Responsible Travel


At Kuoda, we are committed to incorporating sustainable travel practices that ensure every vacation benefits the communities we
visit, and the environments we observe. We also ensure each trip leaves a positive impact on the surrounding communities. As world
travelers, it is our responsibility to protect the destinations we visit, doing all we can to support a healthy planet that inspires
wanderlust for generations to come.
At Kuoda, we dedicate ourselves to responsible business practices just as much as we encourage mindful travel practices. For this
reason, we spent the last several years committed to minimizing our environmental impact as much as possible. Thanks to Green
Initiative, in 2019, Kuoda became Carbon Neutral as the first step towards bold climate action and protection by signing The Glasgow
Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
In 2022, we took it one step further and became a certified Climate Positive business, going beyond neutrality alone and instead finding
ways to actively benefit and improve the environment by removing harmful gasses from the atmosphere.
To date, we planted 120 trees in the buffer area of the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Basin of southeast Peru. According
to the Smithsonian, this essential ecological destination concentrates about 8% of total biodiversity on the planet. Supporting life
within the rainforest is especially important after the decades of devastating deforestation efforts throughout South America.
Additionally, we supported the cancellation of 120 CER’s, which means our company was successful in preventing carbon emissions
through the Clean Development Mechanisms programmed by the United Nations.
These efforts were the first step in achieving our commitment to achieve zero net emissions by 2050.
We understand that to continue traveling to the majestic destinations throughout South America, we must all do our part in protecting
the various ecosystems throughout the region. Kuoda Travel continues to embrace new projects that will improve the environment,
and our research towards more responsible business efforts will carry on to incorporate more mindful tourism practices.
In order to reverse the harmful effects, we have dedicated ourselves to ecological restoration,
which consists of researching and implementing ways we can support environmental recovery
to the continent. Today, much of our efforts include restoring the vegetation and flora through the
planting of unique, native species of trees throughout the region.
Kuoda Travel is an active participant in the ecological restoration of the Buffer Zone of the
Tambopata National Reserve, located in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru. Madre de Dios
has lost more than 200,000 hectares of primary forests in the last fifteen years, becoming one
of the regions most affected by deforestation, degradation and fragmentation of natural
habitats in Peru. Our efforts to replenish this diverse hub of biology included planting new
seedlings to aid in healing the forest.
As part of our efforts to replenish and heal the forests of South America, we have planted 120 trees throughout the last year, prioritizing native species that will allow South American environments to thrive. A few of those species include cacao trees which produce the essential ingredients for products like chocolate, sangre de grado trees which produce an organic medicine used to treat various digestive illnesses, and ishpingo trees which are harvested for their cinnamon-like spice enjoyed throughout the region.
Replanting efforts also impact wildlife throughout South America, as we are actively restoring the homes of several unique species that have been evicted and endangered by deforestation. From big mammals like the Colombian red howler, AKA “mono coto,” to small insects, reptiles such as culebras snakes, and birds including various species of macaws, tucán’s, and more.
The Kaypi Kunan Association was founded in 2011 by Kuoda with the aim of leaving a positive footprint in the world; strengthening and empowering Andean children and adults by developing enriching educational activities that promote learning with values. Learn more about the Kaypi Kunan Association here.
While enjoying your luxury tour through South America, it is important to consider the people and places you are visiting, and how your presence there impacts the community. Kuoda promises every itinerary is developed with immense care. As a responsible tour operator, we partner with the best local businesses to ensure every excursion is benefiting the locals as well. Sourcing ethical companies who also prioritize eco-friendly luxury travel is essential to us. From luxury accommodations that develop their own green initiatives, to adventure guides who support dynamic economic growth in communities by hiring locals and reinvesting in the neighboring regions - travel with Kuoda remains as thrilling as ever, while promoting positive change in every community.
As the best luxury tour operator in South America, we are proud to contribute to a greener tourism industry by partnering with eco-friendly brands and businesses every step of the way. For some companies, that is as simple as implementing an effective recycling program and avoiding single-use plastics. For others, that includes a thorough plan to reinvest a portion of proceeds towards research and conservation efforts across Latin America. While planning your dream vacation, rest easy knowing that we will do all the research on your behalf to guarantee your trip is as environmentally conscious as possible.
While we know it can be difficult to decide what to throw into your suitcase, we encourage our guests to simplify their packing list so the trip is easier on you, and on the ecosystem! Only bring the essential hygienic products, and be sure that they are organic and eco-friendly for the maximum positive impact. As you select your travel outfits and throw together the essentials, keep in mind that the weight of your bag has an impact on any fuel economy used in transit. Planes, cars, trains, and buses all require more fuel the heavier your luggage is. Packing light will make transit much more seamless on your end, and help us keep the air clean!
One of the most alluring reasons to visit South America is to enjoy the fascinating flora and fauna up close and personal. But travelers should only be engaging with local wildlife in a safe, sustainable way, which is why Kuoda vets every organization and tourism opportunity before adding it to your itinerary, to ensure the animals and plants of the region are protected. This way, we minimize any impact on the lives of animals and they’re not driven away from their natural habits.
Each destination is different, and the people of those destinations are, too. Kuoda leads by example in respecting local customs and being cautious of disrupting the everyday lives of the communities we visit. Treating everyone with respect leaves behind a pleasant opinion of travelers and paves the way for future tourists to enjoy these destinations. Through volunteer tourism, you can help local populations in a considerable manner. Get in touch with us if you’re considering spending a portion of your vacation volunteering your time to give back to the communities that you’ve visited.