B-Corp Hotels Of Latin America

December 10 • 2024

Fundamental to starting Travel Differently, was our commitment to sustainability and only working with suppliers and hotels that hold similar values. We believe that travel is a force for good when planned carefully, thoughtfully, and by limiting environmental impacts. We want to ensure all our holidays benefit both local habitats and communities. A hotel or lodge which has earned B- Corp certification is exactly the kind of property we want to suggest to our guests. The more hotels and lodges that gain this prestigious accreditation, the better the travel industry will become.

Recent hotels in Latin America certified as B-Corp

The last two years have seen several more hotels and lodges gain B-Corp status. They are a fantastic range of properties we regularly recommend and book for our guests. Here we take a look at the B-Corp hotels of Latin America, and their achievements. And of course why we think you should include them into your bespoke holiday to Latin America.

Montemar Villas, Galapagos Islands

Montemar Eco Luxury villas was set up by two local conservationists who fell in love with this incredible archipelago. They had a passion for the islands, and wanted to bring people here in a way in which would tread lightly and respect the local environment. The amazing Villas are in the heart of Giant Tortoise habitat on Santa Cruz, within their sustainable farm.

What makes the project sustainable?

The project is 100% owned by local Ecuadorians, placing social sustainability at the heart everything. The buildings were made from almost exclusively locally found materials, electricity is from solar panels and there is a water treatment on sight meaning limited waste. Montemar bans all single use plastics and ensures all cleaning products are biodegradable. The delicious food is all produced from the farm along with coffee. In fact the coffee grown has its own significance, with all profits made from sales going towards the re-wilding tortoise project. The valuable tortoise research work carried out at Montemar is a great example of how profit from tourism used correctly, can protect the local wildlife.

Local initiatives

The luxury hotel runs 20 local environmental initiates to secure the protection of nature in these remote and important islands. This includes work with locals schools, arts projects, scholarships and neighbourhood schemes. As well as the incredible work the hotel undertakes, a stay here is a treat! The Villas are luxurious and comfortable, filled with light and thoughtful touches. They make for a perfect stay during your holiday to the Galapagos.

Gocta Nature Reserve, Peru Amazon

Perfect for hiking, bird watching and exploring archaeological sites, the Gocta Nature Reserve has rightly earned its B-Corp status. In the heart of the cloud forest and away from the crowds of Machu Picchu, this spectacular eco lodge is all about peace, nature and respect for the local environment. A chance to slow down and really enjoy a slice of paradise, the lodge offers guests a menu of activities that show off the incredible surroundings.

What makes the lodge so special?

The cosy yet luxurious rooms make the lodge seem like a home from home, and having your own balcony to soak up the views of mountains and waterfalls is a real treat. Food is important here; with food sourced locally and menus designed with thought and creativity. The chef previously worked at Central in Lima, voted one of the best restaurants in the world. And it shows. The menu is also 80% plant based, with zero beef used, giving a nod to sustainable practices which are at the heart of the project.

Giving back

The lodge gives guests the opportunity to help with reforestation and promotes environmental education to raise awareness of the delicate biodiversity. Community engagement is at the heart of the ethos here, getting the locals involved in the conservation efforts and supporting local communities. Eco-friendly practices and waste management enforce the green credentials of this unique eco hotel.

Carlota, Quito Ecuador

A charming yet stylish hotel in the heart of Quito, Ecuador. The Carlota hotel deserves its B-Corp recognition, due its outstanding commitment to sustainable design.

International recognition

In fact Carlota is the first hotel in the county to be LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the US Green Building Council. Things like solar energy on site, advanced water filtration systems and low energy LED lighting make the hotel stand out. A great deal of time and thought was put into using reclaimed materials for the build, both from recycled means and repurposed from the original building. Style and beauty are not compromised, and the hotel is stunning.

Unique experiences

Carlota also offers guests some really interesting and unique experiences such as art classes, cookery, and chocolate and gin tasting. A stay here is all about doing things differently, staying in style, and recognising sustainability.

Antigua, Cusco Peru

The Antigua hotel is a 5* boutique hideaway in Cusco, Peru, with hugely impressive eco credentials. The hotel is designed in traditional colours and textiles, giving it a homely feel while also making you feel like you are staying somewhere very special. Cusco is a foodie city, and the Antigua really delivers.

A foodie destination

Try the French toast with a hint of orange, taste exceptional Peruvian cuisine, and enjoy a cocktail at the end of the night around the fireplace in the courtyard. There are so many wonderful places to eat in Cusco; from Michelin guide restaurants to local street food delicacies. Make sure dinner at Antigua Hotel is on your list.

A simple philosophy

The philosophy is simple; put others first. The B-Corp ethos really becomes clear in the hotels dedication to the community. Antigua supports a number of local initiatives which aim to enrich lives and give back to local people. The goal here is to serve, to bridge and to give back, protecting the Pachamama together. Sustainability is at the heart of this philosophy also, with recycling, water filtration, and zero food waste being just some of the initiatives. Antigua hotel has also more recently partnered with Regenera, who provide the hotel with a carbon offsetting scheme. Guests can track this progress, and feel part of the solution, with current hotel emissions being offset at 2:1, meaning the hotel is carbon positive. Speak to our experts about including a stay at Antigua into your holiday to Peru. You can be part of the solution towards sustainable tourism, whilst staying in a gorgeous hotel and enjoying all it has to offer.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Brazil Amazon

Anavilhanas is a beautiful jungle lodge in thick of Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest, and should be on your wish-list. A stay here is all about nature, wildlife, and getting away from noise. What makes this boutique jungle lodge so special is the extensive list of activities on offer, but also peaceful and luxurious down time offered. A chance to take some time out in the middle of your slow travel holiday to Brazil.

Earning B-Corp

It has gained its B-Corp badge by putting the Amazon Rain forest first, in all decision making. Conservation is key, preserving an areas of 520 hectares of forest. Employees are carefully trained to respect and care for nature, and guests are educated about preserving the Amazon. But the hotel goes even further, by investing in local scientific and research projects such as Jaguar studies. The footprint of the hotel serves as a base for scientific studies, for example the National Amazon Research Centre’s study into the regions Fungi.

Sustainable tourism is key here

Community is vital to the hotel and its ethos, in fact the Anavilhanas Lodge is the largest private employer in the region, with 85% of its staff being locals. Sustainable tourism hugely benefits the surrounding towns and villages, with evidence of increased schooling, recycling, and higher incomes. This is a really unique hotel, in the heart of the Amazon which will not only enrich the local community but make for a truly memorable part of your holiday.

Summary

Here we can see a beautiful selection of hotels that are going above and beyond to better their local environment and community. Tourism and luxury travel should always be about giving back, making the experience better for guests and the local society as a whole. With these hotel achieving the prestigious B-Corp status in the last two years, there is real hope that the tourism and hospitality sector is waking up to the need for real change. Once in a lifetime holidays should not be at the expense of the environment. In fact its our opinion that hotels and lodges that take this commitment seriously, offer the best holiday experience possible.

Looking to plan a holiday that marries luxury and sustainability? Contact our experts Sam and Sinead to chat about your wish-list and they can design you a bespoke journey.