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Nuevo Mundo Expeditions

Founded in 1979, Nuevo Mundo Expeditions promotes the dynamic conservation of Ecuador's natural and cultural resources through uniquely designed programs in the Amazon, Andes, Pacific and Galapagos regions, based on the precept that "you love what you know and protect what you love".

Nuevo Mundo´s president, Oswaldo Munoz, founded and headed the Ecuadorean Ecotourism Association and vice-chaired The International Ecotourism Society in the 1990´s, having received an award from Conservation International in the year 2000 for his contributions to ecotourism development and research.

The company's Manatee Amazon Explorer cruise ship meets the standards for ecotourism operations from the Ecuadorean Ministry of Tourism.

Our Mission Statement
“Show travelers the world over the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador – revealing the secret without losing the enchantment – utilizing the resource while safeguarding its perpetuity – and harvesting the know-how to create the most unforgettable vacations”.

All personnel has 5 to 24 years experience, with university degrees in ecotourism, business administration, guiding and interpretation, computer technology and biology (degrees range from doctorates to BS and MA). The company supervises and trains its professional, licensed guides.

The type of accomodations we provide to travelers are the finest locally owned city hotels and charming lodges, villas and haciendas for in-the-field programs.

During outings in the jungle and mountains, our experienced crew sets up camp, providing ample tents, inflatable mattresses and linen, hearty full-course meals served to your table. on-the-road snacks and appetizers, plus first-aid medical supplies.

Land travel is provided in accordance with program, type of terrain and number of participants - by motor coach, van or 4-wheel drive vehicles. On the river, motor dugouts and paddle canoes for access into narrow waterways make nature explorations easy and enjoyable. All meet international safety requirements.

We hire local indigenous people as guides, co-leaders and guest lecturers in coordination with our naturalist guides. In the Andes and Amazon we have established joint partnerships in which local people provide part of the logistics, such as meals, lodging and transportation. Thus, locals do not play a mere "employee" role but rather are partners in our business. For the past 24 years we have trained countless locals in camping, lodge and meal arrangements.

Eco trips offered:

* Manatee Amazon Explorer cruise. Just a 30 Minute flight from Quito, this adventure runs Mon to Fri and Fri to Mon.

* Galapagos Islands cruise. Choose from 24 vessels to meet all interests and budgets.

* Natural healing and shaman encounters. Ethnobotanial mysteries are revealed that can actually repair your DNA!

* Remote Indian markets unknown to travellers. Not found in any guide books.

* Bird watching from the Andes down to the Amazon. Ecuador has 1640 species, so far!

* Educational programs for students and faculty. Comprehensive lectures and visits.

* Dine at a real Ecuadorean home. Upon special request, we cater to all tastes.

* Horseback riding in the Andes. For all ages.

* Archaeological exploration from Andes to Pacific. Ecuador is the birthplace of ceramics in the Americas!

* Visit to old colonial haciendas. Combine with markets.

* Explore the largest petrified forest in the world.

* Walk the ancient trails of the Incas. Ecuador and Peru programs available.

* Learn how to backstrap weave.

* Christmas shopping spree for handcrafts.

* Straddle the equator at a private museum.

* Trek the world highest active volcano.

* Full day spa treatments in the Andes.

* Spanish courses with home stays.

* Professional assistance for film crews and writers.

Just let us know how many travelling, days available, interests and budget and presto, the program`s ready!

Ecotourism Policies

We are the first among another 11 companies in Ecuador that has met the standards for ecotourism operations stipulated by the government and overseen by the Ecuadorean Ecotourism Association. We are also the proud proponents of "sustainable marketing" as a way of safeguarding newly "discovered" ecosites until the operators and local communities are dulytrained to receive travelers.

Our guides and guests regularly report back to us as to any adverse factors they encounter on the ecosystems and local indigenous communities visited. We abide by the Ecuadorean Ecotourism Association's Code of Ethics as well as "Guidelines for Nature Tour Operators" (1995) and "International Ecolodge Guidelines" (2002) published by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) of which I am one of the co-authors.

We have partnered with indigenous communities both in the Andes and Amazon so they share with us the economic, cultural and environmental incentives ecotourism operations generate. At the same time, through our "sustainable marketing" concept, we ensure that tourism development precedes the due training of locals so that they do not lose their identity nor their natural environment in the hands of irresponsible tour operator intrusions.

 

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