Respect

Respect for local people and the environment they live in is at the heart of everything Andean Trails does.

From pristine rainforest and delicately balanced ecosystems of Andean peaks to our offices in the UK and in South America, we aim to always have a positive impact in the communities and landscapes we operate in.

The culture and rich heritage of the peoples of the countries we work in are integral to their irresistible appeal. Promoting responsible travel and environmental awareness in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Guyana, Cuba and Namibia is a key part of preserving the culture and making only a positive impact in these fascinating countries.

Boosting local economies

We work with local people on all our trips, paying fair and timely wages and injecting vital funds into the local economy.

We do this by using specialist agents on the ground with insight into the communities they live and work in and that have Responsible Tourism policies and practices. We employ local trek staff: porters, muleteers, cooks and guides who are all trained in cherishing and respecting the landscape and culture, and in leaving no trace.

Fresh local produce from small shops and markets is sourced in and around departure towns and villages – we prefer locally produced rather than imported goods.

Andean Trails uses public transport whenever possible and feasible. We use locally owned hotels and restaurants, paying a fair price for their services. We ensure our clients have opportunities to meet and talk to local people, soak up the atmosphere of villages and markets and learn about the vibrant culture of their hosts. We are committed to doing all we can to help communities thrive in all the countries we operate in.

Making life better

We ask that if any of our clients have warm children’s clothes and shoes they would like to donate to Peruvian, Bolivian or Ecuadorian children to take them and give them to a tour guide, who will make sure they go to a suitable organisation.

We can arrange for travellers to volunteer at suitable projects and make contribtions that help improve lives in communities in the mountain environments we travel in.

We support the Tourism Concern Porters Policy, promoting better working conditions and fair wages for porters on the Inca Trail in Peru.

Andean Trails directly contributes USD 5000 per year to three NGOs in Peru, Huchuy Yachaq, Amantani, ECOAN. This goes towards local children's education and reforestation of native forests.

Investing in people

Andean Trails aims to bring out the best in people. UK-based staff members regularly travel to South America to forge and strengthen contacts, widen their knowledge and research exciting new trips. We promote a no discrimination working practice, treating men and women equally.

Our qualified, experienced mountain and cultural guides have in-depth knowledge of their countries and local areas and are constantly encouraged to broaden their skills.

With the help of Andean Trails, Huaraz-based climbing guide Rodolfo Oropeza spent six months studying English in the UK. Bolivian mountain guides Julia Cantuta and Marisol Maydana also spent 9 months in Scotland, perfecting their English, promoting Bolivia's natural treasures, bagging Munros and getting to grips with the vagaries of Scottish mountain weather.

Caring for the environment

Both in the UK and in the Andes, ongoing staff training ensures high standards of environmental care and responsible behaviour.

Keeping environmental impact to a minimum is at the core of developing all new tours. We constantly strive to minimise waste on trips, using products with minimum packaging, leaving no litter, keeping water sources clean and leaving camp sites cleaner than we find them.

In our offices we use recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible, recycle whatever we can and always aim to keep waste to an absolute minimum. We are continually cutting down on our use of paper by using e-mail as much as possible and keeping unwanted mail to a minimum. We use low-energy light bulbs, fair trade and biodegradable products as much as we can.

We choose our local partners carefully and monitor all our agents on the ground in South America with regard to their environmental policies.

Air Travel

We make no claim to being able to allay the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from flying. Calculations are complex and offsetting carbon is the subject of much debate.

What is indisputable is that a return air trip to South America generates carbon. You can give something back to the planet by helping protect forests, plant trees and sustain communities that live in harmony with nature.

Andean Trails has teamed up with Rainforest Concern to enable travellers to take meaningful action to compensate for their carbon footprint.

Rainforest Concern has an excellent track record of protecting tropical rainforests and the indigenous peoples who live in them. It is a registered charity which uses funds donated by businesses and individuals to purchase and protect rainforests rich in biodiversity. Thirteen projects are currently ongoing across nine countries, primarily in South America.

Work includes conserving habitats, reforesting logged areas and helping communities develop alternative ways of generating income. Andean Trails encourages all clients to make a donation at the time of booking – suggested amounts being £5 per short haul flight and £20 for longer distances.

Protecting the Galapagos

If you are booking a Galapagos cruise we offer a complimentary one-year membership to the Galapagos Conservation Trust or make a donation of £25 to help them continue their work on these incredible islands.

The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact. Please try to minimise your impact by:


Take a water bottle to refill, rather than use a new bottle each time;

Recycling your rubbish where possible, not leaving any behind;

Taking batteries back home with you – they cannot be recycled properly in Ecuador;

Saving water where possible; and

Saving energy by switching your lights off when you leave the room. Electricity on the islands comes from a generator, fuelled by petrol. For the same reason, please think about whether you really need to use your air conditioning.