Ecotourism in Ecuador has grown extremely popular in recent years. To take advantage of this boom many tour agencies and hotels have slapped the prefix "eco" in front of their names in an effort to attract clients. To know if you are really getting the ecological experience that you've been promised, check out Ecuador Explorer.com's definition of "eco".

Photo courtesy of Green Horse Ranch.

Green Horse Ranch - offers horseback rides from 1 to 10 days through many of Ecuador's most beautiful and biologically diverse areas. Experienced, multi-lingual guides lead all trips and the Ranch's horses are sensible and people friendly. Green Horse tours start in an ancient volcano near Quito, which is part of a National Park with amazing landscapes and historic sites. Green Horse also offers an optional visit to the Ecuadorian monument La Mitad del Mundo. All tours include full transport, entrance fees and great meals.

Southern Explorations - Specializes in Galapagos cruises and land based tours.  Choose from over 30 yachts and 4 exciting land based tours.  We have personally inspected every Galapagos yacht we offer, providing our passengers with the finest first hand knowledge in the Galapagos Islands.  We are experts in finding our passengers the best option for their individual situation.  Southern Explorations is a member of the International Tour Operators Association.  A portion of your travel cost supports the ongoing conservation in the Galapagos.

Adventure Life Journeys – takes pride in showing travelers the true colors of the Andes, Amazon and Galapagos Islands. Small groups, family-run hotels and local guides intimate with the area are the foundations of our travel philosophy. Off-the-beaten path Ecuador tours, intimate yachts on Galapagos cruises, and adventurous Amazon tours are integral in our Ecuador travel services.

Adventure Planet Ecuador - has made Ecuador and Galapagos travel the adventure of a lifetime. Offering a variety of hiking, climbing, biking, and overland trips and expeditions throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos, Adventure Planet is one of the few companies that offer true adrenaline-packing adventures instead of simple, package tours. Moreover, Adventure Planet offers adventure travel expeditions not just in Ecuador but in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, as well.

Bellavista - a British-run Cloud Forest Reserve and eco-lodge located in northwestern Ecuador on the edge of the Choco bio-region, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Bellavista offers world-class bird watching opportunities along an extensive network of trails through primary cloudforest. Especially impressive are the exceptional views from their geodesic thatched-roof lodge.

Black Sheep Inn - a unique eco-lodge perched on a hillside high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Much of the ten acres surrounding the Inn has been designed using Permaculture philosophy. Organic gardens, terraced reforestation to combat erosion using native tree species, recycling and composting toilets are all part of the Inn's effort to exist in harmony with Nature. The Black Sheep Inn provides quality accommodations while promoting low impact tourism.

Botanical Reserve & Eco-Lodge San Jorge - A beautiful 18th Century Spanish Eco-Lodge, offering peace and tranquility, personalized service, restaurant, guest rooms with central heat, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, lovely gardens and exotic birds. San Jorge's NEW eco-lodge in Milpe is located in the Subtropical Rainforest with its pristine hiking trails, running rivers, cascading waterfalls, panoramic views, 300 varieties of orchids, plus over 450 species of birds. San Jorge Eco-adventure tours include horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking/nature expeditions, medicinal plant tours, mountain biking; with practical education on ecology, botanical and ornithology, and the awareness of the surrounding environment.

Anteater.

Cabañas La Tortuga - Just north of “Cinco Cerros” or “Five Hills” (the western most tip of the Chongon-Colonche mountain range). Here you will find comfort, peace and serenity; in other words, Paradise. Cabañas La Tortuga offers you everything you need to spend your days dreaming by the side of the ocean, river, and jungle. Guest House Cabañas La Tortuga offers: Double and family cabins (capacity of up to 5 persons), ceiling fans, orthopedic mattresses, private bathrooms with hot water, rest area with hammocks direct access to the beach, beachfront cabins, private parking, restaurant-terrace and bar services, game and music area with satelital T.V.

Casa Mojanda - A dramatic mountainside inn, organic farm and retreat located above the town of Otavalo in the foothills of Mojanda featuring spacious rammed earth cottages with magnificent mountain vistas. Guests will enjoy the world famous Otavalo crafts market, horse tours, hiking, biking, birding and kayaking the Mojanda Lakes, as well as a large international reading and video library, traditional hot tub, delicious primarily vegetarian meals, children's activities, and excellent ethno-cultural tours. Casa Mojanda seeks to exert a minimal impact on the natural environment while actively supporting local community traditions and culture as well as projects in rural public health, education and conservation of the Mojanda Lakes paramo, forests and watershed.

Centro Samai - We have been leading groups to the Rain Forest and the high Andes for 10 years. We specialize in inter-cultural exchange so we visit communities of indiginous Quichua indians and Otavalan and Amazoniann shamans. Ancient healing techniques are available for those who need healing of physical disorders. Shamanic Plant ceremonies in the Amazon are extremely therapeutic for depression, anxiety or more deep spiritual introspection and exploration. We typically offer a nine day or 11 day journey that includes 4 days in the rainforest and four days in the Andes. The 11 day journey includes a trip to the coast to our wonderful Spa on the hilltop looking over the Pacific.

Ecuador Tierra Viva Travel Company specializes in carrying out eco-tours in Southern Ecuador. In a single eco-tour visit the Pacific Lowlands, Andes and Amazon Basin Regions of Southern Ecuador. All the accommodation used during our tours is locally owned and it ranges from small hotels to eco-lodges. Also, our tours include visits to indigenous communities and protected areas, including the Podocarpus National Park. Safety is a priority for us; hence, we visit safe places, engage in safe activities and make sure food is prepared in a healthy manner. Join one of our eco-tours and help conserve Southern Ecuador's biological and cultural diversity!

El Monte - offers charming riverside cabins in the Cloudforest surrounding Mindo. El Monte, owned by an Ecuadorian-American couple, provides an array of activities including, horseback riding, hiking, swimming in natural pools, birding, and whitewater inner tubing down the Mindo river. At the end of the day savor home-cooking by candlelight and listen to the night-sounds of the forest.

Galaeco - The preservation of Ecuador's flora, fauna, and other natural treasures is a priority for us. We believe responsible, sustainable eco-tourism is the best way to save Ecuador's natural world. Galaeco offers travelers a variety of unique adventures and ecological excursions throughout Ecuador and the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands. Come enjoy all the wonders of this beautiful South American nation, let Galaeco be your guide.

Geo Reisen - knowing all the nature and cultural richness of Ecuador, its large variety of climates and landscapes ranging from the charming beaches to snow-capped peaks, offers you the best eco tours all over the country. Have the closest contact with its flora and fauna while enjoying the best of Ecuador. Let us know your interests in order to prepare a superior program for you. Our main goal is to make your trip an unforgettable experience, always maintaining high quality standards in our products as well as a personal care while traveling in Ecuador.

Guacamayo Tours and Rio Muchacho - Certified Ecotourism - based out of beautiful and sunny Bahía de Caraquez, Guayamaco uses tourism to fund a variety of socio-ecological projects - an organic farm, a recycling plant, the world's first organic shrimp farm, and much more. Dedicated to ethical, environmentally responsible tourism, Guayamaco offers a variety of tours, specializing in birdwatching, horseback riding, whale-watching, and agro-ecological tours of all kinds.

La Selva Jungle Lodge - is located high on Lake Garzacocha deep in Ecuador's Amazon basin, the richest primary forest on earth, and offers you the ultimate in luxury jungle adventures. Create your own itinerary; swim in tranquil lagoons and lakes, fish for piranha, go birdwatching, trek or hike in the jungle, canoe in meandering rivers, or simply enjoy the magnificent views of the rainforest while lying on a hammock. Also, enjoy the Lodge's gourmet food and its personalized service.

Lake & Mountain Tour Operator - Are you looking for your most confident travel partner? Then book now with Lake and Mountain. Our personalized service and multilingual staff (English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish) will make the difference. Galapagos tours for all budget and the best last minute deals, jungle expeditions, biking, birdwatching, adventure journeys, cultural tours, orchids tours, diving, ecotourism. All sort of activities for groups, families, couples, and individual passengers. YOU are our priority so we will fulfill all your expectations offering you a real lifetime experience of your trip to Ecuador.

Latin Trails - See, listen, smell, touch and taste Ecuador. Biking, horseback riding, hiking, community stays and yoga. Soft adventures and off the beaten path travel. Focus on custom designed and interactive travel experiences, so you can immerse yourself in Ecuador and the rest of South America, be it a Galapagos cruise, Amazon adventure, Machu Picchu expedition, a Titicaca lake cruise... In Partnership with NGO MCCH (Maquita Cushunchic), most itineraries are community based and support local cultures, by helping develop sustainable economies through tourism.

Magic River Tours - specializes in canoe tours through the Amazon rainforest. Paddling and hiking through untouched primary rainforest with expert bilingual guides (both English and German) is a "must do" for birders and wildlife lovers. Magic River provides accommodations in cozy, rustic cabins, and uses state of the art camping and canoe equipment.

Miltour - offers jungle treks and tours in the Amazon rainforest. Tours depart from the Misahuallí Jungle Hotel which sits on a breathtaking, 145-hectare parcel of primary Amazonian rainforest at the juncture of the Napo and Misahuallí rivers.

Napo Wildlife Center, NWC - lies inside the two-and-a-half-million acre Yasuni National Park. The best wildlife lodge in the Amazon of Ecuador, all proceeds from the lodge directly pay for the conservation of 82 square miles of pristine lowland Amazon rainforest. From start to finish, the NWC combines creature comforts with incredible wildlife. Bilingual guides explain the intricacies of the rainforest while the staff works to make your stay the trip of a lifetime.

Sacha Lodge - is an ecotourist´s dream. Primary Amazon Rainforest, a birdwatching tower, a butterfly nursery, an extensive network of trails and comfortable accommodation make Sacha Lodge one of the world´s premier eco-lodges.

Selva Life Without Frontiers Foundation - runs an eco-lodge and several eco-tours to support their vital environmental programs in the Amazon rainforest. The beautiful lodge on the Aguarico river gives excellent access to the Cuyabeno wildlife reserve and the indigenous peoples that inhabit the area. All proceeds from your stay go to sustainable development projects in Ecuador.

Termas de Papallacta - The best developed hot springs complex in Ecuador is Termas de Papallacta, a full service spa, hotel and restaurant and is located about one hour from Quito. One of Ecuador’s most popular visitor destinations, Termas de Papallacta is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The water that flows out of the mountain has been heated naturally and is piped into several attractive pools as well as into the hotel rooms and cabins. At Termas de Papallacta you can choose from a variety of massages, water treatments and more.

Tinalandia - a family hacienda and nature preserve that remains true to the concept of eco-tourism that it helped to start. As one of Latin America's first eco-tourism destinations, Tinalandia is responsible for the trend that may save Ecuador's natural world. Known as one of the world´s top birdwatching locals, Tinalandia maintains a rainforest preserve located on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. Tinalandia offers comfortable lodging, excellent food, and a myriad of outdoor activities including horseback riding.

TREKecuador – At TREKecuador we acknowledge and support the key role of local communities in the sustainable use of natural resources. We have partnered with extraordinary examples of community ecotourism for all our treks, expeditions, and explorations. By joining our tours, you will get involved with local community ecotourism projects, and participate in extraordinary journeys that combine amazing adventurous activities in unforgettable cultural and natural environments.

Vision Quest Travel - John Hart Young is the western USA facilitator for Ed and Tania Tuttle, of Sacred Journeys Inc. Ed and Tania have guided Shamanic adventures to the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon rainforest since 1997. Guests are introduced to indigenous healing techniques through first hand experiences with the plant medicines. Groups meet with highly respected Shamans and participate in sacred ceremonies that promote transformational events of self-awareness and personal growth. Before returning home travelers may integrate their learning experiences by enjoying the beautiful Samai Center spa and retreat located on the lovely Pacific coast of Ecuador. Call USA 760-943-0114.

Yachana Lodge - the ideal place to discover jungle life and lore. Nestled on the banks of the Napo River, deep in the rainforest of eastern Ecuador, Yachana Lodge and its 3.000 acre reserve are the perfect setting to discover the magic of the tropical rainforest; walk under century-old kapok trees, swim in crystal waterfalls, spot tropical frogs, exotic birds, and other unique Amazon life, or simply let the forest's energy envelop you while relaxing in a hammock. At Yachana Lodge, you will learn about the Ecuadorian rainforest from the people of FUNEDESIN - an extraordinary foundation that, for years, has fought to protect this precious region from the cultural and environmental threats that face it.