Ecuador adventure & culture vacation

Planet

On this tour we visit Podocarpus National Park and Cotopaxi National Park. The fees that we pay for entering and for guiding during our visit help the conservation efforts in preserving the Andean highlands and the local birds, such as the Andean Humming Bird, the Cara Cara and the majestic Andean Condor.

By visiting these parks we contribute to crucial conservation and research projects designed to ensure the long term well being of the wildlife that lives here. We work with local guides in the parks who know the areas well – these are from the communities that surround the parks and this therefore ensures that these vital areas are seen not just as the preserve of wealthy tourists but as a valuable source of employment and income for local people.

We work closely with our local suppliers to highlight best practice in terms of environmental issues, an important effort in a country where the environment is often taken for granted.

People

This trip through Ecuador has a strong focus on staying in rural communities and locally owned accommodation. Our philosophy is to only use small and locally owned suppliers, meaning that the income remains within the country and creates a real economic contribution. We also feel that the passion inherent within such suppliers means that your experience will be enhanced. Visits to local community enterprises and markets such as in Guamote and the Montecristi hat factory in Cuenca support the local population and give a source of income directly to the people we visit.

We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. Finally to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travelers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.