Ecuador & Galapagos natural history cruise, tailormade

Planet

As an in depth specialist tour operator to Ecuador, responsible tourism is at the very heart of what we do. To us, this means much more than a simple donation to a charity for each client. We try to build long and constructive involvements with local guides, guest houses, wildlife lodges, and hotels, in the course of which we, and our clients, can make lasting wide-ranging contributions to the wonderful places and people we engage with. In this itinerary we use several lodges that fit with this philosophy perfectly, employing local guides and bringing long-term benefits to the local community.

We were the first tour operator in the UK to form a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to work towards the implementation of best management practices in sustainable tourism. In real terms this means that we are working with hotels who are making a positive impact on their local community – socially, environmentally and economically.

In this itinerary we recommend lodges and Galapagos boats which go a long way to make sure they are having a positive impact on their environment.

Napo Wildlife Centre goes beyond providing high-quality hospitality: they are committed to preserving over 21,400 hectares of untouched rainforest within Yasuní National Park. The Añangu community who manage the lodge made the conscious decision to cease traditional hunting and fishing practices to protect their natural environment and ensure biodiversity for future generations. Moreover, all profits generated at Napo Wildlife Centre are reinvested into health, education, and community well-being programs. This ensures that the impact of tourism remains positive and lasting, strengthening both the social fabric and the surrounding natural environment.

Hacienda El Porvenir in Cotopaxi is a working ranch committed to sustainable agriculture. Around 20% of its land is exclusively dedicated to the reforestation of native species to restore natural habitat, and 60% is used for extensive grazing with low environmental impact; by managing animal load capacities to contribute to the conservation of the paramos (in other words: low numbers of cattle over a large area). They produce their own milk, cheese and also use vegetables grown on their property for the meals served in their restaurant.

The owners of the Archipel I Galapagos cruise are committed to operating as sustainably as possible. They have improved their energy efficiency and reduced the use of fossil fuels through the installation of electric systems automated by artificial intelligence (AI), as well as sourcing energy from solar panels. By choosing to cruise with them you are directly contributing to the funding of Galapagos conservation NGOs, such as the Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Conservation Trust, IGTOA (International Galápagos Tour Operators Association) and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. These organizations protect the vulnerable ecosystems of Galapagos by conserving species, restoring habitats and driving sustainable solutions.

People

In Ecuador we use local ground handlers - this means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and helps to improve employment opportunities in remote regions. By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of guides and drivers into our itineraries, we ensure that money you spend on your trip goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism

We use local guides in all of our destinations. It is our experience that with the right approach, local guides with their superior local knowledge are best qualified for the job, and are the best champions of their local communities. It is also a fantastic way of helping communities to survive and flourish when gifted people are able to work locally instead of having to leave for the cities to find work. In this itinerary we use several lodges that fit with this philosophy perfectly:

Napo Wildlife Center is 100% managed by the Indigenous Kichwa Añangu community. They not only operate the lodge but also directly benefit from the project’s success. Their deep knowledge of the Amazon, their traditions, and their ancestral connection to the land enrich every experience the lodge offers.
By staying at Napo Wildlife Centre, you are not only enjoying a unique stay in nature but also directly supporting a tourism model that respects, celebrates, and protects the cultural heritage and wisdom of the Añangu people.

The owners of Hacienda El Porvenir in Cotopaxi have programs with various schools located in the central area of the Cotopaxi National Park. The goal is to support local schools by improving facilities and access to technology (internet, libraries, and laboratories) along with the training needed for their proper use. They also work to educate the local communities on waste management and conservation.