Crossing the Andes on foot
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
¨The manner in which the route flows from the Páramo to Los Llanos, following a great river gives a real sense of journeying. In my view, everything about the trip was excellent but above all it was a privilege to meet so many wonderful people along the route. From start to finish the hospitality was a highlight of the entire trip and I can only thank you for providing an unforgettable birthday (how did you all manage that amazing cake!). This is an excellent example of sustainable community tourism and everyone involved should be really proud.¨ - Paul Easto
Asociación de Baquianos y Posaderos del Páramo: On this tour, we work with the European Union supported Programa de los Andes Tropicales, who created the ASOBAP to teach the locals how to treat tourists. To do this they educate local farmers on how to work with tourists as well as how to maintain a cleaner environment. In return, the association gives them micro credits to upgrade and maintain lodging in their homes for tourists, as well as provide meals that come from their own fields. The aforementioned mucuposadas are the lodging that they maintain for tourists.
Condor Reintroduction Center: We support, and our clients have the opportunity to visit, the Condor Reintroduction Center. This enterprise studies the endangered Andean Condor and is attempting to repopulate the species. The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world and has a strong presence in the local mythology.
We make every attempt possible to preserve the natural environment. To do this, we only take small groups, usually less than eight people. We do not permit anyone from these groups to take souvenirs, such as feathers, rocks or plants, nor partake in any activity that will damage the landscape. Our Jeeps use unleaded gasoline and meet Western emission standards.
Community
We pay the local farmers to maintain their homes and lodging areas for our guests, and to provide meals from their crops. In other words, we do not use the services of any enterprises owned by non-local companies that may exploit the locals.
Guides and Muleteers: We make sure to take care of those who take care of you. We provide them with any equipment they require for all of our trips. In five days, they approximately earn the usual monthly wage of a full-time worker in the city as well as receiving compensation for any time lost due to illness or injury. No employees are ever required to carry more than 25 kilograms of equipment. Moreover, they enjoy the same sleeping arrangements as our paying clients.
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