About Our Treks
Travel and Development "Cooperative" Concept
adventurECO is not a travel or tour
company, but instead, a group of independent travelers working together to create a unique
ecologically low-impact travel experience.
All treks emphasize independent, economical, travel and ecologically low
impact low-impact, culturally sensitive travel and utilization of locally
available resources and services that benefit the communities visited.
adventurECO travel coordinators facilitate the
travel experience by providing logistical support, language translation, and
other assistance throughout the journey. No fees are charged for this
assistance each trekker simply pays his or her travel costs. However, trekkers are invited and encouraged to contribute, in some way,
to a development project or other "worthy" cause in the communities visited.
Information on giving back is available is
available on the Development Projects link.
Independent Travel
Traveling with adventurECO
requires travelers to be independent, flexible, and is generally not for
those seeking luxury travel. Each
trekker, as an independent traveler, is responsible for his or her general
well being and looking after oneself. The goal is for travelers to be independent and
self-sufficient, while combining resources to create a unique travel
experience. Travel itineraries include time for
additional "off itinerary" adventure or cultural opportunities, independent excursions, and
to simply relax and take in your surroundings.
Cultural Interaction
adventurECO utilizes personal and professional networks to provide a
range of opportunities for cultural interaction. Spend time with our family,
friends, and colleagues, and participate in daily activities and local
customs of the areas visited. Treks also provide travelers a range of
opportunities to give back to communities visited through development
projects, volunteering, and donations.
Group Size
In seeking to facilitate adventure
travel that is cultural and ecologically sensitive, group size for most treks is generally limited to
4-6 travelers. However, depending
on the itinerary and other factors, group size for cultural treks may be increased slightly
to accommodate slightly larger groups. Contact us to
discuss increasing group size.
Accommodation
Accommodation is based on travel itinerary, but consist primarily of local guest houses with double occupancy
rooms (individual rooms may be available). Accommodation on wildlife
safaris will generally consist of tent camping. Adventure or cultural
treks may require primitive
camping or other accommodation. Packing lists for equipment will be confirmed during trek preparation.
Food and Meals
Food will consist primarily local fare (which is
diverse, delicious, and healthy) taken in local eateries. Staple foods
generally vary by region and vegetarian
items are widely available. In larger cities and towns, a greater
variety of food options are available. Food on adventure treks
food will be packed, prepared or otherwise acquired based on options
available. Trekkers
may also have the opportunity to assist in preparing traditional meals
of the region or tribe.
Transportation
Travel modes will vary considerably based on itinerary. For most
treks, public transportation consisting of buses and minivans will be
the primary mode of transportation. Other modes of transportation may
include other modes as necessary including , taxi, truck, boat, train,
plane or foot. Transportation on wildlife safaris is provided by
the tour operator.
Equipment and Packing
Equipment needs will vary considerably based on travel itinerary and
activities. However, trekkers are responsible for carry all of his or
her gear, necessitating the need to pack light. adventurECO will
work with trekkers to ensure all equipment needs are covered. General
equipment needs are discussed on the Trek
Preparation link. Final packing instructions will be sent at least one month prior to departure date.
Adventure Travel
and Activities
adventurECO's adventure treks and activities require a sufficient level of
fitness, technical ability, outdoor/ adventure/backcountry experience, and
are not beginners. Adventure activities include mountain biking, climbing Mt.
Kilimanjaro or other peaks, extended paddling trips, backpacking, etc.
Click on the Activities link for available
adventure activities. A Note About Adventure Travel: When
considering an adventure
trek, it
is important to remember that adventure travel itineraries involve
travel to remote areas, where the
overall physical infrastructure and associated modern conveniences are
limited. As with all adventure
travel, certain risks and inconveniences are inherent. As such, trekkers
as independent travelers, should carefully consider these aspects of
adventure travel.