Introducing Our Conscious Routes Collection
Our Conscious Routes Collection brings together a selection of hotels, lodges, boats and excursions chosen by Latin Routes for their positive impact. Each one either helps reduce environmental footprint, supports local communities, preserves cultural heritage or plays a role in conserving wildlife and biodiversity.
This is just the beginning of a long-term sustainability journey. We are starting small and will expand the collection as we learn more about the wider impact of our trips. Some of the hotels and excursions in your itinerary may already be part of the Conscious Routes Collection, highlighted with a short note on why they have been included.
To build this collection, we have established a careful discovery process with our in-country partners. This allows us to better understand the positive change they are making and to celebrate it through our Conscious Routes choices. As we organise holidays across Latin America, the process will take time. If a hotel or excursion is not currently included, it may well be added in the future as our understanding develops.
How have we chosen the collection?
Different hotels and experiences will have their own sustainability goals and areas of focus. The criteria we use to assess them are outlined below, and while not every one needs to be met, those that show meaningful progress can be included in our Conscious Routes Collection.
To be included in our Conscious Routes Collection, each property is assessed against key criteria:
Environmental impact
We look at how properties reduce single-use plastics and manage waste and water responsibly. We also consider how they minimise energy consumption, whether they use renewable energy, and how they contribute to biodiversity through initiatives such as nature-rich gardens or local conservation projects.
Community impact
We explore how properties support local communities by offering fair employment and career progression, sourcing produce locally, and working with local artisans and guides.
To be part of our Conscious Routes Collection, we identify immersive experiences that respect the environment and bring lasting benefits to local communities:
Low-carbon activities
Walking, biking and kayaking tours provide a slower, more immersive way to discover a destination while keeping carbon emissions to a minimum.
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife excursions take place in natural habitats or within conservation areas, supporting rehabilitation efforts and scientific research.
Community-led experiences
We highlight excursions created and run by local communities. These experiences give visitors the chance to learn about local traditions while ensuring that income directly supports the community.
Cultural heritage
Excursions that help protect and preserve cultural and built heritage are included. This may involve limiting visitor numbers or offering educational programmes that contribute to long-term conservation.
Our selection of small expedition ships is assessed using similar criteria to hotels, with additional considerations:
Environmental impact
Ships must follow international waste management standards and use fuel-efficient engines. We also ask whether they measure and actively mitigate their carbon emissions.
Wildlife conservation
Ships are required to follow clear guidelines for marine wildlife encounters, in line with local and international standards.
