Sustainability Policy and Performance
Since inception, Apus Peru has been developing a sustainability policy which incorporates all aspects of the tour.
We at Apus Peru believe that we should be honest and forthright in our dealings with clients and provide objective and balanced pre-trek information.
We believe that tourism can benefit both local communities and people through creating bridges of understanding based on mutual respect and understanding.
We educate staff to follow international 'Leave No Trace' principles and encourage clients to follow international 'Leave No Trace' principles:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimise Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors

Environmental/Ecological Impact
1. To minimise environmental impact while trekking through
Staying on established paths and tracks and avoiding trampling
Camping in established campsites
In softer zones we search out the more durable surfaces.

2. Our staff and clients are encouraged to inspect each campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spilled foods, including for "micro-rubbish" such as bits of food and rubbish, including cigarette filters and organic litter such as orange peels, or egg and nut shells. Pack in plastic bags to carry your rubbish out (and maybe someone else's).

3. Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out…

4. To use green power in offices (where applicable), seek recycling alternatives and promote minimum consumption.

5. To investigate and implement a carbon neutral policy.

Socio-Cultural Impacts: On-going commitment to socio-cultural responsibility.

1. Where possible we encourage our clients to book by the beginning of each month, so we can schedule guides, cooks and muleteers programs. This means that they have more balanced programs (beneficial for those with families) and also have guaranteed work days for the month - most important in a fickle industry. They are also able to know their expected income for that month.
2. In remote communities we engage in dialogue with community elders regarding their expectations of tourism in their village and their desires for visitor behaviour.
3. We educate our clients about appropriate and responsible behaviour in communities pre-visit. There is a strong emphasis on behaving and giving responsibility.
4. 5% of trek prices is invested in remote Andean communities in sustainable development projects. Current projects include revitalising weaving traditions (so that women can on-sell weavings) and a bilingual education project.

Economic Impacts: On-going commitment to economic responsibility.

1. We pay staff above industry standard
2. We actively encouraging only tipping for good service - not because it is an obligation.
3. We use local products and services. On remote, longer trips, we encourage our passengers to buy from local stores rather in the large cities to further distribute the wealth of tourism.
4. We support homestays in villages. We work with clients and accommodation providers regarding expectations of both groups.

Innovative Best Practices:

Actions your organization has taken that demonstrate exemplary performance within the travel and tourism industry in any of the above areas.
1. Focus on incorporating community projects into treks.
2. English classes for staff.
3. Donating 5% of each trek price to community projects.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.