Discover sustainable travel in Ecuador! Explore responsible nature and culture experiences in the Cloud Forest, the Galapagos, & beyond. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Travel in Ecuador | Yugen Earthside

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Spend 8 days on a liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful locations on earth, and your dive trip here supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series).

Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation as you explore these renowned scuba diving spots.

You will do 2-4 dives a day on this trip, for a total of 19-20 dives. There’s also the opportunity for a night dive. 

For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos. Each scientist will provide you with extensive knowledge about whale sharks and will teach you at the same time how you as a diver can support the conservation of marine wildlife such as whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, other shark species, rays, molas, whales and other endangered animals – in the Galapagos and worldwide. You can also expect to learn about underwater photography while onboard (please note: you need to bring your own camera) and be taught about photography using what you have.

Highlands with giant tortoises (land excursion)

On this trip, you’ll spend very little time on land. The majority of the experience is on the yacht and underwater. You’ll visit islands that not all boats visit, including sites that primarily attract divers.

The yacht for your Galapagos eco dive liveaboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Three meals a day are included, as well as ‘pre-breakfast’ and snacks between dives.

Please note: The famous Darwin's Arch rock formation collapsed in 2021 due to erosion; it now resembles two pillars instead of an arch and is being referred to as the “Pillars of Evolution.”

What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered. These align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos (July – October).

Galapagos National Park tax ($200 pp, cash only) - payable upon arrival at Galapagos Airport 

Transit Control Card ($20 pp, cash only) - payable in cash at Quito or Guayaquil Airport of departure for the Galapagos 

Personal equipment: Wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy control device/jacket), regulator, booties, fins, mask, dive computer, gloves, hoods, dive light - can be rented

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 7 nights/8 days 

Pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals

Transfers to/from the airport within the Galapagos Islands 

Accompaniment by the research project team

Photography instruction & practical advice 

Technical equipment: tanks, weights, weight belt.

A variety of lectures about the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French

Waived Fuel Surcharge ($150 per person; other vessels still charge this amount)

Donation for the whale shark research project

Prices of rental gear add-ons are listed on the Booking page.

We not only care about our travelers, but we also care about the local communities and the environment. When you book a tour with us, you become an active collaborator of the local and international foundations we work with in order to do our part. Whether it is educating children on the coast of Ecuador, or helping out with conservation projects in the Galapagos, we care.


Environmental Initiatives
This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots". The boats in this trip use water flow reducers. 
Clients travel with scientists to collect data that furthers our understanding of whale sharks and other marine wildlife. This helps us promote conservation through education and awareness. We specifically discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why that's important.

Economic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages.
We support other local and international projects that provide jobs and assistance to local communities.


Sociocultural Initiatives
Travelers and locals will exchange knowledge with locals, have an opportunity to learn from one another, and gain a new perspective on their own environment.
We focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Spend 15 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[15 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 15 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

This unique and adventurous getaway gets you closer to science and animal life. It grants you the opportunity to enjoy the adventure of the Galapagos’ special underwater world. Come to America to explore Darwin’s Arch, Fernandina, and Isabela Islands, and other breathtaking places featuring endemic biodiversity. Enjoy whale watching, see dolphins playing, do night dives, and take hikes through volcanic landscapes.

Part of your trip fee supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series.

Night dive opportunity in Punte Vicente Roca

Wolf Island: swim through cave entrances and walls

Fernandina Island (home to the world’s largest marine iguana colony)

Cape Douglas: cormorant and penguin watching

This experience will blow your mind away. Observing sharks and marine megafauna, and, perhaps, having a dolphin pass by overhead is something you do not get to experience every day. Huge schools of fish and other species that inhabit the coral-covered platform are to be sighted in the blue waters of this natural paradise. With a 15-day liveaboard dive experience, you will double your chance to see the big wildlife you are coming for!
The highlands of the Galapagos are as magnificent as their sea life. We will travel back in time to the formation of lava tubes, spatter cones, and the remains of two types of hardened lava. Prepare yourself to observe unique animals such as iguanas, birds, and the famous giant tortoises.
Photography instruction and practical advice about photography on land and underwater will take place directly onboard.

This scuba diving trip living amongst distinct animal species is an adventure that will be stamped in your heart forever!

What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to approval by the National Park, which takes place in March of each year. The purpose of obtaining approval is to ensure that there is a limited number of guests present in the park on any given day. Therefore, the travel route can be subject to minor changes to comply with the park's regulations. 

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered – sometimes, there is only one dive organized per year. The schedule is always designed to align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos in general (July – October).

July 29th, 2025 departure: SOLD OUT - Join Waitlist

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 14 nights/15 days 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French  

We are a company specializing in diving trips and marine conservation. For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos.

Environmental Initiatives
Clients travel with scientists to collect data that furthers our understanding of whale sharks and other marine wildlife. This helps us promote conservation through education and awareness. We specifically discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why that's important. Our team of scientists will teach you how as a diver you can support marine life conservation.

On our Eco Dive Tour, we will pay attention to how to travel economically responsibly and behave respectfully toward wildlife. The boat uses water flow reducers.

Socioeconomic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages. Besides, we focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.


July 29th, 2025: SOLD OUT - Join Waitlist

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification.

When not visiting beautiful dive sites, you'll experience several iconic land-based excursions around the Galapagos Islands or have free time to relax, all while basing your stay in a cozy guest house nearby.

This Dive & Stay package is at a PADI 5-star dive resort on Santa Cruz Island. Airport transfers from Baltra and dive equipment are included!

1 scuba diving pool session and 4 open water scuba dives

Be on the lookout for: reef fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, barracudas, eels, invertebrates, and more

1 free day (relax or add on an additional excursion)

Dive sites depend on the day of the week.

Tuesday: Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Wednesday: North Mosquera / Seymour Channel

Saturday: Seymour Northeast / Seymour Channel

Sunday: Punta Carrion / Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Here is what to expect at each dive site:

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites: Punta Cormorant, Champion, and Enderby; it is 1 hour and a half away from our base.

Site Conditions: Depth of 18m. Normally the sites do not present strong currents. Reef dives where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, red-lipped batfish, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

(Min. experience to participate: 25 logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at another site.)

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site. It is only for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges.

Activity: Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents and a sandy bottom around 10 meters with garden eels and pelagic species. North Mosquera presents a sandy rock area that connects with Seymour Channel, where reef fishes and sharks rest.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with a 10m reef where there are a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white/ black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small Island with the famous Bartholomew pinnacle, dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: No strong currents to expect. A platform is found at approximately 10 meters of depth where a variety of reef fishes rest. On the edge of this platform, there are underwater cliffs that start at a depth of about 15 meters with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.

Activity: White tip reef sharks, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles, mantas, mobulas (devil rays), sting rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island. Dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, various invertebrates. At surface intervals, penguins can be observed.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: There are no strong currents; a big reef of 5 meters with an inclination ravine of m with black coral and mollusks invertebrates; there is also a submarine rift from 18 meters with pelagic species.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracuda, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Moderate currents, rocky and sandy bottom. Here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive) where white-tip reef sharks rest. Additionally, there is a pinnacle where we can find a diversity of rays, Galápagos sharks, turtles, coral reef fishes, barracudas, black coral walls, and various invertebrates.

Activity: Cleaning station, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, mantas, sting rays, eagle rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of

Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: A bit more difficult in relation to Seymour Channel. Rocky bottom with small caves at 12m where you can find turtles or reef sharks resting; currents are possible (not too strong). The dive starts on the coast and then goes into the blue to watch bigger pelagics, at the end of the dive there is a platform where sea lions play with the flow, and a cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with 10m reef where there a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Location: Punta Carrion is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island.

Site conditions: Punta Carrión is a site with high ecological value due to the mangrove ecosystems that harbor an extensive variety of marine species and marine-coastal birds. This dive site offers ideal conditions for beginners and advanced divers as it has a protected area at the beginning of the dive with calm sea, and no currents at the sandy/rocky bottom full of marine life before reaching the gorge exposed to the currents. This outer side with its swell and currents ranging from moderate to strong offers favorable conditions for pelagic species.

Activity: The mangrove areas that offer protection to small fish allow this place to have a great variety of reef fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, grunts, snappers, damselfish, cod, scorpion fish, parrotfish, old Mexican, stonefish, hedgehog fish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, moray eels, tiger eels. Also, sea turtles can be spotted, as well as different species of rays such as skates, marbled rays, eagle rays, giltheads, mobulas (devil rays), and different species of sharks such as white tips, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip sharks.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical.

December to May: Warm season. Low 80°F/26°C – High 90°F/32°C, strong sun and rain alternately; warmer and calmer seas.

June to September: Cool season. Low 60°F/15°C – High 70°F/20°C, mornings are often misty; the drizzle ‘garua’ is common.

October to December: Dry season. Low 70°F/20°C – High 80°F/26°C, it's a good time to visit for mild weather conditions.

Below are specifics about the dive conditions:

January to June: 70°F/20°C – 80°F/26°C water temperature; southeast trade winds become weaker, and water coming from the Panama Basin brings warmer, calmer seas; sailing to any island/dive spot is easier.

July to December: 65°F/18°C – 75°F/23°C water temperature; the Humboldt Current typically brings choppy seas and strong surges making sailing times longer.

The Humboldt Current, like the upwelling of the Cromwell Deep Current off the Galapagos Islands, makes the waters quite cold for divers. Thermoclines even colder than 65°F/18°C are possible. We provide 5 or 7mm wetsuits and have accessories such as hoods. If you are not used to cold seas, or if you feel cold easily, please feel free to bring an extra base layer.

Snacks, lunches, & non-alcoholic beverages as mentioned in the itinerary

Transfers to/from Baltra Airport with an English-speaking guide

Either 1 pool session + 4 open water dives

Private, bilingual (EN/ES) divemaster guide

Carbon removals are included with your booking.

The dive company is locally-owned, and cooperates with the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to support their projects to protect the islands.


The accommodation is a locally-owned guest house implementing the following sustainability measures:

Everything used in the bathroom is biodegradable: liquid soap, shampoo, and bamboo bags for garbage cans.

There is a big hot water heater (instead of an instantaneous water heater).

All garbage is thrown away according to the recycling rules.

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Ecuador is a mesmerizing country rich in nature, culture, & diversity. Discover Quito, myriad indigenous markets, snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs, & more!

[7 days] Ecuador Nature & Culture Tour | Yugen Earthside

Ecuador is a mesmerizing country rich in nature, culture, and diversity. Discover Quito, myriad indigenous markets, snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs, and more!

This nature and culture tour of mainland Ecuador immerses you in five different paradises located north and east of the mountainous Andean region. From walking the cobblestone streets of colonial Quito (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visiting Latitude Zero at the Equator, to hiking in the intriguing cloud forest, to relaxing in hot springs in the paramo highlands, we will just begin to scratch the surface of the gems Ecuador has to offer. Then, we will bring you to Nono, a little jewel built in colonial times by the Jesuits, where the charm and hospitality of Villa Doris wait for you.

Endless adventures await on this 7-day, privately-guided tour!

Learn about colonial Quito on a city tour visiting iconic churches and plazas

Hike in the lush, evergreen cloud forest at 10,500ft above sea level

Visit the most traditional artisan markets in South America in Otavalo and nearby towns

Relax at the hot springs while enjoying an outstanding view of the highlands

Visit Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on Earth!

Savour the delicious cuisine in every destination

During this adventure, you will experience Ecuador's vibrant and colorful culture as well as its diverse natural landscapes.

We will take you toward the north of Quito to one of the most colorful and well-known indigenous markets of Latin America where artisans display the best of their work. You can also look forward to an overnight stay at a 400-year-old hacienda, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. In the paramo highlands, an ecosystem unique to regions lying above the tree line and below the snow line, we’ll make a relaxing stop to bathe in the hot springs. Here, we’ll also have the chance to do a small hike in this unique ecosystem. Finish the tour by visiting Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, where hiking and taking photographs are a must. Come, enjoy it all!

Ecuador enjoys spring-like weather all year round. Most days we enjoy sunny mornings and cooler afternoons with temperatures around 55°F-64°F (12°C-18°C). 

June to November: The dry season is generally the best time to visit Ecuador's cloud forest, with June to September being the dryest time in this Andean region. Days will be mostly sunny and warm with less chance of rain, making it ideal to explore the forest and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The dry season is also the best time to see many of the cloud forest’s endemic bird species, including the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock and the elusive plate-billed mountain toucan. The cloud forest can experience rain even in the dry season, so still prepare for the possibility of wet weather if you travel during this season.

December to May: The wet season is when you can see the cloud forest in its most lush and green state, and when its stunning waterfalls will be at their fullest. April is typically particularly rainy. Note: The wet season can bring heavy rainfall and mudslides, which may make some trails and roads inaccessible.

6 nights' accommodation: 1 in Quito, 2 in Nono, 1 in Otavalo, 2 in the Tababela area

Entrance fees, except while visiting Colonial Quito

Our Outlook on Culture and Equality
How can the world be united if we do not understand that diversity makes us equal? The dreams of Ecuadorians are pretty much related to your own dreams.

We take you on a trip to discover the soul of our people and their living history; the richness of our culture and our regions, while supporting those who weave a dream for a better future for their families. Join us on this trip and go back home with a richer soul.

Staff
We hire guides and drivers who do an excellent job for our clients and who only rely on tourism as the major source of their income. At Villa Doris we hire a housekeeper who receives a fair salary according to the law of Ecuador.
We visit small enterprises to make sure that, through our visits, we contribute to their development and economic growth.

Cultural Heritage
Travelers will meet the makers of local products at Otavalo, Peguche, and Cotacachi in the north, and the embroiderers of Nono while visiting the cloud forest.
They will learn for instance how they obtain the colors for their textiles and how the whole family depends on the income produced by the workshop.
The women of Sisa Quinde receive our support, guidance, sales force, and logistic aid for them to embroider and sell their creations.

Accommodation
In Ecuador, eco-friendly practices are new to the industry. However, the accommodations chosen for this program are Ecuadorian-owned and we have seen these properties working hard to grow and to be very good referents to the industry. In this specific program, we are using only one-night stays in order for the clients to see as much of Ecuador as possible in a short amount of time.

Most accommodations are implementing eco-friendly practices such as changing our toilets to install water flow reducers and buying organic and local products to support small businesses and families in our neighborhoods. We are using bio-degradable cleaning products and offering bio-degradable toiletries for our guests.

Environmental practices
We carry tote bags and reusable plastic bottles for water. We bring all garbage back to the city to be taken to a recycling program.
We visit the reserves of Yanacocha and Zuro Loma which were created to protect the mammals and birds of the cloud forest.


Please be sure you have traveler's insurance.

We have been certified with the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Trade Council and we follow all regulations instructed by the Ministry of Tourism in our country.

Venture into the soul of Ecuador’s famous cloud forest and experience the magic that awaits in this biodiversity-rich, subtropical jungle paradise!

[4 days] The Soul of Ecuador's Cloud Forest | Yugen Earthside

Venture into the soul of Ecuador's famous cloud forest and experience the magic that awaits in this biodiversity-rich, subtropical jungle paradise!

This is a short, authentic experience that immerses you in our local culture, nature, and gastronomy. Hike in a private reserve, photograph hummingbirds and amazing landscapes, explore our village’s colonial streets, and fall in love with our artisan cuisine. We will explore the village of Nono, learn about the living history of Ecuador, and meet with a local group of women who weave. Your trip will contribute to the development of the communities we visit in an organized and responsible way. 

Come experience the special cloud forest in a sustainable way!

Soak in superb views of the Andes while surrounded by great nature

Hike in a private cloud forest reserve at 3,400 meters

Observe many bird species, including up to five types of hummingbirds

Enjoy a gastronomic experience with a private chef

Visit a coffee farm and taste coffee grown at a high altitude

Support our group of local embroiderers visiting their workshop

Spend relaxing nights at the beautiful Villa Doris Country Lodge - one of Ecuador's best-kept secrets

Our adventure takes us to the Yanacocha Reserve at 3,400 meters above sea level to explore a forest bathed by clouds. We will also visit a family-owned coffee farm where you'll experience Ecuador's renowned coffee culture and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Then, we'll head to either an archeological museum or the Solar Museum at the Equator. Along the way, we’ll be eating local, fresh, and tasteful cuisine thanks to our personal chef!

One very special part of this trip is when we meet a small group of women from our local community who, while weaving their dreams for a better future, embroider beautiful pieces of art.

On this trip – seeing our nature, eating our food, learning about our culture, and meeting our communities – you become a part of our history!

What is special about Ecuador's cloud forest?

Ecuador's cloud forest is a truly remarkable ecosystem that is impressive for several reasons, including its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and ecological significance.

Biodiversity: This is a safe paradise for birds and mammals. The cloud forest is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic (found nowhere else in the world). The cloud forest’s unique climate supports epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) and orchids. The forest is also home to a number of rare and endangered animals, such as the spectacled bear, the Andean cock-of-the-rock bird, and the mountain tapir. We will likely see up to five types of hummingbirds on this trip! We will also visit a small family project, the Zuro Loma birding reserve, for a closer encounter with hummers.

Landscape: The cloud forest is characterized by dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and rushing rivers. The forest is often shrouded in mist and fog, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is both eerie and beautiful.

Ecological significance: The cloud forest plays an important role in regulating the climate and supporting the ecosystems of the surrounding areas. The forest acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture and releasing it slowly over time, which helps to regulate water levels in rivers and streams. The cloud forest also plays a critical role in storing carbon, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

June to November: The dry season is generally the best time to visit Ecuador's cloud forest, with June to August being the dryest time in this particular area. Days will be mostly sunny and warm with less chance of rain, making it ideal to explore the forest and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The dry season is also the best time to see many of the cloud forest’s endemic bird species, including the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock and the elusive plate-billed mountain toucan. The cloud forest can experience rain even in the dry season, so still prepare for the possibility of wet weather if you travel during this season.

3-nights' accommodation at Villa Doris Country Lodge

Round trip transportation (Quito/Cloud Forest)

Bird watching with a native birding guide: $130/day/group

We were the first tour company that saw Nono as an incredible tourist destination. We invested in this village to be able to offer guests the most comfortable and coziest lodge in our area. We understood that alone we could not achieve anything, so we trained our staff to reach a 5* rating on social media for the quality of our services. We opened our own restaurant where you will experience a gastronomic feast for your senses. With love and patience, we helped the women of our community with an embroidery project so they can weave their dreams for a better future in our beloved Nono.


Environmental
This trip respects nature leaving no trace after our visit. We have reduced plastic usage by sending box lunches in appropriate boxes and all waste goes back to Villa Doris.

There are no domestic flights involved in this trip. There is no 'green transportation' available yet in our destination, so we encourage clients to walk from Villa Doris back and forth to our restaurant in town.

Animals (hummingbirds, squirrels, and opossums) are respected in our sanctuary garden and they are fed every single day to ensure they have a safe place to come, stay, and reproduce.

We buy locally as much as possible and use biodegradable soaps, shampoos, recycled paper towels, etc. from a source in Quito.

Economical
This trip creates jobs for people who, in our village, have no other working possibilities. Through our tours, we help the development of small enterprises that belong to town people.

We have included a visit to Zuro Loma which is a small reserve where a local family is devoting all their efforts to providing a beautiful experience for our clients while enjoying the colorful birds of their garden.

We meet the women of our embroidery project so that travelers can see how the work is done and what the income from weaving means for their families. All the money collected from the embroidery products we sell goes directly to the women of the Sisa Quinde project.

For clients interested in a birdwatching experience, we only hire native birders. For clients who use our destination and Villa Doris for acclimatization before volcano climbing, we also use guides native to Nono. That way we support the economy of their families.

We do not interfere in the families' lives and traditions, we respect the environment and cultural heritage.

Food
Our food is sourced locally as much as possible. We serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. 

Tourism dispersal
This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots".

On this unforgettable land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, experience some of the most enchanting wildlife & amazing natural wonders on Earth!

[7 days] Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tour | Yugen Earthside

On this unforgettable land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, experience some of the most enchanting wildlife and amazing natural wonders on Earth!

Explore the islands in their entirety through a number of guided tours and activities. This sustainable package tour of the Galapagos Islands will help you enjoy (almost) everything that these enchanted islands have to offer and show you first-hand the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Stay in hotels - as opposed to on a cruise ship or a small yacht - and island-hop by boat during the days to explore the wondrous diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting on Santa Cruz Island, you will have excursions to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the tortoise breeding center. On Isabela Island, the wetlands and volcanoes will be waiting for you. You will also visit two of the following islands: Bartholome, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or South Plaza; each one has unique and endemic wildlife.

For children and adults curious about nature, animals, and science, this ecotourism experience in the Galapagos is the perfect option. Enjoy navigating the islands in a stress-free manner thanks to our carefully crafted itinerary and guides, so you can focus on being with your family, snorkeling, taking pictures to last a lifetime, and being present for every moment of this experience!

Discover the islands via speedboat, a ferry boat, and a yacht

Soak in stunning views, unique landscapes, and white-sand beaches

Spend 7 days in the remarkable land of giant tortoises

Admire friendly wildlife from respectful distances

Learn about the complexity of the natural world from expert, English-speaking guides

Take a thrilling ferry speedboat ride to Isabela Island, where you’ll embark on an exciting tour of the Wetlands, Wall of Tears, and Breeding Center, before taking a Bay Tour to Tintoreras Islet. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with an excursion to the breathtaking Sierra Negra Volcano, followed by an afternoon visit to Concha de Perla, a serene and picturesque beach. A day tour on a yacht will let you encounter the unique flora and fauna of the islands. Experience the ocean up close and meander through the different islands to uncover the enchanting wonders that this heavenly destination has in store for you. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most stunning places on earth!

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