We think travel is a great, enlightening, awe-inspiring experience. However, we understand that with the opportunity to travel comes also responsibility to preserve the integrity of the places we visit. Aiming to make tourism more responsible Terratrek endeavours to conduct its business with respect to the principles of sustainability. Since the very beginning we have adopted company-wide ethics which observe the welfare of our guests, local community and environment alike. These should ensure that our operation remains environmentally friendly, culturally sensitive and economically beneficial for the region.

Walking and biking as our primary modes of transport and main holiday activities are by their very nature low impact. But we know it doesn’t necessarily mean that our business is ecologically sound. To further reduce potential negative consequences of our activities we:

• use only approved trails and avoid the ones which are prone to erosion or conflict with other users’ interests

• minimize vehicle travel on all our tours and use trains instead where possible and practicable

• keep groups small to prevent the cultural and natural heritage from disruption under the influx of tourists.

• use electronic agenda, email and internet resources wherever possible to reduce printing, paper consumption and waste.

• use energy, water and other resources efficiently and we offset the CO2 emissions from our office energy use and business travel.

Walking and bicycling are also great modes for picking up information, engaging with the community and their environment. The increased exposure to the local culture, local cuisine and local economy inherently brings in interaction and leads to enhanced education and more enriching experience. We do:

• employ only local guides who are able to give you first hand knowledge and immerse you in the culture of the region.

• advise clients on how to behave in a socially responsible manner, with regard to the country’s traditions.

• provide business opportunities to local people – from developing this website to servicing our bikes – everything is done locally.

• support local economy, directing guests to local retailers, manufacturers and service providers.
• wherever possible, stay in locally owned hotels and eat in local restaurants.