Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Promise

Sustainability is at the Core of Impactful Travel

Travel is a two-way street. As obvious as it may sound, it’s a principle that rings true even in the context of sustainability. Without the conscious commitment of each traveler, the sustainability we strive for remains elusive. Every step we take, every choice we make, carries weight and impacts our world. This understanding drives us to embed sustainability into every thread of our travel experiences.

From 2009 to 2023, we were known as RESPONSible Travel Peru, where sustainability was not just an add-on, but the very core of our operations. Today, as Impactful Travel, that commitment has not just been maintained but amplified. Our goal with this name change is to expand our positive impacts through sustainable tourism beyond Peru’s borders, reaching out to other destinations in need of mindful travel practices.

We continue to measure and monitor our impacts, weaving sustainability into every aspect of what we do. Each of our trips and tours carry a Sustainability Score, allowing us to enhance our control and track our year-on-year sustainability performance. Conclusions will be included in Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Reports. By traveling with us, you’re choosing to be part of a movement that values sustainability and positive transformation. Together, let’s make our journeys count for more.

Our mission:

Crafting sustainable, meaningful travel experiences that foster transformative journeys, enriching the lives of both travelers and local communities throughout Latin America

Sustainability: The Lifeblood of Impactful Travel

At Impactful Travel, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s the essence of our operations. It shines through in every action we take, from the seemingly small—like turning off unused lights, selecting biodegradable packaging for our guests’ snacks, and opting for double-sided printing—to the deeply immersive experiences we offer. We invite our guests to dive into local cultures, form global friendships, and most importantly, create a positive ripple effect.

As mentioned in Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Policy, our commitment to sustainability is backed by globally recognized, Travelife-certified practices, and we don’t stop there. We push boundaries with measures that extend to our internal processes, ensuring fair treatment of our team members, promoting recycling, and instilling our sustainability ethos in every staff member.

Our spotlight is on rural communities and families—the heart and soul of each destination. At Impactful Travel, we work alongside these communities, providing additional income sources and offering our travelers unique community-based tourism experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.

Moreover, we’re passionate about preserving local landmarks and sites of cultural, historical, archaeological, and spiritual significance. Our ultimate aim is to offer our guests—and future generations—the chance to engage with these places in their most authentic, untouched form. At Impactful Travel, we believe every journey should not only transform the traveler but also make a positive impact on the world.

 

The Transformative Power of Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Philosophy

Traveling with Impactful Travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about personal growth, making a difference, and contributing to a sustainable future for Latinamerican people. Each journey with us is a step towards a more sustainable world, where tourism and local communities thrive together in harmony.

Our Promises

Aligning with Sustainable Partners

At Impactful Travel, we meticulously select partners who not only align with our sustainability philosophy but also actively implement sustainable methods. We ensure they adhere to national laws, take rigorous measures against corruption and inequality, and protect against child exploitation and other harmful practices within their supply chain. Our partnership is contingent on these standards—fall short, and the contract ends.

Promoting Green Transportation

We promote sustainable transportation options whenever possible and provide guidance to our guests on minimizing their carbon footprint. For instance, consider using (night) buses instead of flights and opt for direct flights whenever feasible.

Choosing Conscious Accommodations

First and foremost, whenever possible, we prioritize the use of rural homestays to enhance the traveler’s experience. In locations where homestays are unavailable, our preferred accommodations are those that:

  • Are locally owned, managed, and employ local people;
  • Uphold sustainability and quality standards like reducing waste, energy and plastic; use locally sourced food and implement good labour rights;
  • Openly communicate their sustainability efforts and preferably support local projects (like this one).

Ensuring Ethical Excursions

We refrain from offering any excursions or even whole destinations that could harm people, wildlife, nature, or breach cultural and social norms. Our guides are well-versed in navigating cultural, ecologically sensitive, and heritage sites with respect and care.

Working with Locals

From our guides to our drivers, at each destination we prioritize working with locals who are trained in sustainable practices. They will not encourage you to take pictures with wild animals in captivity, pluck a flower to show it to you, or trespass fences in archaeological sites. They’re not just our team—they’re our friends, and we hope they’ll become yours too!

Empowering Our Travelers to Make a Positive Impact

When you choose Impactful Travel, you’re not just embarking on a journey, you’re becoming part of an inspiring movement. We provide resources that help you to be a more responsible traveler, share eco-friendly packing tips (like refillable water bottles with filter) and recommend plant-based dining options in our itineraries. We may steer clear of certain destinations or activities, but we always offer enriching alternatives. With us, your travel choices don’t just benefit you, they positively impact the communities and environments you visit. Let’s explore responsibly together.

We aim to inspire our travelers to carry forward these mindful habits into their future travels and daily routines, thereby cultivating transformation through enriching travel experiences.

Let’s Travel Impactfully: Embrace a Different Way of Exploring

These measures are just a snapshot of our efforts to mitigate negative impacts and uplift local communities. Remember, we’re guests in their home, and it’s our duty to honor their culture and living space.

As we curate your journey through Peru, Ecuador, and soon, other Latin American destinations, rest assured every detail is thoughtfully woven with sustainability in mind. Because at Impactful Travel, we’re not just selling trips—we’re offering transformative experiences that contribute to a more sustainable world. Your journey with us is more than an adventure; it’s a commitment to positive change.

So come, let’s travel differently. Let’s travel impactfully. If you want more information, we encourage you to read about our process for calculating sustainability scores for each tour.

 

Get Involved: Learn More about Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Practices

Ready to join us on this remarkable journey? We invite you to delve deeper into our commitment to sustainability. Download Impactful Travel’s Sustainability Policy here or explore our detailed Sustainability Reports below to see how we’re making a difference—one journey at a time. Please note that most reports are still from our time as RESPONSible Travel Peru (2009 – 2023).

Got questions? We’re here to help. Reach out to our dedicated sustainability team at sustainability[at]impactful.travel, or browse through our comprehensive Sustainability section on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Our Sustainability Reports:

Blogs about Sustainability:

Some of our most sustainable tours:

  • Practical & unique
    Homestay accommodation on the peninsula of Capachica overlooking the Chifrón beach and Lake Titicaca. Stay here with RESPONSible Travel Peru!

    Quick Titicaca experience from Puno to Cusco

    2 Days 1 Night (shorter version of "From Puno to Cusco the Impactful Way!")
    Availability : All year round
    A short, but not less rewarding trip to Titicaca, enabling you to discover the lakes […]
  • Active and Unique
    The traveler carrying his sand plate from the top of Cerro Blanco | Responsible Travel Peru

    On top of the Nazca desert

    4 Days, 3 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    A demanding trekking in the Nasca desert with spectacular views and many cultural surprises. Enjoy […]
  • Comfortable and sustainable!
    Huampococha Lodge - Ausangate Trek - Responsible Travel Peru

    Ausangate Lodge to Lodge Trek

    5 Days 4 Nights
    Availability : All year round (Apr-Dec preferably)
    Hike with lamas on a five-day breathtaking lodge to lodge trek to the Ausangate Mountain
  • Meet the people of Manu
    Rosbert with the indigenous team of Albergue Pankotsi in Shipetiari, Manu National Park. Community-Based and Sustainable tourism with RESPONSible Travel Peru.

    Visit two Manu communities: Shipetiari and Shintuya

    5 Days, 4 Nights
    Availability : April-November
    This tour provides a great balance between a nature tour and a cultural one, given […]
  • All in one
    sunset over river | Responsible Travel Peru

    Amazon Full Adventure in Iquitos

    6 Days 5 Nights
    Availability : All year round (Apr-Dec preferably)
    This is the whole package if what you are looking for is to deeply experience […]
  • Routes to discover
    Kuelap's slim entrance in a yellowish rock wall that seems to be infinite along the mountain ridge | Responsible Travel Peru

    Searching for the Lost Kingdom of the Chachapoyas

    7 Days 6 Nights
    Availability : from April to October
    After this trip you will never see Peru in the same way. The Chachapoyas culture […]
  • Our most popular Colca tour
    Local homestay in the Colca Canyon. Community-Based tourism in Coporaque, Colca Canyon, Peru | RESPONSible Travel Peru

    Experience the Colca Canyon with homestay in Coporaque

    3 Days, 2 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    We believe the community of Coporaque is the real must-visit of the Colca Canyon. Stay […]
  • Active and Unique
    Traveler and local woman from Sibayo, Colca Canyon, sharing knowledge about wool spinning | RESPONSible Travel Peru

    Active Colca Canyon tour with Collagua Hike and homestays

    3 Days, 2 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    We believe the community of Coporaque is the real must-visit of the Colca Canyon. Stay […]
  • The most varied!
    Hummingbird in Jardines de Mandor - Machu Picchu

    The Route of Goodies to Machu Picchu

    4 days, 3 nights
    Availability : April-December

    Discover the coffee region behind Machu Picchu by the hand of welcoming families. Three days full of nature, culture, gastronomy and adventure.

    Enjoy the parallel attractions on the road to Machu Picchu. A slow travel proposal to […]
  • The quickest Colca tour
    Local homestay in the Colca Canyon. Community-Based tourism in Coporaque, Colca Canyon, Peru | RESPONSible Travel Peru

    Quick Colca Canyon visit with homestay in Coporaque

    2 Days, 1 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    This sustainable excursion from Arequipa takes you to the Colca Canyon's highlights and a wonderful […]
  • Like traveling back in time
    Young woman and villager enjoying the spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca, from Vicos, Huaraz, Peru | Responsible Travel Peru

    The Most Authentic Community Experience in the Cordillera Blanca

    3 Days 2 Nights
    Availability : All year round (Apr-Dec preferably)
    Immerse in one of the most authentic Andean communities with this popular active three-day experience […]
  • The most remote lodge
    Tapir Tambopata

    Tracing Wildlife in Tambopata National Reserve

    5 Days, 4 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    This tour takes you to the only lodge that is located inside of the Tambopata […]

Get our sustainability policy

A full list of everything we commit to: from internal management to supporting providers and clients to make more sustainable choices.

    Why would you like to download our Sustainability documents?
    For my studyI have my own tourism companyFor other professional reasonsJust out of general (personal) interest
    Are you traveling to Peru soon?
    Yes, within one monthYes, within three monthsNo, but I want to one day