At Chile Off Track, sustainability isn’t just a commitment—it’s our way of life. Our mission is to preserve Chile’s stunning landscapes, support local communities, and create meaningful experiences for every guest. Here’s how we turn this vision into action:
1. Plastic-Free Initiatives
• We encourage travellers to bring reusable water bottles and provide filtered water for refills. For those without one, we supply reusable water bottles with filtered water, ensuring hydration while cutting down on single-use plastics.
• By eliminating disposable bottles, we’ve significantly reduced waste.
2. Leave No Trace
• We adhere to the “Leave No Trace” policy, ensuring we leave the environment as pristine as we found it—or better.
• Inspired by the Chilean Scouts’ motto, “Dejar el lugar mejor que como lo encontraste” (“Leave the place better than you found it”), this principle guides our outdoor and environmental practices.
3. Carbon-Conscious Travel
• When possible, our team joins tours to reduce additional vehicle usage. This minimizes our carbon footprint while still providing a personalized, semi-private experience.
4. Respect for the Environment
• Our guides strictly follow designated trails to protect the landscape and preserve delicate ecosystems.
5. Supporting National Parks
• We use only designated hiking trails in national parks and actively contribute to their maintenance and preservation efforts.
6. Education and Awareness
• We educate visitors and locals about Chile’s unique natural beauty, fostering appreciation and conservation efforts.
• By sharing insights into local culture, customs, and history, we deepen our guests’ connections to the region.
7. Supporting Local Communities
• We collaborate with local providers, such as horse tour operators, directly supporting their families.
• Our tours include visits to small artisan shops and communities, contributing to their livelihoods.
• For longer tours in southern Chile, we partner with boutique accommodations owned by local families, sustaining their income.
• We prioritize partnerships with Chilean-owned businesses and suppliers, reinforcing the local economy.
8. Sustainable Transportation
• While our 10-year-old American van isn’t the newest, we maintain it diligently to ensure efficiency and safety.
• We employ local drivers, providing reliable income that supports their families.
9. Eco-Friendly Practices
• Healthy snacks and fresh fruit are provided in recycled paper bags to reduce waste.
• Guests receive locally made ceramic crafts as keepsakes, supporting regional artisans. (This initiative is in progress.)
10. Local Collaboration
• We rely on local professionals for daily operations such as finance and administration, ensuring economic benefits stay within the community.
11. Minimizing Environmental Impact
• Our virtual office setup allows us to conduct 99% of our work digitally, significantly reducing paper usage.
• Team members work from home, eliminating the environmental impact of daily commutes.
12. Workplace Sustainability
• We create a supportive work environment with personalized, flexible arrangements to promote balance and well-being.
13. Off-Season Travel
• We operate year-round, offering tours in all seasons. Our flexible cancellation policy allows us to adapt tours affected by weather-dependent activities such as stargazing or ski trips.
14. Small-Scale Tourism
• We specialize in small-group tours (2–9 people), tailored to each group’s interests for an authentic, local experience. This approach minimizes environmental impact:
• Local businesses can provide personalized service.
• Restaurants prepare meals fresh to order.
• We use smaller vans, avoiding traffic congestion and large-scale disturbances.
• Our small groups have a lighter impact on parks and natural resources.
• While we welcome independent travellers arriving via cruises, we avoid contracts or agreements with cruise companies to maintain our sustainable ethos.
With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, Chile Off Track invites you to travel purposefully. Together, we can explore responsibly, support local communities, and preserve Chile’s breathtaking beauty for generations to come.