Responsible Tourism

Rainforest Expedition in the Ecuadorian Amazon

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Rainforest Expedition in the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon rainforest is one of the planet's most diverse ecosystems, being the home to 30% of all known plant and animal species, as well as a variety of indigenous cultures and settlers who make their living in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. Joining this GVI Amazon adventure takes will take you into the heart of this lush and remote part of the world to help protect the precious rainforest and aid community development initiatives. Expedition members support wildlife conservation by conducting research and scientific investigation work, and work on community projects, including facilitating the learning of English as a foreign language. In addition, the project runs a number of exciting adventure side trips that give expedition members the chance to further explore and experience this thrilling part of Ecuador.

Highlights of this project.

Enjoying the intensive in-camp training to gain basic knowledge of the environment; experiencing the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest; spending nights camping out in the rainforest; setting photo-trapping equipment to see what you can catch on film; enjoying wildlife observation from the river; experiencing the rainforest at night on nocturnal frog and mammal surveys; discovering rare and possibly new species; learning bush skills and rainforest ecology; exploring different parts of the Amazon; working with and training local students and the local community and learning how to navigate in the forest.
Example of the itinerary. Expedition members will spend the majority of time working on the various scientific research projects to collect and collate scientific data. You will also be involved in working directly with students and teachers on education (environmental and teaching English) and construction projects. The initial couple of weeks will be hard as you will have to adapt to the change in environment and learn the different skills needed to do research. The expedition is in a remote location, so all expedition members will participate in first aid training and team-building activities to ensure everyone is safe and secure in their new environment. This training information must be thoroughly understood as the environment is challenging. It must be stressed that expedition members will not have the opportunity to be alone at any time in the forest, as it is a harsh environment in which you can get lost very easily. You will be prepared thoroughly for any eventuality and be tested on your skills on a continual basis.
The days are long, beginning at first light to take advantage of the early wildlife activity and continuing to work throughout the day. Night surveys are also conducted regularly throughout the expedition. You have the opportunity to join several mini-expeditions, which involves going on a hike through the forest to a satellite camp location where we will camp for a night or two. Be warned that you will get very hot and sweaty during the day's activities, so ensure you come prepared! In assisting in these tasks you will have the opportunity to:

The benefits you bring in taking this tour.

We are making a difference in Ecuador's Amazon by supporting the Yachana Foundation and local efforts to preserve the rainforest and its extraordinary diversity of plants and animals. These efforts include promoting sustainable economic and agricultural alternatives for its inhabitants, many of whom are from poor, indigenous communities. Expedition members have been compiling valuable species lists of animal life found within Yachana's private land reserve. This has resulted in the discovery of a rare species of glass frog, which further strengthens the documented conservation value of the area.

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