Ecuador is named an Eco-Concious Tour by The New York Times
Gondwana has been featured in The New York Times travel section for the second time! In this instance, the publication included our trip to Ecuador in Elaine Glusac’s article, “5 Hotels and 5 e Tours for the Eco-Conscious Traveler.” Being mentioned as one of The New York Times’ top ecotour trips gives Gondwana serious bragging rights. We’re proud to be included in this exclusive list of environmentalists.
Jared Sternberg in South America
Jared Sternberg, Gondwana founder and guide, has spent extensive time volunteering and travelling in South America. Through Gondwana Ecotours, Jared “…gives back through his tour company, whose mission is to sustain remote communities by supporting them with proceeds from visitors.“
A Visit With the Achuar
Perhaps the most unique part of the Andes to the Amazon trip “…includes four days with the indigenous Achuar people of the Amazon in their Kapawi Lodge to experience wildlife tours and community rituals.” Using his time with the Achuar as inspiration, Jared Sternberg wrote a chapter in Tourism in the Green Economy about the tribe’s development of the Kapawi Lodge, a sustainable revenue source. Spending time with the Achuar, one of the Amazon’s last remaining indigenous tribes, is an incredible highlight of this tour.
Explore Quito, Ecuador’s Capital
Guests will also spend time exploring Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. Antique artwork, cathedrals and architecture are scattered throughout the city. The city center is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is renowned for being historically-preserved.
Ecuador Travel Advice
Despite the tragic April 2016 earthquake, the LA Times encourages travellers to visit Ecuador. Quito is fully operational, as is the airport. From the Andes to the Amazon, Ecuadorian communities and economy need support from tourism in these difficult times.
Gondwana and Sustainability
The New York Times recommendation of Gondwana’s Ecuador trip says two things. First, they appreciate the trip’s cultural and natural emphasis. Second, they recognize the difference that our trip makes in the local communities where we travel. In addition to carbon offsetting all of our guests’ round trip flights through the Carbon Fund, a portion of the profits from our Ecuador trip go directly to the Achuar tribe. Help Gondwana promote tourism in this sensitive region by joining our Ecuador ecotour!