Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio vacation

Planet

As an in depth specialist tour operator to Argentina and Brazil responsible tourism is at the very heart of what we do. To us, this means much more than a simple donation to a charity for each client. We try to build long and constructive involvements with local guides, wildlife lodges, and hotels, in the course of which we, and our clients, can make lasting wide-ranging contributions to the wonderful places and people we engage with.

Under Hilton's 'Travel with Purpose' strategy, Anselmo Hotel Buenos Aires implements a few programs to encourage sustainability, including saving energy with LED lighting and limiting single-use plastics.

At Aldeia de la Selva Lodge in Iguazu raised boardwalks link the main lodge building to cabins so as to minimse impact on the surrounding forest floor. Wood used in the lodge construction is locally sourced and furniture crafted by local artisans.

Arena Hotels in Rio hold the I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificates) which guarantees the clean and traceable origin of energy they use. All of their hotels use electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind farms, solar panels and biomass. They have recycling bins distributed throughout their properties, encourage waste separation and follow a zero-waste management policy proritising the reduction, reuse and responsible disposal of generated waste.

People

In Argentina and Brazil we use local ground handlers - this means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and helps to improve employment opportunities in remote regions. By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of guides and drivers into our itineraries, we ensure that money you spend on your trip goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism

We use local guides in all of our destinations. It is our experience that with the right approach, local guides with their superior local knowledge are best qualified for the job, and are the best champions of their local communities. It is also a fantastic way of helping communities to survive and flourish when gifted people are able to work locally instead of having to leave for the cities to find work.

Arena Hotels in Rio conduct internal training programs that guide and engage employees in responsible day-to-day practices. Through training and educational activities, they learn about the conscious use of resources, the reduction of environmental impacts, and the importance of each action in building a more sustainable environment. The hotels are part of 'Rede Mulher' (Women Network) which recognises organisations committed to gender equality.