Patagonia and Classic Antarctic cruise vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
In Santiago and Torres del Paine, our first-choice hotel always meets high standards of sustainability and is recommended above the others due to its environmental responsibility practices. These include the use of clean, energy-efficient systems to reduce CO2, as well as sustainable use of water and electricity, recycling management, the use of local and natural amenities, organic gardening, and composting initiatives. Furthermore, they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options that celebrate more conscious eating habits and source the produce as locally as possible. We verify all this through site visits and maintaining a close working relationship with our top hotels to ensure they continue to meet our standards and vice versa.

The Antarctic voyage operator is IAATO certified and a carbon neutral company. Through their foundation, they have also led a project to promote the use of green hydrogen on Antarctic scientific bases.

Our trips only offer eco-friendly and eco-tourism-oriented activities like hiking and walking, which have a low environmental impact and, thanks to our small-group size, reduces foot traffic. Due to Chile’s size, unfortunately flights are a necessary evil of the trip, but these are minimised to be as efficient as possible.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The tour operators are expert nature guide who can educate guests about the local history and environment. Any wildlife encounters in Antarctica or Torres del Paine are at a safe distance for both humans and animals. A special highlight of this trip is that the Antarctic voyage contributes to wildlife and environmental research in the region to assist conservation efforts.

Furthermore, for every trip booked with us, we donate native trees to reforesting projects in Chile and Argentina in the name of the traveling group. The cost of the trip includes entrance fees to the Torres del Paine National Park (US $49 per person).

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
All the accommodations in the trip are locally-owned and independent, and the local guides on the trip (excluding the Antarctica portion) are locals.

The city tour of Santiago includes visits to local markets and we recommend local and independent restaurants to the travelers for all the destinations in their trip.

In Torres del Paine, most of the accommodation staff are based locally, and this allows to experience a cultural exchange where people can learn and understand the local customs and history. Most of the decorations, crafts and souvenirs have been created by local artisans and small businesses.

The tour operator we use in Antarctica works with scientists investigating the local environment, collecting research and building green energy sources on the continent.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We adhere to principles of fair trade, ensuring that our partners pay their staff at least minimum wage and hire people irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. Almost all of the people employed by us or our operating partners are from the destination country or are residents of that country. It is worth noting that the Antarctica provider employs international experts on the ship to give specialist talks.