Peru vacation, encompassed

Planet

Accommodation and meals:
We spend 13 nights in hotels and 1 night in a homestay on Amantani Island. We prefer to use small businesses for our accommodation, activities and services as these are the companies which have most direct benefit to the communities which we visit. All of our hotel managers have signed a sustainability contract which ensures they employ locals and endeavour to reduce waste, whilst our campsites are very eco-friendly in terms of energy reduction. The homestay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca is a great opportunity, offering an authentic experience of staying with a local family, and the income from our stay is divided amongst the island community. Where meals are not supplied, guides will be able to recommend local cafes, restaurants and markets to get a bite. Local specialties to look out for include ceviche (a spicy dish of fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a stir fry) and hearty soups.

Group size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 18 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in a unique, family-run hotel that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to its limited size.

UK office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

Local Craft & Culture:
There are several chances to support craftsmanship on the tour, including with the Amantani people who sell produce and various handmade souvenirs. By buying something we are providing an avenue of income for these people. There is also an optional excursion to the Sacred Valley on which you can eat a traditional meal in the village and buy handicrafts. Our local guides are able to advise clients on which products to buy and which to avoid- for example, walking sticks made of wood are one to avoid as they are potentially a product of harmful deforestation activity.

A Fair Deal:
Our local partner in Peru is extremely committed to staff welfare and to protecting the environment. All staff are paid a fair wage and receive proper treatment by their employers in exchange for their incredibly valuable local expertise. They are also encouraged to put environmental protection practices into use in their own communities - regular training courses are held for all staff to increase their understanding of how to protect their natural and cultural heritage. This should filter through to clients in briefings, which help to minimise detrimental effects on the people and environments we visit.