Go Green: A Guide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas

SOUTH AMERICA 7 Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas BOLIVIA & CHILE 8 South America Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas Yvaga Guazú Ecological Park Country: Bolivia Red de Turismo Rural El Encanto Country: Chile Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified Our 35 acre (14-hectare) ecological park is only 8 miles (12 km or 15 minutes) from the center of the city of Santa Cruz, which is the most important economic, agricultural, and industrial region of Bolivia. In the park, you can take tours with guides specializing in nature interpretation and find more than 650 species of plants, of which around 400 are native and 250 exotic. The park has more than 250 species of butterflies, monkeys, squirrels, sloths, many species of birds, aquatic organisms, and bats. We have a small zoo where we show different native species of parrots, birds, deer, monkeys, rabbits, and more. Also a restaurant built in the native architectural style where we serve national and international dishes. In addition to our park, you can visit different tourism attractions of the area such as the Río Piraí; the Laguna Azul; the villages of Porongo, Torno, and Angostura; and a new five-star hotel in Laguna Volcán. The village of Samaipata is 71 miles (115 km) away on the Ruta del Che (the highway to Argentina) where you can see the beautiful Amboró National Park and the Ruinas del Fuerte, the last bastion of the Incas and a World Heritage Site. Chile is a country of majestic natural beauty. The Rural Tourism Program of INDAP is charged with assisting rural tourism businesses across the country. The Program was developed to promote the economic opportunities of small agriculturalists living in rural areas. In promoting these business opportunities, we also encourage the implementation of sustainable practices to help conserve and preserve local resources and the environment. Prices of the tours depend on the business, its location, and the activities offered, however they are generally reasonable. The businesses are of different sizes and offer a range of activities. LOCATION: 30 km from the Viru-Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz Last audit: June 2006 Santa Cruz, Bolivia Tel: (591) 3 357-3767 / Fax: (591) 3 352-7971 Email: parqueyvagaguazu@infonet.com.bo or pascual116@hotmail.com Website: www.parqueyvagaguazu.org Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/yvaga_guazu_bo_en LOCATION: 20 minutes from the International Airport in Santiago de Chile. Santiago, Chile Phone: (56-2) 6908000 Fax: (56-2) 6710245 Email: lmartine@indap.cl Website: www.viajesrurales.cl Last audit: October 2006 9 Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas South America ECUADOR 10 South America Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas Finch Bay Eco Hotel Country: Ecuador Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil Country: Ecuador Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel is situated in a quiet location. The charming Finch Bay is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by our hotel. The Finch Bay provides a land based alternative for enjoying the marvels of the Galapagos Islands. The Hotel staff will work with each guest individually to determine the best activities which will allow you to make the most of your Galapagos vacation. The Finch Bay Eco Hotel accommodates 42 guests with 21 state rooms, each with private facilities, air conditioning and unlimited water supply. The hotel’s strict environmental practices contribute to the island’s sustainability. The entire infrastructure, as well as the activities, is totally oriented to a concept of true ecotourism in a pristine natural environment. Oro Verde Hotel Guayaquil. The only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ecuador. Strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city, at only eight minutes from the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. We offer 230 luxury rooms, three restaurants, bar, delicatessen, room service, a luxurious executive floor, swimming pool, fitness and business center, casino and shops. Oro Verde Guayaquil is equipped with excellent event, convention and banquet facilities to cover social meetings up to 1.200 people. LOCATION: Located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, 75 minutes from the Baltra Airport ROOMS: 21 Last audit: December 2006 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Phone: (593) 5-252-6297 / 2-252-6298 Fax: (593) 5-252-6297 / 2-252-2298 Email: gerencia@finchbayhotel.com Web site: www.finchbayhotel.com LOCATION: 8 minutes from the Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport Guayaquil, Ecuador Tel: (593) 4-232-7999 / Fax: (593) 4-232-9350 Email: reservasgye@oroverdehotels.com Website: www.oroverdeguayaquil.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/oro_verde_en ROOMS: 230 Last audit: December 2006 11 Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas South America Royal Palm Hotel Country: Ecuador Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort Country: Ecuador Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified The Royal Palm is a unique secluded hideaway nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galapagos. Exclusive, spacious, and tastefully designed, the Royal Palm was built to complement this natural paradise. Authentically constructed of local materials, you are as close to nature as luxury will allow. Nestled within a 500 acre property and surrounded by lush tropical forest, this exclusive hideaway provides the most exclusive accommodation of just 17 villas. They are all individually decorated, using hand crafted furnishings and art. Facilities include indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, satellite TV, and Internet access. Choose from a relaxing, peaceful, and unregimented lifestyle or seek active recreation – from the Royal Palm you can explore during the day and relax in comfort at night. We seek to be the best…superior quality, personalized, friendly and discreet service aimed at exceeding your expectations – that’s the Royal Palm Way. Welcome to Termas de Papallacta! Established in 1994, Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort is well regarded in the tourism industry for its professionalism, continuous innovation in sparelated matters and environmentally responsible operations. Even in previous decades, the soothing thermal springs in unspoilt natural surroundings placed this area as a ‘must visit’ among Ecuadorian tourist attractions. Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort is located just 67 km (40 miles) east of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. The route to Termas de Papallacta was the same taken by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana in 1542 as he crossed the Andes mountain range upon discovering the Amazon and Amazon River. A small paradise that is an absolute ‘must’ during your stay at Termas de Papallacta, the Spa consists of two principle areas offering a range of services. The hotel has 32 rooms, each with heating and a private bathroom. The rooms are situated next to the thermal pools for exclusive use by our guests. The hotel restaurant offers delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine using ingredients from our organic garden. LOCATION: 3 hour flight from Quito. ROOMS: 17 villas Last audit: May 2007 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Phone: (593) 5 252-7408 Fax: (593) 5 252-7409 Email: info@royalpalmgalapagos.com Website : www.royalpalmgalapagos.com LOCATION: 70 km from Quito Km 67 vía Quito - Baeza, Ecuador Tel: (593) 2-256-8989 / Fax: (593) 2-254-9794 Email: termas@termaspapallacta.com / termasuio@termaspapallacta.com Website: www.papallacta.com.ec Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/termas_papallacta_en ROOMS: 32 Last audit: January 2007 12 South America Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas The Beagle Country: Ecuador Country: Ecuador Daphne Cruises Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified The Beagle is a magnificent, fully air conditioned, deluxe, 105 foot steel hulled schooner with teak deck and a luxurious interior. It is named after HMS Beagle, in which Charles Darwin made his famous voyage that took him to the Galapagos Islands, and later, based on his findings in this extraordinary archipelago, he wrote his theory on evolution. It was built in London, England in 1971. The Beagle has 6 double cabins, each with private shower and toilet. The Beagle is owned and operated by Augusto and Georgina Cruz since purchasing her in 2002. The Beagle’s owners have placed the highest priorities on providing comfortable and spacious accommodations, yacht maintenance and safety equipment that meet the highest standards. The boat features ample open and shaded deck space, delicious Ecuadorian cuisine served in the homelike salon or on deck, and high quality personal services on board by superbly trained captains, crew and multi-lingual naturalist guides licensed by Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Our vessel was constructed in Puerto Ayora specifically for Galapagos cruises. Since its construction, we have gained worldwide recognition for our ecological and diving cruises, receiving acclaim for our excellent, first-class service, expert crew, bilingual naturalist guides, and exquisite menus which offer the best national and international cuisine available on the islands. In addition to its eight double-occupancy cabins, each of which has a private bathroom with a hot-water shower, the Daphne yacht is equipped with a comfortable restaurant/bar, a small library, TV and VCR, air-conditioning system, a solarium, and an efficient water desalination/ purification system Come and explore the Galapagos Islands with us! LOCATION: 5 minutes from the Baltra Island Airport ROOMS: 6 Last audit: April 2007 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Tel: (593) 2-256-8901 Email: beagle@uio.telconet.net Website: www.thebeagle.com.ec Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/beagle_en LOCATION: Located 90 minutes from the airport in Baltra; travel is over the Canal de Itabaca that links the island of Baltra with the island of Santa Cruz. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Tel: (593) 5-252-6344 / Fax: (593) 5-252-6344 Email: info@daphnecruises.com Website: www.daphnecruises.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/daphne_ec_en ROOMS: 8 Last audit: February 2007 13 Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas South America Eric, Letty & Flamingo I Country: Ecuador Country: Ecuador Sky Dancer Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified Our signature fleet of three identical Superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts, M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty, were custom-designed for Galapagos excursions. The sister yachts offer tremendous value and superior comfort in spacious accommodations for small groups. Built in 1991 and refurbished every year, each yacht features ten double outside facing cabins located on three decks with polished teak wood interiors, window view or portholes, fully air conditioned throughout, private bath facilities with fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower, roomy closet and drawers, separate climate controls, intercom system, life vests, bottled water and fresh towels. A seasoned Captain, eight dedicated crewmembers, and two experienced English speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Islands‘diverse wildlife. Discover the M/Y Sky Dancer, our 16-passenger, 100-foot first class dive and live-aboard ship. Custom-designed in 2000, the M/Y Sky Dancer offers the newest and best-equipped vessel for SCUBA diving in the Galapagos. The Sky Dancer is fully air-conditioned and its interior features teak paneling and furnishings, a dining area, a fully stocked bar, and a main salon with an audio/video entertainment center. On deck, ample space is allocated for personal dive gear storage, a photo and video film lab, light tables, daily E-6 processing, and open deck space for sunbathing. Enjoy the Galapagos in style with the creature comforts Peter Hughes Diving is well-known for. Wake to a morning coffee service that draws you toward a breakfast buffet, and after every dive, wrap up in fresh warm towels, and snuggle into plush, terrycloth bathrobes. The Sky Dancer’s accommodations include eight comfortable staterooms located on two decks. Each cabin features two twin beds, private shower, mirrored cabinet, window or portlight view, bathrobes, and fresh towels every day. LOCATION: 3 km from the San Cristobal Airport in the Galapagos ROOMS: 10 rooms on each boat Last audit: May 2007 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Tel: (593) 4-220-7170 / Fax: (593) 4-220-5104 Email: sdunn@ecoventura.com Website: www.ecoventura.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/ecoventura_en LOCATION: 3 km from the San Cristobal Airport in the Galapagos Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Tel: (593) 4-220-7170 / Fax: (593) 4-220-5104 Email: sdunn@ecoventura.com Website: www.ecoventura.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/ecoventura_en ROOMS: 8 Last audit: May 2007 14 South America Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas Tip Top II Country: Ecuador Country: Ecuador Tip Top III Sustainability Level: Certified Sustainability Level: Certified The Tip Top II is a 85 foot steel hulled motor yacht built in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It provides very comfortable accommodation and meals for your natural history tour of the Galapagos Islands. Fully refurbished in December, 1998, it accommodates 16 passengers in 8 double cabins each with private shower and toilet. There is a bar, dining room, library, sundeck and diving platform. All cabins and public areas are fully carpeted and air conditioned. The Tip Top III is a first class, 98 foot, steel-hulled motor-yacht built according to impeccably high standards in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 2001. The boat accommodates 16 passengers in double cabins each with private toilet and shower. It is fully air conditioned. Yacht Equipment includes: Freezer; refrigerator; electric range with grill & oven; Reverse osmosis seawater desalinators (1,500 gallons/day); fully air conditioned; hot & cold freshwater pressure system; royal flush toilets; TV; VCR; stereo music system; Upon request Bauer Nautilus dive compressor; 50 diving cylinders with harness & weight belts. Snorkeling gear is available for rent. LOCATION: Located near the Baltra Island Airport. ROOMS: 9 Last audit: March 2007 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Rolf Wittmer Turismo Galápagos Phone: (593) 2-252-6938 or 250-7282 / Fax: (593) 2-222-8520 Email: rwittmer@tiptop.com.ec Website: www.rwittmer.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/tip_top_en LOCATION: Located near the Baltra Island Airport. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Rolf Wittmer Turismo Galápagos Phone: (593) 2-252-6938 or 250-7282 / Fax: (593) 2-222-8520 Email: rwittmer@tiptop.com.ec / Website: www.rwittmer.com Eco-Index Webpage: eco-indextourism.org/en/tip_top_en ROOMS: 10 Last audit: March 2007 15 Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas South America 16 South America Go Green! A SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel in the Americas