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The first "Making a Difference" award winner in 2014 is Matagalpa Tours, a sustainable tour operator in Nicaragua that is Rainforest Alliance verified and focused on nature, rural, and community tourism.

We spoke with general manager Arjen Roersma, who tells us about the essence of Matagalpa Tours, its work with communities, and the challenges of being a sustainable tourism business.

Question: How did Matagalpa Tours get started?

Roersma: After exploring many beautiful places in the northern zone of Nicaragua (actually, it's in the center of the country, but it's commonly called the "north" because the paved roads don't go any farther), we realized that there was no company offering tours to the destinations here. We recognized an opportunity, knowing that adventurous travelers would love to discover the beautiful jungles, volcanoes, and people of this region.

Q: Why did you decide to focus on rural tourism and cultural experiences?

Roersma:There is very little tourist infrastructure in the Matagalpa region but these communities and their inhabitants have many fascinating stories to tell and interesting activities in which tourists can participate. Our tours are perfect for travelers who are interested in the culture and history of Nicaragua and who do not mind having to spend a night in very basic accommodations in exchange for having a unique and authentic experience.

Q: How do you support the local people with whom you work?

Roersma:We have community initiatives to support indigenous women artisan groups and farmers. We also make a special effort to promote environmental education in the communities. Our Agualí project, which has been particularly successful, is an environmental education initiative executed by Matagalpa Tours with support from the Dutch embassy geared toward local youths. In 2013, we began organizing free tours for groups of students focused on environmental and sociocultural issues. We created the Aguali.net website in order to maintain a connection with the kids and increase the impact of our message. The website offers environmental, educational, and current events information for young people.

Q: How do tourists respond to your combination of entertainment, nature, and contact with communities?

Roersma: Many of our clients say they've had an unforgettable experience. It is essential for us that in addition to having a good time in Nicaragua, they take the message home. For example, we provide a lot of information on consumerism and how their choices at home affect the people here in our country. Some of our tours combine visits to sustainable coffee or cocoa farms so that tourists will think about the origin of what they consume and the power they have to make a change by being more conscious consumers.

Q: What environmental efforts do you make?

Roersma: We believe that best environmental practices should be an integral part of our lives. It cannot be that we save energy at work but do not care in our private lives. We have had a series of workshops and activities where the Matagalpa Tours team itself developed rules for environmental consciousness in all aspects of our lives.

Q: Why is it important for a company like Matagalpa Tours to obtain sustainable tourism verification from Rainforest Alliance?

Roersma: For us, the efforts we make to be a social and environmental business are already a major achievement. The Rainforest Alliance verification seal confirms and reaffirms these efforts. In both the economic and business realms, the verification process has helped us to prove that we are a credible environmental and community-oriented company.

Q: What efforts are you making as a member of Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability (TOPS)?

Roersma: Although organizing ourselves is a challenge, in 2013 we trained the guides and drivers working with our businesses in good sustainability practices. We are also taking steps to promote Nicaragua as a destination with a sustainable profile nationally and internationally.

Q: What does a tour operator need to do in order to be sustainable?

Roersma: Even though other tour operators are competitors, you must be interested in the overall growth of the travel sector. We can achieve a lot more together than alone.

As a company, you must invest in your staff and create a place for their personal and professional development. It is also vital that the company generates revenue for the communities to which it brings visitors and applies its best practices everywhere it operates, not just within the company.

Q: What achievements has Nicaragua made in sustainable tourism and what challenges remain?

Roersma: Tourism development in Nicaragua got started slow and late, but luckily many local initiatives have been able to establish themselves. Most service providers such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services are family businesses, which has helped Nicaragua be an original and unique country where culture and the hospitality environment continue to be attraction number one.

A challenge for us and the tourism industry is to promote domestic tourism.

This entry was posted on January 28, 2014 at 2:01 PM and has received 844 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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There are many reasons to visit Mexico: its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean; on the other coast, the Pacific embellished each year with impressive gray whales; its towering mountains covered with green forests rich in biodiversity; the Aztec and Maya legacies that live on in wonderful archaeological ruins; the exquisite cuisine; and, last but not least, beautiful colonial cities and majestic haciendas, which have gained much fame among tourists.

Haciendas started to spring up in Mexico in the 17th century, mainly in eastern and southeastern Mexico: in Jalisco, Yucatan, Hidalgo, Campeche, Puebla and Tlaxcala. They started as strategic points for local and regional farm markets in areas that were rich in natural resources and had an available work force. These large, grand houses played a key role in the history and economy of Mexico during Spanish colonization as places where agribusiness was negotiated. Some specialized in producing livestock, sugar, cocoa, coffee, grains, agave or other crops.

Despite the passage of so many years, more than a hundred "hacienda farms" remain in operation in these regions, and many have even continued their agricultural activities, complete with the charm and traditions of rural Mexican life. Recently, in order to leverage their natural, historical, and cultural wealth, many owners of these colonial buildings have chosen to rehabilitate them and turn them into luxury hotels.

The haciendas have opened their doors to tourists interested in rural tourism, history, and reveling in splendid colonial architecture. Upon arriving at a farm, the visitor is greeted by a huge house with spacious gardens and terraces, pools, stone fountains, chapels and monasteries, and charming décor with antique details. Its corners are filled with stories of the past and impressive histories. If you look carefully, it is even possible to stay in homes where important conquerors and public figures of the era slept, such as Hernán Cortés, Emperor Maximilian, General Santa Ana, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata.

The experience of staying at a hacienda includes a wide variety of entertainment activities related to rural life: horseback riding for several hours from one hacienda to another, visiting bull-fighting arenas and iconic local churches, practicing cattle herding, milking cows, taking classes for a famous sport called charro, horseback riding and lassoing, and of course, enjoying typical rural Mexican food.

But there are also options for adventure tourists or those seeking modern comfort and facilities. In the areas surrounding many haciendas, you can take tours on bicycles or all-terrain vehicles, go rappelling or zip-lining, or simply relax in modern spas that include traditional hot baths called temazcal.

Also, many haciendas are also located near pre-Columbian sites and indigenous communities where you can appreciate another rich historical, architectural, and cultural legacy of Mexico.

With such varied opportunities, it is no wonder why tourists are turning their gaze to the haciendas of Mexico. These sites have become preferred destinations for weddings, corporate events, and even sets for movies.

At SustainableTrip.org we have a superb list of Mexican haciendas that also offer a sustainable tourism experience. Get to know them all and decide which ones will be a part of your next vacation:

• Hacienda Puerta Campeche
• Hacienda Santa José
• Hacienda Santa Rosa
• Hacienda Temozón
• Hacienda Uayamón

This entry was posted on May 16, 2013 at 5:57 AM and has received 850 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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All over the world, Catholics are preparing to celebrate Holy Week. This holiday involves prayer, fasting, devotion, and, in many countries, traditional parades. It is a great time of year for travelers in Latin America and other regions to enjoy an authentic cultural tourism experience!

A "procession" is an organized religious parade of people on a journey, usually as an offering to God, the Virgin, or the saints. The processions are inspired by biblical passages, so participants are dressed in costumes from the Roman era, and they carry images of Jesus and the Virgin, among others. During the journey they may go quietly, sing hymns, or chant prayers.

The processions can begin during Lent and be held every Sunday until Easter. Starting on Palm Sunday, there are sometimes daily processions, but the largest and most elaborate parades are from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday.

Spain, Argentina, Peru, and Guatemala are world renowned for their colorful and moving processions. However, the processions of Guatemala are said to be the best of America, especially those of the colonial city of Antigua.

During Holy Week, the narrow cobblestone streets of Antigua are filled with domestic and foreign tourists who travel there just to appreciate these acts of devotion. But there is another element that makes them unique in the world: the beautiful carpets of sawdust the Guatemalan Catholics carefully produce to decorate the route the processions will pass.

The carpets display impressive Maya and Roman designs and others inspired by nature, which are made using colored sawdust, flowers, fruits, vegetables, pine and other materials. Families, neighborhoods, and entire guilds organize themselves to decorate the streets outside their homes and churches, combining their talent and effort and pooling money to buy the materials and molds needed to create the carpets.

Depending on their length and difficulty, the preparation of a carpet can take a few hours or even full nights and days. Some carpets in Antigua may be nearly a kilometer in length.

Seeing Antigua converted into an artists' studio is a visual feast for visitors who wander through the streets capturing the images of the creative process and the final works. The life of a carpet is short, making it even more special.

The start of the procession marks the carpets' greatest moment of splendor, but also their end. The crowded streets fill with white incense, followed by the group of people with special clothing and prayers or chants, while the strongest carry very heavy litters bearing the precious images. Everyone marches slowly on the beautiful carpets that have patiently awaited this moment. Within minutes, only remnants of the colorful tapestries remain, and a cleaning crew sweeps up the waste to leave the streets clean again.

In a few hours on another street of Antigua, the process is repeated again and again until Holy Week ends.

This entry was posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:34 PM and has received 644 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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The city of Baños in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador has been declared the country's most accessible city and is promoted as an international tourist destination for tourists with disabilities. Alfonso Eliécer Morales is one of the people who have helped to make this possible.

Morales is an inspiring example of someone who has turned adversity into opportunity. Despite an accident that left him unable to walk since his youth, Morales has excelled as an athlete. He was on Ecuador's National Wheelchair Basketball Team in the 1989 Special Pan American Games and the National Team of Disabled Athletes in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. In 1995, he created and participated in the first tour of Ecuador in a wheelchair.

This fighter has lectured at nearly a dozen national and international events about disability and accessibility, particularly in the tourism industry. From 2005 to 2009, he served as a councilman for his community, during which he sought to promote sustainable rural tourism that is accessible to persons with disabilities. To this end, he opened Hostal Familiar Las Granadillas, a sustainable Rainforest Alliance Verified lodge that provides facilities for disabled tourists who enjoy adventure travel.

In this interview, Alfonso tells his story and the great work being done to promote the right of access and sustainable tourism.

Question: How did your accident occur?

Morales: I had an accident on the job 25 years ago, when I was almost 20 years old and working for a small construction company. I was driving a tractor when a nearby mountain collapsed and trapped me, fracturing a spinal vertebra.

Q: When did you decide to become an athlete?

M:During my childhood, I loved climbing trees, hiking to discover nature, and helping with daily tasks; I especially enjoyed being in the water and I excelled in swimming at my school. In 1990, three years after the accident and a painful rehabilitation process, I had finally gotten used to the wheelchair. So, I took part in and ended up winning the "Quito Latest News" track meet. This motivated me to participate in other national and international events. Sports helped me join in and overcome the constraints of my new lifestyle.

Q: Why did you decide to become a tourism entrepreneur?

M:Three years after the accident, I was feeling more independent in my daily life. I returned to my hometown of Iluchi, in Baños de Agua Santa, which has always been a popular tourist destination. My grandmother gave me a very nice, strategically located, and scenic piece of land in the community, and a few months later, a highway was built nearby. At that point I said, "This is where I will make my home and my lodge."

Q: How did you get the idea to build a hostel that is friendly for disabled people?

M: Here it is very hard to find lodging accessible to travelers with disabilities like mine--and those that do exist are four or five star hotels that are too costly for most of us. This motivated me to offer an alternative.

Q: How did your family and the community react to your plans?

M: Initially, they doubted that I could build this dream, mainly because of the financial investment that would be required. However, they knew it would be a success because of the setting, the landscape, and the location. We are in the countryside, but with only 20 minutes of walking we can get to and from the city. In the end, everyone helped me somehow.

Q: As a tourism entrepreneur pioneering this style of tourist lodging, what has your adventure been like?

M: It hasn't been easy. It was challenging to make contacts and publicize the community as a tourist destination – even though we are a tourist town, not all of its attractions have been well promoted. Gradually people have gotten to know us, and my own satisfied customers spread news about the project by word of mouth. It was also difficult to apply for one bank loan after another to complete the hostel. Fortunately, the project is seen as interesting and unique, and one with potential.

Q: What makes Hostal Familiar Las Granadillas special for the average tourist?

M: Our location is advantageous--we are in a rural area but very close to the city and surrounded by three tourist trails: Puente de San Francisco – Illuchi Alto – Las Antenas, Río Guambo – El Tablón – Montañita, and Illuchi Bajo – Puente de Sauces. We also have an exceptional view of the southern part of the city, Santa Rosa de Runtun mountain, the La Virgen waterfalls, the Mintza mountains, Tungurahua volcano with its occasional eruptions of ash or water vapor, the Pastaza River, the Callejón Andino Oriental (East Andes Alley), the mountains of Sauces, and the mountains of Pucara, among others.

In addition, our facilities are spacious; we have gardens, aquariums, and a small collection of antiques. But what makes us stand out is the personal attention we give our visitors, whom we see as members of our family.

Q: What are the main attractions of the Iluchi community?

M: Besides all the natural attractions that I mentioned, this community is very safe and the people are very friendly and unique in their traditions and solidarity. Illuchi is also a leader in organic farming and it is very close to the city. It has all the basic services thanks to the hard work of our community leaders, and the access road is well maintained.

Q: Why did you decide to adopt sustainable tourism practices and what are your main efforts in this area?

M: I grew up in the countryside, so I identify with tranquility and the natural environment, and I am aware that I must be part of its conservation and cause minimal impact with my business. The training and ongoing support of Rainforest Alliance encouraged me to become aware and to make more of a commitment.

For example, the tables, furnishings, and planters are made of wood that was left over from the building of our house. The wood used in our fireplace is a (non-traditional) eucalyptus species, or wood recycled from the greenhouses or the river. We use energy-saving light bulbs and fill the aquariums with rainwater. We light fireplaces with grease and oils recycled from the cafeteria. We recycle organic waste, plastic, and glass and use recycled pots as lamps, vases and flowerpots. We deliver recyclables to underprivileged people in the community so they can sell them and in return, they help us for half a day doing gardening.

We also hire local staff and buy food produced in the area. Our successful incentive plan called "Sweets or Fruits for Bottles" invites children of the community to bring in plastic bottles and empty glass jars, and in return, we give them a fruit or candy. Students from the community are allowed to use our wireless internet connection free of charge. Finally, we provide free lodging to people who provide training to our community.

Q: What message do you convey to people with disabilities and their families through your lectures and projects?

M: I try to convey my experiences very humbly so that people going through a similar situation know that nothing is impossible despite the difficulties; anything is possible if we know how to dream and work with faith and love for ourselves and others. Family is very important in this process, but mostly it has to do with willpower.

As part of this work, I developed a recreational tourism and independent life training plan for people with disabilities and their families. The program lasts from one week to three months and consists of activities related to creating an independent life and a little training in sustainability. The goal is to create citizens who are free, capable, aware, and interactive.

Q: What future plans do you have for your company?

M:We have many plans, particularly for expanding our space, providing better service every day and improving our processes for sustainability and the quality of life of my staff and customers.

This entry was posted on January 22, 2013 at 4:05 PM and has received 1736 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

Need some last minute gift ideas for the traveling adventurer in your life? Fear not -- we've got you covered.

1) Reusable water bottles and/or water filters

There's no need to waste money or natural resources by buying disposable water bottles with these nifty water solutions. Reusable water bottles are handy for everyday use as well, whether you're going to work, class, or are just running errands. Portable water purifiers, such as an ultraviolet light purifiers or packs of chlorine dioxide tablets are perfect for backpackers and anyone traveling in the developing world, where you can't always drink the tap water. There are even water bottles with built-in purifiers for the ultimate convenience factor!

2) Travel towels

According to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams' cult classic novel), a towel "is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." Well, that goes for adventurers on planet Earth as well -- from camping, to lounging on the beach, to a long day of city exploration, a towel can be an indispensable tool. Many hotels charge extra to rent towels for the beach or pool, and some hostels don't provide towels at all. Aside from the obvious uses, towels can also be used to shield your head from the sun, to cover a questionable-looking bus seat or hostel pillow, or as a cushion. Quick-dry, antimicrobial, and UV protective fabric makes towels like these a thoughtful and infinitely useful gift.

3) Solar charger

Break free from the grid! Use a portable solar charger to juice up your cell phones, mp3 players, and digital cameras. This gift idea is especially great for trekkers who might not even have access to an outlet for days at a time.

4) Compression packing bags

Originally designed for storage purposes, travelers have caught on to the convenience of compression bags for their packing needs. Pressure valves on these plastic bags suck all the air out, shrinking your clothes and other items to a fraction of their size to make the most of your suitcase/backpack space. But be wary of weight restrictions on flights, as the more items you pack into your bag, the more it will weigh.

5) Portable coffeemaker

No one wants a travel buddy suffering from coffee-withdrawal grouchiness! There are several types of portable coffeemakers, mostly geared towards campers, that are perfect for those who are only functional after their morning cup o' joe. Coleman makes a highly reviewed drip coffeemaker that can go right on a camping stove. There are also French press-style coffeemakers that come in a variety of sizes, including a portable mug that you can drink right out of as soon as your coffee is ready.

6) Travel apps

Why not buy your loved one a travel app or two for their mobile device? There are so many different kinds of apps for travelers out there, from games to prevent boredom on long flights to language translators. Other travel apps include trip itinerary organizers, currency converters, free Wi-Fi finders, flight alerts, and databases with maps of every kind (city maps, rail maps, park maps, ski resort maps, and more).

7) Basic medical kit

A lightweight basic medical kit can be crucial in a pinch. Get one that is small with a soft container that will fit easily into a purse or backpack. If you're not in a major city, chances are there aren't convenience stores on every corner. Simple items like Band-Aids, Neosporin, bug bite cream, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments (like minor pain, allergies, indigestion, congestion, and heartburn) will be worth their weight in gold if the situation calls for them.

8) Donations

Does your traveler already have all the gear they could ever want? Make a donation in your loved one's name to a nonprofit organization that is working to help a destination he or she loves. If they bonded with a local community, there are many organizations doing great work for underprivileged communities, such as helping children get an education, advocating for women's rights, protecting local wildlife, and promoting fair treatment of workers in the tourism industry. If your traveler was awed by the beautiful natural environment they visited, consider donating to an organization that is working towards preserving that special place!

This entry was posted on December 19, 2012 at 5:04 PM and has received 1086 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

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Millions of people travel for the holidays every year. Many families take advantage of the time they have off from work or school to go on vacation during the holidays, often seeking warmer weather. For whatever reason you choose to leave home this holiday season, there are many ways you can help protect the planet while you travel!

Transportation

Trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation are the most energy-efficient way to travel. If you're traveling by plane, try to take a direct flight--in addition to being more convenient, it uses a lot less fuel. You can also participate in a carbon offset program that will help mitigate the impact of your trip. And if you just can't get around driving, make the effort to travel during off-peak times and take your car for regular maintenance before your road trip. Changing oil, properly inflating tires, and driving the speed limit can make a huge difference in fuel efficiency.

Lodging

Going on vacation for the holidays? Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America are all popular destinations for those looking to escape to warmer climates during the cold winter months. Do your research and book at a hotel that has made a commitment to protecting the environment and supporting the local community. Remember - all of the hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses in the SustainableTrip.org directory have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability with clearly outlined environmental and social initiatives (described in every listing's "Making a Difference" section).

Happy Holidays from the SustainableTrip.org team!

This entry was posted on December 17, 2012 at 2:11 PM and has received 1248 views. There are currently 4 comments. Print this entry.

Planning a family vacation isn't always easy. You're trying to find activities to please every member of the family, book the right kind of accommodations, squeeze in time to relax, AND stay within your budget--so making eco-conscious choices on top of it all can seem like a challenge. To help ease your mind, we're featuring a list of Top Sustainable Family-Friendly Hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean in every price range. So whether you're looking for adventure, something educational and fun (it's possible, we promise!), a tranquil beach oasis, or all of the above, you can make it happen and also know that your vacation is helping to protect the environment and support local communities. To learn more about what these hotels are doing to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, check out the "Making a Difference" section on their SustainableTrip profiles.

So without further ado, here's the list--organized by price range, from high to low. Enjoy!

Club Med Cancún Yucatán and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico

These two Club Med resorts located along Mexico's Caribbean coast on the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula feature children's clubs, babysitting services, and dedicated activities for different age groups (ages 2-18). Fitness programs, flying trapeze circus school, scuba diving/snorkeling, waterskiing, kids pool, and more are also available.
Rates: $150. All-inclusive packages.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize

This hotel offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. Here, you can go horseback riding through jungle trails, canoeing, bird watching, visit Mayan ruins, and relax at an on-site spa.
Rates: $100 - $150 (higher for all-inclusive packages). Chaa Creek has two vacation packages specifically geared towards families – find out more on their Packages page. They've also got some great deals on their family packages, valid until December 2011.

Rainforest Aerial Tram Lodge, Costa Rica

Soar through the rainforest canopy on a zip line or aerial tram! This lodge offers canopy tours, has a butterfly & frog garden, snake museum, trekking tour, and award-winning bird watching opportunities. Activities are also available to visitors not staying at the lodge.
Rates: $100 - $150 (price is for accommodations only; activities not included). Special prices are offered for groups larger than three people and discounts for children.

Mar y Selva Ecolodge, Costa Rica

A major destination for whale and dolphin watching, this hotel has a semi-Olympic pool; mountain bike and kayak rentals; horseback riding; bird-watching; hiking; canopy tours; and visits to butterfly farms, orchid gardens, and local Boruca Indian communities.
Rates: $85 - $120

Tambopaxi, Ecuador

The Tambopaxi hotel and restaurant is located near Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It also has a view of five other volcanoes, highlands, lagoons, flora and fauna endemic to the Andean highlands. Easy to advanced hiking tours, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are available, all with breathtaking scenery.
Rates: $75 - $150. Children under 12 get a 50% discount.

Alandaluz Inn, Ecuador

At Alandaluz, you can take excursions to Machalilla National Park, the Cantalapiedra wildlife refuge, and go on whale-watching tours. This destination also features a beach, rainforest, snorkeling, zip line, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, sport fishing, and visits to ancient ruins and local indigenous communities.
Rates: $24 - $124. Choose from campsites, simple beach cabañas, or large luxury cabañas. Discounted prices for children under 12.

GreenLagoon Falls Park & Lodge, Costa Rica

While staying at GreenLagoon Falls Park & Lodge, you and your family can go hiking on an active volcano or to natural hot springs; explore a wildlife refuge from a raft, canoe, or kayak; take an aerial tram through the tropical forest; go horseback riding; and rappel down beautiful waterfalls.
Rates: $65 - $102.

Hotel Mono Azul, Costa Rica

Mono Azul is located right by Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can see squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and sloths in the rainforest. Fun family activities include: white water rafting, canopy tours, horseback riding, sport fishing, biking, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The hotel also features "Kids Saving the Rainforest" camps for children aged 7-17.
Rates: $26 - $50

This is just a sampling of your choices for sustainable family-friendly accommodations – for many more options, you can go to our Search for a Trip page and use the menus on the left-hand side to search by Activity, Destination, and Price Range. Don't hesitate to email us at and we'll help you find your perfect sustainable trip.

Looking for high-end sustainable accommodations? Check out the blog entry on our Top 5 Sustainable Luxury Destinations.

This entry was posted on July 29, 2011 at 8:52 AM and has received 1677 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.