Responsible Travel    OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Tips for Travellers

OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

At Latin America Travel, we are dedicated to promoting travel experiences that respect people, animals, and the environment. Our policies ensure that every activity we offer aligns with ethical, cultural, and ecological standards. By choosing us, you support a company that values sustainability, ethical responsibility, and the protection of our planet’s natural and cultural treasures.

Ethical Activity Standards

  • We do not offer activities that harm humans, animals, plants, natural resources, or that are socially or culturally unacceptable.
  • We do not promote or include activities involving animals kept in captivity, except under strict welfare and legal standards.
  • Wildlife species may not be taken from the wild, eaten or used for food, exploited in shows, exhibits, or attractions, or commercialized in any way—unless explicitly legal under local, national, and international laws.
  • All excursions involving wildlife interactions follow recognized codes of conduct, prioritizing animal welfare, visitor safety, and environmental sustainability.

Protecting Biodiversity & Culture

  • We actively discourage the illegal souvenir trade—including coral, seashells, turtle shells, stuffed animals, skins, bones, protected plants, or products containing endangered species.
  • We do not promote souvenirs containing threatened flora or fauna species, such as the Cuban crocodile, hawksbill sea turtle, black coral, Cuban mahogany, or endemic orchids.
  • Our practices safeguard ecosystems while respecting the cultural heritage of the communities we work with.
  • In Cuba, the purchase, sale, and export of historic or religious artefacts, as well as items containing materials from threatened species, are strictly regulated under national laws, CITES conventions, and customs regulations. Violations may result in confiscation, fines, or criminal penalties.

Environmental Protection

  • Prohibition of harmful activities: Excursions that degrade ecosystems, pollute habitats, or disturb wildlife are not permitted (e.g., off-road vehicle tours in protected areas, feeding wild animals).
  • Sustainable operations: Activities should minimize carbon footprint, water usage, and waste generation, while complying with local environmental regulations.
  • We actively promote environmentally supportive activities such as:
    • Guided hikes in national parks and reserves
    • Wildlife observation tours following conservation guidelines
    • Entrance fees that support park maintenance and conservation programs
    • Tours of organic farms or agroforestry projects
    • Interpretive walks led by local ecologists or naturalists

Animal Welfare

  • Ban on exploitation: Experiences such as swimming with dolphins, cockfighting, or any activity involving captive or mistreated animals are strictly prohibited.
  • Captive wildlife standards: If an activity involves captive animals, it must:
    • Be fully legal under all relevant laws
    • Follow ethical and welfare standards
    • Be monitored or certified by appropriate authorities
    • Be managed only by facilities with proper infrastructure and expertise to ensure humane treatment

Cultural and Social Responsibility

  • Respect for communities: Activities must not objectify or exploit Indigenous cultures, religious practices, or vulnerable populations (e.g., human safaris, orphanage tourism).
  • Authentic representation: Cultural experiences must be led by local communities or carried out in collaboration with them, ensuring dignity and fair compensation.
  • Community inclusion: We actively include and promote excursions that support local communities by:
    • Purchasing local services and goods
    • Supporting traditional crafts and food production
    • Visiting and contributing to social and community projects

Guiding Guests in Sensitive Destinations

We ensure that visits to culturally and environmentally sensitive areas are conducted ethically, safely, and respectfully.

  1. Site Assessment & Classification: Identify destinations as culturally sensitive, heritage sites, or ecologically sensitive areas.
  2. Qualified Guides: Assign only skilled and certified eco-tourism or conservation-trained professionals.
  3. Supervised Experiences: Guides ensure minimal environmental footprint, respectful engagement with communities, and no unauthorized access.

Enforcement & Accountability

  • Practices are continuously reviewed and improved.
  • Non-compliance with these standards may result in contract termination.
  • Providers assume full responsibility for any legal, reputational, or environmental damages arising from prohibited activities.

Our Promise

By choosing us, you are supporting a company that values sustainability, ethical responsibility, and the protection of our planet’s natural and cultural treasures. Together, we can ensure that travel remains a force for good —preserving biodiversity, protecting cultural heritage, and strengthening local communities for generations to come.