Description
Reforestation
Since 2018, Soulstainable groups have planted nearly 1,000 trees to help prevent land erosion and habitat loss in the Choco bio-region of Ecuador.
Place based learning
Our programs take an in-depth look at communities and environments that are in harmony with nature’s circular economy. Studying the relationship of what we consider to be the three pillars of place (economy, ecology, & culture). The pillars shed light on how humans can better cooperate on a large scale simply by working closely with their environment – in a regenerative, circular manner.
Land conservation
We are using this program to help us acquire approximately 3-6 hectares of primary and secondary forest in the Chocó Andino. This land will be declared protected, fenced, and allowed to regenerate under the lense of protecting species of flora and fauna.
Project Description
Ecuador:
Join us for a place study of Ecuador’s “Choco” region. The tropical rain forests of northwest South America fall within the Chocó-Darien Global Ecoregion (CGE). The CGE is one of 25 global biodiversity hotspots prioritized for conservation due to its high species variety and endemism. We’ll experience these unique landscapes through trekking, climbing, community projects, regenerative enterprise workshops, and more. In addition, we’ll be hosting this project in support of our partnership with Western Colorado University’s Extended Studies program so that students are eligible to earn credit for the experience.
Questions?
Program Manager LeeKrieger@Soulstainable.com / Expedition Director AOB@soulstianble.com
Project Itinerary:
Dates: December 29th, 2023 – January 6th, 2024
Dec. 29th, 2022: Quito
You can rest easy knowing all the logistics are taken care of for you. Whether you’re arriving early or late, we’ll have a team member waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you to our accommodation. Today will be all about getting over jet lag and meeting the team! We’ll host an official dinner tonight and go over the plan for the rest of our trip!
Dec. 30th, 2022: Quito
Day two, we’ll explore the world’s tallest capital city, Quito. After breakfast, we head out into the city center for a historical tour. We’ll explore local markets and try some of the delicious Ecuadorean cuisines. In the afternoon, we’ll head back to our accommodation to prep for an adventurous next couple of days.
Dec. 31st 2022: Tangan
Happy new year!!! We cannot think of a more profound way to welcome 2023! Today we’ll be traveling deep into the jungle to columns of Tangan. This is a landscape that celebrates biodiversity in astounding ways and is an area that needs our help! We’ll plant trees, continuing our work from projects in 2019 & 2021 to help combat land erosion/habitat loss. Previous groups have helped plant over 200 native species of trees in the last two projects! We’ll visit these trees and plant more of our own. Welcome the new year in with your team in one of the most beautiful places in the Andes.
Jan. 1, 2023: Climbing Day!
Wake up to the new year with the sites and sounds of the Ecuadorean Andes! After breakfast, we’ll get to go rock climbing on the basalt towers of Tangan! All ropes will be put up for us by certified climbing instructors, and no previous rock climbing experience is required. After a fun day on the wall, we’ll give you some time to explore, play in the waterfall and catch up on schoolwork. Tonight we’ll have a family-style dinner and discussion about regenerative enterprise!
Jan. 2nd, 2023: Reforestation Project
Soulstainable’s mission is to leave people and places better than we found them. One of the ways we’ve been able to fulfill this mission is through our reforestation efforts in Tangan. Over the last few years, we’ve planted 200+ native species in the surrounding areas to help combat land erosion and support a beautiful primary forest. Tangan has a rare and delicate ecosystem that is home to some of the world’s most endemic species of birds. Today we’ll give back and support our host, and land owner Don Ramiro keep this primary forest healthy.
Jan 3rd: Climb and Reforestation.
We’ll use the morning to finish any unclimbed projects and explore the waterfall. After lunch, we’ll head back up the hill to plant more trees with the crew! We’ll do some bird-watching on our way back down to camp. Finally, in the evening, we’ll have a presentation and discussion about regenerative enterprise.
Jan. 4th: Tangan – Quilotoa
We’ll pack up, say goodbye to our beautiful Andean home, and head to Quilotoa Lagoon. The Lagoon is a water-filled crater lake formed by the collapse of the Quilotoa volcano. Its waters and the many activities that can be carried out both in them and on its shores, in addition to its beauty, are a popular attraction for locals and tourists. Get some rest tonight tomorrow, we go trekking!
Jan. 5th: Quilotoa
Enjoy a beautiful morning coffee and the incredible landscapes of Quilotoa Crater Lake. We’ll make the 6.5-mile loop that circumnavigates the outside of the crater, taking in the stunning views of the lake along the way. Tonight we’ll have a team dinner and pack up for our final day.
Jan. 6th: Quilotoa – Quito
Wake up on our final day together and meet everyone for breakfast. We’ll give you some time afterward to pack up before loading your stuff into the van. We’ll head over to Quito for lunch and explore the artisan market.
After Shopping we’ll go back to our accommodation. For those staying who don’t leave on the 6th, we’ll have a final dinner together.
Participants are welcome to leave anytime after 5pm on Jan. 6th or anytime Jan. 7th
We’ll have accomodation provided until 12pm on 1/7/23.
We’re happy to hold bags and help set up transportation. Just let us know what you need!
What exactly is included:
Lodging
Meals
All guides and technical equipment
What students are responsible for:
Flights
Sleeping bag and pad for Tangan
College credit from Western Colorado University
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