Our Sustainable Path

Our responsibility

Tourism is an incredible way to discover new places, cultures, people, and traditions. However, it is equally important to recognize the potential negative impacts it can cause. For this reason, at Portugal Nature Trails, we focus on providing our customers with enriching experiences while promoting responsible choices that reduce environmental harm.

To achieve this, we have implemented several measures designed to lower our ecological footprint. As a result, we not only create benefits for ourselves but also help foster eco-friendly travel and sustainable practices within the tourism industry.

1. Print only when necessary and opt for recycled paper whenever possible
2. Recycling by separating our garbage in both the office and during tours
3. Provide our clients with a reusable water bottle instead of using single-use materials
4. Choosing to use reusable dishes instead of the more commonly used disposable ones
5. Support local businesses by choosing to consume products that are both local and in season
6. Prioritize using local transportation services and hiring local guides
7. Investing in the circular economy by donating equipment and purchasing second-hand furniture and equipment
8. Share the local culture and history of the places visited, with the goal of providing knowledge about the people and locations
9. Contribute to local development by prioritizing contracting local businesses
10. Committed to gender equality from the beginning of our worker selection process. We apply policies and measures that ensure equal opportunities for all genders during the contracting process.
11. Invest in continuous training and offer internships to provide students with valuable experience in the tourism industry.

We also want to give you some easy tips to help you travel in a good way. If you are exploring by bike or on foot, you already care about nature. Still, travel can have good and bad effects. So, we can all do small things to keep a fair balance between tourism and local life. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Use reusable water bottles that can be refilled. If possible, bring your own bottle with you.
2. Avoid using single-use plastics.
3. Limit printing and paper usage and make use of the apps that we made available to access the necessary information. Our material was carefully crafted with love and effort to provide you with all the required information.
4. Promote local development by acquiring local products. Take advantage of the chance to explore the unique culinary offerings of every region you visit.
5. Follow the designated routes and be respectful of private property. If you come across rural gates during your journey, please leave them in the same condition as you found them (open or closed).
6. Sometimes, people who travel on foot, horse, or bicycle may use the same route. It’s important to show respect to others who share the same path.
7. As a responsible visitor, please ensure that you properly dispose of any trash or garbage that you produce. Kindly place them in the designated areas.
8. Be polite and show respect towards the local communities, their heritage, and customs.
9. Refrain from creating loud noises or displaying attitudes that may disrupt the peace of the area.
10. Keep a safe distance from animals and refrain from feeding them. Do not collect plants, animals, or geological samples.
11. When taking pictures, it’s important to be respectful. Photographs capture special moments and the beauty of the scenery. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s picture.