MileHacker Logo
Environmental Focus

Environmental Focus

The Southwest, Bolivia

Protected Areas

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve (REANFA): This is a protected area. It is important for Andean wildlife (flamingos, vicuñas) and unique geological features. The region is also important for quinoa cultivation.

Waste Management

Waste management and recycling are basic, especially in remote areas. Visitors must carry out all their trash from the salt flats and the reserve, including organic waste. Leave nothing behind.

Water Conservation

Water is a scarce resource in the arid Altiplano. Be mindful of water usage, especially when showering (if available) or using facilities in remote refuges. Reduce plastic use by bringing reusable water bottles.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Your actions can support sustainable travel practices.

Green Travel

Practices to reduce environmental footprint.

Environmental Tips

  • Carry Out Your Trash: Needed for all waste, including organic.
  • Reduce Plastic: Use reusable bottles. Tours provide large refillable water containers.
  • Carbon Offsets: For flights. Choose efficient, well-maintained vehicles.
  • Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Higher-end salt hotels have some eco-practices (solar power, water conservation).

Responsible Operators

Choosing tours that align with sustainable values.

Sustainable Tourism

  • Research operators that emphasize responsible tourism.
  • Look for those that maintain their vehicles well.
  • Ensure drivers adhere to speed limits and designated routes.
  • Support local communities (e.g., by buying supplies locally).

Local Support

Ways to contribute positively to the local economy.

Community Benefit

  • Seek tours or experiences that include visits to local villages.
  • Support sustainable quinoa farming practices.
  • Visit community museums.

Ethical Purchases

Shopping with a positive impact.

Fair Trade Options

  • Buy handicrafts directly from artisans or from shops that clearly state fair trade practices.
  • Bargain respectfully.
  • Eat at local restaurants, stay in locally owned hotels, and book tours with local Bolivian-owned agencies.
  • Avoid giving money directly to children; instead, support community projects.

Responsible Practices

Support for Local Economy

Support community-based tourism initiatives that directly benefit local indigenous populations (e.g., visits to small artisan villages).

Find Ethical Tours on G Adventures

Conservation Contributions

Support conservation organizations like The Rainforest Site through their initiatives or store to contribute to environmental preservation.

Support The Rainforest Site

Responsible Practices

Support sustainable quinoa farming. Inquire about eco-initiatives at hotels and tour operators. Be wary of excessively cheap Uyuni tours; they may compromise safety or fair practices.

Community Benefit

Your travel choices can directly benefit the local economy.

Supporting Local

Seek out community-based tourism initiatives.

Local Opportunities

  • Community-based tours: Visit local villages where tourism directly supports the economy.
  • Buy local: Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans.
  • Fair trade: Consider shops that state fair trade practices.
  • Local dining: Eat at local restaurants.

Responsible Purchases

Ethical shopping options.

Ethical Choices

  • Handicrafts: Buy direct from artisans.
  • Price negotiation: Bargain respectfully.
  • Accommodation: Stay in locally owned hotels.
  • Tours: Book with local Bolivian-owned agencies.

Ethical Giving

Appropriate ways to contribute.

Charitable Giving

  • If you wish to donate, consider doing so through established local NGOs or community projects.
  • Avoid giving money directly to children; instead, support community projects.
  • Or buy from local vendors.
  • This approach fosters independence and broader community benefit.

Ethical Concerns

Points for consideration.

Important Notes

  • Mine Tours (Potosí): The ethics of mine tours are debated.
  • Overly Cheap Tours: Be wary of excessively cheap Uyuni tours.
  • They might cut corners on safety, driver wages, vehicle maintenance, or food quality.
  • This leads to negative impacts for travelers and locals.

Considerations

Your travel choices have a direct influence.

Local Economy

Supporting local businesses contributes directly to the Uyuni region's prosperity.

Fair Practices

Choosing fair trade and ethical shopping options benefits artisans and communities.

Community Initiatives

Look for tours and activities that directly support community-based tourism projects.

Ethical Concerns

The ethics of mine tours in Potosí are debated. Be wary of excessively cheap Uyuni tours; they might cut corners on safety, driver wages, vehicle maintenance, or food quality.

Giving Wisely

If donating, consider established local NGOs or community projects over direct handouts. This approach avoids fostering dependency. For ethical tour operators, consider G Adventures.