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Monthly Archives: September 2012
Andes EcoTours | Colombia
Overview
Experience the best of what the Northern High Andes has to offer with Andes EcoTours. From páramos to cloudforests, urban wetlands and Andean deserts, the Cundiboyacense region has everything a visitor needs to experience the natural joys of Colombia. Discover the ancient treasures left behind by the Musica people, admire Spanish colonial architecture, magnificent cathedrals and streets adorned with colorful artisanal creations, and get to experience the daily lives of community members as you join them in the countryside to help milk cows, learn more about coffee production, sugar cane, potatoes and flowers – or simply to compete in a traditional game of ‘tejo’. Andes Ecotours specializes in day trips from Bogotá, but can also help to arrange weekend getaways, farmstays and trips to various festivals around the region.
Accommodations
Andes EcoTours has partnered with the non-profit organization, SieChitá, to provide accomodations for international travelers. The guesthouse is located adjacent to our office in the heart of the oldest and most historic neighborhood in Bogotá. There are three rooms available with a shared bathroom, each of which have been decorated to represent a portion of Colombia’s colorful, cultural and natural heritage. All proceeds gained from accommodation help to support SieChitá and its work within the community.
Activities
Our ecotours provide visitors with the opportunity to actively experience a wide range of activities, including nature hikes through a diverse array of ecosystems, birding, canoe rides with local fishermen, photography tours, visits to cultural heritage sites, gastronomic immersions, hands-on workshops with local artisans and much more! We can also assist visitors in acquiring various volunteer/internship placements with our partners throughout the region.
Getting There
Most major airlines offer flights to Bogotá.. From the El Dorado airport, visitors have various options for reaching our office and/or the guesthouse in La Candelaria. The best of these for first time visitors, is to wait in the designated taxi line upon exiting the building – this line ensures that you travel with a licensed, yellow taxi. The ride from the airport to La Candelaria is about 40 minutes and costs around US$20. AndesEcoTours can also help to arrange airport pick-up for travelers who prefer to use private transportation.
Making a Difference
Andes EcoTours works to ensure that the tourist’s experience goes far beyond being a simple observer to actively experiencing the land with its people. The communities we work with play a central role in all of our tours, allowing us to pave the way for a holistic visitor experience and better environmental stewardship. One of the ways in which we are making a difference is through our signature tours, a selection of well-thought out plans that have been designed to maximize community involvement and encourage activities that will ultimately lead to long-term sustainability within the region. Andes EcoTours has partnered with local community members, NGOs and other organizations to ensure that our tours leave positive and long-lasting impressions on both visitors and locals alike.
Contact Information
Carerra 3 #13-89, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone: (57) 310 559 9729
Email: andesecotours@gmail.com
Webpage (ecotours)
Webpage (guesthouse)
Vanua Rapita Eco-Resort | Solomon Islands
Overview
In an area of bountiful reefs and marine life, Vanua Rapita overlooks the peaceful Marovo Lagoon on tiny Michi Island of the Solomon Islands chain. The Marovo Lagoon, a proposed World Heritage site, is the largest island-enclosed lagoon in the world. Author James Michener has called Marovo the eighth wonder of the world. The region is known for an extremely high concentration of coral species and the largest leatherback turtle nesting sites in the Indo-Pacific region. Guests are certain to experience unique and exquisite beauty in this idyllic ecotourism hideaway.
Accommodations
Overall, accommodations are rustic, yet comfortable and clean. There is no electricity or running water. The friendly manager claims to have never seen a television set! Three leaf houses built in local bungalow style overlook the water and provide housing for Vanua Rapita guests. Single, double or twin beds are available. Rates are about US$29 pp per night including all meals. Food, prepared in traditional island styles is served at an informal bar/restaurant on site.
Activities
Activities offered on Michi Island include relaxing on the beach, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, scuba diving and more! The local villagers provide additional cultural activities for guests.
Getting There
Seghe airfield, located on a nearby island, is the closest commercial airport to Vanua Rapita. Solomon Airlines has almost daily flights from Munda, Giza, and Honiara. Guests then travel by motor canoe from Seghe airfield to Michi Island, which is about a 30 minute ride.
Making a Difference
Vanua Rapita Eco-Resort was established, with the assistance of the World Wildlife Fund, to provide sustainable, economic benefits from tourism for the villagers. In this way, logging is a less attractive option. The resort is operated by Michi village. Village members take shifts cooking, cleaning, and bartending and all the income goes the community and local business. The challenges facing the Solomon Islands are not to be underestimated. Endemic poverty and environmental degradation threaten this beautiful archipelago. Ecotourism remains a viable alternative to a bleak future.
Contact Information
Michi Island | Seghe Postal Agency | 677-22-442 (telephone) | 677-23-986 (fax)
Web Page
http://solomonvillagestay.8k.com
Pacaya Tours | Nicaragua
Overview
Centered in one of the most picturesque regions of Nicaragua, the Apoyo Lagoon trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The trail was opened by the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism and is located only a short drive from either Managua, Nicaragua’s capitol, or Granada, Nicaragua’s tourist hub. The Apoyo Lagoon is bordered by the smoldering Masaya Volcano. A pleasant hike on the trail takes approximately an hour and a half. Concessions and a gift shop are also available.
Accommodations
Visitors can easily find accommodations in this tourist destination. Hotels and hostels are available in Managua and Granada. A few resorts surround the lagoon. Trips to the trail will be a day trip from your hotel. Price per room ranges anywhere from $25 to $125 a night. Camping areas are also available with tents accommodating up to three people. Package tours including food services are also available.
Activities
Walking the Apoyo Lagoon trail takes about an hour and a half with a fee of about $6 per per- son. Fifteen tourists per group is recommended. While walking the Apoyo Lagoon trail, there are opportunities to view wildlife such as howler monkeys and squirrels, and tropical flora including 70 species of trees. Several swimming beaches are also available for cooling off after a hot day hiking around the lagoon. The nearby town of Manay is known for its moderate climate and is a village that still engages in traditional practices, such as raising horses and creating artisanal items. One of Nicaragua’s most popular open-air markets is located nearby in Masaya, where Nicaraguan handicrafts can be purchased at exceptionally low prices. Catarina is another nearby town and is one of Nicaragua’s famous traditional towns, where ornamental plants and flowers are grown. Granada, located just four kilometers from the Apoyo Lagoon, is known for its colonial architecture and is the number one destination in Nicaragua for international travelers.
Getting There
About 45 minutes away from Managua, the Pacaya trail is accessible by a modern, paved road. Buses leave every two hours from Managua to Masaya and then on to Apoyo Lagoon. Otherwise, buses are available to Granada and then on to Masaya. Taxis are also available from Granada. Public transportation is available to Diriomito and Pacayita, two small villages situated in the upper northern part of the lagoon. The last bus back from the lagoon leaves around 4:30 pm.
Making a Difference
Pacaya Tours is one of the business development projects of World Vision Nicaragua. World Vision is one of the world’s largest economic development and advocacy organizations. Its Nicaraguan affiliate works to empower children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. All income generated through Pacaya Tours is invested back into the local community. One of the main goals for income generated by this ecotourism project is to provide health care to underweight children in Pacaya.
Contact Information
Kenia Pavon, Guide, Pacaya Tours Comunidad de Pacaya (frente a las Oficinas de ACADISMA) | Masaya, Nicaragua | (505) 675-9090/670-1961/883-5024
Panabaj Village | Guatemala
Overview
Nestled in a lush volcanic valley, the Tzutuhil Mayan villagers of Panabaj offer day tours for a unique look into their story of hope. The Asociación Nuevo Amanecer de Santiago Atitlán (ANADESA) is a cooperative of 16 artisans and their families. These indigenous people are dedicated to a positive future for themselves and their Mayan neighbors. This local community development organization is supported by the Mennonite Central Committee.
Accommodations
The ANADESA families invite you to stay in a Tzutuhil home and experience traditional Mayan life. The rate for the homestay option is Q90 (pppn) and includes 2 meals. The homestay option is rustic and consists of block houses with bunk beds and blankets. In addition, travel guides list lodging in nearby Santiago and Panjachel. If prior arrangements are made, lunch is provided during the ANADESA tour and for an additional charge.
Activities
“Walking in the Wake of Disaster” tour is 5–stop, 75 minute, 2.5 kilometer walking tour situated in the valley of Panabaj. The tour stops include:
Peace Park– A monument commemorating the 13 Tzutuhil indigenous people murdered by soldiers and long-awaited exit of Guatemalan military.
Coffee Forest- Some of the best coffee in the world is grown around the Lake and is a vital part of the local economy.
Volcano Canal– Example of the efforts being made by local government and international aid agencies to prevent future weather hazards from developing into disasters.
Ground Zero– A formerly bustling residential area buried after the fatal mudslides of Hurricane Stan.
Product Show & Lunch Site–Over lunch, get a change to relax and chat with the members of the cooperative themselves. In addition, you may browse their beautiful handmade crafts.
Tours cost about Q40 (about US$5) per person. Lunch, if provided, is an additional charge from Q25 (less than US$3) per person. The tour is in Spanish, but English translation is available by prior arrangement through the Connecting Peoples Program (see below). The translation services charge a Q75 fee per tour group.
The Lake Atitlán area is scenic and the tourist hub for Guatemala. While the ANADESA tour takes only a day, there are many more sights to see in the region!
Getting There
The Connecting Peoples Program of the Mennonite Central Committee may provide some assistance in help you meet the villagers of Panabaj. Their contact information is provided below. Guests travel to Panajachel city in southwestern Guatemala. Once at Panajachel, take a boat trip across Lake Atitlán to Santiago. Because the region is popular with tourists, there are many options for crossing the lake. The trip takes about 30 minutes and generally costs about Q25 pp (about US$3) one way. The tour guide will meet guests in Santiago and arrange transportation from Santiago to Panabaj. At the end of the tour, guests can stay in the village or return to Santiago, a distance of about two kilometers.
Making a Difference
ANADESA creates income generation opportunities by pooling the skills and resources of per- sons with similar talents. All profits generated by the tour are distributed among cooperative members and support the group’s activities. The cooperative uses your tourist income to run an adult literacy program, a children’s art and an environmental education program for its members and other at-risk persons living near Panabaj.
Contact Information
Juan Ramirez, your Spanish speaking tour guide in Panabaj | 502/5359-4302 Mennonite Central Committee office headquarters Guatemala City, Guatemala 502/2475-2870 | mccrep@guatemala.mcc.org Connecting Peoples Program — connecting@guatemala.mcc.org
NOTE: The village Panabaj is pronounced “pahn-a-bah.”
Latigo Ranch | Colorado, USA
Overview
Latigo Ranch is a five star “dude ranch” located in the Arapaho National Forest. Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, it is a place to experience the natural beauty of the American West. Awarded the honor of the best dude ranch in Colorado, Latigo Ranch provides guests a taste of western life along with the comforts of modern amenities.
Accommodations
Latigo Ranch offers the option of one to three bedroom cabins to meet the needs of the lone traveler, couples, groups or families. Each cabin has its own entrance, porch, and fireplace or wood stove. Wireless Internet is available at specific hotspots around the ranch.
Summer visitors typically stay for a week (7 days, 6 nights). Rates are all inclusive and vary per season. During peak summer seasons, a weekly adult rate is about US$2500. Winter rates are US$175 ppp night.
Activities
Summer activities include a variety of horsemanship instruction, riding trips including an over- night horse packing adventure, river rafting, children’s programming, archery, fly fishing and much more. During the winter months the main activities include cross country skiing, snow- shoeing, sledding and tubing. Most activities are included in the fees.
Getting There
The nearest full-service airport to Latigo Ranch is Denver International Airport. The airport is about 130 miles or a 3 hours drive from Latigo Ranch. Most guests either rent a car from the airport or catch a commercially operated shuttle to Kremmling. Latigo staff will pick up guests from shuttle drop-offs with prior arrangement.
Making a difference
Latigo Ranch demonstrates great care and stewardship for their mountain lands and streams. The ranch has a proactive relationship with National Forest Service and has pioneered a new environmentally friendly method for horse corralling on overnight horse packing trips. This corralling technique reduces impact on fragile alpine ecosystems and eliminates siltation in stream beds. The National Forest Service has now adopted Latigo’s method.
Contact Information
P. O. Box 237 | Kremmling, CO 80459 USA | (970)-724-9008 | (800)-227-9655 info@latigotrails.com
Web Page
Los Pinos | Honduras
Overview
Los Pinos Environmental Center is nestled in Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. The park, located in the heart of Honduras, offers one of the highest cloud forests in the country, reaching 2080 m (6656 feet). Visitors enjoy jungle wilderness, clean air and amazing biodiversity of flora and fauna. The park covers an area of 312 square kilometers.
Accommodations
Los Pinos offers a wide range of accommodations to visitors including full cabins, bedrooms and camping facilities. Conference accommodations are available for up to 110 people. Prices are reasonable for an overnight stay. Cabins are about US$5 pp per night and camping is about $1.50 pp per night. A dining facility is available; kitchen services can be arranged for about US$3-5 per meal with advance notice.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy watching exotic birds, studying plant and wildlife and hikes to the many beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views. Facilities also include a small food store on site.
Getting There
Most guests will fly in and out of San Pedro Sula, a full service international airport. A tourist promotional office opened in San Pedro Sula in 2007 to provide reservation and transportation services for national and international tourists who come to Honduras looking for enjoying high quality ecotourism experiences. A four wheel drive vehicle is necessary to travel to Los Pinos.
Making a Difference
Los Pinos is a part of a new movement of socially-responsible tourism which has as its mission the care of the environment, local culture and community development. Operated by Proyecto Aldea Global, Los Pinos employs 24 people full time from the local community. The organization uses paid and volunteer staff from local indigenous Lenca villages to carry out its ministries of creation care and poverty alleviation.
Contact Information
Proyecto Aldea Global | panacamtours@paghonduras.org | panacam@paghonduras.org | 011+ (504)-608-5510
Web Page
La Naturaleza | Honduras
Overview
La Naturaleza overlooks beautiful Lake Yojoa near the Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. Cerro Azul is located in the heart of Honduras and offers one of the highest cloud forest in country, reaching 2080 meters (6656 feet). With the park covering 312 square kilometers, it is a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy jungle wilderness and clean air.
Accommodations
La Naturaleza includes a delightful restaurant serving local cuisine, a visitor center for the park, and a natural history museum. Overnight facilities are available on sight and at Los Pinos, which is thirty minutes from La Naturaleza and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Activities
The La Naturaleza offers wonderful local cuisine, hiking on park trails swimming,
visiting a natural history museum, and more!
Getting There
Most guests will fly in and out of San Pedro Sula, a full service international airport. A tourist promotional office opened in San Pedro Sula in 2007 to provide reservation and transportation services for national and international tourists who come to Honduras looking for enjoying high quality ecotourism experiences. La Naturaleza is located on the major highway (CA 5) which connects San Pedro Sula with Tegucigalpa.
Making a Difference
La Naturaleza is a part of a new movement of socially-responsible tourism which has as its mission in the care of the environment, local culture and community development. La Naturaleza Environmental Education Center seeks to create environmental awareness through educational conferences, movies, and the natural history museum. Procedures from the center go toward environmental protection initiatives in the local community. Operated by Proyecto Aldea Global, La Naturaleza employs 24 people full time from the local community. The organization uses paid and volunteer staff from local indigenous Lenca villages to carry out its ministries of care for creation and poverty alleviation.
Contact Information
Proyecto Aldea Global | 011 + (504) 608-5510 | panacamtours@paghonduras.org | panacam@paghonduras.org
Web Page
MOPAWI | Río Plátano | Honduras
Overview
North of the Amazon, the Western Hemisphere’s largest track of untouched rainforest enriches the nation of Honduras with resources and vast ecotourism potential. Moskitia Pawisa Apiska (MOPAWI), an indigenous development organization, works in this region of Central America. This isolated area contains villages of a variety of indigenous peoples: Mosquitia, Pech, Garifuna, Tawahka, and Ladino. A visit to the region, while demanding, will make a memory for life.
Accommodations
Food and lodging are rustic and traditional. Guests must have a high sense of adventure to travel in this remote region. Lodging, constructed from beautiful, local materials is simple, but comfortable. Bathhouses consist of a concrete slab for bucket bathing. Toilet facilities are private latrines. There is no electricity in these remote villages. Food is prepared in traditional local styles. Prices for food and lodging are generally low; a budget of US$ 20 per day should cover costs.
Activities
The region provides a variety of unique attractions. These include travel by dugout canoe, hiking in low- land tropical rainforest, swimming in the Caribbean, experiencing indigenous culture, sea turtle conservation, visits to sites with ancient rock carvings, and more! Extra fees are charged for these activities and vary depending on the duration; tipping guides and assistants must be included in your budget. These fees provide an important source of income for the indigenous communities.
Getting There
Most guests will use an amazing variety of transportation options to get to this isolated region: international flights, propeller plane, dugout canoe, walking, etc. Please study thoroughly all websites on options for this region. Tourist are responsible for their own travel to the Río Plátano region.
Making a Difference
MOPAWI helps protect the 815,000 hectare Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, which comprises a large portion of the rainforest. MOPAWI’s mission is to integrate sustainable, human development and nature conservation, emphasizing local ownership in community-based development. Las Marías, one of the principal villages
Contact Information
Moskitia Pawisa Apiska | 4b, 2da Calle, Tres Caminos | Apdo. Postal 2175 | Tegucigalpa, Honduras | Telephone: (504) 235-8659, 239-9234, 232-3480 | E-mail: mopawi@mopawi.org
Web Pages
www.larutamoskitia.com (lots of invaluable information)
www.mopawi.org (organizational information; Spanish)
Note: The websites provide invaluable information. However, many of the options will not directly support the excellent work of MOPAWI. Please make every effort to support the transformational work of MOPAWI!
Savannaland | Ghana
Overview
Experience West Africa at its best! Escape to a land of crocodiles, elephants and ancient human cultures. Relish a moment away from the hectic, modern world through dining on local cuisines and shopping for the famed local woven cloth of Daboya; or immerse yourself in local culture by celebrating the harvest through the Damba Festival and follow us to Sonyo for the famous rabbit hunt. Savannaland, an indigenous ecotourism destination, will be your guide as they highlight the unique and authentic cultural and natural diversity of northern Ghana. The region contains both the Mole and the Bui National Parks. Savannaland is a one-stop tourism destination offering everything from ideal tourism spots to example itineraries ranging from three to fifteen days.
Accommodations
One of Savannaland’s many services is an effective search tool allowing visitors to choose accommodations from a variety of locations and budgets. Any budget can be accommodated! Savannaland will be happy to help you plan your trip in the following locations: Tamale, Damongo, Bole, Mole National Park, Bui National Park, etc.
Activities
Mole National Park is the epicenter of Savannaland travels making it an ideal starting place for your journey. Immerse yourself in wild Africa with a guided safari or walking tour where you will be able to witness the lives of both predator and prey up close and personal. Following your safari adventure, experience the lives of people and cultures that thrives on the bounty nature has to offer, untouched. Visit Mognori, where life is in tune with nature; Kulmasa where the lives of humans and crocodiles share an age long heritage and attachment; Sonyo, for an experience of traditional architecture, an ingenious innovation of ancient persecution and local wars; or retreat to the regional capital, Tamale, where you can visit the Central Mosque, the Chief’s Palace, the Cultural Centre Market or just relax in one of the many Internet cafes or perennial outdoor swimming pools. Still adventurous? Explore untouched diversity of people and cultures in Upper East and Upper West, where an exciting mix of memorable experiences await you.
Getting There
International guests can arrive at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, Ghana. Kotoka can be reached by many major airlines such as British Airways, Delta, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and many others. From Accra, guests can access additional flights to Tamale via Antrak Air. Ground transport is available through O.A., Imperial, STC etc. Upon arriving in Tamale, easily accessible taxis, buses and car rental services like Eco Journeys will get you to every location within the destination and beyond.
Making a Difference
Savannaland works to ensure that Ghanaian communities are able to participate in and benefit from tourism while still maintaining these natural, cultural and heritage resources. Your tourist dollars go directly back into the community, helping it develop and grow. Savannaland’s vision is to position ecotourism as a leading agent of economic development in northern Ghana. The Savannaland tourism destination has already been recognized in The Ethical Travel Guide 2009, an international travel guide that lists selected tourism projects all over the world that work to ensure that tourism benefits local people.
Contact Information
Savannaland Ghana Tourist Board Northern Regional Office
PO Box TL 1053 Tamale-Ghana Email: info@savannatourism.com Phone: +233-(0)372024835
Ecotourism Network 