Galapagos & Ecuador tailor made holidays

Planet

The ecosystem in the Galapagos took millions of years to evolve in an intricate and unique way and we must do all that we can to preserve this fragile environment by having a minimal impact as a visitor.
As a National Park, there are very strict codes of conduct that the boat operators must adhere too. No boats larger than 100 passengers are allowed in its waters and on land tours to no more than 20 at any one time. As part of small group aboard the boat, you’ll have less impact on the environment and a small vessel will have more flexibility to access some of the smaller islands.
Ninety-five percent of the land area of Galapagos is designated as protected by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), and tourists are permitted to explore specific visitor sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides. The GNPD coordinates group visits to these sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions. As a result your itinerary may be subject to change. Different sites are known for their specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, plovers, turnstones, and whimbrels, are commonly seen at most locations.
Each island has a marked trail, most of which are less than a mile long — often passing over rough lava or uneven boulders. Some sites have “wet landings” (visitors wade to shore from rafts or dinghies) and others have “dry landings” (passengers step foot directly onto dry land). Your on-board licensed guide must accompany you to these sites.

People

The province of Chimborazo in central Ecuador as well as the Amazon region are home to large numbers of indigenous communities who suffer from some of the highest rates of poverty in the country. These communities have limited access to education, clean water, economic opportunities, health care services and the resources needed to maintain a nutritious food supply. Children often have to walk for hours to reach the nearest school and many parents keep their children at home to help with household chores.
More than a quarter of Ecuador’s population suffers from chronic malnutrition, and more than half of Ecuador’s indigenous population lives in poverty.
The minga is a way of life in Ecuadorian communities, a tradition in which members of an entire community come together to work on a project for the benefit of all.
The Me - We movement believe that children in indigenous communities should be able to access high-quality schooling close to home. By providing Ecuador’s rural communities with education, clean water, health programming and alternative forms of income, these communities are empowered to transform their lives. Me-We provide resources, opportunities and connections for community members to lead their own development and lift themselves out of poverty. They honor the value of ancestral knowledge and cultural identity, including the use of indigenous language, participation in traditions and respecting community processes.
Education is compulsory and free for children aged 6 to 14. While enrollment rates in cities are relatively high, children in rural communities face barriers, including proximity to schools, and a lack of resources and well-trained teachers. Many also face issues like hunger, illness or duties at home that prevent them from attending class. This is where the ME - WE Charity helps by: Building and rehabilitating schools in rural areas, Furnishing classrooms, Providing educational programming & offering student leadership courses
Access to clean water and sanitation facilities in Ecuador is determined in large part by income, and whether a community is considered urban or rural. Water service is frequently disrupted in rural communities, and water often isn’t drinkable. ME - WE help by facilitating the provision of: Hand-washing stations, toilets, Clean water systems & Water and sanitation education.
Ecuador has made huge strides in its health care system, and people here have a life expectancy of around 75 years, according to the CIA World Factbook. That said, as many as 23% of children under five are said to be malnourished, and hospitals and clinics often lack supplies. ME - We help in communities by providing Health education programmes & Playgrounds to promote exercise.
Access to healthy and sustainably-grown food is one of the most important ways to improve the health of people living in rural Ecuador, and to make sure children’s bellies are full enough to attend school. ME - WE help by building and creating school gardens, Kitchen and dining halls & programmes that promote agriculture training
Empowering the people in rural Ecuador with the tools they need to earn an income is a key ME -WE belief. They help by : Creating and running girls’ clubs, teaching financial literacy, self-confidence and other skills needed to become economically independent, Offering leadership and skills training, Delivering workshops on artisan training and development & Implementing income-generating animal husbandry programmes.