Uplands in the Quito Area:
 Lodging, Camping, Trail Riding & Hiking in Cotopaxi National
Park
Thumbnail description: Host Remo Román is a
mountain guide, director of a mountain guide school and president of the Mountain Guides
of Ecuador, so if you want expert guidance experiencing Ecuador's mountains you can't do
much better than deal with him. His base is high in the mountains a couple of hours south
of Quito. He can offer many kinds of mountain-oriented experiences, but here we describe
his lodging, camping, trail riding and hiking.
Birding from the "Birdwatchers' House" in the
Northwestern Uplands near Mindo
Thumbnail description: One of the best birding spots in all of South America is
along the Nono-Mindo Road in Ecuador's northwestern uplands. Here some 430 species have
been recorded, including about 370 around Mindo alone. A married pair of expert birders, Vinicio Perez & Jane Lyons, in cooperation with a local
lodge called the "Birdwatchers" House", equipped specifically for serious
birders. provide visitors with some of the world's best birding. Vinicio and Jane are very
conservation-minded and your support of their efforts will in the long run help protect
the birds in this fabulous area.
A Week Around Hostería San Jorge
Thumbnail description: Using gracious Hosterí san Jorge as a home base,
discover highland Ecuador's cloud forests and pay special attention to medicinal
plants. Visit an orchid museum and ancient ruins. Browse vibrant Indian
markets and observe artists in a leatherworking zone. Ride horses and discover
Ecuador's famous rainforests, perhaps the most diverse in the world. Hiking and
canoing round out the days. These and other activities are hosted by native Ecuadorian,
completely bilengual, and absolutely effervescent and friendly George
Cruz.
In the Amazonian Lowlands:
A Jungle Expedition among the Shiwiar Indians
Thumbnail description: Native Shiwiar Indian Pascual Kunchicuy offers this visit
to his home territory in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Around Pascual's village (pop. 300)
and on the river you will see caiman, anaconda, dolphin, many species of birds including
parrots, as well as monkeys, fish, and ceiba and cedro trees 50 meters (over
150 feet) tall. Pascual handles logistics and employs Raúl
Tapuy as local naturalist and guide.
Viaje al Corazón de la Amazonía (Spanish only)
Descripción: Conozca el Ecuador y simultáneamente a una de las regiones más
ricas en flora y fauna de la Amazonía; provincia de Pastaza, ciudad Puyo y por vía
aérea conozcamos la maravillosa selva, desde Shell-Mera a 55 minutos de vuelo, conozcamos
la zona Curaray-Pavacachi, visite las comunidades Quichuas y aprenda de su cultura, su
cosmogonía y de sus inmensos conocimientos del bosque primario húmedo tropical. El
proyecto turístico ACANGAU PAVACACHI ECOTURISMO, es una iniciativa local de la gente
nativa de las comunidades de Pavacachi y Valle Hermoso, para de esta manera conservar la
biodiversidad del bloque # 18 y proporcionar alternativa económica para las comunidades
indígenas. Su guía es Raúl Tapuy.
In Rural Communities throughout Ecuador:
Volunteer
in a Rural Community Ecotourism Program
Thumbnail description: The idea is to volunteer what knowledge and talents you
have to a rural community, and in exchange you get an in-depth cultural experience,
improve your Spanish, and your expenses are kept to a modest level. Here are some of the
volunteer services provided through the "places/ecotrackers Network" in past
years:
- Education: Pre-school groups, teaching languages, especially English.
- Tourism: Developing features such as walking trails and identifying ecotourism
opportunities in the region.
- Environment: Tree planting, improving waste land.
- Health: Helping at local clinics; organising clean-up campaigns.
- Culture: Archaeology; recording local customs.
When you click the "GET INFO" icon, you will be directed to the
Ecotrackers Network homepage.
Along the Pacific Coast:
Volunteer to Teach English
to Children
Thumbnail description: In "The Genesis Exchange Program" teach English
to children of 3 to 7 years of age for two hours each morning in classes of no more than
10 pupils. In return you will be provided accommodation free of charge in a beautiful and
relaxed house by the river, sleeping in a spacious room. Your meals will be catered for at
a reasonable price, or you can make your own arrangements for food. You will be given an
opportunity to take Spanish lessons, and ample opportunity to practise if you already
speak Spanish. The town is Bahia de Caraquez, along the ocean. There are many beaches, and
many interesting sights to see. To see pictures of the school, students, city and house in
which you will stay, just clilck on the "Get Info" icon and you will be swept to
the Genesis site.
More information on Ecuador:
| The book Defending
Our Rainforest: A Guide to Community-based Ecotourism in The Ecuadorian Amazon, published by The Nature Conservancy, is available (US $12.95): In North America: From Island
Press, or call 1-800-828-1302
In the UK: email Jacqueline Seymour at the Latin America Bureau
In Latin America, email Fundación
Acción Amazonia |
|