We like to explore the world and all that its beautiful, remote areas have to offer but we want to keep our carbon footprint to the minimum. There are companies that address the problem of environmental impact whilst offering fantastic ecotourism vacations.
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Terra Incognita Ecotours (www.ecotours.com)
This adventure holiday company employs local people and uses local services wherever it is involved. Staff work with
environmentalists in the area and the company makes a donation to a local conservation organization for every person signed up to an ecotour. Some of the treks require stamina and anyone planning an
ecotour can purchase a fitness program to help with their preparation.
Ecotourists may be trekking to see a Giant Panda in China, a Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda, or a Snow Leopard in the Himalayas. Other destinations include Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Peru, and the Galapagos.
Oahu Nature Tours (www.oahunaturetours.com)
The island of Oahu in Hawaii offers a beautiful landscape with spectacular scenery, flora, and fauna. Oahu Nature Tours are
ecotourism specialists in guided tours, using local guides and leading small groups. The guides are knowledgeable about the history, culture, geology, and native wildlife on the island. The company donates part of its income to local conservation organizations and works closely with them. There are many
nature tours to choose from and all have exciting itineraries. The options include a walk to the 760-foot summit of the Diamond Head Crater, a hike into the Koolau Mountains, and a trip through the rainforest in the Valley of the Rainbows. There are also specific trips for birdwatching.
Amerika Venture (www.amerikaaventure.com)
The
ecotourism destinations for this company are Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and South America. Guided tours are designed for small groups up to a maximum of 16 people. The tours are divided into four categories,
Ecotour, Adventure Tour, Cultural Tour, and Hiking Tour. Preserving the integrity of the area is the key principle and hiking is the means of getting to a destination whenever possible during the
Ecotours. Whichever trip is taken, the reward is amazing scenery in unspoilt environments. Ecotours include an 18-day hiking trail and canoe river trip in Quebec Province in Canada. The 'Cultural Ecotourism in Costa Rica' 15-day tour goes to remote areas including the Monteverde Cloud Forest. 'To the Heart of the Amazon' is a 14-day trip through the Amazon Basin in Brazil, cruising on the Rio Negro and staying in ecolodges.
Adventure Life (www.adventure-life.com)
This is a South America and Central America specialist. Local guides take small groups and stay in family run accommodation. Staff give guidelines to each traveler on the standards required for responsible
ecotourism. The company supports conservation organizations, including the Rainforest Alliance.
EcoTour destinations include Argentina, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Belize. There is also a Galapagos Cruise on a comfortable yacht. Travelers can explore by various means and see the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. The Antarctica Cruise is on ice breaking ships and is an opportunity to see a genuine wilderness with stunning scenery and wildlife.
So, these are just some ideas for combining adventure and
ecotourism in the best locations that our small planet has to offer. Responsible and sustainable tourism provides the indigenous people with the means of caring for their environment whilst earning a living. Instead of stripping resources, we can appreciate them and make sure they will still be there for subsequent generations.