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This September, I will be heading to the small South American country of Ecuador to experience what is sure to be a fantastic journey through the Amazon Rainforest. I am partnering with local, Austin-based company Traverse Journeys and could not be more excited! My trip still has spots available if you want to join in, and the tour is offered all year if you can’t make it with me in September.
Updated to Add: I just returned from this trip and had an amazing experience. You can book the same trip any week you choose (Sunday through Friday) and use code AFA100 to save $100!
With any Traverse Journey trip, you will stay somewhere that demonstrates eco-friendly practices such as using water saving techniques and renewable energy sources – all at places rated 3 stars or above! The meals will be organic and locally-sourced whenever possible, provided by vendors who have demonstrated their commitment to conservation and sustainable agriculture. 5% of sales of each trip are donated directly to the community to support community healthcare, education, and many other social and environmental causes. It’s very important to me to feel good about where I spend my money (and my time), and Traverse Journeys feels the same way.
When you purchase your Ecuador tour package, everything is included! From accommodations and airport transfers to meals and tours, you won’t have to worry about a thing once you arrive. It’s so much easier to budget for a trip when the total price is upfront!
Between a local guide who lives and works in the community and meeting the women of the Sani Warmi lodge, you will delve right into traditional Ecuadorian and Kichwa culture. Rather than getting a surface-level, Americanized version of the country, you will leave with a true understanding and appreciation for the local customs and people.
Speaking of the guide, you will be in great hands with a local guide who knows his way around the rainforest. José is from the Kichwa community and has a deep knowledge of the animal and plant life in the Amazon. He speaks English, Spanish, and the local Kichwa dialect! He will lead you on medicinal plant walks, bird watching from the canopy tree tops, and night canoe rides to spot caiman.
If food is the way to the heart, Ecuador will soon be very close to yours. At the Sani Warmi lodge, you will participate in making plantain, yucca, and fish for a traditional meal and will also get to prepare chocolate and coffee, all of which are made at the lodge! You will be learning directly from the local Kichwa women who work at the lodge.
This Ecuador tour is available throughout the year, Sunday through Friday! You can jump into an existing tour group or select your own dates. It’s also easy to add on a few days before of after the tour to explore Ecuador’s capital city of Quito on your own.
Could anything be cooler than visiting the actual Amazon Rainforest?! This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn so much about our planet. Ecuador is on the western side of the Amazon and is teeming with wildlife, plant life, and beautiful sights. On this trip there will be daily opportunities to visit the rainforest (even at night!) and learn all about everything you see from your local guide.
Monkeys, caiman (like crocodiles), toucans, and sloths are just a few of the species found in the Amazon, the largest area of biodiversity on the planet. One in ten known species lives here!
At the Sani Warmi lodge, you will directly support the business and livelihood of local women. The community donation that your trip includes will go towards these women and their cause. Tourism dollars are very important to the people in this area, as tourism is one of the main ways their community is supported. In addition, Traverse Journeys is owned and run by women! I’m all about women supporting other women and working with Traverse Journeys makes it so easy to do so.
The income generated by tourism in the Amazon communities directly benefits the rainforest and everyone in it. In a time when our planet’s natural beauty and resources are so threatened, it’s such a joy to know that you can experience the beauty of the rainforest while at the same time helping to protect it.
Book your Amazon Rainforest experience with Traverse Journeys!
www.traversejourneys.com | 512-553-0577 | hello@traversejourneys.com
Sunday – Friday dates available year-round
From $2495 per person – Use Code AFA100 to save $100
Find Accommodations: Use Booking.com as they consistently offer the lowest prices. Many of their listings also allow you to book now and pay when you stay, making it easy to plan ahead for travel. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:Travel insurance will protect you in case of injury, illness, theft, missed flights, and more. I have been using World Nomads for years and have had nothing but great experiences. Get the Guide Book: I read the Lonely Planet guide book for my destination before every trip! Their guide books are full of great information. Check out my Resource Page for the travel gear I use and recommend. I think you’ll love these things too! For more information on Ecuador, check out these posts.
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*This post is sponsored in part by Traverse Journeys. This in no way affected my opinions! Everything you see here was written by me and represents my honest opinion. All photos are used with permission by Seattle Flashing Lights Photography, who participated in this trip earlier this year. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you decided to purchase something.
I would love to visit Ecuador!