Sustainable Tourism

Responsible travel is about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment. This can only be done by learning a little bit about the country, the culture and even a few words of the local language before you arrive. Responsible travel is more adventurous than “mass tourism” as it requires interaction with local people, staying in small locally owned hotels and sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Things may not always go to plan but they will certainly be more exciting and at the end of your visit you will feel more fulfilled and informed about the places and people you have visited having experienced a deeper and more real travel experience.

Runas Expeditions fully supports the principles of responsible travel and sustainable tourism and has been working hard to show that it is possible to provide an excellent quality service whilst being culturally sensitive, looking after our trekking and tours staff and helping to conserve the environment. In our opinion the only way to improve trekking standards and reduce the impact of tourism on the environment is to provide good quality information, charge a price that is fair and reasonable for the services provided (with no hidden extras) and demonstrate that our company is working towards conservation of the environment and looking after the well-being of those people who work for Runas Expeditions and those communities that we visit as part of our tours.

Our Mission Statement

Runas Expeditions recognizes the fact that if tourism is not correctly managed it can have a very negative effect on the local people and culture, the environment and the local and national economy. This is particularly true for a country such as Peru whose economy depends so much on tourism.
It is obviously important to us that you have a great time when you visit Peru, but this must not be at the expense of our national treasures: our environment and our people. As a professional company we have a duty to act responsibly and to encourage and promote responsible tourism. The emphasis must be on actions right now rather than just a list of things we would like to achieve in the future. Runas Expeditions has many economic, environmental and social responsibilities which we have included below in our Responsible Tourism Policy. Our goal is to become Peru’s foremost responsible tour operator, an achievement which in our opinion is very achievable with our determination. However, visitors must also accept their role in helping us to realize this goal. Tourists and Runas Expeditions work together, that tourism can really benefit local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchange and a financial incentive to protect the natural environment.

Conservation of biological and cultural diversity
Sustainable use of ecological resources (should have a minimal I impact)
Support for local economies through increased local revenue, jobs for local populations, and use of local supplies and services thus helping communities to rise their standards of life.
Community empowerment by sharing participation in management local ecotourism activities
Increased environmental and cultural awareness which further encourages the local population to preserve its environment.
Being considerate of Peru’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.