South America is home to a dozen unique nations, each offering its own diverse ecosystem, and each coloring the continent with a breathtaking array of flora, fauna and human communities. As you prepare to jet off and witness amazing natural and cultural features through your own eyes, it’s essential to be conscious of your journey’s impact.

While the South American travel industry has grown immensely over the past two decades, this growth has come with both positive and negative consequences. The continent has suffered from habitat loss, the physical degradation of ecosystems, and the destruction of local traditions, as well as other effects.

Sustainable travel is a model that aims to lower the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, the economy and local communities, while at the same time providing travelers with authentic, safe and rewarding travel experiences.

It’s not always easy to incorporate sustainability into one’s vacation, yet many travelers have begun to ask themselves what they can do to start traveling in a more ethical and sustainable way. These ten travel tips will help you engage in sustainable travel in South America responsibly and support the environment during your journey.

1. Choose an eco-friendly destination

Though definitions may vary, for us a sustainable destination is one where its local travel industry and local government do all they can to highlight the area’s natural infrastructure and beauty, support their local communities, and teach travelers about the destination’s unique culture. Classic eco-destinations immerse you in the wilderness, offering you a front-row seat to the natural world.

Among those venues in South America are areas like the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, and Patagonia. These are destinations that remain pristine, allowing you to witness some of…

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