I am a speaker on financial issues in Canada. Recently, I spent several months in Peru & Bolivia learning from some Fair Trade organizations and how our purchasing patters here in Canada influence the cultures in other countries - namely through tourism.
I hear a lot of people going on 'eco-tours', and wanted pass on my thoughts about one in particuar.
I spent a lot of time researching tours on my trip to Bolivia. As a conscious consumer, I was okay with going on less tours - if the companies aligned with my personal values (environmental, human rights, etc). I decided to go with Madidi Travel - and was extremely happy in my decision. Rurre is on the border of Madidi National Park. There are several companies that offer tours inside the park - however, I found that Madidi Travel had the highest standards for sustainability. The founder of Madidi Travel is Rosa Maria Ruiz. Rosa was also the founder of Madidi National Park. She fought against corporate and political corruption for over 30 years to protect the area (the most biodiverse national park in the world) - at the risk of her own personal safety.
I wanted to support Rosa's struggle and successes by staying at Madidi Travel - a company that doesn't compromise environmental sustainability... As well, their lodge is incredible, impeccable and the staff (tour guides, translators and cooks) are amazing. It was my favourite week that I spent on my extended backpacking trip to Bolivia.
Lastly, Madidi is the most highly regarded company by locals. I have always found talking to locals to be the best indication of what a company is all about.
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Bradley Roulston