Sustainable Travel Adventures in Ecuador
From the lungs of the earth to the founding place of evolution, little Ecuador packs a big punch, exceeding expectations in nature-based sustainable travel. Leading the way as a global change-maker, Ecuador marries dense rainforests, untamed rivers, and prehistoric volcanoes with community, culture, and conservation.
It’s worth noting that ecotourism and sustainable travel aren’t exactly the same thing – ecotourism can be unsustainable. Sustainability refers to the broader concept of creating travel that is not environmentally or culturally damaging. Ecuador combines these two brilliantly; here’s a list of some of our favorite sustainable ecotourism experiences.
The Rise of Ecotourism in Ecuador
Ecuador may be the smallest contender to make the list of the top ten most biodiverse countries, but that doesn’t stop it from inspiring and educating when it comes to ecotourism. Ecuadorian tourism entrepreneurs are leading the way regarding sustainable ecotourism, creating awareness and attracting the financial support necessary to protect the environment around them. Instead of short-term gains from exploiting land, flora, and fauna, many are employing sustainable models designed to generate revenue for generations to come.
Train Rides Through the Avenue of Volcanoes
In an area punctuated by rolling hills, glacier-capped volcanoes, and cloud-piercing mountains – all evidence of past tectonic activity – it’s hard to imagine a better backdrop for train travel. However, these types of trips are usually costly and do not prioritize sustainability. Tren Ecuador, on the other hand, prides itself on “breaking with the traditional model of luxury train rides” to offer an affordable experience where everyone wins.
Departing from the old city center in Quito, the Tren de los Volcanes tour travels through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” passing the iconic Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes. The train makes three stops along the way, including Cotopaxi National Park, where visitors disembark and take guided hikes through the temperate forests. At the final stop in Machachi, passengers enjoy a meal from Café del Tren, a locally owned and operated business working with Tren Ecuador via the company’s social responsibility program.
Furthermore, Tren Ecuador operates under the United Nations’ Global Code of Ethics for tourism, inviting nearby communities to play a leading role in product innovation. This collaboration results in several community-operated restaurants, artisanal markets, museums, lodges, and indigenous dance performances along the tracks.
If you’re traveling on the Tren de los Volcanes tour, consider getting off at Machachi and taking a bus or taxi to Baños or Cotopaxi instead of returning to Quito the same way.
Bicycle Adventures in Baños
Located on the edge of the Amazon and in the middle of Ecuador’s enchanting cloud forests, Baños is a mountain and freshwater adventure hub that immerses travelers in experiences with low environmental impact.
Activities such as white water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, mountaintop swinging, relaxing in hot springs, kayaking, and hiking abound. Most travelers don’t set aside enough time for it all; therefore, if you want to make the most of Baños, prepare to start early and participate in multiple activities each day.
To see the area’s beautiful waterfalls, biking the Ruta de Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls) is recommended. It can get busy, so wake up early to enjoy the cascadas before the crowds. Several gondolas, hiking trails, and boardwalks lead to the cloud forest-shrouded waterfalls. Bike rentals in Baños can vary in quality; we recommend Wonderful Ecuador for reliable rentals and cycling tours.
Sustainable Travel in the Galapagos
The Galapagos National Park is a poster child for high environmental protection standards. Ninety-seven percent of the volcanic archipelago has been protected since 1968 – with people residing on the remaining 3%. Although the number of visitors allowed per yacht tour license hasn’t changed in 25 years, the islands have experienced a rise in service standards, boat efficiency, marine pollution rules, and the distribution of yachts per location.
Every year, the number of visitors to the Galapagos increases, alongside the number of tour licenses for day trips due to high demand and the addition of newly built budget hotels. While this region is a sustainable role model globally, there remains progress to be made. Visitors often opt for inexpensive experiences, often at an environmental cost; consequently, doing more research and spending additional money ensures a far better experience while conserving this pristine area.
The award-winning catamaran Yacht Anahí is built on a foundation of sustainability and employee empowerment. With high employee retention in an industry fraught with turnover, this luxury catamaran boasts an exceptionally skilled crew, the most efficient vessel in the National Park (according to the National Park Authority), and a carbon offset program that allocates funds from each passenger’s payment to remove invasive flora and fauna and plant native trees.
Moreover, the same Ecuadorian family that operates Yacht Anahí runs Ikala Hotel on Santa Cruz Island; this hotel pioneered addressing sewage problems by installing a compost system, implementing green energy, sourcing locally, and eliminating plastics. Another eco-friendly hotel committed to the environment is Pikaia Lodge.
Mindful Travel in the Amazon
Despite its size, the world’s largest rainforest is a fragile ecosystem, where tourism development can have harmful effects. Many of the Amazon’s original residents are often excluded from tourism development conversations. Yacuma Ecolodge in Tena has been making strides to change this situation. Before Yacuma’s establishment, local indigenous groups sold their land to oil companies for short-term financial stability; however, Yacuma entered the area, buying surrounding land to protect it from industrial interests and create lasting employment opportunities for nearby communities.
Today, Yacuma employs knowledgeable local guides, serves locally sourced meals, and powers the facilities using green energy while maintaining and protecting the 274-hectare nature reserve that the lodge and locals call home. Day hikes are particularly notable for bird watching and identifying plant species, while guided night walks reveal a more active side of the Amazon filled with spiders, frogs, and lizards.
How to Select Sustainable Operators
Sustainable travel can be distilled into key elements that relate to purpose, making it essential to choose the right operators to influence tourism development positively. When selecting a lodge or operator, focus on their community, culture, and environmental values. Profits and benefits should support local communities rather than corporations. Environmental protection should be prioritized, utilizing the environment as an educational asset to foster awareness. In Ecuador, the preservation of local indigenous culture should be upheld through stable employment opportunities. When these three attributes align, you’ll embark on a purposeful, sustainable adventure to remember.
Jonny Bierman traveled to Ecuador with support from EcoAndes.
