Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Guatape

Protect Nature

Practice "leave no trace" principles. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and discard waste properly. Help keep the reservoir and surrounding areas clean.

Respect Culture

Engage with locals respectfully. Learn basic Spanish phrases. Ask permission before taking photos. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Support local traditions like the zócalos.

Benefit Locals

Choose local accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators. Buy souvenirs directly from artisans. Your choices directly support the community and local economy.

Environmental Considerations

Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

Waste Management & Conservation

Waste management in smaller towns may differ from major cities.

Practices:

Reduce: Limit single-use plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle. Bring a Reusable shopping bag.
Recycle: Look for designated recycling bins, though they may not be common. Carry out trash if no facilities are present.
Water Use: The reservoir is large, but water resources are valuable. Be mindful of water usage in accommodations.
Protected Areas: The Guatapé-Peñol reservoir is an important ecosystem. Local initiatives work to keep the lake clean.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Your travel choices contribute to environmental preservation.

Options:

Carbon Offset: Support carbon offset programs for your flights to Colombia. Many airlines or third-party organizations Like Terrapass offer this.
Eco-Friendly Stays: Look for accommodations with sustainable practices: water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction. Find options at Ecobnb.
Gear: Consider sustainable outdoor gear from companies like Patagonia.
Reusable Products: Explore reusable products from Package Free Shop.

Preserving Local Ecosystems

Guatapé's environment thrives on visitor consciousness.

Actions:

Flora and Fauna: Do not pick plants or disturb local wildlife. Observe from a distance.
Stay on Paths: Stick to marked trails when hiking to prevent erosion and protect fragile ecosystems.
Waterways: Avoid introducing pollutants into the reservoir. Dispose of all waste properly.
Energy Use: Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving your accommodation.

Responsible Activities

Participate in activities that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Choices:

Eco-Tours: Choose tours that focus on nature observation, like birdwatching tours, with guides who emphasize environmental education.
Bicycle Rentals: Rent a bike instead of taking motorized transport for short distances.
Community Gardens: Inquire about local community garden projects or environmental groups if you wish to volunteer time.
Local Guides: Hire local guides who are knowledgeable about the area's ecosystems and ethical practices.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural Preservation:

The zócalo tradition in Guatapé is a significant cultural effort. Support local artisans directly by purchasing their crafts. This helps maintain this unique art form.

Respectful Interactions:

Greet locals with "Hola." Use "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) often. Be patient with language differences. Make an effort to speak some Spanish. Always ask permission before photographing people.

Mindful Travel Note

Every small action in responsible travel collectively results in a positive global impact. Choose wisely.

Economic Impact

Your choices as a traveler positively impact the local economy.

Supporting Local Businesses

Prioritize local restaurants, shops, and tour operators over larger chains. This strengthens the local economy and maintains Guatapé's unique character.

Ways to Support:

Local Shops: Purchase souvenirs and goods from small, independent stores.
Comedores: Eat at local eateries ("comedores") for authentic and affordable meals.
Tour Operators: Book tours with local companies and guides.
Guesthouses: Choose family-run guesthouses over larger, international hotels.

Ethical Practices & Giving

Ensure your travel contributes positively to local livelihoods.

Guidelines:

Fair Trade: Seek out artisan shops stating locally made products where profits directly benefit producers.
Exploitation: Avoid activities exploiting animals or people. Be wary of unusually cheap tours, as they might compromise ethical practices. Research tour operators; G Adventures promotes ethical travel.
Charitable Giving: If donating, support established local charities or community projects rather than giving directly to street beggars. Look into organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).
Community Tourism: Choosing local options ensures tourism dollars remain in the community.

Direct Economic Contributions

Specific ways your spending directly benefits locals.

Market Purchases:

Buy fresh produce and goods at the local market (plaza de mercado). This directly supports farmers and vendors.

Zócalo Art:

Purchase zócalo-inspired art pieces directly from the artists' workshops in town. Their livelihood often relies on tourist purchases.

Local Guides:

Hire certified local guides for excursions or town tours. Their knowledge enriches your experience and supports their income.

Ethical Consumption

Be a conscious consumer. Your spending choices have a direct line to the well-being of the people and environment you visit.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel