Sustainability Program

At The Andes Adventure Travels, we believe tourism should create positive experiences not only for travelers, but also for local communities, culture, and the natural environment.

In line with the principles of sustainable tourism promoted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), we are committed to operating responsibly by considering the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impact of our activities, both now and in the future.

Through the following policies and programs, we aim to promote responsible travel, protect Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage, support local communities, and encourage ethical tourism practices.

Sustainability Policy

The Andes Adventure Travels is committed to the sustainable development of tourism across environmental, sociocultural, and economic areas. We work together with our customers, suppliers, local communities, and collaborators to provide high-quality tourism services while promoting responsible travel practices.

With the support of our trained and qualified team, and in compliance with current legal requirements, occupational health and safety standards, and tourism regulations, we are committed to:

• Promoting the sustainability principles under which our company operates to our customers, suppliers, and collaborators.
• Encouraging the conservation and responsible use of Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Protecting flora, fauna, and ecosystems in the destinations we promote.
• Preventing all forms of exploitation, violence, and the sexual abuse or commercialization of minors.

Sustainability Objectives

Our sustainability goals include:

• Working with suppliers who are committed to sustainable practices.
• Promoting destinations that protect Colombia’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage.
• Including local communities in our tourism experiences whenever possible.
• Training our team in the efficient use of water and energy, as well as responsible waste management.
• Requiring suppliers to maintain up-to-date legal documentation to ensure safe and reliable services.
• Using recycled paper for internal company purposes whenever possible.
• Continuously improving customer satisfaction through responsible and high-quality services.
• Sharing our sustainability principles with customers, suppliers, and collaborators.
• Preventing the exploitation, violence, and sexual abuse of children and adolescents.

Natural Heritage Program

Through this program, The Andes Adventure Travels promotes the conservation and responsible management of the flora, fauna, and ecosystems present in the destinations we operate and promote.

Our commitments include:

• Prioritizing environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance products, including organic or biodegradable options whenever possible.
• Supporting and encouraging recycling initiatives that involve both travelers and local communities.
• Protecting the natural value of the destinations we visit and helping preserve Colombia’s reputation as a country rich in biodiversity and committed to sustainable tourism.
• Educating travelers during visits to protected natural areas so they respect local ecosystems and avoid harmful actions such as feeding wildlife, hunting animals, or extracting plants or animal species.
• Offering travelers meaningful and enjoyable sustainable tourism experiences that highlight the value of conservation and responsible enjoyment of nature.
• Ensuring that all vehicles used for transportation services comply with current technical inspections, mandatory insurance requirements, and other applicable legal standards.
• Encouraging our staff to involve travelers in the sustainability values we promote through their guidance and interaction.

Cultural Heritage Program

Cultural heritage includes the natural expressions and human creations that reflect the material, spiritual, scientific, historical, and artistic identity of a society, both past and present. Because of its cultural significance, it is our responsibility to help preserve and respect it for current and future generations.

Colombia is home to extraordinary cultural traditions and expressions. Among them are:

• Blacks and Whites Carnival
• Traditional Knowledge of the Nukak-Makú People
• National Band Contest of Paipa
• The Wayuu Palabrero Institution
• Riosucio Carnival

Two Colombian cultural expressions are also included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

• Barranquilla Carnival
• The Cultural Space of San Basilio de Palenque

At The Andes Adventure Travels, we promote respectful, informed, and responsible appreciation of Colombia’s cultural heritage.

Social and Economic Development Program

We believe tourism should contribute positively to the well-being of local communities and support a better quality of life through fair, respectful, and inclusive economic activity.

Through our operations, The Andes Adventure promotes:

Responsible Hiring and Supplier Selection

When selecting suppliers and service providers, we prioritize those who can demonstrate responsible and sustainable practices in the destinations where they operate.

Support for Local Communities

We encourage:

• The purchase and promotion of regional products such as handicrafts and local gastronomy.
• Travel experiences that support Colombian destinations and local economies.
• Responsible tourism that benefits communities directly and values their traditions, identity, and livelihoods.

Child Protection Program and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation

Tourism should always be associated with rest, learning, cultural exchange, recreation, and respect. For this reason, The Andes Adventure Travels firmly rejects all forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

In accordance with Colombian law, especially Law 679 of 2001, Law 1336 of 2009, and Resolution 3840 of 2009, we have adopted measures and a Code of Conduct to prevent and report sexual exploitation, abuse, pornography, and sex tourism involving minors.

We inform all travelers that the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors in Colombia is punishable by criminal and administrative sanctions under current law.

Code of Conduct

To prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in tourism, The Andes Adventure Travels is committed to:

• Never promoting, directly or indirectly, tourism plans or services that involve the sexual exploitation of minors.
• Taking measures to prevent our collaborators or suppliers from offering tourism services involving sexual contact with minors.
• Protecting Colombian and foreign minors from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Including information in our communications and tourism materials about the legal consequences of sexual exploitation, pornography, and sex tourism involving minors.
• Never providing information about places where sexual services involving minors are offered or coordinated.
• Never taking tourists to places where the sexual exploitation of minors occurs.
• Never transporting minors or facilitating any activity that may involve their sexual exploitation.
• Rejecting all forms of child exploitation.
• Rejecting all forms of discrimination based on race or gender.
• Reporting any suspected cases of sexual exploitation involving minors to the police and competent authorities.
• Asking customers, suppliers, partners, and other agencies to reject participation in the sexual exploitation of minors and to report any such cases they may become aware of.
• Implementing preventive, monitoring, and corrective measures to ensure full compliance with this Code of Conduct.

Any person involved in the sexual exploitation, abuse, or pornography of children or adolescents may face imprisonment and criminal penalties under Colombian law.

Environmental Program

Our environmental program focuses on the responsible use of natural resources and the proper management of waste.

Water Saving and Responsible Use Program

We encourage our team, partners, and travelers to:

• Turn off faucets when not in use.
• Report water leaks or unnecessary waste of water.
• Follow the company’s recommendations and guidelines regarding water conservation.

Energy Saving and Responsible Use Program

We encourage the responsible use of energy by:

• Turning off lights when they are not needed.
• Making use of natural light whenever possible.
• Reporting damage to electrical systems, equipment, or power sources.
• Turning off equipment when it is not in use.
• Unplugging chargers once devices are fully charged.

Integrated Waste Management Program

We promote responsible waste management by encouraging people to:

• Separate and dispose of waste in the appropriate designated bins.
• Print only when physical copies are truly necessary.
• Print on both sides of the paper whenever possible.
• Reuse paper whenever practical.

Responsible Traveler Information

At The Andes Adventure Travels, we believe responsible travel begins with awareness and respect. For this reason, we share the following recommendations with our travelers.

Before Starting Ground Transportation by Vehicle

Before beginning any tour involving ground transportation, travelers will be informed about:

• The maximum passenger capacity allowed in the vehicle.
• The importance of fastening seat belts upon entering the vehicle.
• The recommendation to remain seated while the vehicle is moving.
• What to do in the event of an emergency.
• The availability of insurance coverage for emergency assistance in case of an accident.

Responsible Tourist and Traveler Policy

Flora and Fauna

The killing of protected wild animals and the illegal exploitation of forests and plant species are serious crimes that have a devastating effect on biodiversity, ecosystems, and local livelihoods.

We encourage travelers not to buy or consume products made from endangered or illegally obtained plants, wood, or animals, as doing so may contribute to their exploitation or extinction.

In Colombia, trafficking in protected wildlife, exotic plants, and wood products from endangered species is punishable by law.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a serious crime driven by demand. If you believe someone is being forced to work against their will, is being mistreated, or if you observe suspicious activity in a bar, hotel, restaurant, or elsewhere, please report it to the police. Your actions may help prevent forced labor and sexual exploitation.

The sexual exploitation of children is punishable both in the place where it occurs and, in many cases, in the offender’s country of residence.

The Andes Adventure Travels warns that the exploitation and sexual abuse of minors in Colombia is punishable under criminal and administrative law.

Cultural Artifacts

Cultural objects such as traditional carvings, ceramics, antiques, and historical items may appear attractive as souvenirs, but travelers should be careful not to purchase stolen, looted, or illegally obtained goods.

The illegal trade in cultural property harms communities and may permanently damage a country’s heritage and identity. We encourage all travelers to buy responsibly and to verify the legal origin of cultural items before purchasing them.

Souvenirs

Please make sure the souvenirs you take home have a legal and documented origin, are not stolen, and have the proper export permits where required.

Ask about the origin of the items you purchase and remember that your trip can positively contribute to local development when you support local artisans, fair trade principles, and regional products.

Illicit Drugs

Drug trafficking is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Travelers should never carry packages, bags, or items that do not belong to them, as claiming ignorance does not exempt anyone from legal responsibility.

Counterfeit Goods

Counterfeit products may seem inexpensive, but they are often linked to unethical production practices, poor labor conditions, forced labor, environmental harm, and organized crime.

Although buying such items may seem like a way to support small sellers, there are often criminal networks behind these activities. We encourage travelers to avoid counterfeit goods and support legitimate local businesses instead.

Colombian Cultural Heritage

Colombia is home to a remarkable cultural heritage, including traditions, festivals, and social practices of great historical and cultural value.

Among these are:

• Blacks and Whites Carnival
• Traditional Knowledge of the Nukak-Makú People
• National Band Contest of Paipa
• The Wayuu Palabrero Institution
• Riosucio Carnival

On UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are:

• Barranquilla Carnival
• The Cultural Space of San Basilio de Palenque

We encourage travelers to appreciate these cultural expressions with respect, curiosity, and responsibility.

Environmental Recommendations for Travelers

We invite all travelers to join our environmental commitment by following these simple recommendations:

• Use natural resources such as water and energy responsibly and in moderation.
• Minimize waste whenever possible.
• Dispose of waste properly according to local recycling and waste separation guidelines.
• Respect the natural, cultural, and social heritage of the destinations you visit.

The Andes Adventure Travels is committed to promoting tourism that does not create negative impacts on the natural, cultural, or social heritage of the destinations we operate in.

Applicable Legal Framework

As a legally established and responsible tourism company, The Andes Adventure Travels  operates in compliance with the applicable legal framework in Colombia, including tourism, environmental, cultural heritage, child protection, and personal data regulations.

Among the laws and regulations relevant to our operation are:

• Law 300 of 1996, regulated by Decree 2590 of 2009 – General Tourism Law
• Law 1558 of 2012
• Law 1101 of 2006
• Law 679 of 2001, Law 1336 of 2009, and Resolution 3840 of 2009, related to the prevention of sexual exploitation of minors
• Law 17 of 1981 and Law 1333 of 2009, related to environmental protection and the prevention of illegal trafficking of flora and fauna
• Law 1185 of 2008 and related cultural heritage regulations concerning the illegal trafficking of cultural property
• Law 1581 of 2012, regarding personal data protection
• Law 1335 of 2009, regarding smoke-free spaces
• Law 1482 of 2011, regarding discrimination and racism

Company Declarations

The Andes Adventure Travels:

• Warns travelers that the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors in Colombia is punishable under criminal and administrative law.
• Rejects the commercialization and illegal trafficking of cultural property.
• Rejects the commercialization and illegal trafficking of wild fauna and flora species.
• Defends Colombia’s cultural diversity and rejects discrimination and racism.
• Is committed to the protection of personal data.
• Promotes smoke-free spaces.
• Invites travelers to be part of our environmental commitment through the efficient use of water and energy, as well as through reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.

1. Data Processing Policy

   This Data Processing Policy explains how The Andes Adventure Travels Company processes personal data in connection with our website, customer communications, booking operations, tourism services, payment coordination, and related business activities.

   This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Refund Policy, Cancellation Policy, and any booking-specific terms provided at the time of reservation.

   1. Company Information

   Brand Name: The Andes Adventure Travels
   Legal Entity: The Andes Adventure Travels
   Colombian Address: Cra 46C #80 sur 155
   Email: [email protected]
   Phone / WhatsApp: +57 3014138967
   Website: theandesadventure.com

   Where applicable, certain transactions or administrative functions may also involve an affiliated entity or designated merchant of record, which may process relevant data as necessary to complete or administer a booking.

   2. Scope of Processing

   We process personal data when you:

   • visit our website;
   • contact us by email, phone, WhatsApp, social media, or contact form;
   • request information, itineraries, or quotations;
   • book a tour, transportation service, or travel experience;
   • make or attempt to make a payment;
   • participate in one of our services;
   • communicate with us regarding changes, cancellations, refunds, or support;
   • interact with our promotions, advertisements, or analytics tools.

   3. Categories of Personal Data Processed

   Depending on the nature of the interaction, we may process the following types of data:

   A. Identification Data

   • full name;
   • nationality;
   • country or city of residence;
   • passport or identification details where necessary for travel insurance, operational or legal purposes.

   B. Contact Data

   • email address;
   • telephone number;
   • WhatsApp number;
   • emergency contact information, where applicable.

   C. Booking and Travel Data

   • booked service details;
   • travel dates;
   • number of travelers;
   • pickup location;
   • accommodation or meeting point information;
   • language preferences;
   • special requests or operational notes.

   D. Payment and Transaction Data

   • payment status;
   • transaction references;
   • billing-related details;
   • partial payment instrument details where available through payment providers.

   We do not typically store full card numbers or full sensitive payment credentials on our own systems when payments are handled by authorized third-party processors.

   E. Communication Data

   • emails;
   • messages sent through forms, WhatsApp, or social media;
   • customer support history;
   • confirmations and acknowledgments of policy acceptance.

   F. Technical and Usage Data

   • IP address;
   • browser type;
   • device information;
   • operating system;
   • pages visited;
   • access timestamps;
   • cookie and analytics information.

   G. Optional Sensitive or Special Information

   In limited cases, travelers may voluntarily provide health, mobility, dietary, or accessibility-related information necessary to safely deliver a service. We only process such information when reasonably necessary and appropriate for service delivery, safety, or legal compliance.

   4. Purposes of Data Processing

   We process personal data for legitimate business and operational purposes, including:

   • responding to inquiries and requests;
   • preparing quotes, proposals, and itineraries;
   • confirming and managing reservations;
   • coordinating transportation, guides, and local operations;
   • processing payments and verifying transactions;
   • sending confirmations, reminders, updates, and service instructions;
   • providing customer support;
   • preventing fraud and unauthorized transactions;
   • managing cancellations, refunds, and disputes;
   • complying with tourism, tax, accounting, and legal obligations;
   • improving our website, communications, and services;
   • protecting the safety, rights, and legitimate interests of our business, staff, partners, and customers.

   5. Legal Basis for Processing

   Where required by applicable law, our processing of personal data is based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

   • your consent;
   • the need to take steps before entering into a contract;
   • performance of a contract;
   • compliance with legal obligations;
   • our legitimate business interests, including customer service, fraud prevention, service administration, business security, and operational management.

   6. Data Processing Principles

   We process personal data according to the following principles:

   • lawfulness, fairness, and transparency;
   • purpose limitation;
   • data minimization;
   • accuracy;
   • storage limitation;
   • integrity and confidentiality;
   • accountability.

   We seek to process only the information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

   7. How Data Is Collected

   We may collect data:

   • directly from you;
   • from your authorized travel companion or representative;
   • through contact forms and booking forms;
   • through payment processors and booking communications;
   • through cookies, pixels, and analytics tools;
   • through service providers involved in delivering the booked experience.

   8. Sharing and Disclosure of Data

   We may share personal data only where reasonably necessary, including with:

   • payment processors and financial service providers;
   • guides, drivers, translators, transportation companies, and operational staff;
   • third-party activity providers, farms, venues, restaurants, or experience partners;
   • website hosting providers, email systems, analytics providers, and technical vendors;
   • legal, accounting, tax, or compliance advisors;
   • insurers or dispute-resolution entities where necessary;
   • competent authorities, regulators, law enforcement, or courts where required by law or legal process.

   We do not sell personal data as a standalone commercial product.

   9. International and Cross-Border Processing

   As we serve international travelers and may use cross-border communications, payment systems, and service providers, personal data may be processed or transferred internationally.

   By using our services, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to or processed in countries with different legal frameworks for data protection.

   10. Payment Processing and Fraud Prevention

   Payment-related data may be processed by authorized third-party payment processors. We may use transaction records, booking confirmations, communications, and operational records to:

   • verify payment legitimacy;
   • prevent fraud;
   • investigate suspicious transactions;
   • respond to card network inquiries;
   • defend against abusive or fraudulent chargebacks.

   11. Data Retention

   We retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including:

   • reservation management;
   • service delivery;
   • support and follow-up;
   • legal, tax, accounting, and regulatory compliance;
   • fraud prevention and dispute handling;
   • enforcement of contractual rights.

   Retention periods may differ based on the category of data and the applicable legal or operational need.

   12. Data Security Measures

   We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, misuse, loss, disclosure, or alteration.

   These measures may include:

   • access controls;
   • password protection;
   • limited staff access;
   • secure third-party platforms;
   • reasonable internal handling procedures.

   However, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

   13. Data Subject Rights

   Subject to applicable law, individuals may have rights regarding their personal data, including the right to:

   • access their data;
   • request correction of inaccurate data;
   • request deletion where appropriate;
   • object to certain processing;
   • request restriction of processing;
   • withdraw consent where consent is the legal basis;
   • request information about how their data is processed.

   Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below. We may request verification of identity before responding.

   14. Children’s Data

   We do not intentionally process personal data from children acting independently outside the context of a family, guardian, or responsible adult booking. Where a child participates in a service, information may be processed only as reasonably necessary for booking and service administration.

   15. Third-Party Processors

   We may rely on third-party processors to carry out certain functions on our behalf, such as:

   • website hosting;
   • analytics;
   • email communications;
   • payment processing;
   • customer support tools;
   • operational coordination.

   Where appropriate, such providers are expected to process data only for authorized purposes and under reasonable confidentiality and security obligations.

   16. Policy Updates

   We may revise this Data Processing Policy from time to time. Any updated version will be posted on this page with the corresponding effective date.

   17. Contact for Data Processing Questions

   If you have any questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Data Processing Policy or the way we process personal data, please contact us:

   The Andes Adventure
   Colombian Address: Cra 46C #80 sur 155
   Email: [email protected]
   Phone / WhatsApp: +57 3014138967