Introduction

As tourism continues to be one of the fastest growing industries in the world, many developing nations are turning to it as a means of earning foreign exchange and encouraging foreign investment.  At the same time, travelers, in search of pristine natural environments and unique cultural expressions, have expanded their pursuits to include previously unexplored regions of the globe.  These factors, combined with advancements in transport and communication technologies, have helped facilitate a globalization of travel, which, if not carefully administered, could lead to the destruction of the very natural resources these travelers seek to observe. 

Sustainable Bolivia Travel

Sustainable Bolivia maintains a unique position in the travel market as both a non-profit foundation and a service provider.  We are a foundation which promotes environmental protection and awareness, cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable development.  Yet we also function as a language school, a volunteer program and housing provider; offering the highest quality service and standards for our customers.  As both a non-profit foundation and a service provider, we are able to design our products in a holistic manner – one which meets the ‘needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future.’  It is through this manner that we are able to provide our customers with a truly adventurous yet comfortable and affordable experience while adhering to the principles of sustainable tourism.

Sustainable Bolivia has divided its tourism operations into two distinct yet intersecting forms of ecotravel; community based ecotourism and sustainable tourism.     

Community Based Ecotourism

Sustainable Bolivia is currently “promoting” and “supporting” the development of community based ecotourism projects in the Bolivian Amazon and Sierra.  We use the words “promoting” and “supporting” cautiously since these projects are fully owned, developed, and run by local communities.  All decisions regarding daily operations, the allocation of funds and the direction of the program are made by the community, not by Sustainable Bolivia or any other outside institution.  It is our philosophy that this ownership and control is necessary for any community tourism project to be a success.  Our primary function is to provide marketing assistance as well as technical and logistical support.  We work with communities to ensure proper safety/health standards are in place and provide guidance as to tourist wants, needs and expectations.  Essentially we work as a liaison between Bolivian communities and the international tourist industry. 

To date all of our community based ecotourism projects are currently in the developmental stage and not open to the general public.  For our volunteers and language students, we do offer the opportunity to visit one of these communities with the knowledge that few tourism structures are in place.  For other interested groups or individuals, please contact us for more information.     

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Bolivia also organizes small group travel to various remote destinations throughout Bolivia. These trips vary from week to week depending upon the interest of our students and volunteers, the time of year and the availability of our guides.  Potential trips include a treking expeditions on the old Chapare Road (Camino en Los Nubes) or hikes from Laguna Corani to Incachaca.  Additionally, some trips will include visits to our developing community based ecotourism destinations.  We work hard to ensure that all of our adventures strictly adhere to our mission of exploring Bolivia in a way that is non-intrusive and environmentally, socially and fiscally sustainable.
Please contact us regarding specific dates and destinations.

For more information:

What is community based ecotourism?
What is sustainable tourism?
What is the history of sustainable/ecotourism?
Norms of Conduct for visiting an Indigenous Community