Sustainable Tourism and Community Development

For its work in Ecuador, the Rainforest Alliance receives assistance from its two local partners: the Ecuadorian Association of Ecotourism, Conservation, and Development and its certifying program Smart Voyager, as well as the local office of Conservation International.

The Rainforest Alliance offers a training and technical assistance program in sustainable tourism for travel-related companies and services in Ecuador. In order to join the program, business representatives participate in workshops, use training manuals to identify ways in which they might increase sustainable practices and learn about sustainable tourism certification programs in their area. At the end of the workshops, participants receive an evaluation with recommendations on how to improve their management practices. Finally, participants sign an agreement with Rainforest Alliance committing to implement these changes.

Looking Forward: The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

With the right support, sustainable tourism can make a significant and sustainable contribution to both national and local economies, while protecting important ecological areas. However, sustainable tourism in Ecuador must be effectively managed in order to develop effectively and build the trust of visitors.

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For Ecuador has taken great steps to establish itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. In recent years, some of the top Ecuadorian travel-related companies and services have joined a number of sustainable tourism networks to promote social and environmental responsible practices in their businesses.

Ecuador’s successes are due in large part to the support of the international recognized Rainforest Alliance, a leader in conservation and regional sustainable development programs, and to the financial support from the Multilateral Investments Fund at the Inter-American Development Bank, the Overbrook Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Environment Fund/ The United Nations Program for the Environment, the Citigroup Foundation, and the Association of International Tour Operators of the Galapagos.

There are more than 70 companies certified in sustainable tourism in the travel industry in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. They offer hotels, cruises and tours and can be found in our travel services search. There is a strong trend toward this type of travel, and South America is working to become a leader in sustainable travel.

Discovering Ecuador’s Amazon Jungle Rainforest: The Amazon

By visiting Amazon jungle lodges that are committed to preserving the rainforest, you can contribute to maintaining Indigenous knowledge and encourage local employment while ensuring the continued protection of invaluable environmental resources. In the Amazon, popular activities include rainforest hikes in protected forests, such as the Yasuni National Park and the Cuyabeno Reserve. Some organizations, also offer opportunities to learn local crafts such as basket-weaving and pottery and participate in traditional ceremonies.

Exploring Untouched Nature: The Galapagos Islands

The famous Galapagos Islands National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of unique ecosystems that support hundreds of rare plant and animal species. Many visitors to the Galapagos focus on spotting those species that can only be found here, which include 11 different giant tortoise species (each species residing on a different island), vampire finches, which evolved to include blood in their diets, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos penguins, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants. The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island offers opportunities to see tortoises and learn more about efforts to preserve the delicate biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands. Scuba diving in the Galapagos is also an attraction for more adventurous tourists. Our direct Galapagos cruises offer make it easier for you to book a Galapagos cruise tour direct, to get the best prices and departure dates.

Limitless Bird-Watching: The Cloud Forest

Closer to Quito, world class lodges and budget options are leaders in eco tourism and local development projects. Such activities protect the habitats of over 400 species of birds, while also fostering sustainable economic development in the region through marketing shade-grown coffee. These eco lodges in Ecuador offer a range of activities for the woodsy traveler, ranging from bird watching, hiking, and swimming in waterfalls, to visits to community projects and a traditional sugarcane factory.

High-Altitude Adventure: The Highlands

Several Ecuador colonial and eco lodges around Cotopaxi volcano, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuenca and Chimborazo volcano have a strong commitment to maintaining the local environment. Hikers and naturalists will enjoy visiting the 44 national parks and reserves in Ecuador

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