Deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Rainforest Expeditions are busy redefining the term ‘eco-lodge’. From environmental conservation to deep social and cultural engagement, they’ve got it all covered, and in a truly genuine manner. On top of their daily conservation efforts, which form the very core of their offerings, one of their lodges stands out as an extraordinary example of socially sustainable tourism. Their Posada Amazonas lodge is owned by the local indigenous community of Infierno and is run in partnership with Rainforest Expeditions.
Local ownership ensures that the community directly benefits from the tourism that takes place in their precious environment. But more importantly, it ensures that they are empowered to shape the kind of tourism they want to see into the future. Since establishing this unique partnership back in 1996, the community has had an integral say in tourism matters through the initial 20-year plan they co-created with Rainforest Expeditions. In the years since, their voice continues to be heard through the Management Committee which is made up of 10 elected community members who meet monthly to discuss all operations. As more local people continue to increase their knowledge of lodge management, marketing activities and take on more responsibility, they move closer and closer to the mutual long-term goal of 100% community management!
Rainforest Expeditions also commits to sustainability by building their lodges with local materials, maximising energy efficiency and reusing energy wherever possible, as well as carbon offsetting. By inviting people into the wilderness, they also play an important role reconnecting humans with the natural environment and inspiring us to care for it, both at home and abroad.
Learn more about their sustainability efforts here.