Responsible Travel Guide

At Chimu Adventures, we are committed to exploring the world responsibly, striving to ensure our adventures leave a positive impact on the communities we visit. Whether you’re trekking the Inca Trail, marvelling at the untouched beauty of Antarctica’s pristine icebergs, or sharing a meal with a local family in Santiago, every trip is an opportunity to learn and create genuine connections with the places and people we encounter along the way.

As you embark on your journey with us, we invite you to join us in this mission of responsible travel. We’ve created the following tips to empower you with actions—here’s how you can help create a positive impact with your journey:
 

1. Respect the Local Culture 

Do your homework (before you go).
Check your Chimu Travellers Guide for etiquette, packing tips, and cultural briefings so you arrive informed and prepared.

Learn a few phrases. A friendly “hola” (hello), “por favor” (please), and “gracias” (thank you) in Spanish - or a Quechua greeting in Peru - can open doors to warmer exchanges. Apps like Duo-Lingo make it easy.

Ask before you photograph. 
Always seek permission before photographing people or sacred sites, and be prepared for a polite “no.”

Follow local norms. 
Dress and behave in line with local expectations, especially around religious sites (e.g. churches in Cusco or Quito) and community visits.

Be courteous to everyone you meet. 
Treat local hosts, service staff, and fellow travellers with respect—your guide can help you navigate cultural nuances.

Follow the law and uphold human rights. 
Respect national regulations and cultural sites; avoid activities that exploit people or communities – like unregulated Machu Picchu tours that bypass entry limits.

2. Protect Our Planet

Use resources sparingly (during your stay). 
Reuse towels and linens, switch off lights/A C/chargers when you head out, and keep showers short.

Cut single use plastics. 
Pack a reusable bottle and tote; use refill points and decline straws and plastic bags. Chimu’s Antarctic vessels and many South American hotels have refill stations on board or in-lobby.

Pack light. 
Bring only what you need – lighter luggage means less fuel consumption on flights and transfers, and it makes your own travel easier. 

Eat with the seasons. 
Choose plant forward, locally sourced meals when possible; it’s often fresher, supports local producers, and lowers impact.

Leave no trace outdoors. 
Stay on marked paths, dispose of rubbish properly, and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife—fragile environments like Patagonia’s moss and lichen can take decades to recover if damaged.

Respect National Park rules. 
Follow route markers, observe visitor capacity limits, and adhere to local guidance designed to protect the landscape and its ecosystems.

View wildlife responsibly. 
Keep safe distances, never feed or touch animals, and follow your guide’s instructions. For Polar voyages, follow biosecurity procedures (e.g., boot cleaning) and species distance rules; drones are not permitted around wildlife.

Use reef-safe sunscreen and low-impact toiletries
Choose mineral sunscreens (e.g. non-nano zinc) and avoid harmful chemicals to protect marine life.

Biosecurity beyond the Poles.
Clean boots and gear before moving between parks or islands to prevent spreading invasive species.

Support conservation where you travel. 
Join reputable local initiatives or, if you’d like to give back after your journey, donate to our Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Foundation, where 100% of proceeds go directly to supported projects. 
 

3. Support the Local Economy

Hire local expertise. 
We work directly with local guides and specialists in Latin America and trusted expedition leaders in the Polar regions to provide authentic insights and ensure community and environmental benefits.

Buy direct from artisans. 
Choose handicrafts from local makers or co-ops, pay fair prices, and avoid mass-produced copies—such as authentic hand-woven alpaca textiles from the Sacred Valley markets.

Dine locally. 
Seek out family run eateries and markets; ask your guide for recommendations that keep spend in the community - in Lima, this might mean a traditional cevicherìa rather than a global chain. 

Choose community based activities. 
Prioritise visits that have a clear community benefit (e.g., homestyle lunches, community led tours, or social enterprises).

Avoid economic leakage. Where practical, book locally owned services so more of your tourism dollar stays in destination.

Shop wildlife-friendly.
Avoid buying coral, shells, reptile skins, ivory, or any products made from endangered species. 
 

5. Make Thoughtful Choices 

Move mindfully. 
Walk, cycle, or use public transport for short hops; share vehicles when needed – in Ushuaia, for example, the port and town are easily explored on foot.

Travel small. 
Opt for small group activities and small ship expedition cruising to reduce pressure on crowded sites and foster genuine connection.

Look for credible standards. 
When choosing add on services, prefer providers with recognised sustainability credentials (e.g., GSTC aligned, IAATO/AECO in Polar regions, or Rainforest Alliance-certified lodges in Latin America).

Use your influence wisely. 
Leave balanced, constructive reviews that highlight responsible practices and flag concerns respectfully to help lift standards.

Help prevent overtourism.
Travel in shoulder seasons, explore less-visited areas, and choose small-group departures.

Avoid direct animal contact and performances.
Skip animal shows and wildlife selfies with handled animals. 
 

6. Travel Informed 

Tune into local sensitivities. 
Ask questions, listen to lived experience, and be open to perspectives different from your own.

Respect protected areas. 
In the Antarctic and Arctic, comply with landing rules, wildlife distances, and biosecurity measures at all times. 

Learn from experts. 
Your local and expedition guides are trained to brief you on culture, environment, and safety—follow their lead

Share feedback. 
Tell us and our partners what worked and what could be improved—your feedback helps us strengthen our practices and guest materials.