Each year, Nature and Culture International travels to Ecuador. Our North American Office coordinates the trip with our Ecuadorian offices. It gives friends of Nature & Culture an opportunity to see conservation work first hand.
Check out the full itinerary for Nature & Culture’s 2019 Expedition to Ecuador here.
Sample Itinerary
Day One
Day Two
Walking tour of historic Quito and fly to Loja.
Day Three
Visit Nature & Culture’s San Francisco Science Station, followed by a hike in the cloud forest and swim in the San Francisco River. The afternoon will be spent observing hummingbirds at Copalinga, a beautiful lodge nestled in the cloud forest on the edge of Podocarpus National Park.
Day Four
Depart to visit the Jamboé reserve to see Nature & Culture’s achiote project.
Day Five
Travel to the Nangaritza! A river tour will be given by Shuar guide, Amable Tukupia. We will then visit the Waterfall of the Gods and learn about Shuar traditions.
Day Six
Travel to Maycú Reserve and visit a traditional Shuar garden with Doña Rosa Tiwi. Ambitious hikers can embark on a five-hour hike to the top of a tepui. In the evening, enjoy traditional dancing and storytelling in the Shuar community of Shaime.
Day Seven
Travel to Loja – Travelers wishing to leave at this point can take the afternoon flight to Quito. For those wishing to extend their trip, we will travel to Saraguro for a homestay with Saraguro families.
Day Eight
Visit a traditional weaving workshop and learn about Saraguro rituals, then travel to Cuenca. The afternoon offers several options: a high-elevation hike in the paramount ecosystem of Cajas National Park; ambling around colonial Cuenca; or a visit to the Piedra de Agua spa in nearby Baños.
Day Nine
Check out the full itinerary for Nature & Culture’s 2019 Expedition to Ecuador here.
Already know you want to join? Fill out the Traveler’s Registration Form and submit to dogood@natureandculture.org.
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Testimonials
“Walking under the canopy of the forest is always a thrill. You are deep in the rainforest, there’s life above you, at your eyelevel, and below you.” – Dennis, Summer 2017
“It has been a privilege to be with these committed people. They have such an understanding of the culture, science, and the environment. It’s just been a wonderful personal experience for us and it has enriched us.” – Adrienne, Summer 2017