Our commitments

Mayaexplor , as a tour operator, is deeply committed to promoting and developing responsible tourism in Guatemala.

We firmly believe that — when guided by concrete principles shared by both travelers and tour operators — responsible tourism can help a country honor its culture, stimulate its economy, and protect its natural environment. Reconnecting people, economy, and nature is possible!

Moreover, this kind of tourism fosters mutual understanding and respect among cultures and peoples by creating awareness of diversity and different ways of life.

At Mayaexplor, we are committed to upholding the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which advocates for quality travel that respects people, cultures, and the environment — and promotes responsible, sustainable tourism worldwide for the benefit of all.    

To give tangible form to this philosophy, we have created our own Charter for Responsible Travel, which involves both our team and our travelers.    

Our charter   is grounded in our long experience inecotourism and responsible tourism  , as well as our deep knowledge of the specificities of our region.
IT AIMS TO :.

  • Outline our commitments and recommend responsible behaviors for travelers exploring the Maya World.
  • Help you understand our professional ethics and our vision of travel.
  • Help you understand our professional ethics and our vision of travel.
  • Our charter follows three guiding principles:
    1. The core values and best practices that have shaped the evolution of ecotourism.
    2. The growing demand — from both travelers and local communities — for responsible travel practices. We believe responsibility is shared between the tour operator and the traveler; both play a role in creating meaningful, respectful travel experiences.
    3. A sincere desire to preserve our own convictions and authenticity. We have chosen not to adhere to “foreign” labels often created for marketing purposes.

“Our goal is to inform and guide — so that, together, through your well-being as a traveler, we move toward greater respect for local populations, their values, and their heritage.”

  • We believe that most inappropriate traveler behaviors arise not from bad intentions, but from a lack of cultural understanding or information — something we, as local specialists, can and must address.
  • That’s why our recommendations are based on education, not restriction. We are convinced that by following these guidelines, travelers will enrich their experience and deepen their appreciation of the Maya World.
  • At Mayaexplor, we dedicate ourselves sincerely to organizing thoughtful travel— journeys guided by ethics, curiosity, and a genuine respect for the places and people you encounter.
  • This is the kind of travel we wish to share with you:"To travel is to discover, learn, respect, share, and connect — and to love our “Madre Tierra.”
The Mayaexplor Charter

Fully aware of our responsibilities as tourism professionals, and recognizing that travel should contribute not only to the enjoyment and well-being of travelers but also to the respect and benefit of local communities, their traditions, and their natural and cultural heritage, we are committed to upholding the following principles:

  • Act in harmony with local environments, respecting the specific characteristics, customs, and rhythms of the countries we visit.
  • Respect local cultures, traditions, and beliefs, and ensure our activities never interfere with them.
  • Help prevent cultural erosion by supporting and protecting the social and cultural identities of local populations.
  • Reject all forms of exploitation and discrimination, and ensure that everyone’s rights and dignity are respected at all times.
  • Ensure fair economic benefits for host countries and their communities, with special attention to supporting local development.
  • Engage local people in our tourism activities by prioritizing local services, suppliers, and initiatives.
  • Guarantee fair pay and decent working conditions for all local partners and collaborators.
  • Provide travelers with essential information and guidance before their trip to help them understand and appreciate the country they are visiting.
  • Ensure the well-being and comfort of travelers throughout the entire journey.
  • Protect the integrity of the natural environment, and actively contribute to its preservation.
  • Limit paper use.Limiting paper consumption helps reduce CO₂ emissions and contributes to protecting tropical forests — a civic responsibility we all share. At Mayaexplor, we have adopted an internal “zero-paper” policy: all our ready-made tours are presented online, travel proposals are sent by email, and bookings are processed digitally.
  • Encourage our entire team and partners to fully embrace and apply these principles.

At Mayaexplor, we also invite our travelers to embrace a set of simple and meaningful behaviors that help protect the environment and foster genuine cultural exchange:

  • Adopt behavior that minimizes your impact on the natural environment.
  • Adopt behavior that minimizes your impact on the cultural environment.

    For example, blend in respectfully with local communities — walk calmly, observe with discretion, and if you attend a local celebration, watch quietly from a distance unless invited to participate.

    Be assured that Guatemalans know how to welcome foreigners with great hospitality and gentleness. They take pride in the interest visitors show in their cultural and natural heritage. Smiling and kindness are their first expressions of courtesy and warmth—qualities that have earned them the reputation of being a particularly friendly people. Follow their example: smile and stay "cool".

  • Respect the host population, its culture, customs, and beliefs: be tolerant, patient, open-minded, and understanding. Never give the impression of behaving as if you were in a “conquered land.”
  • Show humility: put your own values into perspective and set aside your prejudices, habits, and ways of thinking—don’t try to impose them.

    Avoid systematically comparing local realities with those of your own country, and refrain from suggesting that society here should function like in Western countries.

    Respect both the local pace of life and people’s character. Showing signs of impatience or irritation often comes across as disrespectful and offensive. Losing your temper here is considered to “lose face” (and may look rather ridiculous!). Keep in mind that Guatemalans place great importance on smiles and politeness. 

  • See with new eyes. Approach each experience with curiosity, not judgment.
  • Do not take photos or film indiscriminately or in every circumstance.

    Too often, tourists engage in an obsessive “hunt for images.” With huge cameras around their necks, some “shoot” locals as if they were exotic animals. Locals generally do not appreciate this behavior, even if they rarely show it. Be selective with your photos. Favor general scenes. Avoid taking obvious portraits in the street, through vehicle windows, or from your motorboat!

    "We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or exhibits in zoos. We are people, and we want to be respected.” — Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nobel Peace Prize, 1992

    Don’t travel constantly through your camera’s viewfinder.

    Before photographing a “consenting” person, remember to smile, be friendly, and say thank you—the portrait you are given is a gift.

  • Asking permission to take a photo is not always enough.

    Do not pay to take someone’s photo; this is seen as degrading. Accept refusals with a smile.
    Accept refusals with a smile.
    Never photograph unaccompanied children.

  • Do not promise to send a photo unless you are sure you can keep your word.
  • Learn a few polite expressions (greetings, thanks, etc.) in Spanish.

    Don’t be afraid to use them! In Guatemala, it is almost unthinkable not to greet everyone upon entering or leaving a hotel, restaurant, or shop.

  • Avoid behaving like a “walking Santa Claus,” even if it comes from good intentions.

    Giving small gifts to strangers can be perceived as paternalistic or condescending.

  • Dress appropriately.

    Guatemalans care a great deal about appearance. Even the poorest among them make an effort to dress “properly.” Walking barefoot in town, dressing poorly, or wearing dirty clothes will not earn you sympathy. Tight, revealing, or overly casual clothing is not really accepted.
    Locals will of course not comment on your outfit, but you may still be poorly perceived.

  • Bargaining is welcome—it’s part of market culture. Excessive haggling, however, is not!
  • Favor local artisans and small producers when shopping.
  • Be aware of the value of things.

    A camera, backpack, headlamp, or even a piece of clothing may represent a considerable economic value to locals. Handle your belongings carefully in front of them, avoid slamming car doors or damaging vehicle seats, and pay attention to the objects around you.

  • Respect cultural and natural heritage:

    - In nature reserves, stay on the paths to protect flora (and fauna).
    - Remain discreet and calm while visiting nature reserves. Remember that animal observation is often easier when you stay silent—it’s often by sound that you detect them.
    Remember that animal observation is greatly enhanced when you remain silent — it is often by sound that you first detect them.
    - Behave calmly and respectfully in archaeological sites, even if locals sometimes don’t.
    Most archaeological sites in Guatemala are former ceremonial centers, and many contemporary Maya people still consider them sacred.
    - Do not remove cultural or natural elements (archaeological pieces, orchids, etc.) or buy such items.
    - In archaeological sites, do not touch carvings or damage fragile walls with your backpack. Do not climb structures except on marked paths.
    - Respect the regulations in force in parks and reserves.

  • Respect and protect nature and the environment:

    - Do not litter or leave non-biodegradable waste behind, even if locals are not aware of environmental issues.
    - Whenever possible, use biodegradable soaps, detergents, and phosphate-free laundry products. When swimming (e.g. at Semuc Champey) or snorkeling, use biodegradable sunscreen.
    - Take home the most polluting and hard-to-recycle waste (batteries, aerosols, plastics, etc.).
    - Avoid wasting precious resources such as water and energy.
    - Buy and consume responsibly.
    Be aware that many forest and marine species are endangered, yet still appear on restaurant menus. Do not eat shark meat. Do not eat wild game (deer, etc.).
    Do not buy objects made from coral.

    The overproduction of beef is a major cause of deforestation (particularly in the Petén region).
    Vast areas of land are devoted to cattle raising and feed production, while many Guatemalans suffer from hunger due to a lack of cultivable land. It’s up to you to decide whether to contribute to beef overconsumption.

  • Understand and accept the practice of tipping.

    Tipping is very common in Guatemala. Thanking boatmen, drivers, guides, etc., with a gratuity is a sign of appreciation for their service (around US$3.50 per person per day as a general guideline). Leaving nothing usually means you were dissatisfied.
    A few words of thanks (“muchas gracias por todo”), a smile, and a friendly handshake when saying goodbye to your guide, driver, or boatman will also be highly appreciated.
    In hotels, porters should receive about US$1.50 per large piece of luggage. In tourist restaurants, the standard tip is around 10% of the bill.

  • Learn about the characteristics and realities of the country you are about to visit.

    Read, browse the Internet… and remember that our team is always available to inform you about our region!