The urgency of climate action in tourism has never been greater. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR), the travel industry accounted for 6.5% of global emissions in 2023. At REMOTE Latin America, we acknowledge the impact that our activities have on people and the planet. That’s why we are continuously refining our strategies to reduce negative effects of travel and our events while amplifying positive ones.
Fortunately, we are not alone in this mission. Across Latin America, our community of hotels, boats, DMCs and travel experts is taking the lead with innovative initiatives for sustainability and regeneration. Their commitment proves that tourism can continue to celebrate the region’s rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes while actively safeguarding its future.
We are proud to spotlight the efforts of some of our DMC partners, who are demonstrating that Latin America and the Caribbean are not just embracing sustainable and regenerative tourism—they are shaping a resilient future. Through carbon offset and capture programs, conservation initiatives, responsible business practices and bold climate action plans, these companies are proving that tourism can—and must—be a force for good. Their work reassures us that conscious international travelers can continue to visit Latin America while actively contributing to the well-being of its destinations.
Restoring Ecosystems and Reducing Impact in Peru
For over 30 years, Amazonas Explorer, a leading DMC in Peru, has made sustainability a core pillar of its operations. In 2007, the company took a decisive step by joining 1% for the Planet and developing a climate action plan, marking the beginning of a deeper commitment to responsible tourism. Today, Amazonas Explorer holds B Corp certification, and was recently recognized by Green Matters as the world’s third most sustainable tourism organization.
A signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, Amazonas Explorer is also a member of The Long Run. The company is dedicated to continuously reducing its negative impact on the environment with a strong focus on more efficient water and energy consumption, food waste reduction and sourcing from sustainable suppliers.
Every year, Amazonas Explorer celebrates the traditional Queuña Raymi festival, planting trees in partnership with ECOAN and local communities around Cusco. In 2024 alone, they planted 15,000 native trees, contributing to the restoration of the Vilcanota Basin, a critical ecosystem for biodiversity and water security.
“No one wants to trek, raft or bike through a desert,” says Paul Cripps, CEO of Amazonas Explorer, who is personally engaged in these initiatives. “It is our duty—to future travelers, local communities and the planet—to minimize our impact. Making travel as sustainable as possible should be at the core of every business decision. If we aren’t doing so, the future for travel looks pretty grim indeed.”
Redefining Positive Impact Tourism in Argentina
In Argentina, Onesixth Expeditions is redefining the concept of luxury travel with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and conservation. As a 1% for the Planet member, a certified B Corp and a carbon-neutral company, Onesixth Expeditions ensures that every journey contributes to the well-being of the environment and local communities. They are also signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency and the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
Onesixth is the driving force behind the first Puma habituation program in Argentina and is committed to prioritizing local sourcing from suppliers and NGOs and constantly improving their sustainability actions. “From day one, Onesixth Expeditions was built with a clear purpose: to lead by example in sustainable travel. Our first hire was a sustainability consultant because we knew from the start that taking action on climate wasn’t just an option—it was our responsibility,” explains Daniel Santin, founder of Onesixth Expeditions.
“We see ourselves as more than just a luxury DMC. We are caretakers of Argentina, and we have the opportunity to inspire our travelers, partners and industry peers to rethink ways tourism can positively impact the planet. This vision has been contagious. Over the years, we have built a strong community of local NGOs doing remarkable work in conservation, research, social justice and education. Their dedication inspires us every day, which is why we’re so proud to amplify their efforts through our trips. We are optimistic about the future, and we believe that luxury travel and sustainability are not mutually exclusive—they must go hand-in-hand,” Santin adds.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability in Mexico and Ecuador
Todos Santos Eco Adventures (TOSEA) is at the forefront of responsible tourism in Baja California Sur, Mexico, integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and a signatory of the Future of Tourism Coalition, TOSEA spearheads initiatives that drive conservation and sustainability in the region. One of its most ambitious projects is supporting the Alianza Cero Basura, which works to establish Mexico’s first Zero Waste destination in Todos Santos and El Pescadero, setting a groundbreaking precedent for responsible tourism.
TOSEA is also taking decisive action against climate change through its partnership with Tomorrow’s Air, significantly increasing its contributions to carbon capture, having successfully removed and stored three tons of CO₂ so far. Their holistic approach to sustainability extends beyond waste reduction and emissions mitigation. TOSEA is deeply involved in conservation efforts and embedding regenerative principles into its tourism model, demonstrating that sustainability is not just about minimizing harm; it’s about fostering a thriving future for both local communities and the environment.
Ecuadorian company Latin Trails is committed to sustainable tourism and climate action, recognizing the profound impact that travel has on local cultures and the environment—especially in fragile ecosystems like the Galápagos Islands. In response, the company is leading a range of innovative conservation initiatives. They include a hydroponic garden on San Cristóbal Island that promotes sustainable food production, a Citizen Scientist program aboard the Galapagos Seaman Journey in which guests and crew actively contribute to marine research by documenting species and sharing valuable conservation data and a small wildlife reserve in the Amazon where reforestation efforts are restoring natural habitats and fostering the return of native animal species.
Sustainability is embedded in Latin Trails’ daily business practices by operating an entirely solar-powered office and managing the ILLA Experience Hotel in Quito, which runs without fossil fuels or single-use plastics. The company also actively engages employees in development programs that raise environmental and cultural awareness. Through these and other initiatives, Latin Trails minimizes its footprint while also empowering both travelers and staff to take active roles in conservation and climate action.
Considering that travelers and Travel Agents are increasingly valuing commitments to people and the planet, we hope these initiatives inspire you to strengthen and expand your own!
