posted by Catherine on May 28
I was reading about some of the best Eco Lodges in South America, and 1 name kept reappearing. This relatively inexpensive resort in the Andes seemed to be winning all the awards and getting all the coverage – so I went to find out more.
The Lodge:
Perched on a mountain-side in the Ecuadorian highlands, this rural idyll couldn’t be better located for you to enjoy this great wilderness without leaving a trail of destruction behind you – only a carbon footprint the size of a baby mouse!
Set on the edge of a deep canyon, within site of a great volcano and high mountain peaks and right next to a cloud forest to boot!
One of ‘The Top 50 eco lodges In The World’ as voted by National Geographic in 2009, one of the ‘Top 10 EcoLodges’ by Outside Magazine. ‘Winner’ of the Ecotourism Awards in 2006, ‘Winner’ of the EcoClub’s EcoLodge Awards in both 2006 and 2008, ‘Highly Commended’ as ‘Best In A Mountain Environment’ by the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2005 and ‘Winners’ of the Sustainable Tourism Awards – need I go on?
Year after year through the past 5 years, this resort is getting awards and excellent customer testimonials! Just check out the website for all the delightful comments this place receives!
What Do They Offer Then?
The website goes into great detail about all of it’s eco-credentials including the composting toilets, community projects and success stories, organic gardens, 100% vegetarian menus, reforestation activities and so much more – all with great photos of the action and those involved.
They even wrote to the Ecuadorian Government outlining 7 ways to promote and strengthen eco tourism in Ecuador, including using the Internet as a powerful tool, developing education in sustainability and conservation as well as improving waste management and finance packages for private eco-companies.
In their extensive and interesting listings, The Black Sheep Inn writers take the time to recommend local events and markets, local scenery and wildlife as well as locally-run activities to all their guests as well as offering discounts and incentive to guests who arrive by bicycle! Certainly something not everyone can do if travelling direct from the US for example – but I suppose if you spend a night or 2 in a neighbouring village then arrive on a hired two-wheeler – the discount is yours and the money stays in local hands!
You can even take a peak at their inclusive packing list based on local weather and potential excursions for guests to encourage reduced reliance of western necessities and the excesses that we love!
What’s The Catch?
There is no catch – they are exactly what they say they are and years of awards and customers can’t be wrong!
Their prices are very reasonable and start from just $32.50 per person in shared bunk to £160 for a double room with private bathroom. All prices include full board, tea and coffee on tap and purified water for all guests as well! The same price if not cheaper than many standard hotels in the country – or the whole continent!
The longer you stay – the cheaper it gets as well! By staying there for longer – not only will you save travelling around but you will also get to know the area a lot better and benefit the local communities. So as a thanks for this, the Black Sheep offers 10% off for nationals, student card holders (ISIC) and the over 60′s, jumping to 15% discount for 4 nights or more. Kids under 3 are free and under 9′s are half price!
What Else?
The website also allows you to donate to the community with funds or old computers and they are even advertising for a new manager for the EcoLodge itself – so check out the job description (and make sure you are fluent in Spanish) before applying!
What a life that would be!
June 1st, 2009 at 2:33 am
Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries in South America. The weather, the colonial cities and the people are just fantastic. Nothing compares to the landscapes of the Highlands, the lush of the Amazon Jungle Forest, the exotic Beaches of the Coast and the mystery of the Galapagos Islands.