Terra Colombia Supplier Charter

Our agency only offers personalized, private itineraries in Colombia, highlighting specific aspects of the destinations. Our travel agents, experts in the field, recommend sites, accommodations and experiences that meet both the desires of each traveler and the selection criteria of our environmental policy. In our experience, these two objectives are not in conflict, but in fact complementary: a travel offer that respects local ecosystems and communities enriches the traveler’s own experience. We reserve the right to stop collaborating with a service provider that no longer meets our quality criteria, following a reconnaissance visit, an activity test or customer feedback. It is with this in mind that we choose not to offer certain tours that impact vulnerable local communities, activities with a high environmental impact (quad biking, jet-skiing, golf, etc.), or ethically questionable practices (wild animals in captivity, mistreated domestic animals). Furthermore, thanks to our expertise in the field, we have deliberately turned away from mass tourism sites in favor of lesser-known and less-visited places, so as not to participate in the harmful effects of over-tourism, while promoting small local initiatives in line with our own CSR values.

1. Official recognition: Registration with the Colombian National Tourism Registry, valid social security affiliation.
2. Compliance with regulations: Compliance with the Colombian labor code (working conditions, fight against child labor and sex tourism).
3. Respect for local communities: Guarantee access to resources (water, energy, food, property).
4. Pricing and collaboration conditions: Offer clear pricing and fair conditions (commission, management of competition, partnership, confidentiality).
5. CSR practices: Communicate CSR practices and invite travelers to participate. Willingness to collaborate on ecological and sustainable initiatives.
6. Communication and responsiveness: Have a responsive contact person and maintain a relationship of trust with our agency.
7. Quality of service: Have been visited recently by a member of the agency, receive positive reviews from our customers.
8. Protection of children: repudiation and zero tolerance of sexual exploitation of children and sex tourism in general

1. Sustainable resource management
   • Waste: Sustainable management program (sorting, reduction, recovery).
   • Energy: Use of renewable energies, energy savings, sustainable alternatives.
   • Consumables: Local food production, partnerships with local organic farms.
   • Water: Wastewater management protocol, rainwater recovery systems, chlorine-free swimming pools.
2. Ecosystem preservation: Programs to preserve natural areas or recognized nature reserves.
3. Social management
   • Local owners: Preference for Colombian-owned accommodation. Preference for small structures, as opposed to hotel chains.
   • Local human resources: Employment of staff from local communities, offering opportunities for professional development.
4. Communication and awareness
   • Local service providers: Information on local activities that respect the community and the environment.
   • Educational resources: Documents on best practices for travelers.
   • Respect for local customs: Identity and positioning in line with local traditions.

consult our best practices guide for responsible accommodation

1. Sustainable resource management
   • Energy: Modern, fuel-efficient vehicles, commitment to sustainable modes of transport (electric vehicles).
   • Carbon offsetting: Commitment to carbon offsetting programs.
   • Waste management: Rigorous waste management, elimination of unsustainable practices (plastic bottles).
2. Social management
   • Local ownership: Preference for Colombian-owned transport companies.
   • Recruitment policy: Employment of well-trained and protected local personnel.
   • Working conditions: Good working conditions for employees (wages, equipment, working hours).

1. Sustainable resource management
   • Type of activities: Priority given to non-polluting soft activities, without combustion engines. Limitation of activities requiring traditional vehicles.
   • Waste management: Zero plastic policy, drinking water points for water bottles.
   • Water resources: Water supply respectful of the local environment.
2. Preservation of ecosystems and traditions
   • Nature of activities: Priority given to authentic activities adapted to local customs.
   • Working with animals: Observation of wild animals in their natural habitat, avoiding any disruptive practices. In the case of domesticated animals (horseback riding, farm visits, etc.), strict animal welfare criteria are applied.
   • Management of tourist sites: Respect for visiting procedures and visitor gauges, refusal to offer activities in sensitive sites. Minimize the number of sites affected by mass tourism.
   • Relationship with native communities: Agreement with local communities, positive benefits for the communities concerned. Any activity directly involving a community must first and foremost be established according to the criteria of the community in question.
3. Social management
   • Personnel management: Good working conditions for employees, access to quality equipment.
   • General, naturalist or sports guides: Certified guides recognized by SENA.

Consult our guide to good practice for sensitive activities

This list is non-exhaustive and subject to change. For specific services (educational visits, professionally oriented trips, etc.), additional rules may apply. These criteria are essential for initiating and maintaining collaboration with our suppliers. They are reviewed regularly, and any non-compliance may result in suspension of collaboration until the situation is rectified. It is important to note that our criteria vary according to the location and nature of the accommodation or activity. We adapt our criteria to each stage of the trip, as demands and needs differ; for example, the needs of the Amazon are not the same as those of the coffee region