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Sustainable Travel in Puerto Escondido

Sustainable Travel in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide

Protected Areas

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is a protected area, focused on mangrove ecosystems and wildlife. Support these initiatives.

Waste Management

Waste management infrastructure is developing. Litter can be an issue. Reduce your waste by avoiding single-use plastics. Properly dispose of trash in designated bins.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Seek accommodations and tour operators that further eco-friendly practices, like solar power, water recycling, and responsible wildlife viewing. Consider staying at eco-friendly places via Ecobnb.

Environmental Considerations

Be aware of environmental considerations.

Sea Turtle Protection

Organizations like ViveMar at Playa Bacocho work to protect sea turtles and run release programs.

Support Conservation

  • Participate in turtle release programs.
  • Support local conservation groups.
  • Learn about marine life.
  • Check for seasonal nesting events.

Resource Consumption

Water resources face strain, especially in dry seasons. Be mindful of water usage; take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use.

Water & Carbon

  • Conserve water during your stay.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Consider a carbon offset purchase for your flights via Terrapass.
  • Support initiatives that prioritize clean energy.

Single-Use Plastics

Reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use items.

Eco-Friendly Habits

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing natural habitats.

Wildlife Ethics

  • Keep a respectful distance.
  • Use zoom for photos, avoid flash.
  • Never feed wild animals.
  • Choose tour operators with ethical wildlife policies.

Sustainable Products

Gear and Apparel

Choose sustainable outdoor gear from companies like Patagonia.

Shop Patagonia

Conservation Support

Contributions to conservation groups shape things.

Support The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood)

Environmental Action

Carry a Reusable water bottle. Many places have purified water refills, reducing plastic waste.

Cultural Sensitivity

Practice cultural sensitivity during your visit.

Cultural Preservation

Back local artisans and cultural events that keep Oaxacan traditions alive.

Support Local Culture

  • Buy directly from artisans.
  • Attend local festivals.
  • Learn about Oaxacan heritage.
  • Visit community cultural centers.

Respectful Interactions

Learn basic Spanish phrases. Be patient and polite. Dress respectfully when visiting non-beach areas or religious sites.

Social Conduct

  • Use appropriate greetings.
  • Maintain a polite demeanor.
  • Ask for photo permission, especially of people.
  • Avoid public displays of excessive wealth or rowdy behavior.

Religious Sites

If you visit a church, dress modestly, be quiet, and do not disrupt services.

Church Protocol

Be quiet and respectful.

Attire

Cover shoulders and knees.

Photography

Avoid flash photography inside.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying new foods, attending local events, and interacting with residents.

Economic Impact

Make choices that create a positive economic impact.

Support Local Businesses

Choose locally-owned hotels, restaurants, and tour operators over international chains. This keeps money within the community.

Direct Benefits

  • Stay at local guesthouses.
  • Eat at family-run restaurants.
  • Book tours with local guides.
  • Buy souvenirs from independent shops.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Prioritize purchases directly from local artisans and small businesses. In markets, bargain respectfully if it is the local custom.

Shopping Practices

  • Support fair pricing.
  • Seek out handcrafted goods.
  • Direct purchases empower local producers.
  • Avoid excessive haggling over small amounts.

Community-Based Tourism

Support initiatives like La Ventanilla. These projects empower local communities and foster conservation.

Community Engagement

  • Participate in local community tours.
  • Learn directly from local residents.
  • Support eco-friendly community projects.
  • Education about local life.

Responsible Choices

Be aware of potential exploitation in any tourism destination. Avoid activities that involve animal cruelty or human exploitation.

Ethical Travel

  • Do not engage in harmful practices.
  • Protect animals from abuse.
  • Safeguard vulnerable populations.
  • Research tour operators for ethical practices; for ethical tours consider G Adventures.

Charitable Donations

If you wish to make donations, do so through established local NGOs or reputable community projects.

Giving Wisely

Research reputable local charities.

Direct Giving

Direct giving can foster dependency.

Community Needs

Contributions go to community needs.

Financial Impact

Your spending locally significantly supports the community. Prioritize local businesses for accommodation, dining, and activities.