Ecotourism Index

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  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

    Gorilla tourism in DRC takes place in Virunga National Park home to over 250 habituated mountain gorillas and is the Congo potion of the Virunga Conservation region, which is also shared by Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. All 3 countries are directly interred joined by the Virunga Massif. The park is less explored and feared by many Africa travelers due to its past insecurities. Congo today is a very safe destination currently taking the visitors to visit the Eastern part of Congo which is rich with some of the best spots to visit in Africa.

    The DR Congo’s Virunga Park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families that are available for tracking all year round. Just like other 3 locations in central and east Africa where the gorilla tracking takes place, gorilla trekking in Congo is a strictly run gorilla conservation project based on gorilla protection and safety. The guide, trackers, armed guards, and porters lead the visitors to where a family of gorillas is located.

    Despite the civil war that happened in the country for a long, Congo is also appreciating the value of security and is currently a peaceful country. Gorilla Conservation is at the forehand as the country bounces back to normal and lots of efforts are needed for gorilla conservation, the country is doing what they can to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

    The gorilla permits in Congo cost $400 per person, which today is the cheapest option to see the gorillas in their natural habitats.  The gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 while that of Rwanda costs $1500 per person. Congo gorilla trekking gives a cheaper alternative for the tourists to meet the rare mountain gorillas and fulfill a lifetime adventure. It’s possible for a visitor to visit gorillas in Congo on just a 2-day itinerary program from Gisenyi crossing through Goma city.

    DRC is a land of diversity and is indeed one of the best spots for an action-packed adventure in Africa. Congo is the place where you can view the world’s largest active lava lake of the Nyiragongo Volcano. Hiking tours to the top of Mount Nyiragongo are done daily with an overnight at the top of the Volcano. Congo is the only country that offers both mountain gorillas and Low land gorillas which can be tracked in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

    Congo is mostly accessed via Gisenyi from Rwanda crossing into Goma. Visas must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. Congo Visa costs $ 100 per person. The requirements for visa application include; a copy of an up-to-date yellow fever certificate, a copy of your itinerary, hotel booking, and a copy of your passport.

    What you need to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure includes; a walking stick, these are available at the park offices, good hiking boots, a plan for the rains, Packing for gorilla trekking long sleeve shirt is useful when walking in the forest parts, park at least 3 Litters of water, a snuck, long pants, long socks which you tuck in your pants to prevent insect bites, gloves because if lots of thorns in the forest, hire a porter to take cash to tip the guides. The accommodation facilities in Congo include; Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Lodge, Goma at Hotel Cap Kivu, Lac Kivu Lodge, Ihusi Hotel.

  • Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

    The Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects diverse natural habitats where most of its endangered species, flora are all confined. It is one of the ten national parks that Uganda boasts of and undoubtedly, one of the bucket-list hikers destinations.

    Where is Rwenzori Mountains National Park located?

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies in Western Uganda, approximately 5-7 hours’ drive from Kampala capital. The main part of the legendary Rwenzori Mountain ranges/chain also best known as the Mountains of the Moon is encompassed by the Rwenzori Mountains National Park of Uganda.

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located along the Eastern side of the Western or Albertine African Rift Valley. It is found on border area of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and also borders the Virunga National Park of the D.R. Congo. Unlike most African safari parks, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The park is situated strategically in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole districts and from Kasese, it is only 25kms, from Virunga National Park Congo it is 50kms. It is about 6-7 hours when you travel starting from Kampala and this all varies depending on the route taken.

    Size of Rwenzori Mountains National Park

    The Rwenzori Mountains National Park sits on a vast area of about 1000sq.kms/100,000ha in Western Uganda. 70% of the park exceeds an elevation of 2500m with the highest point rising 5109m. It is a home to ice-capped Rwenzori Mountain chain, the third highest peak on the African continent and the area is characterized by magical waterfalls, glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, vegetation making it one of the very few most spectacular alpine protected areas.

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park encompasses most of the Central and Eastern half of the chain Rwenzori Mountains, a block mountain range which rises above dry plains set just North of the Equator crossing. The chain Rwenzori Mountains are believed to be higher than the Alps and interestingly, they are ice-capped. Mt. Stanley is found within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park of Uganda and it is where the most sought after Margherita Peak is set. At the Mount Stanley is where one of the twin summits is and that is where you find the third highest peak in Africa rising at the height of 5109 meters.

    The 4th and 5th highest peaks are located on Mount Baker, and Mt. Speke. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park features snowfields, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and it is generally one of the most stunning mountain protected areas on African continent. The other major attraction that makes Rwenzori Mountains National Park stand out is its stratified vegetation which include heather, alpines, lobelia, montane etc. Other than Mount Stanley, other mountain massifs that make up the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon include Mount Luigi di Savoia 4627m, Mt. Gessi 4715m, Mount Emin 4791m, Mount Speke 4890m.

    Wildlife

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park features a range of habitat where most of its faunal and floral species exist. The park boasts of its outstanding species ranging from endemic to the Albertine rift species. The alpine vegetation with 5 distinct zones are all worth exploring on Uganda safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The higher elevation zones feature mostly the heath & afro-alpine moorland which extends from 3500m to the snow line area. It is in Rwenzori Mountains where you can find the rarest vegetation that Africa is known for. The important vegetation/floral species include groundsel, giant heathers, lobelia to mention but a few.

    The important wildlife species vary with altitudinal range of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. They include among others black and white colobus monkeys, Ruwenzori duikers, forest elephants, hyrax, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians also come in abundance. Most of these range within the montane forests of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

    Birds

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park is recognized among the very few important bird areas in Uganda with sum of about 217 bird species. These include most of the Albertine rift endemic bird species and the important birds to expect to identify include among others stripe breast tit, black and swift eagles, blue headed sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, barred long tailed cuckoo, handsome francolins, golden winged sunbird, crimson wings, Rwenzori batis, long eared owl, purple breasted sunbird.

    Hiking/climbing the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon

    Climbing Rwenzori Mountains is the reason why most adventure seekers make their journey to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. On a Uganda safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, hikes begin from 2 demarcated routes/trails each leading to the numerous peaks of this block mountain. They include the central circuit trail which is 7 days climb and leads hikers from Mihunga trailhead through Nyabitaba and Bujuku Valley. The other trail is Kilembe which extends from the Nyamwamba valley and joins the central circuit at Kitandara Lake. It is an ideal trail to embark if you are to explore 3 of the Rwenzori Mountain highest peaks, flora and also look out some of the interesting animal species.

    The Rwenzori mountaineering expeditions are organized and run by a few companies that include the Rwenzori Mountaineering services (RMS), Climbing Rwenzoris, and Rwenzori Trekking services. The RMS is a local community tourism group founded to offer/generate for the Bakonzo local residents income as one way for them to benefit from tourism on the mountain that has been central to their lives. Most of them serve at the park/mountain as guides and porters while profits are used to support a number of the community run initiatives.

    Other tourism activities Rwenzori Mountains National Park worth engaging in while on Uganda safari include cultural encounters/community walks- the important cultural trails to embark on include Bulemba-Ihandiro cultural trail, Rwenzori turaco view campsite. Bird watching/birding is another exciting and worth engaging activity while on safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and it lets you to sight most of the Albertine rift bird species. Nature walks or hiking which is perfectly carried out along Buraro chimpanzee forest, Lake Mahoma trails.

  • 5 Best Nature Walks in Eastern DR Congo

    The best way to discover in depth what Virunga National Park has to offer to its world visitors is by embarking on nature walks. Nature walking per say means a process of transforming from one destination to another mainly to appease the mind, relax from the bustling cities and have a stress free mind. This experience requires some patience as a walk takes you through many trails where you will have a great opportunity to sight at varied wildlife species that dwell in different habitats within the park and they include bird species, plants, trees, butterflies among others.

    Virunga Treks

    While on a Congo safari through Virunga National Park, you have a chance to pay a visit to different areas including the gorilla orphanage center Senkwekwe which is found within Rumangabo which is just adjacent the park headquarters. While here, you have a chance to catch a glimpse at the four gorillas that were saved from the hands of poachers. They include Ndakasi, Matabishi, Maisha and Ndeze that can be spotted while playing, interact peacefully. They are well-protected and can be viewed safely by visitors.

    Tongo Forest Walks

    As well, you can also take part in chimpanzee tracking at the dense forest of Tongo where these creatures have been habituated. Chimpanzees live peacefully and happily by interacting and working together.

    Nature walks in Senkwekwe

    The popular Senkwekwe is a gorilla orphanage center-a facility that offers refuge to orphaned gorillas in DR Congo. It offers basic care to these endangered creatures. They are provided with appropriate medication by the Gorilla Doctors, shelter, food and protection by the park rangers. This facility features as one of the world’s incredible place where the Great Apes are protected. Senkwekwe is named after a dominant gorilla silverback ‘Senkwekwe’ that lost his life in 2007 from Rugendo gorilla group during the civil war. Senkwekwe has four gorillas comprising of three (3) adult females- Maisha which is the dominant gorilla, Ndakasi and the six (6) year old Ndeze that unites both Maisha and her younger sister Ndakasi.

    Matabishi was spotted in isolation outside the park just around the borders near Bikenge after being freed from the poachers who feared for their lives in case of being caught by the park wardens. He was also put into the orphanage after a period of about six months of quarantine and adjustment. During that time, he had weight and he was very energetic and it was because of this that he was added into the orphanage center to join the three members. He grew to like and interact with other members that made him peaceful and happy like he got a family that he belonged. Also, this orphanage center helps to take care of and restore the eastern lowland gorillas from poachers and traffickers.

    Nature walks for chimpanzee tracking

    Tongo forest dates 300 years and lies on the top of Lava flow from Mount Nyamuragira in the northwestern Rumangabo in the Virunga Park. It is a host to a candid population of chimpanzees. Tongo forest is small in size and features thick forest vegetation and with a small hill at a distance. This is one of the 4 hills of Tongo and for any plans to explore this area, please take note of the following; don’t eat near the chimpanzees, keep a distance of 7 meters at all times from these creatures, if you are not feeling well don’t go for chimpanzee adventure, dress in environmentally friendly clothes and others. About 32 chimpanzees were habituated within this forest and taking part in this primate experience you need $100 for international visitors and $25 for the Congolese.

  • 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rwanda

    Rwanda is one of the smallest countries on the African continent; it’s located in east Africa bordered by Uganda in the north, Burundi in the south, Tanzania in the east and DR Congo in the west. Geographically the country is in the Albertine rift valley occupying an area of 26,338 sq km with the larger area being hilly with many undulating green rolling hills and ragged tropical forested volcanoes in the Northern Province. Hence Rwanda experiences a favorable temperate tropical climate.

    The country’s population currently stands at 12 million people made up of three major ethnic groups with the original inhabitants of the Tutsi, Hutu and the Batwa pygmies who make only 1% of the population.

    Despite the lethal 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 people within 100 days which led to destruction of the tourism industry and the general economic breakdown, Rwanda has recovered under the new government putting much emphasis on infrastructure development and diversifying its natural tourist attractions. This growing trend coupled with political security is attracting many tourists hence emerging as Africa’s ecotourism tourism hub because of the following 6 reasons;

    1. Primates Trekking

    For wildlife lovers, Rwanda is highly visited for its mountain gorillas which are found in Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province. The park is part of the Virunga chain of 8 volcanic mountains the only habitat on earth for the remaining 880 population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park’s mountain gorilla numbers are estimated to be 250 individuals with 10 families habituated. All these are located in one habitat range which makes them easily accessible by tourists in addition to the short drive time of 2 hours from Kigali airport to the park. Book a gorilla permit with a tour operator for gorilla trekking the main tourist activity in park.

    Besides the gorillas, Volcanoes National park is also a home to the critically endangered golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are easily identified by their golden-orange hair on their body, guided nature walks is the only way tourists get to see these primates.

    In the southwest of Rwanda, is Nyungwe forest national park a home to man’s closet cousin the chimpanzees hence tourists visit the forest foe chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe forest is also known for the highest troop of Black and White Colobus monkeys in East Africa which are very attractive primates for tourists who visit the Forest for Colobus monkey tracking.

    1. Rwandan Unique Cultural Experience

    Rwanda being a tourist friendly nation, it has a great cultural heritage which complement its wildlife. There are designated places around national park which exhibit Rwandan culture hence one can easily incorporate them into their safari. For instance, Iby’Iwacu cultural village near Volcanoes National Park is a place where Rwandan traditional lifestyles are exhibited for tourists.

    A great cultural experience of live traditional Intore dance performances, craft souvenirs and local food combined offer a memorable cultural experience. Other great cultural experiences include visiting the Rwandan genocide memorials, museums, ancient caves of the Batwa pygmy and the Kigali city.

    1. Beautiful Lakes for Relaxation

    Rwanda is located in the great Albertine rift valley hence it makes it a natural paradise by its unspoiled inland volcanic lakes with charming sandy beaches where tourists can relax and chill after strenuous gorilla trekking or volcano hiking. The fresh water Lake Kivu is one a kind situated on the Rwanda’s western border with DR. What fascinates about this lake is that it’s enclosed by picturesque terraced hills and three resort towns packed with luxury to budget waterfront resort hotels. Tourists will always launch their favorite water based activities just by the door step. Some of the water activities include kayaking, swimming, canoeing, speed boating, spot fishing, winds surfing, snorkeling and boat cruises. Lake Kivu is a great place to experience authentic African sunsets and sunrises.

    1. East Africa’s Highest Canopy Walk

    The highest canopy walk in East Africa suspended over 90 meters above the ground is found in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest in the southwest. The canopy starts at Uwinka the main tourist centre in Nyungwe forest national park. it offers breathtaking views of Nyungwe forests while walking in the clouds above the trees you also get a chance to view primates and birds on top trees. There are also optional ground hiking trails from which tourists explore the forest on foot. Guided walks take visitors in the interior of the forest where waterfalls, flowers, birds, mammals, butterflies can be seen. It’s an incredible experience to walk on a wet ground even during the dry season.

    1. Kigali City

    Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda; the city is the safest and cleanest on the African continent. You will appreciate the culture of Rwanda, Umuganda is a platform where all Rwandans gather together to clean cities and villages hence the clean environment has come at a price. Do not expect to come to Rwanda with non biodegradable plastics or paper bags.

    People in the city are very friendly and like to engage in conversations with tourists a reason why most visitors like to take a safe tour around the city during night or day. The city has got both local and international hotels, cafes, bistros and restaurants serving the most delicious cuisines on the continent. The newly Kigali convention centre with MICE facilities is an answer to the business travelers from around the world.

    1. Security and Accessibility

    Despite the historical war of 1994, Rwanda is currently Africa’s most politically stable. Even foreign tourists can walk freely on the streets. Rwanda is easily accessible from all its neighbors by both road and air provided you have a visa and passport while getting around within the country is easier due to modern roads connecting the country side.

    Kigali international airport is a modern day airport served by more than 7 International Airlines connecting over 30 destinations hence one can fly from anywhere around the world to Rwanda.

  • Encounter the Great Apes in Uganda

    In Uganda, gorilla trekking ranks among the absolute highlights of African travel. The highlight and focal point of many, is a visit to Uganda’s tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the extreme southwest. The excitement to first setting your eyes on a wild mountain gorilla is difficult to describe.

    An encounter with Uganda gorillas

    Set off on a once in a lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda to encounter mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild. You take time to observe chimpanzee with a primatologist in Kibale National Park and track the might gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

    Rolling eastward from the Albertine Rift Escarpment, the tangled forested slopes of Bwindi provide shelter to one of Africa’s most diverse mammalian faunas, including 45% of global mountain gorilla population. In Africa, mountain gorillas are found in two separate locations; the Virunga range of extinct volcanic mountain on the borders of the Democratic Republic of extinct volcanic mountain on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, while other are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.

    In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla tourism started way back in 1993, when the Mubare group became the first family to be fully habituated to humans. Today the park is home around 1006 gorillas with 14 fully habituated families available for trekking. It’s more than a day’s drive from the capital Kampala or a quick flight to get to Bwindi Forest, but it’s worth it. Bwindi is a World Heritage Site with over 350 bird species and 200 kinds of butterflies and, thanks to income from gorilla trekking tours, its mountain gorilla population has grown by a third in recent years.

    Main Park Activity

    Gorilla Trekking

    Gorilla trekking is the main park activity. It is an unforgettable, life-changing safari experience that can be done every day in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. The day starts at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park headquarters in one of Bwindi’s tourism sectors depending on which you allocated.

    Briefing starts at 8:00am, you will get to know the essential dos and don’ts to follow while in the forest. 8 people are allowed to trek each gorilla family, staying for a maximum of 1 hour in their presence. Bwindi Forest is aptly named the ‘Impenetrable’ because it is thick, so pass path through dense vegetation and can be steep.

    Take advantage of walking sticks offered at the start of a walk, this will be invaluable to help you keep your balance on steep hillsides. Once on the trail, don’t be afraid to ask for a few minutes whenever you feel tired. Drink plenty of water, and do carry some quick snacks such as biscuits or chocolate. The good news is that in 99% of cases, whatever exhaustion you might feel on the way up will vanish with the adrenalin charge that follows the first sighting of a silverback gorilla.

    The gorillas habituated for tourism are in families based at different trailheads. So, when you choose to visit Bwindi, so be sure to know which trailhead you are allocated before you book your hotel/ lodge in that location.

    Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest

    Now the park has set another new precedent creating an experience for visitors that involves tracking semi-habituated groups. The new experience is called the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This is a teaching process for gorillas with an aim of getting them familiar with human presence in their jungle forests.

    Gorilla habituation is a long process involving gorilla adaption and only done by gorilla researchers and well-experienced rangers who meet with the gorillas every single day to train and monitor their progress. The Habituation process involves giving names to each gorilla and training them to acknowledge these names, while closely observing their behaviours.

    Chimpanzees Tour in Kibale National Park

    Kibale National Park is Uganda’s premier destination to see and track the Chimpanzees. This Park protects 766km² of predominantly forested habitat that extends more than 50km south from the main Fort Portal-Kampala Road to the northeast border of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932, Kibale was upgraded to national park status and extended southward to form a contiguous block with the Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1993.

    Chimpanzee Tracking

    The trailhead for chimp tracking and main centre of tourist activity within the park is the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08:00am, 11:00am and 14:00pm and last between 2-5 hours. Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing I recommend.

    Our closest cousin, the chimpanzee, shares at least 94% of its DNA with humans. Sociable, communicative and intelligent, one of the chimp’s most astonishing traits is its ability to use tools such as rocks for smashing nuts, empty pods for scooping water and sticks for drawing termite from their nests. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.

    13 species can be sought and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariable encountered, but the primates of this trail are the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees aside, Kanyanchu offers some superb forest birding and monkey viewing, with the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, only 5km away immediately outside the park boundary, being a particular highlight in this respect.

    Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

    This activity enables those who want to spend more time with chimpanzees. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the Primate walk and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging.

    Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is available on a full or half day on a daily basis and advance booking for this activity is required. Early visitors can watch chimps leaving their overnight nests between 6:00-6:30 am before feeding, copulating, hunting, breast feeding, resting, patrolling and displaying until it is time to build new nests around 7pm.

    Besides chimpanzee tracking, Kibale National Park gives you an opportunity to do bird watching. It is a good add on to your Kibale National Park visit. Bird watching tours start at 7am at Kanyanchu. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is located just outside the park and is home to 138 bird species which may be during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. Rare species include the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Olive back and Papyrus Canary.

  • Centro Ecoturístico Terutsikua / México

    Description of the area:

    The indigenous community Santiago Angahuan traces its origins to the pre-Hispanic era and P’urhépecha customs and traditions still exist, in their purest expression. The Terutsikua project (which means “on the summit” in the P’urhépecha language) is located on the summit of an extinct volcano, at the edge of the village; it has a Casa for Tourists where you can buy handicrafts, a restaurant, tables, playground, camping area, and a zone for deer. The region has a sacred conservation area where the largest and most ancient trees exist along with great biodiversity.

    In the region you can appreciate the noteworthy beauty of the Santiago Apostol church, built in the 16th century, that contains a “huatapera” (a place used during the colonial era by the friar missionaries as a hospital and school).

    The community was able to observe the birth of the Paricutín Volcano in 1943, and with it the destruction of the villages of San Salvador Combutzio Paricutin and San Juan Parangaricutiro. In the latter you can still see the towers and the alter of the church encased in lava. We provide guided tours of the ruins of San Juan and the Paricutín Volcano.

    Available activities:

    Adventure, sports
    Biking
    Bird watching
    Eco/nature/wildlife
    Horseback riding
    Tours
    Visits to conservation projects
    Walking/hiking

    How to get there:

    • Nearest international airport: Francisco J. Mújica Airport in Morelia.
    • Nearest local / national airport: Uruapan Airport.

    Terutsikua is only 24 miles (38 km) from the Uruapan Airport, and has year-round access. Once you are in Uruapan, take the highway to Zamora and turn left at the first crossroad to Peribán.

    Upon reaching Angahuán, continue on the highway to the end of the road and turn left to enter the village. The Tourist Casa is a few meters from the crossroad; head up the road on the right toward the top of the hill to the restaurant; this stretch is unpaved gravel and can be passed in vehicle or on foot.

    Making a difference:

    The indigenous community Santiago Angahuan has created a lot of private and communal infrastructure where they offer tourism services, as a result of the work and negotiation of their authorities; at present, the authorities work on the standardization of prices and the quality of the services. The Terutsikua community project leads the organization’s effort and aims to benefit all the partners equally and offer more tourism products.

    In order to learn to administer this new resource, the community seeks experience exchanges with other ejidos (communal lands) and indigenous communities, and they joined the Community Ecotourism Network of Michoacán, A. C. in 2006. Network members consist of ejidos and forestry communities from different regions of Michoacán that are developing activities to strengthen community-based tourism enterprises as viable alternatives for job creation and income, which will also help improve the environment.

    General rates:

    Restaurant: Meal prices range from $5.00 to $10.00.

    Horse rental to the ruins of the old San Juan Parangaricutiro village: approximately US $15.00 per round-trip.

    Camping fees : US$3.00 per person.

    Country house rental: US$10.00 for 2 people and $15.00 for 4 people.

  • Hotel Casa Turire / Costa Rica

    Description of the area:

    Casa Turire is located in the Turrialba valley, a geographic zone of Costa Rica that is bathed by the waters of the Reventazón River, famous for its rapids and rafting trips.

    The region also offers educational activities such as visits to the Botanical Garden at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and the serpentarium, as well opportunities to learn about the main agricultural activities of the region through visits to a sugar mill, a coffee mill, and macadamia nut plantations. Trips on horseback can be made to see wildlife and sugarcane and coffee plantations up close.

    Available activities:

    Adventure, sports
    Biking
    Bird watching
    Canopy exploration
    Eco/nature/wildlife
    Educational, research, volunteering
    Horseback riding
    Mountain climbing
    River rafting
    Tours
    Visits to conservation projects
    Walking/hiking
    Wellness, health, spa

    How to get there:

    • Nearest international airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport.
    • Nearest local / national airport: The airport in Atirro for small aircraft and the airport of Puerto Limón for larger aircraft.
    • Distance to the nearest airport: 1.45 minutes; we are appox. 38 miles (65 km) from San Jose.

    Making a difference:

    The protected areas and beautiful gardens of our hotel are home to thousands of animals; we also raise some animals.

    We have a recycling system.

    We grow our own vegetables.

    We offer employment to people from the nearby communities and we obtain the products we need locally.

  • Hotel Bougainvillea / Costa Rica

    Description of the area:

    Step back from the downtown hustle and bustle to that quiet place between the mountains where country roads and villages, fresh breezes, and never ending spring seasons invigorate and renew. Set among 10 acres of lush gardens, the unique and comfortable Hotel Bouganvillea is a place where guests can truly experience the world famous beauty of Costa Rica, just ten minutes from San José. Add to this a free, hourly shuttle service into San José and you have a perfect combination.
    Heliconias, air plants, birds of paradise, bromeliads and shrimp plants are among exotic species adorning the grounds of Hotel Bougainvillea where, in absence of any sense of urgency, you can enjoy an old fashioned gentle stroll. A secluded pool setting, sauna, tennis courts and jogging trail provide ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the area.
    Our gourmet restaurant has an established reputation for international cuisine. Paintings and sculptures by leading local artists feature throughout the property.
    Rooms are large with two full size beds, a sitting area and the full range of facilities. Each has a balcony offering marvelous views of the mountains on one side and the San José skyline on the other.

    Available activities:

    Bird watching
    Eco/nature/wildlife
    Walking/hiking

    How to get there:

    • Closest international airport: San José
    • Closest local airport: San José
    • Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 20 min

    Making a difference:

    The hotel supports the Debra Foundation, which is dedicated to help children with severe skin diseases, as well as the Red Cross.

  • Hotel La Casa de Don David / Guatemala

    Description of the area:

    You can visit important Maya ruins in the region, such as Tikal and others, and you can hike in the jungle or tour its canopy, and make excursions to Petén Itzá lake.

    Available activities:

    Bird watching
    Canopy exploration
    Eco/nature/wildlife
    Educational, research, volunteering
    Fishing
    Horseback riding
    Tours
    Visits to conservation projects
    Walking/hiking

    How to get there:

    We are 19 miles (30 km) from the Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena Petén, on the paved road to Tikal.

    Making a difference:

    We recycle whenever possible and we use energy saving lightbulbs and water heaters. We use wastewater from the kitchen to water the plants, and compost organic waste for fertilizer. Our employees are local people, we are being trained in tourism management and we conserve the environment. We also have maps, brochures and other information about activities in the area available for tourists.

  • Holywell / Jamaica

    Description of the area:

    The property is located within the tropical montane rainforests of Jamaica’s only National Park. Holywell boasts spectacular views of wide open rainforest areas, the city of Kingston, and world famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations. There are 5 hiking trails, one of which runs through 2 parishes, another leads to a waterfall, and one leads to a stream. The area is a favorite of bird watchers, campers, and hikers. Visitors will come in contact with a wide variety of endemic plants and birds, and become familiar with conservation programmes. Children can enjoy the newly built Kids’ Discovery Zone, an interpretive play area where children learn about the plants and animals of the park. Nearby attractions include: New Castle Jamaica Defense Force Training depot which boasts a rich history, Twymam’s Coffee Farm, Gardens of Cold Spring, Catherine’s Peak, and park buffer zone communities.

    Available activities:

    Bird watching
    Eco/nature/wildlife
    Educational, research, volunteering
    Mountain climbing
    Tours
    Visits to conservation projects
    Walking/hiking

    How to get there:

    • Closest international airport:

    Norman Manley International Airport

    • Closest local airport:

    Norman Manley International Airport

    • Distance, by land, to the nearest airport:

    53 km or 33 miles

    Holywell is accessible all year-round via two-wheel drive vehicle.

    Making a difference:

    Holywell is the premier recreational area inside the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This park is dedicated to the conservation of Jamaica’s natural resources and to providing nature-based recreational opportunities for Jamaicans and foreigners. Holywell is used as a focal point for developing appreciation for nature in the wider public, and hence support for conservation initiatives. Holywell employs a largely local workforce from nearby communities, and uses local products. The site houses a tree nursery where native forest trees are grown for use in reforestation projects and for sale to visitors. About 80% of the Holywell property is dedicated to habitat conservation, and therefore is under forest cover. The visitor center at the site provides educational materials about the natural environment, and the newly built Kids Discovery Zone entertains children with interpretive games.