This entry was posted on May 17, 2012 at 10:17 AM and has received 269 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This month's Making a Difference award winner is Hidden Valley Inn, a luxury eco-resort set high in the Mountain Pine Ridge in the Cayo District of Belize. This secluded forest escape has miles of well-groomed trails as well as its own restaurant, massage rooms, and yoga studio. We spoke with Raul Rodriguez to find out more about this beautiful eco-chic hotel.

Q. Is Hidden Valley Inn a good place for travelers who want to see exotic plants and wildlife?

RR: Yes! Hidden Valley Inn is dedicated to nature conservation. We are located on a 7,200 acre private reserve comprised of two ecosystems: Caribbean pine forest and tropical broadleaf jungle. In our forests, you can find numerous cascades, pools, and waterfalls networked by over 90 miles of trails and roads.

Hidden Valley Inn is involved with multiple wildlife projects in the region. The first orange-breasted falcons born in captivity, five females and one male, were released by the Peregrine Fund on Hidden Valley Inn's private reserve in 2007. Other animals that live in the forest include jaguars, ocelots, and peccaries--and look out for otters swimming in the quiet streams on the property.

Q. What can your guests do to learn about local Belizean culture and customs?

RR: Travelers can visit nearby areas that reflect the multicultural communities of Belize. The villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio are home to predominantly Mayan descendants, while the inhabitants of Georgeville and Progresso are of mixed Creole and Mestizo descent and the Barton Creek farming area is occupied by an Amish community. Further down the Western Highway is Spanish Lookout, where the Mennonites reside and farm.

We have a "Meet the People Tour" that takes guests into these areas to see, feel, touch, smell, and taste the Belizean way of life. Our guides are knowledgeable in Belizean culture and customs. Guests participate in educational tours conducted by local guides and attend cultural fairs and events. During these tours, you can support the local communities by purchasing local food, fresh produce, and arts and crafts.

Q. Why sustainability is so important for your hotel and what noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

RR: Sustainability is the mainstay of our tourism products, hotel, and tours. We believe that protecting the natural environment and its diverse ecosystems will be a great benefit to the tourism industry of Belize for generations to come.

We have environmentally-friendly procedures in place to minimize waste. We use eco-friendly chemicals and products from reputable suppliers as well as fresh local produce instead of imported packaged goods. We monitor our electricity, fuel, and water usage and have an eco-friendly garbage disposal system.

We rely on locals for our business and employ the majority of our employees from the surrounding villages. By economically empowering these residents, they in turn take ownership of the natural resources and are motivated to protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the area.

We offer educational tours and excursions to students from two local schools in Cristo Rey and San Antonio Village. We have also donated a photocopier to the Cristo Rey school and are in the process of assisting with the creation of a computer lab for the San Antonio school.

Q. Of all of the hotels in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, what makes Hidden Valley Inn special?

RR: Hidden Valley Inn is situated on a large property unrivaled by any hotel in the area, offering ultimate privacy and seclusion. Those in the mood for some romance can even reserve certain waterfalls and cascade pools for the day. With only 12 rooms on this vast property, privacy and a focus on wellness can be guaranteed. You can take advantage of our vast trail network, three yoga platforms, and our holistic spa, complemented by qualified local guides and employees that will bend over backwards for their guests.

This entry was posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:52 AM and has received 552 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

Walking through a cloud forest can make you feel like you're in a fairy tale. Trees covered in moss and vines seem to almost glow in the white mist. Everywhere you look, from the forest floor up to the canopy, is bursting with green vegetation in a vast array of textures. You might see a sloth hanging peacefully from a gnarled tree branch, or a brightly colored butterfly flitting by. If you're really lucky (or have a skilful local guide) you might catch a glimpse of a jaguar or ocelot loping silently through the foliage. Cloud forests also provide ideal habitat for many spectacular species of birds, including the elusive resplendent quetzal, making them a top destination for bird watching.

Though cloud forests occur in tropical or subtropical zones, the temperature is relatively cool, usually not exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). The pervasive mist and dense canopy softens the sunlight, giving this type of forest a mysterious, enchanting quality – in fact, in some places they are called "elfin forests." Scroll through the photos below and you'll understand why!

Check out these sustainable hotels located in cloud forests:

• Tandayapa Bird Lodge in the Chocó bioregion, Ecuador.
• Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Homestead in the Chiriquí province of Panama.
• Cabañas Los Pinos Hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

This entry was posted on April 27, 2012 at 10:27 AM and has received 974 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

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This entry was posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM and has received 468 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Leave your worries at home, it's time for a relaxing spa vacation! There's no need to stress about your impact on the environment if you choose to book with a sustainable spa and wellness resort--while you're working on a happier and healthier you, you'll be contributing to a happier and healthier planet! Keep reading to learn about some of the amazing AND sustainable resort spas in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica Named by Condé Nast as the "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" of Mexico and Central America in 2011, Tabacón is consistently recognized as one of the best spas in the world. This five-star hotel is located in northern Costa Rica, at the foot of the majestic Arenal volcano and in the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy your spa treatments in open air bungalows surrounded by pools and waterfalls formed by natural hot springs from the volcano. Tabacón is carbon neutral and certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, Sustainable Travel International's (STI) Sustainable Tourism Education Program, and the Leading Hotels of the World's Luxury Eco Certification Standards (LECS).
Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica Couples Tower Isle is an adults-only resort in Jamaica, honored as the best hotel spa in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure magazine and one of the top Caribbean all-inclusive resorts by Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. The resort underwent a major renovation in 2009, reopening with a total of 226 rooms, a dive pool, and ten spa treatment rooms. The colorful and minimalist pastel décor, three swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and a private island for au naturel sunbathing make Couples Tower Isle a paradise of relaxation. As the name suggests, all the services and activities are tailored for couples. Couples Tower Isle has achieved a "Gold" level certification from EarthCheck.
Lodge at Chaa Creek & The Macal River Camp, Belize Chaa Creek is located on a huge 365-acre (148-hectare) private nature reserve, nestled in the rainforest in the foothills of the misty Maya Mountains. Choose from 23 eco-chic cottages, villas, and suites at Chaa Creek or, for those seeking more rustic accommodations, there are also 10 wooden cabins near the Macal River. Chaa Creek's spa uses natural, herb-based treatments such as mineral rich mud treatments, herbal wraps, and locally-sourced botanicals. Travel + Leisure magazine named it as one of the Top Hotel Spas in Latin America in 2011. Chaa Creek is certified as sustainable by Green Globe International.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru Nestled in 12 acres of private gardens at the foot of the mountains that surround the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra offers an atmosphere of refinement and luxury within a rustic Andean village. Stay in one of their elegant white casitas or more opulent villas, designed with inspiration from traditional Andean culture. The UNU Spa at Inkaterra uses local botanical extracts and incorporates elements of traditional Andean mysticism for a unique experience. Inkaterra is Rainforest Alliance Verified.
Luna Runtun, the Adventure SPA, Ecuador Situated on a 63-acre (25.5-hectare) property within Sangay National Park, Luna Runtun is a refreshing change of pace from the sleek, modern spa resorts you often find in the Caribbean. This "adventure" spa resort combines ecotourism activities and beautiful mountain landscapes with a unique "Volcanic SPA." The spa uses fresh plants and fruits, employed for their natural healing properties and grown in the hotel's 300-acre (121-hectare) garden, as well as mineral water and ashes from the nearby and very active Tungurahua volcano. Guests can enjoy watching Tungurahua shower the skies with spectacular shows of fire and lava from the safety of the spa. Luna Runtun is certified by Smart Voyager and has created the Tungurahua Volcano Foundation, which oversees a number of environmental and community projects.

This entry was posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:18 AM and has received 486 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

This month's Making a Difference award winner is Hotel Guancascos, a charming inn situated in a lovely town in rural Honduras. Hotel Guancascos is perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway in a bucolic setting, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and farming communities. We spoke with owner Fronica Miederma to find out more about her sustainable hotel.

Q. In what region of Honduras is Hotel Guancascos?

Miederma: Hotel Guancascos is located in western Honduras, in a small historic colonial town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants called Gracias. The hotel sits at the foot of the Celaque mountain range, which is home to the country's highest mountain. The region is known for its beautiful peaks, nature, and history. The first colonial routes passed through here, leaving an outstanding architectural legacy.

Gracias is part of a consortium of six small towns called Colusca, where some of the Honduras's oldest churches -- built during the colonial era -- still stand. The area is rural and vibrant with the culture of traditional agriculture and coffee production.

Q.What can your guests learn about local culture and traditions during their stay at Hotel Guancascos?

M: We recommend taking the city tour, so visitors can see and enjoy the architectural heritage and daily life of the local people. You'll visit many city sites including three colonial churches, an interpretive museum with a botanical garden, and the Castillo San Cristóbal. Along the way, you'll also stop to visit local craft sellers and traditional food vendors.

You can also visit the picturesque indigenous village of La Campa and interact with the people of this community. The women there are famous for their Lenca pottery, which is 100 percent handmade in the traditional way and exhibits an interesting legacy of beliefs and mythology.

Q.What kind of ecotourism activities are available nearby?

M: Gracias is surrounded by a 102-square mile (26,393-hectare) mountain range that includes Celaque Mountain, the highest mountain in Honduras at 9,347 feet (2,849 meters) above sea level. Celaque National Park is home to the largest cloud forest of Central America, which is very rich in biodiversity and has 16 miles (26 km) of well-marked trails to discover and explore the area's lush nature. In addition to hiking the trails of Celaque, visitors can go camping in the mountains, biking and bird-watching in the forest, swimming in the hot springs, and on excursions to the pottery cooperatives and organic coffee farms.

On Sundays, they can visit the churches of the Colosuca circuit and even participate in at least one traditional mass.

Q.Why is sustainability so important for your hotel? Tell me about your most outstanding sustainablility initiatives.

M: Our hotel policy is focused on doing the right thing. As we are in a historic city surrounded by nature, we're very aware of the significance of our natural treasures. We want to take an active role in the conservation of the area's natural and historic legacies and to contribute to the region's economic development in a way that is inclusive. In our daily activities, we try to respect local architecture and culture, form alliances for the welfare of the community, and promote a better quality of life for the company's personnel -- helping them make improvements to their homes and supporting them with bilingual education for their children, for example.

In partnership with Fundacion Miramundo, we raise funds for scholarships and construction projects in the local community. We are also in the process of creating a Tourism Training Center where students can earn a bachelor's degree in tourism, as well as a high school degree.

Q.Of all the accommodations near Celaque National Park, what makes Hotel Guancascos special?

M: Our hotel is known for its comfort and simplicity, a lush garden and restaurant with the best view of the city, and a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel also aims to be a liaison between responsible travelers and the local community. We have a lot of experience in the region, and our passion is sharing this knowledge with our guests.

This entry was posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:35 PM and has received 658 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Each year, Mexico hosts millions of tourists attracted by the country's extensive and unique natural and cultural wealth--especially its famous beaches and luxurious seaside resorts. However, in recent years, the numbers of tourists heading to Mexico looking for small-scale, responsible tourism are growing.

To support the carefully planned development and growth of ecotourism businesses and activities in the country, the Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (SEMARNAT) created the Mexican Standards for Ecotourism, a third-party certification program. We talked with César Rafael Chávez, Director General of Environmental, Urban and Tourism Development for SEMARNAT, who explains more about this certification program and what travelers can do to enjoy and support ecotourism in Mexico.

Question: What explains the recent ecotourism boom in Mexico?

Chávez: A trend toward mass tourism has dominated since the late 1940s, when Acapulco was created and was later solidified in the 70s, when Cancún, Los Cabo san Lucas, and Ixtapa emerged, also offering many large-scale tourist developments. The trend toward ecotourism began in the late 90s, led by groups concerned about the environment and by communities living in or near protected natural areas that had to find other means of earning a living when government decrees prevented their direct use of natural resources. At the same time, interest in taking advantage of Mexico's enormous potential for ecotourism development continued to grow. After the Year of Ecotourism in 2003, this interest became widespread and concrete actions began to take form.

Q: What gave rise to the Mexican Standards for Ecotourism?

Chávez: The Standards are a direct consequence of the Year of Ecotourism and were created to establish the criteria necessary for an activity or business to truly be considered "ecotourism." Through this tool, the guidelines and standards for sustainable ecotourism were developed. Similarly, SEMARNAT's certification program and the certification logo were designed to help promote ecotourism.

Q: What are some of Mexico's important sustainable tourism destinations?

Chávez: Baja California is a sustainable destination that has been developed to accommodate tourists interested in whale watching. There, we have certified businesses around San Ignacio Lagoon and in Guerrero Negro. The Lacandon forest is another region that is considered an ecotourism pioneer, but it is not as popular as the beaches or archeological sites. With that in mind, we are educating tourists about Mexico's sustainable destinations and are promoting sustainable activities available at mass tourism destinations so that visitors can also enjoy eco-destinations. For example, in Cancún, tourists can take tours of the north-south tourism circuits to that after a few days of sun and sand tourism, they can see the country's other treasures and also support ecotourism businesses.

Q: What kind of tourism businesses does your program certify?

Chávez: Community, indigenous, and rural ecotourism businesses as well as private ecotourism businesses can participate. The important thing is that they fall under the context of ecotourism.

Q: What kinds of businesses make up the majority of those that have been certified?

Chávez: We currently have 40 certified businesses - 38 of them are small-scale, rural, indigenous, or farmer-owned businesses, and most are in or near protected areas. There are two large companies certified in the Baja California area.

Q: Do you find that large and small hotels have different levels of interest in becoming certified?

Chávez: Large companies have discovered that certification gives them access to the most discerning international markets and allows them to be included on the itineraries of major tour operators in Europe, North America, and Asia. Small businesses, those located mainly in protected areas, are closer to the environment and are more focused on the importance of their rich natural and cultural heritage; they understand that sustainable tourism is essential for the conservation of the natural resources on which they directly depend.

Q: What aspects of sustainable tourism do the standards evaluate?

Chávez: First we evaluate the project plans, the business plan, the environmental impact assessment, and the planning of all the stages of development. Then we evaluate the tourism facilities, for example, water and energy use, waste treatment, relationship with wildlife, design features, construction materials, use of cleaning products , and vendors and purchasing, among others. There are also specific requirements for addressing the relationship between the business and the tourists, nature trails, signage for the facilities and natural areas that are visited, interactions with wildlife and aquatic ecosystems, community relations, and any conservation and environmental education initiatives they promote or support.

Q: What are the main challenges in becoming certified?

Chávez: The large companies usually have no problems. The smaller businesses and marginalized groups often have less capacity to make the changes they must make to become certified and they need training and financial support throughout the certification process, as well as after they have become certified so that they can maintain their certification.

Q: What recommendations do you have for tourists who want to travel responsibly in Mexico?

Chávez: When planning their trip, they should use websites like SustainableTrip.org for information about sustainable tourism businesses, activities, and key destinations. Our program also has launched a website called Ecoturismo Certificado (in Spanish), where tourists can find a list of our certified businesses, a description of several eco-destinations in the country, and a series of recommendations for planning their eco-trip in Mexico. In addition, there is an official website about sustainable tourism in Mexico.

AMTAVE.org (in Spanish), The Mexican Association for Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism's (AMTAVE) website, also has more information about environmentally-friendly vacation choices. Another tool that every tourist should know is the World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

Finally, it is important to remember that as tourists, we should not leave any environmental footprints but we should take away cultural footprints. That's the best thing about traveling!

Check out businesses certified to the Mexican Standards for Ecotourism available in the SustainableTrip.org directory.

This entry was posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:16 PM and has received 770 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Picture this: you're on a secluded beach, the sun warming your face as a gentle breeze tickles the back of your neck, the tide rolling in rhythmically not far from your feet. You feel focused, relaxed, and in tune with yourself and your surroundings.

Sounds like a yogi's paradise, doesn't it? The practice of yoga has much to do with discovering new frontiers, both physically and mentally--so it's no surprise that travel can help deepen your yoga practice. A yoga retreat in a beautiful and faraway tropical location is the perfect way to cultivate new experiences, both inward and out. Many retreats combine yoga practice with other fun nature activities, such as forest hikes, horseback riding, and wildlife tours. Or if you'd prefer to just take a yoga class or two on your trip, there are plenty of hotels that offer single classes.

As we derive benefits from the environment when practicing yoga in a pristine natural setting, it makes sense to return that kindness by traveling responsibly. As we mention on our Sustainable Yoga Travel activity page, sustainability and yoga are natural partners--sustainable travel emphasizes new and authentic experiences in harmony with nature and local cultures, which is in tune with the classic yogic principles of peace, balance, and conscientiousness.

Choosing a sustainable hotel or tour operator makes a huge difference to the environment and to the local community whose home you are visiting. This is because sustainable businesses, like those in our sustainable tourism directory, have made a demonstrated commitment to best practices such as reducing waste, managing consumption of natural resources, protecting wildlife, and paying their employees fair wages. It's important to book your retreat at a sustainable hotel, or with a tour operator that includes sustainable hotels in their itineraries, to make sure your trip has a positive impact on the destination you'll be enjoying on your journey to yogic bliss.

Below we've included few key destinations for sustainable yoga travelers. Or, grab your mat and head to any of these sustainable destinations offering yoga in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Samasati Nature Retreat This eco-resort is nestled in a tropical rainforest on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. They offer several options for yoga practitioners including daily yoga classes, one-week yoga and meditation retreats, and yoga teacher trainings.

Bodhi Surf School How's this for new experiences: a combined yoga and surf retreat! The school has its own yoga instructor who specializes in Asthanga, Vinyasa, and Anusara yoga. No prior experience is needed in either yoga or surfing, so this retreat may be more appealing for beginner and intermediate practitioners.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba This strikingly beautiful and high-end resort on Mexico's famed Riviera Maya offers several daily yoga and meditation classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners. There are also special yoga classes for aching backs and golfers.

This entry was posted on March 7, 2012 at 10:30 AM and has received 1027 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

SustainableTrip.org's Making a Difference award winner this month is Lima Tours, a sustainable tour operator in Peru that uses its employees' insider knowledge to craft authentic experiences for travelers. We spoke with Lima Tours' Humberto Medrano to find out a little bit more about this innovative industry leader.

Q. What are the top three attractions that travelers must experience when visiting your country, and why?

A. First is Machu Picchu for its rich historical background and amazing mountain views. But bear in mind that one can only fully understand the site after having experienced Choquequirao, another Inca city in the south of Peru. Machu Picchu was once as remote as Choquequirao is now, but ironically the latter was built afterwards. Building these cities in the midst of a sacred geography is something the Incas pondered for the location of both sites.

Second is Lake Titicaca, a true pacarina, or birthplace of ancient civilizations. Inca myths narrate how the founding couple emerged from the waters and settled in Cusco. The Tiahuanaco peoples who populated the area influenced Inca imperial architecture. The Kallawaya, traditional healers that still exist today, live around the lake and spoke Puquina, known as the "secret language of the Inca." You can look at the photographic masterpieces of Martín Chambi de Coaza and Juan Manuel Castro Prieto to grasp the dreamlike sensation of Titicaca's waters.

Third is the Amazon, more precisely the Pacaya-Samiria Natural Reserve. It is a colorful, buoyant hotspot the traveler can enjoy while cruising on an elegant boat. Meeting those who "haven't forgotten the old ways," as world renowned scholar Wade Davis has pointed out, is immediately appealing while in this remote and untouched part of the earth.

Q. Why is sustainability so important for your business and what noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

A. Today, being sustainable is important to every business, but it is crucial to businesses within the travel industry. Tour operators make a living from taking travelers to places where deep, moving, enriching experiences can be enjoyed. These places are almost all very fragile, such as intact ecosystems, communities with cultures very different from the West, and thousand-year-old buildings that house delicate pieces of ancient art. Ensuring a sustainable culture is the first step towards establishing a sustainable business. Sustainability is part of our core business model and we work hard to ensure our suppliers consider it as such, too. In the end, a virtuous cycle is established to everyone's benefit.

Some of the activities in our sustainability program include recycling all plastic bottles that our passengers use, training our guides in environment responsibility, ensuring that passengers properly dispose of their garbage, improving the working environment in Lima Tours offices, encouraging and requiring sustainability from our suppliers, and honoring the Lima Tours' paperless promise.

Q. Of all of the tour operators in Peru, what makes Lima Tours special?

A. Lima Tours is special because we have 56 years of experience in spearheading the Peruvian travel industry.

The company has been awarded the "Great Place to Work" prize a number of times. What this means to our clients is that they will have a proactive, thankful, enthusiastic travel specialist eager to share their knowledge of and passion for Peru. Any self-respecting traveler knows the value of insight that only locals can unveil. At Lima Tours, our passion for Peru is what drives us to share those insights with clients and to keep crafting magnificent experiences in Peru, one guest a time.

This entry was posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:05 PM and has received 871 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.