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Responsible travel in Nicaragua with Coco Tours

"Travelling is an excellent way to bond and understand people. It allows the personal growth of the traveler and the host. Their resources must serve the sustainable development of populations visited"

"Responsible travel is a rising movement and an increasing trend that can change the way we travel forever. We hope you’ll join us in re-inventing tourism for the benefit of local people, tourists, the environment and the tourism industry at large." Miguel, Terra Tours Manager in some interwiev for magazines.

If you believe in responsible tourism and the partnership of local people in the holiday experience, then you have come to the right place.

Cooperation programs completed and ongoing
(Garifuna Villages):

Since 2000, various agreements were signed for humanitarian work with the Garifuna village. All these projects are supported by the village leaders, the Chamber of Tourism and Garifuna Development (CAMATUR).

• Expansion and renovation of Triunfo's health center.
• Manufacture and install 90 environmentally friendly garbage cans on the beaches and streets of Triunfo (project done in collaboration with Quebec schools).
• Manufacture and install 30 large green recycling bins.
• Paint the entire school Esteban Guardiola. (3 times)
• Construction of a kindergarten in El Tigre neighborhood.
• Help missions for kindergarten teachers of Triunfo, Miami, Tornabé, and La Encenada. (several occasions)
• Building Project of Green Homes made with plastic bottles for single parent families. (in progress... in collaboration with Quebec schools)
• Reforestation Project in Triunfo: coconut plantations on the beach, fruit trees and medicinal plants by the roads.

Responsible Tourism Code

• Learn about the country
• Know the appropriate cultural behaviour
• Learn key words in the local language
• Be aware of religious and social customs
• Respect the dignity and privacy of others – ask before taking photos
• Dress and behave respectfully especially in villages, religious and cultural areas
• Visit the visitors centre on arrival for local information
• Be careful giving gifts or money to children and beggars
• Minimise environmental impact.
• Do not buy products made from coral, endangered plants or animals
• Do not stand on, touch or remove any items from the reef, including coral
• Dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible, reuse your drink bottles, and say “No” to plastic bags
• Minimise water and power use
• Purchase local products, arts and crafts. 50 cents may not mean much to you, but it may be a meal for the vendor
• Eat local rather than imported food.
• Support local and environmentally responsible tour operators and stay in locally owned accommodation
• Pay a fair price. pay a price that reflects what something is worth to you
• Support local initiatives

Remember you are a guest – don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. Make your trip a positive experience for both you and the people in the country you visit.