Our partner: Dutchman Adventure Ecuador

Dutchman Adventure Ecuador believes that travel should be more than just sightseeing—it should offer a meaningful connection with nature, culture, and people.

They specialize in sustainable, community-focused adventures, providing vital income to many of the communities they visit while offering unique ways for travelers to experience the diverse landscapes of Ecuador.

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon, their tours immerse travelers in nature while actively supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

They partner with indigenous groups, small-scale lodges, and family-run businesses to ensure that tourism directly benefits the people who call these places home. As pioneers in responsible adventure travel since 1990, Dutchman Adventure Ecuador crafts personalized experiences that are both exciting and ethical.

Whether it’s trekking through cloud forests, cycling across volcanic landscapes, birdwatching in communal reserves, making chocolate with local farmers, or learning about ancestral plant medicine in the jungle, every journey with them respects the environment and uplifts local communities.

Be inspired while making a difference!

In what ways do you redefine meaningful travel in Ecuador?

Dutchman Adventure Ecuador redefines meaningful travel by focusing on authentic, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. They believe travel should connect people to the land, the culture, and the communities they visit, making it not just an escape, but an opportunity to learn, share, and contribute.

Their tours are designed to offer travelers a deeper connection to Ecuador’s incredible diversity. They specialise in sustainable, community-driven tourism that directly benefits local families, small businesses, and indigenous groups. By working closely with local guides and artisans, they ensure that tourism dollars stay within the communities and help preserve the culture, environment, and traditions of these incredible places.

Each journey is customized to meet the specific needs and expectations of the traveler, with all logistics—meals, lodging, transport, and activities—carefully arranged to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

What philosophy guides your travel experiences?

Dutchman Adventure Ecuador’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that travel should be transformative, meaningful, and responsible. They approach every tour with the principle of respect—respect for the environment, for local cultures, and for the people who call these places home.

By fostering partnerships with indigenous groups, small businesses, family-run lodges, and organizations that are run exclusively by women, they aim to create experiences that support local economies and preserve traditions, while also minimizing potential negative impacts of tourism.

Their tours are designed to be more than just journeys; they are opportunities to engage, learn, and contribute through adventures that offer a deeper connection to the land. Every experience is customized to align with the traveler’s unique interests, ensuring that their journey is not only enriching but also aligns with their personal values.

Above all, their philosophy revolves around the idea that travel should be an opportunity for positive change and that the most meaningful journeys are those that are both exciting and ethical, leaving travelers with a sense of connection and a desire to give back.

What programs do you offer?

At Dutchman Adventure Ecuador, all tours fall under the umbrella of sustainable tourism, designed to provide authentic, eco-conscious experiences that benefit local communities and preserve the environment. Here are some examples of the unique, community-focused tours offered:

• Sustainable community lodge – Venture to a lodge nestled in nature, requiring a 1-hour hike to reach, with no electricity and 100% sustainability. This eco-friendly lodge offers a perfect opportunity for wildlife spotting and immersion in a tranquil, off-the-grid experience.
• Indigenous women-run communities – Visit indigenous communities run solely by women, where you’ll experience their way of life, learn about their traditions, and enjoy meals made from organic, locally sourced ingredients.
• Ingapirca surrounding communities – Explore a community near Ecuador's largest Inca ruins, Ingapirca, where you’ll have the chance to sample exotic varieties of potatoes found only in this region.
• Traditional plant medicine in the Amazon – Discover the ancient wisdom of Amazonian communities that work with traditional plant medicine, learning about healing practices passed down through generations.
• Ancestral chocolate-making – Visit a community that preserves the art of making chocolate the ancestral way, from bean to bar, using techniques and ingredients passed down through their ancestors.

These tours aren’t just about exploring Ecuador—they’re about engaging with local cultures, supporting sustainable initiatives, and leaving a positive impact on the people and places visited. Travelers will stay in family-run hotels like Ooca and eat at local restaurants, further ensuring that tourism dollars stay within the community.

How do you create positive, long-term impact in Ecuador?

Dutchman Adventure Ecuador’s approach to tourism is rooted in sustainability and community empowerment, with the aim of creating a long-term positive impact in Ecuador. They believe that travel should not only provide an enriching experience for travelers but also uplift the communities and environments that make Ecuador such a unique destination.

They prioritize community-focused tourism, fostering partnerships that ensure that profit and agency stays with the communities, helping to support local economies and preserve cultural heritage. By working in locations that rely on sustainable practices, they create opportunities for them to thrive without exploiting natural resources.

Additionally, they emphasize environmental conservation by carefully selecting eco-friendly accommodations and promoting activities that minimize the carbon footprint. Whether it’s staying at a self-sustained lodge or supporting local initiatives in the Amazon that work with traditional plant medicine, every aspect of their tours is designed to respect and protect the environment.

Their tours also aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Ecuador’s unique ecosystems. Travelers leave with a deeper understanding of the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, often inspired to advocate for sustainability and conservation in their own lives.

Ultimately, by fostering authentic, ethical travel experiences, they strive to create lasting, positive change in the communities visited, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from Ecuador’s incredible natural and cultural wealth.

Find out more about Dutchman Adventure Ecuador!