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The two community development projects incorporated into this trip allow travellers to experience real life in indigenous Quichua communities both in the Amazon and the Sierra.
Ricancie is a network of Quichua communities that offer ecotourism in the Upper Napo valley of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Each community that participates in this project offers different tour itineraries that highlight the natural wonders of the area and its own unique cultural heritage. The income generated by tourism contributes to the community, increasing family income, women’s participation in community affairs, and providing job opportunities for the youth.
Project Condor involves several Quichua communities in the province of Chimborazo. One of the main communities involved is San Pablo de Pulingui, which has developed a drinking water project, constructed a bilingual primary school, introduced Alpaca, and a women’s weaving cooperative. San Pablo de Pulingui has also participated in the reforestation of native trees, a flourishing ecotourism project, and the university training of 20 young people to be professional native guides. Just a few days in San Pablo de Pulingui is enough to experience the rich culture and lifestyle of this small pastoral farming community. We also supports this community through our non-profit organization.
When Bruce went travelling after University in 1989 he realised he had limited options: he could either go backpacking or stay on a resort. Returning to Canada, he set up a company that bridged the gap and offered young professionals an affordable way to immerse themselves in the culture of different countries. Bruce gave some of the profits back to the communities he passed through. Today he has offices in 38 countries and runs a travel foundation that builds projects all over the world; he is adamant that all staff adhere to his original business model of sustainability and happiness.
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