As more people become aware of ecological and sustainability issues surrounding tourism, the demand for ethically-minded travel is growing. Launched in August 2012, Sumak Travel is a responsible tour operator and social enterprise offering inspirational, community-based eco-tourism trips and adventures across Latin America. Sumak opens the door for travellers to connect with local communities, meeting the people who live there and experiencing local life first-hand.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - February 11th, 2013 - Launched in August 2012, Sumak Travel is a responsible tour operator and social enterprise offering inspirational, community-based eco-tourism trips and adventures across Latin America. Sumak opens the door for travellers to connect with local communities, meeting the people who live there and experiencing local life first-hand. Half of all profits are invested in community-led projects across Latin America and the other half is reinvested back into the organization.

As more people become aware of ecological and sustainability issues surrounding tourism, the demand for ethically-minded travel is growing. Many travellers are becoming more discerning, wanting to escape the well-trodden tourist trail and really connect with the local life and culture of the places they visit.

Latin America has a wealth of fascinating cultures, communities and traditions to explore, as well as some of the most breathtaking landscapes and eco-systems on the planet. Offering tailor-made trips across Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil as well as bespoke eco-adventures to Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, Sumak gives travellers the opportunity to combine community-based eco-tourism with visits to the well-known highlights of each of these countries.

On Sumak Travel's Argentina eco-tours, as well as exploring the exciting capital city of Buenos Aires and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, travellers can discover the distinct landscapes and culture of Northern Argentina. Staying within rural settlements and villages around Salta they’ll take part in the everyday life and activities of the local communities. Each activity or excursion draws the visitor into the heart of rural Argentina, showing them the people, culture and places that make it tick.

Other experiences include Amazon adventures, visits to vibrant urban and coastal communities on eco-travel trips to Brazil or fair-trade projects in rural Colombia. On all trips travellers will see incredible sights, meet inspirational people, sit down to talk and eat with the locals and gain a true insight into life in Latin America.

The website features a range of eco-trips, from 6 to 16 days, but all are entirely flexible itineraries and can be tailor-made to suit each traveller.

Sumak Travel also caters for school and university groups on field and research trips to South America, organising expert guides, local specialists and academics, as well as workshops with social entrepreneurs and innovators. Sumak Travel is an active member of Tourism Concern, Responsible Travel and the Travel Foundation.

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For more information or questions write to pr@sumak-travel.org

To book a trip visit www.sumak-travel.org

For travel enquiries contact Felipe at enquiries@sumak-travel.org or call 020 36424246

More about Sumak Travel:

Eco-tourism, as defined by the International Eco-tourism Society, is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the wellbeing of local people”. Sumak Travel is working directly with local, community-based projects in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador to deliver unique travel experiences, fair prices and operational transparency. The Sumak Travel mission is to contribute to the empowerment of local communities in Latin America by running an ethical business that provides rewarding and authentic experiences for all.

The organization was established to bridge the gap between innovative communities using eco-tourism to supplement their income, and travellers looking for a more rewarding experience that supports a responsible and sustainable approach to tourism. Sumak Travel works alongside Sustainable Pangea, a multilingual web platform that features community-based eco-tourism destinations, as well as best practices of social entrepreneurs in other areas. It documents how local communities are innovating to promote sustainable change in Latin America.

Half of Sumak Travel’s profits are reinvested back into the social enterprise to increase the number of destinations and reduce transaction costs. The remaining half is invested into community-led projects that are part of the Sustainable Pangea Network.

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