Sustainability
Travel with purpose.
Sustainable adventure travel in Peru, shaped by the local people, places and traditions behind every Santu journey.
Our Commitment
Sustainability is part of how we design every journey
At Santu, 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 Peru’s Sacred Valley, sustainability is part of how we design itineraries, select suppliers, reduce waste, support local employment and protect natural and cultural heritage. It is a long-term commitment to authentic experiences that continue to benefit future generations.
Nature
We promote responsible travel practices that help preserve Peru’s ecosystems.
People & Communities
We prioritize local employment, family businesses and regional suppliers.
Cultural Heritage
We encourage respectful interactions with local communities and archaeological sites.
Continuous Improvement
We regularly review and improve our environmental and social practices.
Supporting local people
A network of local people behind every journey
Behind each trek is a network of local guides, cooks, drivers, muleteers, artisans, family businesses and small producers whose dedication makes every journey possible. By working with local people and businesses, we help keep the benefits of tourism within the communities where we operate.
We intentionally purchase many of our supplies through trusted local businesses in the Sacred Valley, and we work with more than 10 local and regional producers and suppliers. Working through local shops supports a broader network of entrepreneurs, reduces transportation distances and strengthens the regional economy.
Where practical, we purchase selected products such as rice and sugar in bulk and store them in reusable containers, helping reduce unnecessary packaging.
Responsible tourism is not only about where we travel; it is also about who benefits from every journey.
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.
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.
In practice
How we put sustainability into practice
Sustainability is built into the way we plan, operate and improve our journeys.
Protecting Nature
We reduce waste, encourage reusable materials and promote responsible practices that help protect the ecosystems we explore.
Reducing Single-Use Plastic
We encourage travelers and our teams to use refillable water bottles and reduce unnecessary single-use plastic throughout our journeys.
Responsible Purchasing
Whenever possible, we prioritize local suppliers, seasonal products and regional businesses that strengthen the economy of the Sacred Valley.
Responsible Resource Use
We are working to understand how we use energy, water and fuel, and to find practical ways to use them more efficiently.
Dietary options
Food That Travels With You
Our trekking menus are designed to provide nourishing meals throughout the journey. Vegetarian or vegan? Let us know and we will adapt your menu, packed lunch and more to your diet.
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.
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 our community
Communities we work with
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.
Asociación Niños del Arco Iris
Climbing for inclusion and well-being
Through Vértigo Valle Sagrado, Santu supported children from Asociación Niños del Arco Iris through regular climbing sessions from April to July 2026. Twice a week, children participated in two-hour sessions led by specialized climbing guides, with equipment and climbing spaces provided by our team.
Instituto La Salle
Learning through real-world experience
We welcome tourism and hospitality students from Instituto La Salle for practical training periods of approximately two weeks in July and December. Groups of four students gain hands-on experience supporting different areas of our operation, including Santu, Vértigo, the hostel and restaurant.
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.
Cultural heritage
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.
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.
Continuous improvement
Measuring our progress
We are building systems to better understand and continuously improve our environmental and social impact.
Areas we are working on
Fuel
Waste
Resource use
Local purchasing
Our sustainability commitments
Standards & recognitions
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 the Application of Good Management Practices in the Service of Travel and Tourism Agencies Operating Trekking. Valid through December 2026.
ESNNA
Commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents
Plan your journey
Explore Peru with a local team
Explore Peru with a local team committed to protecting its landscapes, respecting its heritage and creating meaningful connections with the communities we call home.
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