In the mountains of Peru, artisans teach visitors the art of weaving. In the mountains of Ecuador, travelers learn to make cheese. And in the green forests of Nepal, families open their homes to travelers. In none of these places is there a snack bar or a kitschy souvenir shop in sight.

Community-based tourism is an interactive tourism experience that puts power in the hands of local communities rather than large tourism corporations. Instead of flying between cities, visitors are encouraged to slow down and experience everyday life. Residents, who work directly with nonprofits to develop these programs, decide which aspects of their culture and heritage they want to showcase. In addition, most of the money stays in the community, supporting local development and conservation efforts.

Here are four community tourism projects from around the world that help you experience life at a more human pace, through the eyes of locals.

Yunguilla Community, Ecuador

Forty years ago, families in the Yunguilla community in Ecuador’s cloud forest cut down trees to make charcoal and make a living. Now, residents can earn money from tourism while also prioritizing environmental protection. Visitors get a glimpse into daily life and can stay in rural families’ homes, share meals, and participate in activities like cheesemaking or caring for farm animals.

In April, I spent a night in Yunguilla as part of a weeklong guided tour with Intrepid Travel. Three of us were hosted in the home of a couple, each assigned a bedroom. We spent the afternoon hiking in the newly regrown forest, learning about the community’s sustainable practices. That evening, our hosts cooked us a hearty meal, and we gathered around the table with the entire extended family, laughing and talking despite the language barrier.

Meket Community Walking Tour, Ethiopia

If you’re looking for a dose of adventure, the Meket Community Tourism Walk is a trekking experience through Ethiopia’s subtropical landscape. There are six overnight camps along the Meket Escarpment, so you can spend up to a week exploring the plateau’s edge. You’ll sleep in traditional thatched huts called tukulswith access to warm showers, drinks and home-cooked meals.

Each day of the hike brings something new, including deep gorges, baboons and a visit to an ancient rock-cut church. Tesfa Tours, a tour operator in the region, employs local guides who share stories and culture, so you can leave with a deeper knowledge of the area. The walking trails are well-maintained and peaceful, but you can expect to walk for about five hours a day, depending on your itinerary.

Madi Valley, Nepal

In the peaceful Madi Valley in southern Nepal, travelers can stay in a family home, with a private bedroom and bathroom.

This area is a paradise for nature lovers. The nearby Chitwan National Park is a popular destination for its abundance of rhinos, jungle cats and elephants. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on a birdwatching tour or bike ride to see wildlife that has left the park.

During your stay, you can enjoy local food and a Magar dance performance. Staying in a family home allows travelers to immerse themselves in the community and also contribute to its development. Revenue generated from tourism helps fund local schools and health facilities, improving the quality of life for locals.

Visit the region on an Intrepid Nepal tour or book a room independently at one of the many guesthouses, such as the Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay run by the Magar community.

Community of Ccaccaccollo, Peru

Cusco, Peru is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but the region offers more than just Machu Picchu. Just 45 minutes outside the city is the community of Ccaccaccollo, home to a women’s weaving cooperative run by 46 local Quechua women. Here, you can watch demonstrations of traditional weaving and dyeing, and learn about ancient techniques and the importance of alpaca fabrics to Andean society. You can buy hats, scarves or blankets directly from the weavers to help preserve an important aspect of their heritage, as part of funding for training programs for younger generations.

You can visit the community as a day trip or stay overnight in a community home. G Adventures, which originally helped fund the program, includes visits to the cooperative as part of its Peru itinerary, but you can also visit on your own.