Ecuador and Galapagos family vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Our commitment to offering vacations with a positive impact is exemplified through our innovative approach and our groundbreaking carbon scoring system, a world-first initiative enabling us to meticulously evaluate the environmental footprint of each tailor-made trip. Actively engaging with our suppliers, we encourage their participation in our carbon-scoring survey, fostering collaboration that yields valuable insights into unique carbon scores and identifies areas for sustainability excellence and improvement.

Transparency is paramount, and we extend it to our customers by individually assessing each trip, providing a personalised carbon score for your tailor-made vacation. This empowers you to make informed choices aligned with your values.

Ahead of your departure, we ensure you are well-prepared through our pre-travel online 'travel pack.' This comprehensive, paper-free resource acts as your guide, providing essential details and valuable insights for the upcoming adventure. Practical guidelines on mindful packing are included to minimise luggage and reduce overall weight, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond scoring systems, influencing every aspect of your travel experience. Expect immersion into the natural habitats of Ecuador & Galapagos where our local partners are continually focussed on creating local jobs, fostering economic support for communities and protecting vital ecosystems. Where possible, to limit emissions, walking tours are offered.

Wildlife preservation is extremely important in Galapagos to prevent damage to this fragile ecosystem and is inherent in the National Park regulations and guidelines. Hotel Ikala supports the Galapagos Special Education Centre and other projects that help in the conservation of these magical islands.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
Our commitment is to offer travel experiences that our customers enjoy and actively contribute to the well-being of the regions they explore. In mainland Ecuador, our partners prioritise guides from each specific region to keep money within that area. Beyond showcasing the destinations' beauty, these knowledgeable guides provide a window into local gems and typical ways of life unique to the region, for example locals in Otavalo region offering the cooking lessons. The guides in Galapagos, will have been born and raised in the islands and know the environment intimately.

All the hotels featured on this trip can cater for vegetarians and vegans. Hacienda Cusin in Otavalo has its own orchard and vegetable garden with food transported by wheelbarrow. A true farm to table concept. Haceinda la Jimenita also grown their own produce.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The accommodation options on this trip all encourage and actively employ locals, many of which have grown up in the region. Hacienda Cusin in Otavalo is family owned and foster a sense of community within the hotel and local area. Aside from tourism, they also have an in-house working stable and organic gardens which also provide employment.

The Galapagos only allow people from the islands, or those who have married a Galapagueno to live there. Naturally, residents are given priority for employment with very few roles filled by mainland Ecuadorians or foreigners.