Our commitment
We truly believe that responsible travel is the only way for the future of travel.
Together we can make this world a better place.
We love what we do and have a deep passion for travel in our destinations. We are so privileged to work and live in these countries with such diverse cultures and incredible nature. We believe that travel can have a positive impact on both the destination and the traveler, if done well.
economies & communities
Our Mission
It is our mission to provide our travelers with authentic and immerse experiences and educate them on treading lightly, understanding cultural differences and the respect that comes with it and to share the beauty of our natural surroundings, that cannot continue to exist without the support and understanding that we need to protect and preserve..
We Care About The Environment
We actively look and promote the triple impact in everything we do.
Environment
Economy
Social
We actively look and promote the triple impact in everything we do.
We take extra care to choose environment-friendly services and practices:
We Believe In
Responsible
Travel
Respecting Destinations
& Local Cultures
We take extra care to choose environment-friendly services and practices:
We are committed to working closely with local communities to create authentic, diverse and respectful South American experiences for your travellers.
- Our activities and excursions are conducted with respect for the artistic, archeological and cultural heritage.
- Our objective is to highlight the diversity and richness of culture and heritage in destinations.
- There is a genuine and respectful interaction between travelers and the local community.
- We are Portraying destinations fairly and respectfully in our communications and marketing material.
- Our cultural experiences are developed in direct cooperation with the community
Protecting Children
Putting child welfare first. We make absolutely sure no child is ever harmed as a result of tourism.
In order to fulfill our commitment as a responsible and ethical tourism company, Encounter Latin America repudiates the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism. We have joined The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in order to take concrete actions to prevent this crime.
- All children are human beings, who are the subject and receivers of human rights that Encounter Latin America will respect at all times.
- All children have equal rights to protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation regardless of their gender, race, health situation, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, social background or culture.
- We train and support our staff in taking action against the sexual exploitation of children
- All children should be encouraged to fulfill their potential and inequalities should be challenged.
- Child abuse is never acceptable.
- Everybody has a responsibility to support the care and protection of children
- Our suppliers and the projects we support have a responsibility to meet minimum standards of protection for the children in their programs and activities and understand the procedures if a child is endangered or is a victim of sexual exploitation
Protecting Animals
We believe that wild animals should be kept in the wild and not caged or staged for tourism activities with negative impacts for the animal itself.
We are committed to animals. We keep them close to our hearts and out in the wild. Our staff and local tour operators are carefully selected to ensure ethical practices.
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from hunger or thirst
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease
- Freedom to express normal behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress
Supporting Local
Economies & Communities
We work to maximize the benefits generated by tourism for local
We are committed to the economy and strive to employ local staff and support local businesses, products and artists.
- We employ predominantly local staff
- We select local and suppliers that are invested in their community and that help from their end their local economy
- We design our excursions and experiences in such a way that we include elements that help alleviate poverty in the destination
- We purchase sustainable and locally produced products.
- We promote sustainable purchases of souvenirs, craft and art with our travelers.
- We involve the local community in designing the experience for our travelers
Travel Life Partner
Travelife is the travel industry’s leading international sustainability certification. It covers all aspects of the tourism supply chain from environmental issues, biodiversity and human rights to labour relations. It’s in full compliance with UN-supported Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria.
Get in Touch
Carbon Compensation Programs
While we work hard to increase the positive impact travel can have on our destinations, we also understand that when we travel, there is an environmental cost involved. Most of our programs are already a carbon compensation, but this can also be added optionally.
We are working with two carbon offset programs:
Reforestation
Forest Protection
Sustainable Policies & Guidelines
We Love Responsible Travel.
Download
Documents
- Our ethical code
- Accommodation Best Practices
- Encounter Sustainability Policy
- Excursion Best Practices
- How to be a sustainable Traveller
Our Destinations
Empowering change through meaningful travel in Latin America
Our immersive journeys combine language learning, adventure, and volunteering to ignite personal growth and create lasting impacts. With our expertly crafted itineraries and in-depth understanding of our destinations, we ensure meaningful collaboration and positive contributions to both participants and the local communities. If your organization seeks an authentic Latin American experience that drives change, we are here to make it happen.
Contact us