Home > South America > Ecuador > Ecuador Overview > Responsible Tourism
V!VA Travel Guides WIKI
Share your knowledge on the web and get your review published in our next printed guidebook! Find out more about us.

Close box

The 'train' in Cotopaxi
is popular with locals and 
travelers alike
The 'train' in Cotopaxi is popular with locals and travelers alike

Responsible Tourism

+ Add a Photo

By Dawn Wohlfarth

Tourism is a vital source of income to Ecuador and one that will long outlast the petroleum industry. Support this struggling nation by encouraging local industries. Eat at local restaurants and stay at locally-owned hotels as opposed to international chains. There is a wide selection of comfortable, clean and reasonably priced hotels all over the country owned and operated by Ecuadorians. V!VA Travel Guides usually mentions if the owners are foreign, so choose wisely.

Use water and electricity carefully. When city officials cut down on the community's supply, travelers are usually given preference, so don't abuse the privilege.  

Beggars

Don't give money or candy to children begging. You are just encouraging this destructive cycle by financing parents willing to send their little ones out onto the streets to work. Many disabled adults and senior citizens also beg; you can decide if you want to help them out or not, most Ecuadorians do.

Photography

ALWAYS ask before taking photographs or videos of people. Just because people look and dress differently doesn't mean you’re in a zoo. Show your respect by talking to people before making them a souvenir of your vacation.

Environmental Awareness

An eco-tourism movement is slowly but surely making its way through Ecuador. The habits of throwing trash out bus windows and littering in general are deeply engrained in Ecuadorian collective consciousness. Be responsible by not participating in these bad habits and make a point of leaving camping areas, nature walks, picnics, etc. cleaner than you left them. Ecuadorian cities have started putting up "Do Not Litter" signs, but there is a long way to go.

Consider staying at an eco-lodge or volunteering for an organization working to educate the community and preserve the environment. See our eco-tourism page, for more information.

Sponsors
Ecuador Mountain Biking Tours - Aries Bike Company
Over 18 years of experience in Downhill, Mountain Biking and Hiking in Ecuador.Our tours take you around some of the most beautiful mountains and active volcanoes in the world.
www.ariesbikecompany.com
Great V!VA Travel Guides Books about Ecuador
Buy the world's most up-to-date guidebook about Ecuador.
Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA.
Or download free chapters from this book.
Buy the world's most up-to-date guidebook about Peru.
Get it from Amazon or direct from V!VA.
Or download free chapters from this book.

V!VA List Latin America, 333 Places and Experiences that People Love

Packed with tales of travels from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, this compilation provides firsthand knowledge about places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, as well as insight into local cultures and customs.
Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA.
Download free chapters from this book.
Download free Google Earth version chapters.

 
South America | Central America and Mexico | Africa | Europe | Oceania | Asia | Antarctica | North America |
Advertise | Anúnciese | Jobs | Alliances | Alianzas | Terms of Use | Useful Sites | Contact Us | About Us |