Ecotours and Ecotourism

These selected tour operations appear to meet the criteria for 'eco-tour' as established by the Quebec Declaration on Ecotours. I'm finding it very difficult to identify additional sources, but I don't think it's because they can't be found. I suggest you select a country to visit and then search the larger companies listed here for a firm that meets your expectations with respect to philanthropy and conservation.

What is an Ecotour?
What is an ecotour? How is it any different than a regular guided tour?

Beyond Touring
Ecotourism--the practice of vacationing in exotic places while making a positive impact on the neighborhood--is becoming an important form of travel. Ecotourism and archaeological sites would seem to be a good fit for this kind of travel. Laura Howard, owner/operator of Beyond Touring, Inc., discusses her business in Belize.

TIES: Travel Choices
All of the members of The International Ecotourism Society have signed the TIES code of conduct, pledging to follow their principles of ecotourism.

Quebec Declaration on Eco-tourism
The Quebec Declaration describes what makes a tour an 'ecotour'.

Beyond Touring
Beyond Touring is "involved in helping to achieve sustainable management and quality of life improvement for the area and people that surround the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve (Indian Church Village, northern Belize". Trips to archaeological sites in Belize.

InkaNature Travel
InkaNatura Travel "specializes in tours is owned by a nonprofit conservation group, Peru Verde. InkaNatura contributes heavily to the maintenance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites while at the same time treating local people with respect and dignity." Trips to Sipan, Chan Chan, Machu Picchu, other Peruvian sites.

International Expeditions
International Expeditions sponsors many conservation projects around the world, such as the Belize Zoo, the Amazon Canopy project, and the First African Savannah Workshop. Several of their travel opportunities have archaeological components, such as Egypt and the Silk Road.

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