Responsible Travel in Latin America

Baja Expeditions
Eco-Adventures in Baja, Mexico
Whale Shark Diving Quest and Research Project
Dive with a purpose! Enjoy diving the best sites in the Sea of Cortez while you participate in a once-in-a-lifetime research project. With a spotter-plane to help locate the whale sharks, you'll observe and assist visiting guide and researcher Dení Ramírez during each encounter. As with all our Live-Aboard Diving programs, you'll visit dive sites that are out of reach for day boats, where you can explore underwater worlds few others get to see.
SEE Turtle Monitoring Expeditions
You'll actively participate in projects with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a leader in Baja's turtle conservation efforts. Projects include monitoring endangered sea turtles and providing training and alternative income sources to local fishermen.
Digital Photography Workshop and Wildlife Voyage
Enhance your photography and digital workflow skills on this 5-day workshop led by instructor Neil Ever Osborne, a passionate conservation photographer who documents species at risk and environments in peril around the world.
Family Learning Adventure on the Don Jose
This new family-friendly program on the Don Jose combines fun, adventure and learning. Our experienced naturalist guide will lead hikes, kayak and snorkeling excursions and other environmental awareness activities sure to please all ages. Plus, certified divers can enjoy some great dive sites in the Sea of Cortez, while non-divers (ages 8 and up) can learn the necessary skills to safely try scuba diving.
Mexican Camp Cooking and Spanish Language Instruction
You'll enjoy all the activities included on our standard Espiritu Santo Sea Kayaking Camp program—plus, practice conversational Spanish and camp cooking with experts who make learning fun during this new Special Interest trip.
Yoga, Massage & Sea Kayaking Retreat
The combination of daily yoga practice, meditation, massage and spending time in nature will reawaken your senses and reconnect you with the Earth in this new program. Rejuvenating outdoor yoga and massage sessions will help you reap the true benefits of these practices in nature. Plus, you'll kayak, hike and snorkel to explore both the scenic and the spiritual sides of Espiritu Santo Island.
Baja Expeditions Educational Explorations
We are going one step farther to customize your educational exploration in Baja, the perfect place to explore an ecosystem far removed from any text book or overcrowded national park. If you are a science teacher looking for a hands-on field study trip of a lifetime for your students, a group of retirees looking to learn about the natural history of Baja, or a group of friends and family full of outdoor enthusiasts, we will design the perfect trip for you. The opportunities to connect science with our adventures are endless and our naturalist guides will facilitate any combination of activities to fulfill the needs of the group’s learning objectives.

Contact: Educational Programs Coordinator, 2625 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA, 92109, USA. Tel. 1800-843-6967, 858-581-3311. Website: www.bajaex.com.

Beyond Touring - BELIZE Eco Tours & Programs
Best of Belize Eco Tour
Swim, explore, climb, see exotic birds, relax, snorkel, dive, and truly help others less fortunate. This 8-day affordable high end eco tour covers the highlights of Belize, 1) Maya ruins, 2) tropical forests, 3) World Heritage Site barrier reef, and 4) cave tubing & exploring. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Educational Student Program - Maya Archaeology, Tropical Forest Ecology, & Marine Biology
Fun, educational focus everyday, one Leader/Organizer Free of Charge with 10 paying students. Research station & eco lodges utilized, ancient Maya ruins (behind-the-scenes at Lamanai), lectures, field excursions (howler monkey data collection), and much more. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Belize Birding Eco Tour
As you may be aware there are over 540 species of birds that call Belize home, including toucans, cotingas, and motmots. This 8-day program includes multiple areas & multiple habitats, including Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Tikal National Park, and Ambergris Caye (San Pedro). Top guides, scopes, check lists, trip reports and more! Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Belize Island Eco Tour
Whether your after the beach, snorkeling, diving or relaxing this trip is suited for you. Aside from numerous activites on the island you will also spend time at the ancient Maya site of Lamanai, which includes ruins, birds, howler monkeys, & a river safari to get there. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.
Ancient Maya Ruins of Belize - Eco Tour
This 8-day trip focuses on behind-the-scences of one of Belize's premiere archaeological sites, Lamanai, it also offers 4 other sites (Xunantunich, Tikal, Cahal Pech & Pook's Hill), provides hands-on artifact workshop, spotlight safari, howler monkeys, birds and much more. Also included: Meaningful cross-cultural experience that truly 'gives back' to Indian Church Village, in northern Belize.

Visit: www.beyondtouring.com

Biosfera Brasil Eco-Social Tours
Biosfera Brasil is a tourism company specialized in receiving foreign tourists in the Brazilian best ecological destinations. We believe that tourism is much more than visiting famous monuments and taking beautiful photos. In our opinion, tourism is the best opportunity to learn about the world we live in and how to preserve nature. Biosfera Brasil is managed by Brazilians with a deep international experience and local tourism knowledge. Our programs are developed under the “Eco-Social Tourism” concept, bringing travelers to meet the local communities, contributing with local social and environmental projects.

Contact: biosfera@biosferabrasil.com, www.biosferabrasil.com/index_home.php

Birding tours in Guatemala, Cayaya Birding
Cayaya Birding supports with its tours various conservation programs in rural communities in Guatemala.

Contact: info@cayaya-birding.com, www.cayaya-birding.com.

Campanario Biological Reserve
Environmental education programs (all ages students), field trips, Rainforest Camps, Teachers' professional development programs.

Contact: info@campanario.org, www.campanario.org

Central American Service Expeditions
Service Learning Expeditions to Central America
Teachers! Design with us an innovative educational travel program for your students. We specialize in working with teachers to create custom service learning trips to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Explore topics in science, economic development, environmental conservation, and more! We will fit the program to your needs and your students will learn the value of service to others. 10% of the fee is donated directly to the local communities you visit and all participants offset the carbon of your travel. Experience Latin America in a totally new and responsible way as you and your students serve and learn from local people!

Contact: info@serviceexpeditions.net, www.serviceexpeditions.net

Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT)
Socially and Environmentally Responsible Travel to Costa Rica Program
If traveling to Costa Rica, make sure to support socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Support locally-owned green lodges and tour companies. Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT) is compiling a list of hotels, lodges and tour companies that are treading lightly on the fragile ecosystems of this land, and that are contributing positively to the auto-sustainable development of Costa Rican local communities.

Contact: info@conservecostarica.org, www.conservecostarica.org

Culture Explorers
Immersive Argentina
Participate in the living culture of Argentina as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Guatemala
Participate in the living culture of Guatemala as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Mexico
Participate in the living culture of Mexico as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Peru
Participate in the living culture of Peru as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.

Contact: info@culturexplorers.com, www.culturexplorers.com

Eco Volunteer UP
Eco Volunteer UP is an Ecuadorian non-profit organization composed of a group of Ecuadorians who work through volunteers to conserve the forests of Ecuador, to improve the communities' economies and to give Ecuadorian children a better life. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and real opportunities for learning and sharing Ecuadorian cultures, customs and traditions, all the while helping different projects promote their development and changing lives.

Contact: ecovolunteerup@ecovolunteerup.org, www.ecovolunteerup.org

EcoLogic Development Fund
Forwards relevant resumés from students and professionals (written in Spanish) to partner organizations in Central America, looking for interns and volunteers in the fields of conservation, community development, and social justice. Minimum attachment is normally 3 months in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Contact: Harvard Square, 25 Mount Auburn St., Ste. 203, Cambridge, MA 02138; 617-441-6300; fax. 617-441-6307; info@ecologic.org; www.ecologic.org.

Ecology Project International
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program (STEP)
This tropical hotspot and travel destination contains an amazing 5% of the worlds biodiversity. Costa Ricas Caribbean coast where Ecology Project Internationals program site is located is the fourth most important nesting beach worldwide for Leatherback sea turtles, a critically endangered species. Through our Sea Turtle Ecology Program, youth from Costa Rica and around the world work in partnership with the Pacuare Nature Reserve to conserve and protect these sea turtles from extinction.
Baja & the Sea of Cortez Island Ecology Program and Whale Ecology Program
The Sea of Cortez hosts 39% of the worlds marine mammal species and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. From John Steinbeck to Aldo Leopold, Baja California Sur has captured the worlds imagination and become a unique travel destination. Through our Island and Whale Ecology Programs, Ecology Project International students from Mexico and around the world work in partnership with local institutions to conserve Baja California Surs desert and marine environments.
Galapagos Islands Ecology Program
One of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, the spectacular Galápagos Islands host a unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Through our Galápagos Islands Ecology Program, Ecology Project International students from the Galápagos and around the world work in partnership with the Galápagos National Park and local institutions to conserve the archipelago. Students travel to several locations on three different islands, studying and experiencing this magical place.

Contact: info@ecologyproject.org, www.ecologyproject.org

Ecotrackers Foundation
Volunteer Work in Ecuador
Ecotrackers works to preserve the cultural and biological diversity of Ecuador through the development of indigenous community in ecotourism and other projects. Volunteers are sent to 17 indigenous communities and 10 National Protected Areas, to stay between one week and 6 months and to carry out a variety of tasks that go from teaching English in children's school, until ecotourism and eco-production with patents, eco-development; and other projects such as reforestation, health & sanitation, and agricultural development. Ecotrackers is currently developing an experimental farm in the cloud-forest near Quito to demonstrate sustainable agriculture.

Contact: email@ecotrackers.com, www.ecotrackers.com

EcuadorExplorer.com
Useful information about working and volunteering in Ecuador with links to about a dozen organizations with volunteer programs.

Contact: www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/work_or_volunteer.html

Fundación Cabo San Francisco
Volunteers accepted on projects in the northern province of Esmeraldas to conserve flora and fauna. Placements last between 10 days and 3 months or longer. Participation fee is $300 a month.

Contact: Programa de Voluntarios, Casilla 17-15-73-B, Quito, Ecuador; 011-593-2-278 8061; volunteer@fcsf.org, www.fcsf.org

Galápagos Travel
Workshops in the Galápagos Islands. Specializing in comprehensive, educationally-oriented, professionally-led natural history tours of the Galápagos Islands. Each trip spends 11 days to 2 full weeks in the Galápagos, touring all the significant outer islands, and allowing for a maximum of wildlife observation. Three distinct itineraries available.

Contact: Galápagos Travel, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Suite 47, Aptos, CA 95003; 800-969-9014, fax 831-689-9195; galapagostravel@compuserve.com, www.galapagostravel.com.

Global Exchange
Responsible Travel in Colombia
In Colombia, meet with peace communities, union leaders, women's organizations, Indigenous and Afro-Colombia peoples, Fair Trade farmers, and union leaders as we strive to go beyond Washington's "War on Drugs" to meet the people struggling for peace and justice during Colombia's 40 year civil war. Join Fellowship of Reconciliation and Global Exchange on a human rights delegation to support the building of a culture of peace within an environment of conflict.
Responsible Travel in Cuba
In March, 2003 the Bush Administration revoked the "people-to-people" license that facilitated legal travel to Cuba. However this has not stopped Global Exchange. We currently offer the opportunity to participate in research delegations under the following categories: Environment, Education, Healthcare and Community Development. We also provide customized tours for humanitarian organizations, educational institutions and religious groups with a license that need program and logistical support.
Responsible Travel in Nicaragua
Explore Nicaragua and learn about the devastating impacts of IMF policies. Meet with women's groups, trade unions, and Fair Trade cooperatives. Visit Managua's infamous factory zones and learn about Nicaragua's culture of resistance. Global Exchange is also sponsoring several highly motivated individuals to travel to Nicaragua this harvest season and work with a Fair Trade coffee cooperative (CECOCAFEN). This is a unique opportunity to experience the other side of the struggle for social and economic justice.
Responsible Travel in Venezuela
Venezuela is at the center of a new, progressive model of socioeconomic development that is shaping Latin America’s future. After briefly being forced from office in 2002, President Hugo Chavez has embarked upon some of the most innovative social programs that the region has ever seen. We meet with journalists, oil executives and grassroots organizations to for a deeper understanding of the situation in Venezuela and why the U.S. is involved.

Contact: realitytours@globalexchange.org, www.globalexchange.org/tours

Green Valley Retreat
Environmental Volunteer Program in Costa Rica
Offering foreign and national participants personal, social, cultural, and academic opportunities while working jointly with the University of Costa Rica in areas of conservation, reforestation, and community development projects in the Paraiso, Orosi and Cartago areas of Costa Rica.

Contact: scott@greenvalleyretreat.com, www.helpingcostarica.com

Ibike Tours / International Bicycle Fund
Ibike Ecuador Exploration
Small group, immersion, bicycle tours, designed to get you out of the box, enrich your life and introduce you to the rich diversity of the people, their culture and the environment of the area. IBF programs are designed to provide participants an opportunity to learn more about the world at a person-to-person level not usually available to tourist. Itineraries highlight the cultural, historical, economic and physical diversity of the area. Throughout the program there are discussions on history, indigenous culture, gender rights and roles, music, language, religion, geology, botany and ecology, great people to meet and scenic beauty to die for.
Ibike Guyana Many People, Many Waters
Gain a better understanding of the rich ecology, culture, history, politics, social institutions, sustainable development projects and beauty of Guyana.

Contact: ibike@ibike.org, www.ibike.org/ibike

ICADS Field Course in Resource Management and Sustainable Development
The Institute for Central American Development Studies, (ICADS) offers an interdisciplinary semester program in Costa Rica focusing on development from ecological, socio-economic perspectives. Semester includes: 4 weeks of intensive Spanish and social issues, 5 weeks in the field in managed and natural ecosystems learning methodologies of field research in social and natural sciences (banana transnationals, traditional agriculture, community cooperatives; cloud forest and watershed management); 5 weeks of independent research - working in rural communities. Fall and spring semesters with academic credit.

Contact: Institute for Central American Development Studies c/o ICADS, Dept. 826, P.O. Box 025216, Miami, Florida 33102-5216. Email: info@icads.org. Website: www.icads.org.

Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center
Located in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil we are offering people the chance to learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a beautiful, but little visited part of Brazil. GIS is increasingly used in a number of different disciplines to collect and manipulate data - this course will provide the opportunity to learn about this in the context of land management planning. Learning the new skill will provide you with a way to learn more about Brazil.

Contact: iracambi@iracambi.com, www.iracambi.com

La Confluencia
Patagonia Voluntourism and Adventure Travel
La Confluencia ecolodge and farm runs voluntourism programs throughout the summer (Nov-Feb.) in Patagonia, Argentina. Participants will help with an number of projects within the Rio Azul Protected Area (part of the world's largest UNESCO Temperate Rainforest Preserve) such as trail maintenance, footbridge construction, and selective eradication of invasive species, as well as social assistance projects involving the local community, such as vegetable garden development, greenhouse construction, and home repairs. Depending on individuals' interest and fitness levels, various wilderness adventure options can be combined such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, trekking, horseback riding, and climbing / rappelling.

Contact: Apartado 111, El Bolsón 8340 Argentina; ellie@laconfluencia.com; www.laconfluencia.com

Maquipucuna Foundation, Inc.
Cloud forest reserve near Quito in Ecuador which accepts paying volunteers.

Contact: Baquerizo #238, P.O. Box 17-12-167, Quito, Ecuador, fax. 011-593-2-250 7201. Also: c/o Inst. of Ecology, Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602- 2202; 706-542-2968; volunteers@maquipucuna.org; www.maqui.org

More Local — Colombia Travel, Adventure Tours, and Excursions
All-new More Local offers innovative trip itineraries that take you deep into the daily life of rural Colombia. This is not your average coffee tour or Amazon trip! Through unique workshops with local people and involvement in local development and environmental projects, More Local is travel in its most experiential form. Meet local people, get to know about them and their livelihoods, and maybe even learn a few new skills along the way. It doesn't get more local than this!

Visit: www.morelocal.co

Mundo Verde Spanish School
Spanish school has links with development project in the rainforest and with many other voluntary projects to which students can be assigned (no fee).

Contact: Nueva Alta, 432-A Cusco, Peru; 011-51-84-221287; info@mundoverdespanish.com, www.mundoverdespanish.com

Parallel 41 Patagonia
Offering specialized ecotourism programs through the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for individuals, families and small groups. Stay in unique lodgings surrounded by nature with access to wildlife observation, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. Spend time with field specialists and researchers that study local flora and fauna of Patagonia. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience. Eco-programs for all ages and interests.

Contact: info@parallel41.com; 1-858-764-1896; www.parallel41.com.

Piedra Blanca Community Ecotourism Project
A community ecotourism project providing alternative sources of income whilst sustaining the local rainforest. Volunteers are needed to teach English to local guides, service providers and school children. Other volunteering opportunities are also available.

Contact: ecopiedrablanca@hotmail.com, www.piedrablanca.org

PRETOMA (Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas)
San Jose, Costa Rica. Qualified Interns and Volunteers walk the 4km beach on a nightly basis looking for nesting sea turtles. When found, turtles are measured, tagged, and checked for general health conditions. Nests are then taken, monitored, and protected in a project hatchery. Hatchery duties include monitoring for hatching baby turtles and releasing them into the ocean, as well as post hatching nest excavations to determine success rates.

Contact: info@tortugamarina.org, www.tortugamarina.org.

Proyecto Asis Spanish Institute
Spanish language courses,learn in ecological reserve in rain forest, near volcano Arenal, small groups. Asis Job Volunteer: Ecological work in different areas.

Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com.

Quetzaltrekkers
Eco-Friendly Adventure Trekking in Guatemala
Quetzaltrekkers is Guatemala´s only all volunteer managed, non-profit trekking/hiking organization. Quetzaltrekkers offers multi-day adventure treks and one day excursions in the highlands of western Guatemala to an international clientele of outdoor enthusiasts. We follow locally sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. Volunteer guides are always needed.

Contact: Quetzaltrekkers, Casa Argentina, 12 Diagonal, 8-37, Zona 1, Quetzaltenango; 011-502- 7765-5895; info@quetzaltrekkers.com, www.quetzaltrekkers.com.

The Rainforest Education & Resource Centre (CREES)
Fauna Forever is a training, team building and environmental monitoring initiatives located in important biologically and culturally diverse habitats. There are currently two programs based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a conservation area in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The programs are an adventurous yet professional way to experience and learn first-hand about humid tropical ecosystems and indigenous Amazon cultures whilst contributing to valuable on-going research.

Contact: info@crees-manu.org, www.crees-manu.org

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) in Costa Rica
Located on the beautiful Sarapiqui River, the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to link the community with conservation. We are currently looking for a volunteer to run our Environmental Education Program. This includes leading weekly ecology clubs to students at local schools and at the Center, supporting the community in conservation projects, and helping community members build on their ecotourism projects.

Contact: info@learningcentercostarica.org, www.learningcentercostarica.org

Sustainable Bolivia
Our mission is to promote economic and environmental sustainability, while offering global citizens with valuable volunteer opportunities. Sustainable Bolivia partners with over 30 organizations in the Cochabamba area, which vary in the work of health, education, human rights and the environment. We work towards providing these organizations with much needed human and financial support. In addition to facilitating both internships and volunteerships, we offer accommodation, 24-hour staff support, language classes, international phone calls, internet use and much more.
Energetica
Energetica seeks to improve the quality of life of rural and marginal urban populations by promoting development through the rational use of energy. At present, only 17.2% of rural families have access to energy sources. Energetica aims to change this by offering alternatives such as solar power which would cover up to 98% of a family’s energy needs. See www.sustainablebolivia.org/ENERGETICA.html for more.

Contact: Devan Colley, Assistant National Director, Sustainable Bolivia, Calle Julio Arauco Prado #230, Zona Las Cuadras, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Tel. +591 4233786 / 415-513-5582. Email: information@sustainablebolivia.org. Website: www.sustainablebolivia.org.

Witness for Peace Delegations
WFP delegations combine international travel and education with the struggle for peace, economic justice, and alternative development. Delegates witness firsthand the effects of global economic trends on the people of Latin America and meet with local partners and community members in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, or Nicaragua to explore cross-border advocacy.

Contact: Delegations Associate, 3628 12th Street NE, 1st Floor, Washington DC 20017, USA; Tel. 202-547-6112; delegations@witnessforpeace.org, www.witnessforpeace.org.

WWOOF International (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)
Many countries in Latin America participate in this unique worldwide exchange organization. In return for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. WWOOF organizations link people who want to volunteer on organic farms with people who are seeking volunteer help. Each country works slightly differently, but generally a very small membership fee is charged in exchange for a listing of available opportunities.

Visit: wwoofinternational.org

Yarok Green Tours
Ecotour in Costa Rica
Total immersion ecotours in Costa Rica for families, groups and students interested in exploring the nature and wildlife of Costa Rica.

Contact: info@yaroktours.com, www.yaroktours.com