Ecotourism Certification

List of Certified Eco-Hotels in Ecuador

Más infomación en Español

Río Muchacho has ecotourism certification. We are a member of ASEC Ecuadorian Ecotourism Association who together with the Ministry of Tourism carried out a pilot project in ecotourism certification in 2003. The farm was selected to participate as one of the most “eco” establishments in Ecuador.

We were given a copy of the ecotourism standards, which apply to every aspect of the operation; materials used in construction, transport of visitors, waste management, recourse use ( water and electricity saving devices ) cleaning products, information for visitors, staff training, cultural sensitivity, etc etc. It is very complex and detailed. Once ready, we had an inspection. The inspection takes days! We scored well, the main area we had to work on was in signs to explain more of what we do to visitors!

If you are interested in more info re this process see the ASEC web site www.ecoturismo.org.ec

Read more about the Rio Muchacho organic farm and its ecopractices.

Also, read our list of environmental tips for travelers.

Eco-Hotels in Ecuador

All providers listed below are Eco-Certified by the Ministry of Tourism and ASEC.

Black Sheep Inn, High Sierra, Chugchilan, Cotopaxi. "Top 10 EcoLodge in the World" - Outside Magazine. Spectacular scenery, world class day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, sauna, zipline cable swing, permaculture tours, hiking maps and more. Black Sheep Inn offers affordable lodging in the heart of the rural Ecuadorian Andes. www.blacksheepinn.com

Bellavista, Chocó Bioregion/Cloud Forest, near Mindo. A Private Reserve in the Cloud Forest associated with Fundacion Siempre Bosque (Forever Forest Foundation). Bellavista manages over 600 hectares (1500 acres) of reserve land. Beautiful trails and fantastic birding. www.bellavistacloudforest.com

Alandaluz, A Passionate Embrace with Life, Puerto Rico, Manabi Province on the Ecuadorian coast. The pioneers of eco-tourism in Ecuador! A great success story in ecological and community practices. www.alandaluz.com

Tierra del Volcán, Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park. Tierra del Volcán has three haciendas in the foothills surrounding Cotopaxi, each with its own ecosystem and distinctive climate. A broad range of activities are available: Horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, rappelling, bird watching, camping, cultural experiences and more. www.volcanoland.com

Cerro Blanco Dry coastal forest, near Guayaquil. The Cerro Blanco nature reserve is a privately owned and operated, 3500 hectare park, encompassing a dry coastal forest. The park is administered by Fundación Pro-Bosque, a non-profit organization, supported by La Cemento Nacional, the company which donated most of the land of the reserve. E-mail contact: vonhorst@ecua.net.ec
www.planeta.com/planeta/02/0211eccerro.html OR www.ecuador.washcoll.edu/Cerro%20Blanco/cerro.html

Puerto Hondo at km 17 on the Guayaquil-Salinas highway. A community effort for the conservation of the remaining mangroves in the area has formed this Ecological Club which, among its projects offers eco-tourism opportunities. E-mail contact: vonhorst@ecua.net.ec OR www.thebestofecuador.com/phondo.htm

Yunguilla, Chocó Bioregion/Cloud Forest, near Mindo. Yunguilla is a community located in the Andes, about two hours away from the capital of Quito. 45 families have formed an association to produce some products such as marmalades, cheese, organic products, recycling paper, and Ecotourism. Has a good volunteer program. www.ecuadorvolunteer.org/en/projects/community/Yunguilla/

Maquipucuna, Chocó Bioregion/Cloud Forest, near Mindo. Just 50 miles northwest of Quito exists the unique opportunity of experiencing exotic species of birds, moths and butterflies, and flowers in bloom such as orchids and bromeliads. The Ecotourism Centre is a small but modern lodge built in accordance with its natural surroundings. The open-air design allows intimate contact with nature and the soothing sounds of the rushing river. www.maqui.org

Kapawi, Jungle/Amazon. Kapawi is the largest community-based project ever developed in Ecuador. Kapawi was created to provide high service in one of the most remote and pristine areas of southeastern Ecuador, away from oil exploitation and other destructive practices. www.kapawi.com

Moving Ecuador
Moving Ecuador, for low-cost volunteering opportunities and travel tips in Ecuador.

Ecoturismolatino: www.ecoturismolatino.com  Your ecotourism guide to the protected natural areas of Latin America.

Worldwide directory of tours, holidays and courses offering vegetarian or vegan food. http://www.vegetarian-vacations.com/index.html

Bicycle Beano Veggie Cycling Holidays. http://www.bicycle-beano.co.uk/index.html

Equador travel guide
Advice on hotels, jungle lodges and travel throughout Ecuador. http://www.bigtravelweb.com/equador.htm

Ecoturismo

Administración

La Empresa de Ecoturismo debe tener muy clara su visión misión y objetivos, comunicarlos y reflejarlos en la atención y programas ofrecidos, de manera que el visitante satisfaga sus expectativas y conozca claramente lo que va a recibir.

La Administración de la empresa de Ecoturismo debe desarrollar un Manual de Ecoturismo que contenga básicamente lo siguiente:

- Código de Ética de Ecoturismo.
- Políticas de la empresa.
- Programa de capacitación sobre temas ambientales, culturales y/o de servicio al cliente, prioritarios en la operación, dirigidos a personal, visitantes y comunidades locales.
- Lista de proveedores de productos biodegradables.
- Programa de reducción en la compra de materiales y sustancias no biodegradables y/o productos desechables.
- Programa de reutilización de papel y cartón.
- Programa de reciclaje de papel y cartón.
- Programa de utilización de desechos orgánicos.
- Programa de reciclaje de desechos inorgánicos (vidrio, plásticos, etc.)
- Técnica de captación de agua.
- Técnica de tratamiento de agua.
- Programa de uso y ahorro de agua.
- Técnica de tratamiento de aguas grises para la reutilización en la limpieza de exteriores y/o regadío de jardines.
- Técnica de tratamiento de aguas negras antes de que éstas sean vertidas en suelos, ríos, lagunas, mares y/o alcantarillas.
- Programa de uso y ahorro de energía.
- Documento de identificación de áreas de uso específico para las diferentes actividades (estudio de zonificación y uso de suelos).
- Programa de reforestación con especies nativas para el control de la erosión.
- Programa de reforestación con especies nativas para la recuperación de suelos.
- Programa con normas de seguridad en el transporte de desechos líquidos peligrosos.
- Programa de capacitación a pobladores locales que forman parte de la empresa de ecoturismo sobre temas ambientales, culturales y/o servicio al cliente.
- Programa contra incendios y evacuación.
- Programa de prevención y mitigación de derrames de combustibles.
- Normas de comportamiento del personal hacia el visitante.
- Normas de comportamiento entre el personal.
- Programa de control de plagas.

La administración de la empresa debe además llevar un control y ocuparse de las fichas de información de los visitantes y “Liability form” o descargo de responsabilidad, y con esta información preparar el recibimiento del visitante.