plantain. They’ll always greet you with Masato drink and food in hand, insisting you try the traditional drink while sharing ancient stories of gods like Kashiri, the Moon, who taught the Matsiguenka how to grow yuca.
A highlight of the visit is the chance to witness or even participate in the Seri ritual, a sacred exchange of powdered tobacco mixed with roots and plant bark. Performed by a Seripigari, this ritual creates a unique bond between participants and is sometimes used to heal illness.
Community tourism offers a one-of-a-kind experience, letting you connect with culture, nature, and yourself in a way that typical tourism can’t.”
Rosbert Challco – Operations Manager, Impactful Travel
Drive local sustainable development
Homestays do more than just offer a place to sleep—they empower communities and drive sustainable development. By staying with local families, you’re directly contributing to their income, helping them thrive without relying on large-scale tourism. It’s a win-win: you enjoy an authentic, unforgettable experience, while the community benefits economically and culturally!
“Staying with Coope San Juan in Costa Rica was a truly enriching experience. Nestled within a stunning 416-hectare primary forest reserve, the community offers more than just a place to rest your head; a homestay here connects you with nature while directly supporting local families.
Founded in 1985, the cooperative initially focused on sustainable agriculture and forest preservation. However, financial challenges led the community to incorporate responsible tourism as a means of generating income. By offering homestays, they provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience, while the revenue helps sustain both the community’s livelihood and its ongoing conservation efforts.
The women of Coope San Juan play a central role, leading initiatives and tours, with support from the local youth. Mauricio, the 27-year-old coordinator, ensures that the community progresses while staying true to its values. During my stay, I enjoyed activities like birdwatching, forest walks, and cooking classes using locally sourced ingredients. A highlight was a forest tour with Julio, where we learned survival skills such as eating ants and finding water.
This experience was not only transformative but also an inspiring example of how tourism, when done correctly, can uplift communities, support sustainable development, and foster a deeper connection with nature.”
Agnes Moes – Travel Designer, Impactful Travel
Forge lifelong bonds
Connecting with locals can be challenging, as their daily lives often don’t align with typical tourist routes. Homestays offer a unique chance to break through the tourist bubble and truly immerse yourself in local life. Staying with a family allows for meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges, whether sharing a homemade meal, learning local customs, or picking up phrases in the native language. This authentic experience goes far beyond what conventional accommodations can provide.
“While many travelers visit Costa Rica for its stunning nature, few delve into its rich indigenous culture. I wanted more than the typical tourist experience, so I set my sights on the Boruca community in Puntarenas, leading to one of the most enriching moments of my journey. The Boruca tribe, one of the last eight indigenous communities in Costa Rica, is celebrated for their intricate masks and vibrant traditions. Their art tells a powerful story of resilience against the Spanish conquistadors while preserving their identity. Today, they invite visitors to experience this heritage through community-led tourism, offering workshops, tours, and homestays.
I was lucky enough to spend three unforgettable days — though it felt like months with how much I experienced — in the beautiful village of the Boruca tribe, staying at Margarita’s house. Margarita is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. During our time together, she shared powerful stories of how she has fought her entire life for her people’s rights and traditions. She has traveled far and wide to inspire native communities around the world to do the same. Margarita has a magical way of telling stories that left me both laughing and in tears; I could have easily spent hours captivated by her every tale.
As I departed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be the last time I’d see her. Over the years, I’ve stayed in touch with her through her daughter, and my work with Impactful Travel has opened doors to explore ways to support this incredible community, allowing others to experience this special place. I truly hope to return someday and share another heartfelt hug with my beloved Margarita.”
Sara Campanales – Content Lead and Travel Designer, Impactful Travel
Defy your comfort zone
Homestays offer a unique window into the diversity of daily life, allowing you to see how different cultures shape their homes and routines. By staying with local families, you’ll discover new traditions, values, and perspectives that enrich your understanding of the world.
“My most memorable stay at a family house happened while I was already working for Impactful Travel, but I felt more like a traveler than ever. A group of colleagues and I were invited to the Raqchi community, where a women-led association offers activities and accommodation near a famous archaeological site in Cusco, along the route to Puno.
We provided feedback on new tourism initiatives, enjoyed a walk along an ancient trail discovering medicinal plants, explored the village, and savored a traditional lunch. As the sun set, my friends left, but I stayed behind to hike a dormant volcano the next day, which could become a new attraction.
Ester, my host, welcomed me into her home, and after dinner, I was surprised when the courtyard filled with community members involved in the tourism project. What started as a quiet gathering turned into a lively party with laughter, music, and dancing. I found myself sipping chicha from a shared glass and dancing with everyone, despite not being a drinker or a dancer. It turned out to be the most enjoyable part of my stay in Raqchi, as I stepped far outside my comfort zone.”
Daniel Muñoz, Impactful Travel
