Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP), the family-owned and operated eco-adventure outfitter, is proud to announce that its CEO and Co-Founder, Enrique Umbert O., was awarded the Significant Contribution Award at the 2025 LATA Excellence Awards, held during the gala dinner at LATA Expo last month. The award was presented in front of an audience of more than 300 delegates, industry partners, and members of the media.
The LATA Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to tourism in Latin America. Enrique was recognized for his visionary leadership in sustainable tourism. Since founding Mountain Lodges of Peru in 2005 with his late father, Enrique Umbert Sandoval, he has played a central role in redefining high-end adventure travel in the Andes through initiatives that prioritize local empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Through the company’s nonprofit arm, Yanapana Peru, Enrique has helped reduce poverty by more than 20% in local communities, pioneered a co-ownership model known as Kuska Purispa, and supported over 150 female artisans through textile cooperative programs that preserve ancestral weaving techniques. Additionally, 80% of materials used across MLP’s operations are locally sourced, and organic farming is central to its sustainability strategy.
“It’s a true honor to receive this recognition,” said Enrique Umbert O., CEO and Co-Founder of Mountain Lodges of Peru. “From the beginning, our goal was to create travel experiences that are as meaningful for the communities as they are for our guests. This award belongs to the many local partners, artisans, and team members who bring that vision to life every day.”
Judged by an independent panel of industry leaders, this year’s awards were overseen by LATA CEO Danny Callaghan, with judges including Kate Kenward (Visit USA UK), Adrian Phillips (Bradt Travel Guides), Basia Kolosinska (C&M Recruitment), and Kate McWilliams (LOTUS).
The judging panel commented: “It is a pleasure to read all the impressive achievements of LATA’s members, both in the UK and across Latin America. There is a clear dedication from so many of the entrants to work together with their communities to ensure that their offering focuses on the positive impact of tourism.”
Danny Callaghan, CEO of LATA, added: “It is a pleasure to present these awards to our members each year, celebrating their achievements and the hard work that is involved to offer the best of travel to Latin America. It is wonderful to be able to do so in front of so many of our members as part of LATA Expo.”
The full list of winners and judges’ comments for the LATA Excellence Awards 2025, held on June 2 in London, can be seen here.