Food and nature vacation in Spain, small group

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Our village , Zorita de los Canes (Guadalajara, Spain) is leading the way in what is known as ´Fair energy transition´ . Due for completion in the summer of 2025 , two solar panel farms will produce 209 GW of energy , enough to power nearly 60,000 homes. Our community benefits from the transition to green energy directly and in concrete ways : free green energy to all homes and businesses , supported employment opportunities for the long term unemployed and the over 50s and revenue for infrastructure projects . All the power used by our guests and workers during their trip will come from green energy. In addition from June we are committed to using electric powered transport for our shuttle service from Madrid to the village, with a new recharging station in the main square powered also by green energy . All transport used during the trip for local excursions are by bicycle, on foot or by electric vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity

Open grazing. We support our local shepherd who’s flock is allowed to graze in the open and allow him on our land when requested. We purchase artisan manchego cheese from local suppliers . Open grazing is a tradition which we are loosing in Spain and contributes to a healthier flock, better quality meat and milk and biodiversity and fire control in the dry summer months .

Supporting the ´apicola ´ (beekeeping) culture in the area. Our village is in the heart of the region known as the Alcaria , a protected and biodiverse valley that produces the famous Alcaria honey. We are major buyers of the organic variety , making it a key feature of our food produce on the adventure trips and is also available for our guests to purchase. Our adventure trips offers a free workshop for guests on beekeeping and in the collection season we also offer visits to the hives.

The foodie and nature lovers trip sources 90% of its products from local suppliers thereby supporting local producers , cutting down the carbon footprint of the transport system. Many of the products are organic.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We actively support our local providers by incorporating excursions and trips to local businesses in the adventure : examples include a cooperative winery in nearby Mondejar, artisan honey producers in the village, cheese and dairy products from Tarancon and organic lamb from our local shepherd, organic olive oil from the o press in nearby Yebra. This adventure include a tour of the press and a presentation from the owner for which we offer a 10€ a head contribution to help sustain the business .

Active collaboration with the local mayor and town council. We have been given free use of the newly refurbished old school for our activities. Your cooking classes , workshops etc. take place in the assembly hall and kitchen thus giving new life to a building unused for many years.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Villages in Spain are facing a crisis caused by an aging population, few employment opportunities and shrinking numbers of inhabitants. Our little village , with only 65 people is no exception. Our adventures are helping to regenerate the community and are focused on respectful and sustainable business models with village residents hosting and working with our guests on the trips. All our staff on the adventure are recruited from the local area. We actively support marginalized groups and we make it clear through our images and descriptions that all sections of the public are welcome on our vacations and this adventure is no exception. We advertise in the LGBTQ press and have twice yearly exclusive vacations for women and LGBTQ groups , lead and hosted by women and LGBTQ members of our team. The founder or AIUS is active in the LGBTQ community and often volunteers on training programs in Spain at gay men yoga retreats.