Discover Ecuador from within
Indigenous communities all over the world, with their ancestral knowledge and nature-friendly lifestyles, provide their valuable contribution to our planet.  Ecuador, home to more than 20 native cultures, has indeed the potential to offer a wide array of enriching experiences through community-based tourism. Several communities have opened their homes to share their Cosmo vision and way of life and by so give way to a different perspective on visits to natural sites.

For many, no one could be a better guide than a native of the place, with their knowledge of ecosystems as intricate as the rainforest and other tropical forests, unique wetlands and mangroves.  There the early inhabitants have learned to interact closely with their natural surroundings.  In the Andes, several native cultures have preserved their cultural values and lifestyles for centuries, which are strongly tied to Mother Earth.

Sharing the lifestyle of indigenous communities gives way to a different and original perception of Ecuador’s culture and nature.  Until recently, this kind of tourism was mostly improvised and did not offer the commodities that many international tourists demand.  Nowadays things have changed, and the Ministry of Tourism has committed with the development of this kind of tourism, which should represent a sound development tool for communities and allow for them to improve their living conditions.

Communities become hosts, and display their traditions, cultural expressions, art, gastronomy and natural environments.  Many are open to share their local festivities, traditional handcrafting, their knowledge of medicinal plants, amongst other cultural manifestations. Moreover, they have developed additional activities for tourists to enjoy, such as hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, and fishing. All these accompanied by comfortable lodging and good quality services.
Step off the beaten path and allow the native communities to be your hosts!  Community-based tourism offers the opportunity to live a full intercultural relationship while contributing to community development.

Ecuador Plurinational Federation of Community-Based Tourism (FEPTCE)
In September 2001, the Ecuador Plurinational Federation of Community-Based Tourism (FEPTCE) was created to represent the various community- based tourism projects across the country.  Through strategic alliances, FEPTCE encourages national and local governments, private enterprises, NGOs and international cooperation agencies to promote, support and ensure the exercise of the community-based tourism in Ecuador.   The FEPTCE aims at creating the conditions for a responsible and equitable tourism through competence building of the communities and intercultural participation.   To this day, FEPTCE has more than a hundred members from across the country: Coast, Andes and Amazonia.
For more information contact info@turismocomunitario.ec, or visit any of the FEPTCE’s information & reservations offices:

QUITO:
Address: 9 de Octubre No.27-27 & Orellana.  Third floor.   Phone: (02) 2509 907

OTAVALO:
Adress: Modesto Jaramillo 608 & Morales
Phone: (06) 2926 814

RIOBAMBA:
Adress: Veloz 22-28, between Colon & Espejo.  High fashion Shopping Center.
Phone: (03) 2951 996

CUENCA:
Address: Presidente Cordova 12-22 & Tarqui
Phone: (07) 2844 538

TENA:
Adress: Av. Del Chofer & Hugo Vasco
Phone: (06) 2888 479

Photos courtesy of: Francisco Caizapanta - FPTE
Ministry of Tourism.

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