In Venezuela

Venezuela is one of the most ecologically rich and diverse countries in the world but the pressures of population and the economy threatens many of Venezuela's natural wonders. However, private and governmental groups in Venezuela are joining together to try to ensure that what has happened in so many other parts of the world will not happen in their beautiful and exotic country. 

The best place to know the wonderful Ecotourism country

Uruyén-Kavak
Hike to Kavak through jungle and savanna. Visits will be made to several small indigenous villages. At Kavak you will sleep in hammocks or beds, in clean rustic rooms, for two nights.

Activities include a short hike through the surrounding virgin jungle to the Kavak Cave, Kavak and Honeybee waterfalls as well as a hike to La Toma overlooking Kavak with beautiful vistas of the valley. In the evening enjoy a cultural dance by local Pemón (for groups or a small donation).

Kamarata-Arenal-Camp
Departure for Kamarata, time permitting including a visit to the Capuchin Mission. Here we begin our river journey to Angel Falls in curiaras (dugout canoes). We overnight at the lovely Arenal Camp.

Ratoncito Camp- Angel Falls

River journey continues into Devil’s Canyon, to the base of Angel Falls. From our camp on Ratoncito Island we will hike to several spectacular views of the falls.

Ecotourism: An Alternative to Mass Tourism

Venezuela is making a concerted effort not to follow the formula of other countries that have decided to promote mass tourism by building large resorts that often threaten or destroy the plant or wildlife that made the destination so unique in the first place.

In contrast, Venezuela promotes sustainable tourism, that benefits travelers by giving them a glimpse of a pristine land. Ecotourism also provides the local citizens and indigenous tribes with a way to earn a living by protecting their environment instead of destroying it. 

Form of tourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas—in the remote wilderness or urban environments.

For many experts the seven characteristics of ecotourism are:

• Involves travel to natural destinations
• Minimizes impact
• Builds environmental awareness
• Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
• Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Respects local culture
• Supports human rights and democratic movements

The Environment

An environmental protection strategy must address the issue of ecotourists removed from the cause-and-effect of their actions on the environment. More initiatives should be carried out to improve their awareness, sensitize them to environmental issues, and care about the places they visit.

Tour guides are an obvious and direct medium to communicate awareness. With the confidence of ecotourists and intimate knowledge of the environment, they can actively discuss conservation issues.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (Mass) tourism.

Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability.

Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

For many reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.