Turtle Island institute Resource Guides - Ecotravel Tour Hosts I-P

TURTLE ISLAND INSTITUTE - KOKOPELLI SPIRIT - RESOURCE GUIDES

ECOTRAVEL TOUR HOSTS

This list is by no means complete but includes ecotravel tours which offer educational opportunities, are ecology-oriented, and/or which may also offer volunteer opportunities. TII has not personally investigated these tours and can make no recommendations. Please help us keep this Resouce Guide current and offer submissions for other tours that may meet the above requirements. Tours listed alphabetically:

A-H I-P Q-Z

IN FOCUS w MICHELE BURGESS - http://www.infocustravel.com/home.htm

Photography Tours

Join Michele on safari in beautiful Kenya, to photograph and marvel at prolific wildlife. How about an adventure in Peru, exploring its many archaeological sites and fascinating Indian cultures? Perhaps you'd like to see some of the more unusual areas of China and visit intriguing ethnic minorities. Or meet India's tribal peoples in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and immerse yourself in the color and excitement of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Maybe you prefer the history and culture of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. She has many destinations to tempt you. Why go on a group tour with Michele? Because she puts together and escorts terrific trips! She believes that good preparation makes for a better travel experience. She supplies a wealth of material on the destination in the weeks prior to departure. Special extras include a group T-shirt, group photo, celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries on tour, and an annual reunion each September. Well experienced, Michele has visited over 90 countries on six continents and am is in her 14th year of planning and escorting tours worldwide. My tours are usually priced much lower than comparable offerings since Michele doesn't spend a lot on expensive advertising and glossy brochures, nor does she market through travel agents, thus no commission needs to be built into the tour price. Compare and you'll see. Website offers comprehensive web resource guide for travelers at: http://www.infocustravel.com/links.htm

INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE FUND - http://www.ibike.org/

The International Bicycle Fund is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorized urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational bicycle programs.

INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS - http://www.ietravel.com/about.html

International Expeditions specializes in quality travel programs to the world's great natural history destinations. The purpose is "to stimulate an interest in, develop an understanding of, and create an appreciation for the natural wonders of our Earth." At each destination they select and work with the best naturalist guides available, stressing environmental awareness, nature interpretation and wildlife conservation. Mindful of the impact of human visitation to wildlife habitats,IE recognizes the positive influence environmentally sensitive tourist dollars have, creating sustainable economic alternatives to natural resource exploitation. International Expeditions' programs stimulate in the traveler a desire to preserve environmental integrity and kindle in local communities a pride in safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage. While IE excels in group travel, years of experience and outstanding contacts around the world enable unsurpassed travel planning for individuals. Whichever method of travel preferable, International Expeditions' team of skilled naturalists and travel professionals are committed to providing total satisfaction. IE prides itself on its tour guide capabilities. The choice and training of superior, resident naturalists is fundamental to IE's success. The insight into the natural and cultural heritage of their homelands cannot be matched by any other type of trip leader. Customized tours may be arranged through IE which permit total flexibility to choose the dates you wish to travel with their Independent Nature Travel program. With group tours you have a choice of many convenient departure dates to over 35 destinations worldwide. Conservation and research initiatives of International Expeditions are made possible by our travelers in the following areas: Peru/Amazon; Galapagos; Costa Rica; Belize; Kenya; South Africa; Indonesia; and India.

INTERNATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL EXPEDITIONS - http://www.ize2belize.com/aboutize.htm

For over 25 years, IZE has claimed leadership in educational expeditions that focus on introductory biology and coral reef ecology in Belize, Central America. The primary intention of International Zoological Expeditions (IZE) is to provide a broad-based overview of tropical ecosystems, utilizing some of the best locations in the world. Depending on the student objectives, IZE workshops can deal with such diverse subjects as climate, history, biodiversity, ethnology, and human influences on the environment in Belize. The learning is conducted, and the pace determined by an on-site Naturalist Instructor, and can vary from the most simple to the most intensive projects based on your needs. IZE provides an atmosphere and logistics that are conducive to mutual learning and personal growth. IZE provides inexpensive, intensive learning experiences in Belize as the country best suited for such studies: it is small, politically-stable, accessible and ecologically-rich, providing a wide variety of tropical habitats. The sites selected are so beautiful and pristine that they were chosen by the JASON Foundation for Education for their official 1994 broadcast. IZE offers the opportunity to explore the natural, cultural, and historical marvels of Mesoamerica in an atmosphere of harmony and comfort. They can adjust to your pace and fill your needs. IZE tours offer the following: A unique combination of education, excitement and adventure. On site resident naturalists - instructors conducting field excursions and presentations. The only canopy observation system in the Belizean Rain Forest. Extensive limestone caves offering underground pools with indigenous cave life. The best diving in Belize and some of the best diving in the world. IZE's marine sites have become national parks and were named "World Heritage Sites" because of their unspoiled pristine nature.

JAVA VENTURES - http://www.javaventures.com/

JavaVentures was founded in March, 1996 with a mission to educate coffee professionals and aficionados alike about origin processing and its critical contribution to coffee quality. Owner and President, Kimberly Easson worked in Costa Rica for four years as Marketing Director for a major coffee roaster and exporter which also specialized in seminars and educational coffee tours. Her knowledge and experience with coffee at the origin, diverse training, experience and love for the coffee cultures of producing nations, contributes to the uniqueness and success of the tour programs. JavaVentures works closely with grower's associations in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Nicaragua, Brazil and Panama. Familiarity with the regions, the coffees, the producers and cultures of each of these countries brings unique insights to the participants' experiences. JavaVentures arranges for group tours and specialized itineraries can be arranged based on each group's needs and educational mission. Optional add-on vacation packages are also available in each country. JavaVentures educational itineraries are designed by knowledgeable professionals with years of experience in the coffee industry . Itineraries are arranged with the groups’ desire for education and diversion in mind. A JavaVentures tour is always accompanied by a fully bi-lingual tour escort, as well as the most respected agricultural engineers and coffee experts. They are not sales promotions. Designed both as a cultural diversion and a vacation, a JavaVentures tour provides the balance between education and unique cultur·l activities to enhance your experience.

JOURNEYS - http://www.journeys-intl.com/EPF.html

The goal of JOURNEY'S is to form travel groups small enough not to overwhelm the experience, interact directly and respectfully with local people and natural environments, and, rather than drain local resources, make a contribution to their preservation. Journey's offers tours to 45 countries and will accomodate requests for customized itineraries or tour extensions. They offer unique trips for educators, school groups, and health professionals. Also offer, on special occasions or by request, trips with specialized themes such as Buddhism, photography, wildlife, or hands-on conservation. Qualified guides, the collective knowledge of the travel group, and carefully planned trip dates create perfect experiences for the right participants. Join in scouting new trips. Journeys is always looking for new locations affording friendly cultures, beautiful natural environments and opportunities for authentic and active exploration. If you enjoy spontaneous experience, can roll with uncertainty and enjoy the company of other seasoned travelers, consider these special adventures. These are extraordinary trips for experienced travelers who prefer spontaneity and uniqueness to predictability and comfort. Family trips with JOURNEYS span the globe. An African safari on the Serengeti. A Himalayan trek in Nepal. A rain forest expedition in Costa Rica. A visit with villagers in the Andes, Bali, or Samoa. These are the adventures that become family legends and Journey's plans with special attention to details that provide for family members of all ages.

KIMOCHI - http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~ccambrid/99workcamps.html

Kimochi, Incorporated was established in the spring of 1972 as an alliance between American Indians and Asian Americans at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Since that time, the organization has evolved into an entity with a broad scope of projects and services. Workcamps are an annual effort by Kimochi, Incorporated. Volunteers are recruited to work on individual or community projects. For the past sixteen years, Kimochi projects have assisted in rehabilitating irrigation canals, cutting wood, fixing fences, painting, construction and other activities which have aided Native Hawaiian, Canadian Indian and, American Indian individuals and elders. In an effort to continue these efforts, the Workcamps are designed to assist the elderly and/or other individuals who need physical help on farms, in homes, and with community projects. Our effort is to assist in situations which lack alternative solutions and to assist individuals in their survival as a people and community. Usually the work is quite difficult and so, the commitment of the volunteer must be firm and dedicated. Volunteers are expected to stay for the entire duration of the camp term. Kimochi will provide coordination of program activity in cooperation with local community people. Also, Kimochi, along with local community support will be responsible for providing basic and simple meals, tools and local transportation. Kimochi, Incorporated is a 501(C)(3) tax exempt organization in the United States, and so contributions are tax deductible. Kimochi's IRS identification number is 85-0245811. Annually, Kimochi and must face the constant struggle to raise funds to support their wide-ranging programs and the annual summer Workcamps. It is because of this financial struggle that fees must be charged for our Workcamps. Any donation which you can submit will be highly appreciated.

LIFE TRACKS - EARTH VISION - http://www.lifetracks.org

LifeTracks/Earth Vision is a non-profit organization that offers "Vacations With A Conscience" as it supports small remote villages in Tanzania, East Africa; Costa Rica and Puerto Rico with medical supplies, textbooks, clean water systems, vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings to reforest, feed and educate. Ecotravelers are invited to participate in ongoing journaling and discussions based on Dr. Buckminster Fuller's question: "If the future of my species and of this planet depends on who I am and what I do...Who am I going to be? --- and What am I going to do?" Join us on an adventure that will change you forever! For further information: http://www.lifetracks.org/NanciJHartlandBio.html

LISLE FELLOWSHIP - http://www.lisle.utoledo.edu/www/index.html

Since 1936, Lisle has sponsored programs in the United States and 17 other countries. Program participants of all ages, from teenagers through senior citizens have found that it is people -- in the group and in the host culture -- that matter. The Lisle, Inc., broadens global awareness and increases appreciation of cultures through programs which bring together persons of diverse religious, cultural, sexual, political, and racial backgrounds, to interact, and to consider reflectively their experience. The Lisle experiential education approach emphasizes cooperative, democratic ledership, and participation. Lisle program participants enhance their communication skills, discover greater tolerance for diverse ideas, and gain greater respect for all life. Conflict resolution, community building, and increased knowledge of self are outcomes of the Lisle experience. The Lisle seeks to exemplify multicultural/multiracial decision-making, planning, and administration. Lisle is based on a unique model of intercultural education and work experience. This model incorporates intimate involvement in community life, reflective group experience, sensitivity to the variety of human perspectives, the development of personal values, and the creating of a sense of world-mindedness. The University of Toledo provides Academic Credit for Lisle programs and offers college credit, up to 6 semester hours, for students who enroll through the University of Toledo and take part in a Lisle Fellowship program? Now out-of-state students can take advantage of this program and the University of Toledo will waive out-of-state tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate students. This is a great opportunity to experience a multicultural program offered by Lisle and to earn college credit toward your degree.

MAINE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOPS - LEARNING VACATIONS - http://www.meworkshops.com/destinations/index2.html

Welcome to an international photography school and training center for the world's photographers, imagemakers and storytellers. David H. Lyman, The Workshops' Founder and Director, is a photographer, writer and entrepreneur. Located in Rockport, Maine, for 27 years, The Maine Photographic Workshops has been the leading workshop center in the world of photography, video, and film, offering more than 150 one-week workshops, Master Classes and now 1-year professional training and 2-year Associate of Arts degree and a Masters of Fine Art degree in photography and other media. Offering five-and-a-half day, intensive, total-immersion learning encounters, this can be a truly transformational experience. Explore more than 200 learning vacations, photographic expeditions, and workshops in travel photography, documentary photography, documentary film, documentary video, and photojournalism that we offer throughout the world. Join us as we photograph and film The Amazon Rainforest in Peru; Oaxaca, Mexico; Tuscany, Italy; Provence, France; Skopelos, Greece; and Havana, Cuba. Or, search for Sperm Whales in The Caribbean, explore Antarctica by small boat, photograph Martha's Vineyard Island, Sarajevo, and the coast of Maine. Experience overseas adventure travel and educational travel at its finest. Resident Faculty includes teachers and professionals who live in the area and teach full-time at The Workshops. Adjunct Faculty includes professionals and experts in various areas of communications technology and production, who spend a week or two in Rockport teaching specific aspects of the curriculum. Many members of the Adjunct Faculty also live in the area and teach courses on a part-time basis. Master Faculty is made up of prominent imagemakers: photographers, film directors and producers, writers and editors, cinematographers and computer artists and designers who are well respected in their fields and who give a week or two of their time to lead workshops and teach. These renowned imagemakers, writers and story tellers are successful in their own right and serve as role models and mentors while teaching methodology and raising students' artistic awareness. The Liberal Arts Faculty includes full and part-time instructors who teach specific foundation courses.

MAYAN SPIRIT - http://www.mayanspirit.com/

Mayan Spirit is a holistic travel experience for people who are interested in the pursuit of knowledge and an adventure of the spirit. We provide an opportunity for learning, self-discovery, and relaxation. Our small size groups allow us to customize our programs and journeys enabling us to give you personal attention. Our enriching, learning program is addressed to persons seeking knowledge on Mesoamerican cultures, both present day and pre-Hispanic. Our focus is on rediscovering ancient wisdom, traditional healing, and the search for personal growth through the interaction with the essence of other cultures. We lead journeys to ancient ceremonial sites where the energy of the ancient spirits continues to surround us, or take you on a healing and purification adventure, where the elements of nature bring balance and renewed vital energy to the heart, mind, body, and spirit. Day Tours to archaeological sites, indigenous villages, and natural wonders, are available. A city tour can be arranged as well as customized tours to other areas. We also have B & B accommodations in our lovely home in Oaxaca. The Mayan Spirit Learning Program objective is to provide an opportunity for you to learn, relax, renew your spirit, and gain personal insights. There are seven elements to the program that lead you through a process of learning, self-awareness and transformation. The elements are: Spanish Lessons, visits to indigenous villages where the artisans have their workshops or studios, meeting with traditional healers in their village community, acquiring knowledge from the creative arts and culture of Oaxaca, plus outings to archaeological sites and natural wonders. Lectures and discussions on related topics enhance the program and act as a catalyst for personal insights. Art classes are available for you to take at various schools and studios. Group tour arrangers can usually travel free.

MOUNTAIN TREK - http://www.hiking.com/

SPA VACATIONS FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT, CREATED BY MOTHER NATURE. This facility is located in the British Columbia Rockies, halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, and directly north of Spokane, Washington. Home of the premier hiking spa in North America! If it's a hiking spa vacation you want, or a combination adventure of guided hiking, kayaking, biking, yoga, and massage, then they offer Fitness Vacations. If you want to immerse yourself in an intensive yoga experience, whether you be a beginner or advanced yogi, there are Yoga Retreats. If you are interested in Alternative health practices, and perhaps a fasting, cleansing, or natural hygiene retreat, check their Supervised Fasting. Or maybe a spring-time rejuvenation and Weight Loss Spa Retreat. The abundance of clean air, pure water, peaceful quiet, and unending beauty set the scene: when guests arrive they almost immediately relax and let go, knowing it is safe to do so. A natural ingredient of camaraderie happens in a group of Mountain Trek guests: everyone is here to have fun, get away from whatever, make some decisions about whatever, gain perspective, decide on a transition, let go, do something new and different, learn, educate, participate, stretch and explore. Check out the About Our Planet page for their environmental philosophy.

MYTHS & MOUNTAINS - http://www.mythsandmountains.com/index.htm

Myths and Mountains is an educational adventure travel company specializing in group, custom, and non-profit organization trips to Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. Countries include Chile (Patagonia), Ecuador (the Galapagos), Bolivia, Peru, India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Your adventure trip with Myths and Mountains is an educational study of a country's history and heritage. Using local, highly educated guides, Myths and Mountains offers 10 years of experience sending travelers on guided educational adventure trips. Itineraries focus on travel learning themes: cultures and crafts, traditional medicines and healing, wildlife and the environment, religions and holy sites; tours which are an adventure of the mind, body and soul. An "adventure" with Myths and Mountains can be active or non-active, for all ages. You may find yourself touring Tibet with a Buddhist monk, riding a camel in India's Thar Desert, sitting in an ancient monastery in Bhutan, trekking in Nepal, learning Thai cooking in Thailand, studying glaciers in Patagonia, photographing wildlife in the Amazon, watching the sunset on Lake Titicaca, wandering the ruins of Machu Picchu, floating the Petrohue River in Chile, or just sitting next to a sea lion in the Galapagos, -- all experiences with the accompaniment of highly trained and incredibly gifted private guides, There are three types of trips; group departures, custom trips, and non-profit or corporate trips. Custom trips and tours can be arranged from budget to luxury, with as much or as little assistance as you would like for freedom, flexibility and security. You can book expert guides for a private trip, or request station guides. Either way, this is your trip, designed to suit your needs. Myths and Mountain's group trips average 6 people in size and are led by one of their expert, native guides. Non-profit membership tours are designed to suit the special interests of a group. For example, trips may focus on wildlife for a zoo group, cultures and crafts for a museum, and art for a university. Of course, these trips are led by some very special expert guides.

NATURE ENCOUNTERS, LTD. - http://www.nature-encounters.com/index2.html

Nature Encounters is an ecotravel company which specializes in planning adventures for the sophisticated traveler. Not the usual travel agency with pre-packaged trips and pre-set departures, Nature Encounters, Ltd. plans itineraries that allow travelers the opportunity to truly experience the land, rather than merely pass through it. The trips that they create have clients observing nature in all its unspoiled wonder, without sacrificing creature comforts. This unique form of travel inspires participants to become more aware of their environment by combining 'soft' adventure such as canoeing, horseback riding, sailing, guided walks, and game drives. Itineraries include such diverse exotic locations as Malawi, Ethiopia, Chile, New Zealand, Uganda, Botswana and more. Name your passion, Nature Encounters, Ltd. will create an itinerary with outstanding professionalism and concern for every facet of your comfort and enjoyment. Groups are small in size, two to ten people being ideal; however, we can accommodate larger groups. No request is too difficult. Special requests, in fact, are encouraged. There are no set itineraries to contend with.