Diane Valenti, owner and founder of Llama Expeditions, says their trips “are a chance for culturally curious travelers to make a meaningful connection with the people and the land of Peru”. Llama Expeditions tours offer full cultural immersion giving guests the opportunity to see how Peruvians live – to talk with them about their dreams and accomplishments, and to learn about the challenges they face.

By Annika S. Hipple

Purchasing a plastic bottle of water or two while traveling may not seem like a huge deal on an individual level, but multiply that by the number of travelers crisscrossing the globe every day and the impact is massive. On a global scale, 2.7 million tons of plastic are used annually for water bottles. Of the billions of single-use water bottles consumed in the United States every year, 86 percent end up as litter or in landfills; in many countries this number is even higher.

By Brad Nahill

When many people hear the words “shark” and “tourism” in the same sentence, the first thing they think of is how to avoid them. Unfortunately these people are missing the opportunity to witness and learn about one of nature’s truly astounding creatures. While shark attacks are real and many movies and media outlets capitalize on this fear there are common sense ways to avoid danger and have a great experience while contributing to shark conservation efforts.

By Brad Nahill

Tigers are one of the most charismatic and beautiful animals on earth. They are the world’s largest cat and can live across a wide range of habitats, from mountains to coastal wetlands. Most of the world’s tigers live in India among a number of national parks and tiger reserves but their numbers are decreasing rapidly. Tiger tourism has become a hot button issue in India, with the country’s recent Supreme Court decision to end a moratorium on tourism in these reserves.

By Jim Lutz

I think the right way to travel in the Galapagos is to think more broadly about the overall type of tourism you are supporting, rather than focusing exclusively on the self-described “green” or “sustainable” practices of any individual tour operator or hotel. The main consideration, in my mind, is keeping tourism small scale, non-intrusive, and nature-oriented. In practice, this means the best type of tour is with the smaller vessels that are licensed to operate live-aboard tours.

By James Imbriani, Aracari Travel

With plenty of investment in transport and tourism infrastructure it is now possible to see the highlights of Peru, including the relatively remote Machu Picchu, in just a few short days. Spend just a little more time, however, and you will begin to uncover some of the ‘hidden’ Peru – people and places that most visitors don’t get to experience, all while contributing to local livelihoods and communities.

By Maureen Santucci

On one hand the growth of trekking in Peru has brought numerous benefits for the country and many of its people, creating jobs and industries to cater for all those mini-adventures. The ratio of tourists to support staff on the trail is something like 3 workers for each trekker, meaning huge employment opportunities for local people. But those benefits have often come at a price.

By Elias Garcia

Visiting the Galapagos Islands is, for most people, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. An amazing combination of safari-like wildlife walks, pristine natural scenery, and a feeling of being in paradise, the Galapagos Islands are the perfect destination for people looking for a unique experience unlike any other in the world. They’re also the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing vacation amidst unbelievable natural surroundings.

By Andre Franchini

If you’re new to eco-travel, ecolodges are a great place to start. Frame your trip around an ecolodge that stands out. Look for places that have gained international recognition and awards for the conservation and community work they are doing. Look for places that meet third-party green certification standards. Find your fantasy ecolodge, then make it the centrepiece of your trip.

By Ali Dempsey

Slowing down your travels allows you to spend more time in one place and truly experience what life is like for the locals there. Embrace this opportunity to explore a new culture, enjoy the food, learn about the customs and mingle with the local people. This is particularly easy in Thailand where the food is delicious and the locals are so friendly.