Galapagos & Inca trail holidays

The pristine Galapagos Islands are protected as a World Heritage sanctuary for good reason – they are home to a vast array of unique and endemic wildlife. To maintain its unique ecosystem, tourism to the islands is tightly controlled, with a limited number of tourists allowed daily and boats being forced to follow strict guidelines. Small, environmentally friendly vessels are used with a maximum of 16 berths, offering an intimate and enjoyable experience. Waste management is closely controlled on the boats and, when on land, physical contact with the wildlife is strictly forbidden. This operator is committed to using local leaders on all our holidays and, on this trip, despite taking only 16 passengers they employ a crew of 9, including a fully qualified local guide.

The plight of the waved albatross is a moving one, as many have died as a result of longline fishing off the coast of Peru. This operator has given substantial financial support to various organisations to help stop the needless slaughter of these magnificent birds by ensuring that relevant international agreements are implemented that will benefit both the birds and the legal fishing industry. The nature of this trip ensures that travellers become acutely aware of the importance of conservation and also become ambassadors for the continual protection of wildlife and wilderness the world over. This operator is proud to be a member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), a non-profit association of tour operators, conservation organisations and other concerned groups that are dedicated to the lasting protection of the Galapagos.

This trip also visits Peru’s Challenge, a non-government charity that works to improve the lives of some of the poorest children living on the outskirts of Cusco, by providing health services, education and fresh water. To support tour programs in this part of the world this operator is training our tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. They prefer to give our patronage to small owner-managed hotels rather than those from international chains, as they feel these places offer quality and character and also directly benefit local people. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities.