At Chimu Adventures we really pride ourselves on working with the local community. As a small company we are extremely flexible and work with communities in many different ways. This is highlighted by some of the travel industries most respected names working with us - names such as responsibletravel.com, infohub.com to the South American explorers club. We have also been recently announced finalists in the Telstra Business Awards 2008 (a leading Australian award for businesses) due to our sustainable operations and commitment to the local communities in which we operate. A tour with Chimu adventures will give back, and you will make a difference!

Chimu and the Environment

We really work hard to keep all our operations green! We are attempting to run all our worldwide offices currently on green energy (we are working towards 100%) from hydro electric, wind to solar power. The remainder of our company emissions are offset so that our operations are completely carbon neutral. Being web based, we are close to becoming a paperless environment, brochure prints are at a minimum (and printed on a requirement basis) and all pre departure information is emailed. We use energy saving bulbs in our work centres, and recycle all our waste. Staff are encouraged to ride a bike or take public transport to work, and Chimu Adventures pays for half of the cost of a bicycle purchase for staff.

Recently we have also started an initiave to plant a tree in Peru and Bolivia for each and every client travelling to these wonderful countries. So booking with is like your making your very own contribution to the environment!

Furthermore, we offer carbon offsets for a few of our standard tours. The carbon calculations were undertaken by Ecovantage on Chimu Adventures behalf and were done in line with the Australian Greenhouse Office Methods and Factor's Workbook. Canbon Offsets are undertaken via Green Fleet with is a not for profit organisation (www.greenfleet.com.au). Look out for this logo on the payment pages in order to offset you emissions:

Charities

We currently work with 3 different charities, giving us a broad spectrum and diversifying where our monies go. We work with Project Peru in the UK, ANIA in Peru. We are also involved in providing micro financing to local people who want to start up their own businesses. This work is undertaken via Kiva.

These charities are close to our core of supporting the environment and children in need. More information on these charities can be provided. In the financial year 2006/07 Chimu Adventures gave 10% of its profits to charity. A big commitment to the areas in which we operate, and a benchmark for other travel companies.

As well as supporting well known charities we also do our bit to help local communities on tour. We use local hotels and suppliers for all our needs, and make sure as much the profits of the tours go back into the local community. We aim to empower the locals and help them develop their infrastructure for the future. Our guides are sourced from the country of origin, and unlike many other travel companies we do not have foreigners showing you the country, we prefer locals - their intimate knowledge, passion and culture you gain a far superior experience!

Since the earthquake of August 2007, Chimu adventures has been working with several different groups on the ground in Lima and been involved in supplying basic needs such as water and foodstuffs to the homeless in the Chincha, Pisco, Cerro Azul and Ica regions. This has been in the form of direct aid, and has arrived where it is needed quickly and with out the hassles involved of dealing with large organisations such as the Peruvian red cross.

Recently we have been focusing on microfinancing for small business people in South America. We have provided loans to in excess of 20 business people in Latin America and helped them establish their own companies and co operatives. Micro  financing empowers individuals, and gives them a sense of self worth, improves their living conditions, improves their standard of living, as well as generates employment.. we use Kiva ( A well known NGO) to help us reach these people in need.

We really care about where we work, in all regions of Latin America - our tours do make a difference! - come with us and find out why!

CARTAGENITOS ( volunteercolombia.org ) - Information on grass-roots volunteer projects in Colombia.

"A huge and hearfelt 'gracias' to all of you who continue to offer  us such generous support, loyalty and friendship - thank you for helping ensure that our little refuge continues to be one of the happiest places that many people from all worlds have experienced. Thank you for jumping on the roller coaster that is Project  Peru and for making it possible for us to transform awareness into action and commitment."

Carole Hudson and the Project Peru committee

• PROJECT PERU - www.projectperu.org.uk/
• ANIA - www.mundodeania.org/eng/index.html
• KIVA - http://www.kiva.org/