Sustainable tourism in Latin Trails

Latin Trails recognizes the impact of tourism activity both on local cultures and on the environment. We realize the importance of preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the South American destinations we visit.

We are strong advocates of Sustainable Tourism practices, we are constantly reviewing our South America tour programs in order to find ways to minimize the impact our visits have on the localities we operate in.

Latin Trails takes responsible travel seriously, we work with local communities and conservation experts to minimize the impact of our travel. We try to run an eco-friendly office and are continuously enrolling our employees in development programs constantly raising awareness on environmental and cultural impact. We take special care in the fragile ecosystem that we have in Galapagos, where we have two cruise ships: Petrel Catamaran and Seaman Journey

Sustainable, Responsible and Participative Tourism

These 3 adjectives: Sustainable, Responsible and Participative are integrated to qualify products & services, users and suppliers in our tourism activity

These three principles in practice can modify the nature of the behavior of both the host and the traveler: from a passive consumerism position to a true exchange position. Trips conceived under these principles bring forth a new type of tourism; they show the true interest of the traveler to meet the reality of the place they visit and the local traditions creating so many possibilities of activities and favorable situations.

The fact, is that this type of travel generally starts in developed countries towards countries in development, it reflects the international economic breaches. In this sense, sustainable tourism is a constructive way to learn, understand and contribute personally towards improving this situation.

At a local level this promotes the creation of new projects, entrepreneurship and associations with the clear objective of using tourism as a sustainable means of income for local economies.

Benefits for visitors and host

Travellers experiment a natural or cultural environment different from their everyday reality.
Tourism is developed with participation of the local population, in a sustainable manner through time, with a minimum impact on the environment and respecting the conservation of natural and personal resources.
Travel takes an educational and responsible character; the traveler grows an interest in knowing the people and places they visit, most important he or she is conscious of the impact his or her visit creates and is willing to interact with the society that greets him or her.
Tourism activity offers the economical benefit primarily to the visited community, the locals are participative acting as important creators and protectors reaffirming their culture and values.

IN SHORT WE SEEK TO:

Protect the Environment – its flora, fauna and landscapes
Respect local cultures – traditions, religions and built heritage
Benefit local communities – both economically and socially
Conserve natural resources – from office to destination
Minimize pollution – through noise, waste disposal and congestion
Guidelines and Suggestions for the sustainable traveler
Learn about the country learn key words in the local language
Be aware of religious and social customs
Visit the visitors centre on arrival for local information
Know the appropriate cultural behavior respect the dignity and privacy of others
Dress and behave respectfully especially in villages, religious and cultural areas
Be careful giving gifts or money to children and beggars
Protect non renewable natural resources do not buy products made from coral, endangered plants or animals do not stand on, touch or remove any items from the natural habitat you are visiting
Support local initiatives purchase local products, arts, crafts eat local rather than imported food
Support local tour operators and stay in locally owned accommodation
Pay a fair price 50 cents may not mean much to you, but it may be a meal for the vendor
Pay a price that reflects what something is worth to you
Minimize environmental impact dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible, reuse your drink bottles, and say “No” to plastic bags
Minimize water and power use
Choose environmentally responsible tour operators
Think about your impact remember you are a guest – don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home
Practice safe and responsible sex
Make your trip a positive experience for both you and the people in the country you visit