Atacama to Paine holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The excursions on this trip are all taken on foot - for example hiking around the Osorno Volcano, at the Valle de la Luna or in Torres del Paine. Unfortunately the scale of Chile is such that we do need to use domestic flights to see everything within a two-week period, so as much as possible we aim to get around on our own two feet, and as a knock on effect this helps us to get closer to the wild landscapes that are such a draw to the area.
In our hotel at Torres del Paine, they proudly use local companies to supply their restaurant. This ensures that when we eat there we are eating local produce and supporting small Patagonian companies and farms, while also reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain.
As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

The epic landscapes of Chile are an incredible testament to the power of nature, and we expect all of our guides, drivers, tour leaders and staff to brief our customers on how to respect these fragile environments. The trip includes visits to two of Chile's most significant protected areas - Torres del Paine and the Los Flamencos National Reserve (in the area around the Atacama Desert), as well as the UNESCO Heritage Site of Valparaiso. In each location the tour leaders and guides are trained to understand best practice in wildlife and nature protection. They will brief customers to keep all waste with them until back in the town, to walk only on designated paths and not to disturb the fragile natural environments.
We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

On our journey through pretty much the length of Chile, we’ll encounter a huge diversity of people and landscapes along our way. Our expert tour leaders will be able to introduce the history, culture and wildlife of the area and enable us to get closer to the local culture. Our staff direct customers to eat in local eateries as much as possible, encouraging our groups to discover the fantastic food and wine that Chile is famous for. We support local employment and communities in our choice of accommodation, tours, restaurants, etc, and we aim to promote interaction between real people throughout the trip, while always respecting the culture and customs of each community.
Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travellers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

All of our Tour Leaders are supported by local guides and support crew within the National Parks who are trained and licensed to guide in the area, and are incredibly knowledgeable about the environment and the local communities that they work in. We make sure that our Tour Leaders and guides are working with a fair wage, in good working conditions, and that they are fit and well to work outdoors in what can be harsh conditions.
We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.