VIAJA CON PROPÓSITO

Our Commitment

Travel creates opportunities—but only when it is managed responsibly.

At Santu Tour Operador, we believe travel should protect the places we explore, respect the people who call them home, and create lasting benefits for local communities.

As a locally owned company based in the Sacred Valley of Peru, sustainability is part of every decision we make—from designing our itineraries and selecting our suppliers to reducing waste, supporting local employment, and protecting our natural and cultural heritage.

For us, sustainability is not a marketing campaign or a certification to display. It is a long-term commitment to creating authentic experiences while ensuring that tourism continues to benefit future generations.

Protect Nature
Support Local Communities
Preserve Cultural Heritage
Continuous Improvement
Supporting the People

Behind Every Journey

Every unforgettable adventure begins long before our travelers arrive.

Behind each trek is a network of local guides, cooks, drivers, muleteers, artisans, family businesses and small producers whose dedication makes every journey possible.

Rather than relying on large national distributors, we intentionally purchase many of our supplies through trusted local businesses in the Sacred Valley that connect us with dozens of regional producers. Many of these producers are small family enterprises with limited distribution. Working through local shops allows us to support a broader network of entrepreneurs while reducing transportation distances and strengthening the regional economy.

Whenever possible, we purchase products in bulk and repack them using reusable containers to reduce packaging waste during our expeditions.

Because responsible tourism is not only about where we travel—it is also about who benefits from every journey.

Tienda_Abigail_3

Abigail Huamán

Family-Owned Local Market

Abigail’s family-owned grocery store brings together products from many small producers in the region. Through businesses like hers, we can support local entrepreneurs while ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients for our travelers.

Florencia Challco

Local Wholesale Partner

Florencia has been supplying local businesses in the Sacred Valley for many years. Through her wholesale store, we purchase dairy products, jams, herbal teas, grains and other regional ingredients used in our trekking meals. Supporting local producers across the Sacred Valley.

Comercial El Valle

Regional Marketplace

Comercial El Valle is one of the main local markets where we source fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products and everyday supplies for our expeditions. It also provides a sales point for many small regional producers who have limited access to larger markets.

Apus

Healthy Energy Snacks

APUS creates natural energy snacks made with carefully selected Peruvian ingredients. Their products provide nutritious fuel for our trekkers while supporting a growing local business committed to quality and healthy eating.

VALYLAC

Local Dairy Producer

Valylac works with dairy farmers from the Sacred Valley to produce fresh yogurt, cheese and other traditional dairy products. These local ingredients become part of the breakfasts and meals enjoyed during many of our trekking adventures.

Agua Munay

Purified Water Partner

Agua Munay helps us provide safe drinking water while reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. Through refillable containers, we minimize waste and encourage more responsible travel practices.

How We Put Sustainability Into Practice

Sustainability is built into the way we plan, operate and improve our journeys.

We reduce waste, encourage reusable materials and promote responsible practices that help protect the ecosystems we explore.

We encourage travelers and our teams to use refillable water bottles and reduce unnecessary single-use plastic throughout our journeys

Whenever possible, we prioritize local suppliers, seasonal products and regional businesses that strengthen the economy of the Sacred Valley.

We monitor our use of energy, water, fuel and other resources and continuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

DIETARY OPTIONS

Food That Travels With You

Our trekking menus are designed to provide nourishing meals throughout the journey, with vegetarian options available for our trekking programs.

Vegetarian menus maintain the same meal structure as our standard menus, replacing animal proteins with ingredients such as quinoa, mushrooms, beans, vegetables and other plant-based alternatives. Many of these ingredients are part of our local supply network.

We can also accommodate vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dietary requirements upon request, subject to advance notice and menu coordination with our kitchen team.

→ Vegetarian menus available
→ Vegan options upon request
→ Gluten-free options upon request
→ Dairy-free options upon request

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE

The People Behind Every Journey

Our journeys are made possible by people who know these mountains, communities and traditions firsthand.

We work with local guides, cooks, drivers, muleteers, artisans and small businesses whose knowledge and dedication are an essential part of every experience we create.

By working with local people and businesses, we help keep the benefits of tourism within the communities where we operate.

→ Supporting local people is part of responsible travel.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Our Impact on the Community

Tourism can create opportunities beyond the journey itself. We work with local organizations, educational institutions and professionals to help ensure that tourism contributes to the communities where we live and operate.

Fundación Niños Arco Iris

Climbing for inclusion and well-being

Through our collaboration with Fundación Niños Arco Iris, climbing is used as a tool to promote confidence, discipline, teamwork and social inclusion among children and young people in the Sacred Valley.

Instituto La Salle

Learning through real-world experience

Through our cooperation with Instituto La Salle, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience while supporting activities related to tourism, sustainability, visitor service and environmental education.

Cook and Muleteers in Ausangate

Local Employment

Creating opportunities close to home

We prioritize local guides, cooks, drivers, muleteers and other field professionals, valuing their knowledge and experience while keeping tourism opportunities within the region.

Respecting Peru’s Living Heritage

Peru’s heritage is not only found in archaeological sites. It lives in its communities, traditions, food, languages, crafts and relationship with the land.

We encourage travelers to approach these places and cultures with curiosity, respect and awareness.

Our guides help visitors understand local customs and appropriate behavior while visiting communities and cultural sites.

Respect Local Customs
Protect Archaeological Sites
Support Living Traditions

Measuring Our Progress

Sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. We are developing systems to monitor our environmental and social performance and use this information to make better decisions over time.

Monitoring our environmental footprint.


⛽ Fuel Consumption

Tracking fuel consumption.

♻️ Waste Management

Improving waste management.


🛒 Local Purchasing

Strengthening local supplier networks.

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

How You Can Help

Small choices can make a meaningful difference. During your journey, help us protect Peru’s landscapes, communities and cultural heritage.

→ Bring a reusable water bottle

Reduce unnecessary single-use plastic.


→ Respect local communities

Follow local customs and ask before taking photographs.


→ Protect cultural heritage

Do not touch, remove or alter archaeological or cultural sites.

→ Leave no trace

Take your waste with you and follow your guide’s instructions.


→ Support local businesses

Choose local products, services and crafts whenever possible.


→ Travel with awareness

Respect nature, wildlife and the people who call these places home

Our Sustainability Commitments

Our policies and procedures guide how we operate, manage our impacts, and continuously improve our sustainability practices.

We are continuously improving the way we manage our environmental, social and quality commitments.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management System

CALTUR

Recognition for Sustainable Tourism Practices

ESSNA

Commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents

Couple overlooking the Sacred Valley during a trip in Cusco Peru

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