Small group holiday to Machu Picchu and Galapagos

Planet

The Galapagos Islands have more endemic species than any other archipelago in the world, and in 1979 became the first natural site to be UNESCO-listed. In 1998 it was made a Marine Reserve, with some really positive conservation work happening in the area. There are strict regulations governing the number of visitors to the islands, as well as the activities permitted. The hotels that we use take their responsibilities seriously - for example, the Casa Natura Lodge on Santa Cruz island collects rain water for their water supply, and many of the ingredients used for the breakfasts come directly from their garden instead of being shipped from the mainland. The Galapagos is suffering from the worldwide issue of plastic litter, which gathers along coastlines and puts wildlife at risk of ingestion or entanglement. Plastics were banned on the islands in 2018, therefore we advise customers where to refill their reusable water bottles.

As part of our stay, we visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre in Puerto Villamil, which has the aim of replenishing the endangered Giant Tortoise population by breeding and then releasing the animals. The centre takes donations from visitors, which go back into their release projects - far from being a 'zoo', this centre, along with the two others that exist on the islands, is doing some important work for the survival of the species.

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.

People

A land-based Galapagos trip is a good way to spend money on the islands, rather than with a cruise company that is often based on the mainland. Our Tour Leaders will advise on the best local restaurants and shops to visit in the evenings, while you'll be using various different boat providers for the journeys between the islands.

Throughout the trip in Peru and the Galapagos, our groups are accompanied by local Tour Leaders and guides, which not only supports the local economy but also gives our guests a real insight into the traditions and cultures of Peru and Ecuador. They recommend the best local restaurants to eat delicious typical meals like ceviche or churrasco, and where to purchase souvenirs in local markets or small craft shops.

They are all passionate about protecting their environment, so in Machu Picchu our Peruvian guides will advise on the responsible way to hike around the sensitive areas of the site - sticking to designated trails and trying to keep the impact of tourism in this area as low as possible. In the Galapagos, all guides have been trained in the flora and fauna, and conservation laws within the area.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.