Why Uruguay Is One Of The Worlds Most Ethical Countries

Each year, The Ethical Traveler compiles a list of the globe’s most ethical destinations, with criteria including human rights, social welfare and environmental preservation. Uruguay has been named as one of their top 10 for 2017. Culture Trip takes a look at this small country’s ethical credentials.

Responsible travel is one of the buzzwords of 2017. As more and more of us are swept off our feet by wanderlust and hopping around the globe, it’s more important than ever to protect local communities and leave everything as we found it. New restrictions on UNESCO World Heritage sites like Machu Picchu in Peru and Stonehenge in England are testament to this heightened need to preserve. This year, Uruguay, along with a host of other ethical destinations, has been rewarded for its efforts to keep the Earth – and its people – happy and healthy. Here’s how.

Energy

When it comes to renewable energy, Uruguay’s at the forefront of the revolution. An enormous 95 percent of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including hydroelectric, biomass, solar and wind power, without a huge hike in prices for residents. This shift has slashed Uruguay’s carbon footprint in less than a decade.

Equality

One of the continent’s most progressive societies, Uruguay covers new ground with regards to LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in August 2013 and adoption rights are some of the most liberal in the world. Montevideo is a transgender haven and there are plenty of well-loved gay bars in the city, like Chains Pub in Centro and La Fonda in Ciudad Vieja, as well as nightclubs Il Tempo and Cain Dance Club near Parque Rodó.

A women’s protest in Montevideo, Uruguay

A nation that doth not protest too much, Uruguay gets things done by marching in the streets. Women’s rights are fiercely campaigned for and protected, with frequent strikes and rallies leading to lasting change. Job creation and economic growth are on the up too, with free public university education available to all and international companies like Microsoft and L’Oreal based in Montevideo.

Environment

Named a “green leader” by the World Wildlife Fund in 2015, Uruguay’s once largely deforested areas have now come under heavy guard. Air quality across the country is rated almost perfect and Uruguay is considered third out of 146 countries for its dedication to environmental sustainability – recycling, regenerative agriculture and keeping pollution down.

On-the-ground conservation work can be seen in Uruguay’s grasslands, where organizations like The Rufford Foundation are supporting environmentalists tirelessly working to preserve habitats for native Pampas birds, as well as in the rivers, where Franciscana dolphins are being shielded from trawling fishing nets. Head to the safeguarded Parque Nacional Esteros de Farrapos on the western border to see the last known home of pumas and maned wolves in Uruguay.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.