Highlights of El Salvador holiday

El Salvador has several natural reserve areas with a range of endemic wildlife, and as part of this trip we are taking part in a turtle-monitoring project in Jiquilisco Bay, run by the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative (known in Spanish as ICAPO). This NGO operates throughout the pacific coast of Central America, monitoring the endangered Hawksbill population and making positive changes to give these animals more protection. The organisation is wide-ranging, from breed and release programs to educating local populations on the importance of looking after the animal's habitats; we will be travelling through the mangrove canals of the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve with a biologist, measuring the turtles, monitoring their weights, vital signs and taking tissue samples. Aside from the biologists, the program is almost entirely staffed by volunteers so this is really essential work.

In addition to this, all of our leaders have been trained on how to promote responsible tourism, particularly focusing on reducing the use of single-use plastic. On this trip the leader will advise you where to refill water bottles with clean, safe drink water, therefore reducing the necessity to buy plastic water bottles throughout your trip. We also expect all of our leaders to practice responsible waste management practices along the lines of a 'leave no trace' policy, particularly in the national parks like Los Volcanes.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.