Sustainability - Chile Nativo Travel
Sustainability

Sustainability

WHAT MOTIVATES US

Chile Nativo: Committed to Sustainability

At Chile Nativo, we believe travel should be a force for good. Every journey has an impact, and we are committed to making that impact positive and regenerative for Patagonia.

We actively work to give back to the region by measuring and offsetting our carbon footprint, supporting conservation initiatives through partnerships with foundations, and implementing responsible practices such as recycling and composting across our operations.

And when you choose one of our tours to Torres del Paine, your trip directly contributes to its preservation: we donate $2 per day, per passenger, for the entire duration of each stay to the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund.

We love nature and the destinations we proudly share with the world. That’s why we operate under the highest standards, striving to create a lasting positive impact on our travelers, our team, local communities, and the extraordinary ecosystems that make Patagonia such a unique place.

Our Commitment

At Chile Nativo, we ensure responsible tourism through certifications that validate our commitment to sustainability, conservation, and support for local communities.

Sello S (S Seal)

Sello S (S Seal)

The S Seal is an advanced distinction granted by SERNATUR to tourism businesses with a commercial approach genuinely aligned with sustainability.

Sello R (R Seal)

Sello R (R Seal)

The R Seal is the distinction awarded by SERNATUR to registered tourism service providers in order to highlight the formal offerings of the country.

HuellaChile Certification

HuellaChile Certification

This certification recognizes the carbon footprint assessment of our W Trek program: the first specific tourism program in Chile to be measured and certified, reinforcing our commitment to reducing and offsetting our impact in Patagonia.

Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Child Sexual Exploitation

Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Child Sexual Exploitation

Mechanism created by SERNATUR through which various tourism stakeholders can subscribe to the commitment of protecting children and adolescents from any form of exploitation, primarily sexual exploitation.

40-Hour Workweek Certification

40-Hour Workweek Certification

We hold the 40-hour workweek certification, reaffirming our commitment to our team’s wellbeing, work-life balance, and overall quality of life. We believe responsible tourism also begins by caring for the people who make it possible.

WHAT WE DO

Our Actions

We drive concrete actions for the conservation of Patagonia, support for local communities, and the promotion of sustainable tourism.

Contribution to conservation in Torres del Paine

Since 2019, Chile Nativo has been committed to supporting nature conservation in Torres del Paine, one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.

Through a contribution of USD 2 per person for each day of their stay in the park, our travelers actively support the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund and its initiatives to protect the biodiversity and ecosystems of this unique destination.

Thanks to this collective commitment, Chile Nativo has made a historic contribution of USD 22,214 to the Legacy Fund, helping finance 70% of a Native Flora Greenhouse project within Torres del Paine National Park. This initiative will enable the cultivation of native tree species inside the park, supporting future restoration and reforestation efforts in areas affected by wildfires.

Together, we are helping protect the natural legacy of Torres del Paine and supporting long-term conservation initiatives that preserve this extraordinary landscape for future generations.

Measuring and offsetting our carbon footprint

At Chile Nativo, we work to measure, reduce, and offset the environmental impact of our operations, advancing toward a more responsible and transparent model of tourism.

One of the most important milestones in this journey was becoming the first tourism company in Chile to measure and certify the carbon footprint of a tourism product, corresponding to the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, through the HuellaChile program of the Ministry of the Environment. This process allowed us to analyze emissions associated with transportation, food, heating, and the overall operation of the program.

In parallel, since 2021 we have offset 2,451 kg of CO₂ in collaboration with Climeworks, supporting direct air capture solutions that help remove carbon from the atmosphere.

In addition, in 2022 we launched a reforestation initiative linked to the AdventureNEXT event, planting 44 native trees, equivalent to the capture of more than 12 tons of CO₂, as part of our efforts to mitigate the impact of tourism-related activities.

Collaboration with local communities

We work closely with local communities, particularly with the residents of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. From our base in this city, we aim to contribute to local economic development while strengthening the cultural identity of the Magallanes region.

Through an active network of partnerships, we collaborate with different local actors:

  • Local guides: Our guides are true Patagonia experts. They share the rich history, culture, and traditions of this unique region.
  • Local businesses and entrepreneurs: We support local entrepreneurs by sourcing products and services area businesses, from handicrafts to food.
  • Training and opportunities for students: We work with interns from universities and professional institutes in the Magallanes region.
  • Support for local athletes: We support athletes from the region, backing emerging talents and established competitors.
  • Collaboration with conservation institutions: We work alongside local organizations and institutions to support initiatives that contribute to the protection and sustainable management of Patagonia. As part of this commitment, we donated three anemometers to CONAF to strengthen safety measures along the John Gardner Pass within the Paine Massif Circuit. We also supported the Conservation and Restoration of Protected Areas course organized by CONAF Torres del Paine, the University of Chile, and the University of Magallanes (UMAG) by providing transportation and accommodation for participants during its April 2026 edition.
Kawésqar Indigenous Communities

At Chile Nativo, we are deeply committed to the development and well-being of the local communities that make Patagonia such a unique place. In particular, we are proud to actively collaborate with the Kawésqar people, contributing to the preservation of their culture and traditions. Through this partnership, we not only support the community but also promote responsible tourism.

Through this joint effort, we aim to strengthen the cultural identity of the Kawésqar people and ensure the preservation of their traditions and heritage, while fostering a fair and sustainable model of economic development. We are truly honored to be allies of this community, and we are committed to continuing our close collaboration to preserve both their cultural and natural legacy.

Riverside Camp

At Riverside Camp, our glamping site located on the banks of the Serrano River, we aim to integrate sustainability practices both in its construction and in its daily operations.

The camp was built using 30 tons of recycled plastic, a material equivalent to approximately 84 m³ of wood, representing between 170 and 250 mature trees that did not need to be used. This decision significantly reduced the use of natural resources in the construction of the project.

We also manage organic waste, transforming it into condiments and culinary preparations used in the camp’s kitchen. In addition, we create handmade edible recycled paper, produced from natural ingredients, which we incorporate into presentations and guest experiences.

This is complemented by responsible waste management, including waste separation and coordination with local companies that collect and process recyclable materials, helping reduce the environmental impact of our operations in this unique Patagonian environment

Innovation in sustainable travel experiences

At Chile Nativo, we continuously seek new ways to explore Patagonia responsibly, developing experiences that allow travelers to go beyond traditional routes and connect with the territory in a more authentic and conscious way.

Estancias & E-Bikes: An innovative experience in the Magallanes region that invites travelers to explore Patagonia by e-bike, moving away from overtourism. This program was awarded first place in the “Más Valor Turístico 2024” contest by Sernatur.

Cape Froward Backpacking Expedition: An expedition in one of the most remote areas of Chilean Patagonia. The program is designed under strict minimum-impact principles, following a Leave No Trace philosophy

Toward a zero waste operation

As part of our commitment to a more responsible approach, we have implemented waste management practices both at our main office in Puerto Natales and at Riverside Camp. Through local partnerships, we work to ensure that different types of waste are properly managed, recycled, and reintegrated into circular systems.

As part of this effort, we have partnered with local coffee company Patagonia Blend to return and recover used coffee packaging. To date, 52% of coffee containers have been returned to the company for reuse, circulation, and recycling, helping reduce waste generated through our operations.

Additionally, 1,047 kg of organic waste from Riverside Camp and our office have been composted through a local initiative, preventing it from reaching the Puerto Natales landfill and transforming it into a valuable resource.

These actions are part of our ongoing journey toward a zero waste approach, minimizing our environmental footprint while promoting more responsible practices within our workplace and tourism operations.

Our Actions
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