Ecocamp is an environmentally friendly place to stay when visiting southern Chile’s rugged Torres del Paine National Park. This camp provides a comfortable home base made of several geodesic dome tents at in which to explore the surrounding wilderness park which offers world-class mountain vistas and where it’s possible to view wildlife such as the llama-like guanacos, puma, condors and rare birds like the ostrich-like Lessor Rhea.

The domes tents are big enough to comfortably walk around in, has its own bathroom, heated with low-emission wood stove and electricity is generated by solar panels and micro hydro turbine. These tents, echo the early dome-like dwellings of the nomadic Kawesqar tribe, an ancient native people who lived in the area. The dome shape helps maintain stability in high winds, which are common in Patagonia. The tents are linked together by boardwalks and have wooden floors, beds, round windows for amazing views. There is a common-area tents for meals, chilling out, and socializing.

The camp is deep inside the often windy park along dirt roads and in a valley surrounded by awe-inspiring granite mountain peaks, glaciers and azure lakes. In the summer months (end of September through end of March) you can get up to 17 hours of daylight, so you will have lots of time to explore the park. This camp in Chile’s Patagonia is as about as far south as you want to get, but if you want to get even closer to the end of the world then you will need to make complicated travel plans that will eventually get you about 300-400 miles further south in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego.

Details on the various options to book a trip are on the EcoCamp’s website

Panama is the ultimate destination in the America’s for diversity of wildlife. Panama is a natural land bridge connecting two continents and is home to many species from South American as well as North and Central America. About 29% of Panama’s land area is protected in 14 national parks, more then a dozen forest reserves and 10 wildlife refuges. Birdwatchers have long flocked to Panama’s some 1,000 species of birds. It is also home to over 220 mammals and 354 reptiles and amphibians. There are hundreds of islands and miles of protected coral reef, sheltering an amazing diversity of marine life.

Frank Gehry, the famous architect of Guggenheim museum and other renowned buildings, is blending art and science in his latest creation in Panama, the Bridge of Life Museum of Biodiversity. It is nearing completion and was planned to open in 2010 but it maybe a bit longer before the doors open due to a variety of reasons. More info here.

Panama is becoming one of the most exciting ecotourism destinations in the Americas and there are now several exciting ecotourist possibilities you may want to consider. For most of us with limited time and desire to rough it in unfamiliar rainforest, you will want to join a tour group of some sort.

The Panama Family Adventure has a 8 day package deal reasonably priced and geared for a couple traveling with children that want a relaxed easy eco-tour of top rainforest locations as well as some time to do some tropical chilling out.

Another fascinating adventure could be the Rainforest Awakenings, on their 8 day “youth rites of passage retreat” where you get intensive close up study of the tropical ecosystem. Hiking through the rainforest,a community service day where you can help build a water catchment system for a nearby community. Also go snorkeling and discuss the tropical reef ecology, and also hike along with a Ngobe tribal member to a sacred waterfall.

If you’d rather avoid the tour groups and want to strike out on your own you may consider the 400 acre Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Preserve, started in 2008, which borders La Amistad National Park. Their website states: “The cloud forest habitats of western Panama and neighboring Costa Rica are rich in endemic species. The site provides a great potential for studies of the local biodiversity, birdwatching, orchid photography and other related areas of natural history interest.” There is a three bedroom home with off-the-grid electricity (that is available for rent to the public) They also state “Visitors to the Reserve should be prepared for an isolated wilderness “retreat” experience. The site and home is at the top of a valley bordering an immense national park.” They also have a blog and it states they are actively seeking skilled carpenters, plumbers, ecologists with cloud forest knowledge and organic and conventional gardeners, and trail designers. Check out these great photos on their flicker photo site.

Days are hot, nights much cooler; temperatures range from 90 °F during the daytime to 70 °F in the evening practically year-round. Humidity is always high at about 80 percent. The rainy season takes place between October and November, and the best months to visit are mid-December and late March. Temperatures vary according to geography. The climate is less tropical at higher elevations. In mountain areas the average annual temperature ranges from 10ºC to 19ºC

The winds have blown quite fair to land us at this spot. It’s the Isle of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands today. We find our choice of dwellings here. Shall it be the solar-powered eco-tents at Maho Bay, or the studio apartments at Estate Concordia? It’s the popularity you see, they’ve had to grow!

Located within the US Virgin Islands National Park, surrounded by lush tropical forest, the properties have their own secluded white sand beach. Maho Bay was opened in 1976 by Stanley Selengut, who wanted to make comfortable and low cost lodging available for environmentally sensitive travelers. He gets an auditorium full of greatgreen ThumbsUP! So well done.

For full Booking Information, CLICK: http://www.maho.org/

I love this already! Is it because of the location on the Lizard Peninsula? Perhaps. Many acres of the peninsula are owned and maintained by The National Trust and English Nature.

The Hen House is located only one mile from the magnificently beautiful coast. You’ve already guessed from its name this retreat has been lovingly restored from its former life. Attention to detail on all levels pertaining to sustainability have been rigorously adhered to, however, comfort and convenience have not suffered in the least. This couple literally bring you the best in our greatgreentravel world.

King size beds, in room TV & WI-FI. Fresh organic foods are served for your breakfast.

Lots to do on the peninsula, and your hosts are happy to acquaint you with the local culture. Should you need added relaxation, Reiki, and t’ai chi are available.

For Full Booking Information
CLICK: http://www.thehenhouse-cornwall.co.uk

We’ll pack up our woolies, just in case, and head off for a seven day tour of North East Scotland. The itinerary will be flexible, just the way we like it. It will provide for lots of exploration including Findhorn Bay, with a stop at The Findhorn Foundation spiritual and environmental community.

Also a visit to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Moray Firth from both land and sea, a workshop lead by a local artisan, and a ride to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain (after ample treks, of course). These are just a few of the highlights of this tour. Brought to us from our friends at ecoscape.org who put out a truly fine and informative publication.

For full Booking Information, CLICK: http://www.ecoescape.org/tours/wild-places-in-northeast-Scotland.php

Delphi Mountain Resort
I’ll just say this, if you’re a greatgreentraveler in Ireland and you can’t find what you’re looking for here, you have simply got to rethink your needs!

In a beautiful setting within 400 acres of the Connemara forest, sheltered between Killary Harbour and the Bundorragha River, the location is ideal for all types of mountain, forest, and surf activities. Alternatively, the spa in the resort is available for an organic seaweed wrap if what you’re looking for is to just lay back and relax.

Meals are prepared with organic ingredients locally sourced; variety of room types and suites available. Educational resources furnished to the community and visitors.

For Full Booking Information, CLICK: http://delphimountainresort.com

Thanks to Catherine Mack and a suggestion that if you’re traveling through Ireland an excellent resource is her book, Ecoescape Ireland: The handbook to responsible escapism: A travel Guide to the greenest places in Ireland

This is perhaps the first ever “ecolodge.” Bathhurst Inlet Lodge, located on the Central Arctic Coast in Nunavut is the perfect place for greatgreentravelers to immerse themselves in the virtually untouched beauty of our land while supporting the people who live there.

During the brief summer season the area is rich with life. Over 80 species of birds are present, with more migratory sightings. An abundance of mammals like muskox, caribou, and barrenground grizzlies roam. Wildflowers come out by the thousands to celebrate the sun! The arctic land is host to vast geological wonders and awe inspiring views of waterfalls, gorges, canyons, and eskers.

The lodge is co-owned by the Warner family and the Kingaunmuit people, the indigenous Inuit residents of Bathurst Inlet. The history of this lodge is long and exciting, culminating in its present state of partnership. After your long and eventful day on the tundra you’ll be treated to a great meal and to story sharing.

Departures are out of Yellowknife. There are five 1-week programs scheduled beginning June 26-July 02 through July 20-26. Reservations are still being accepted, I just checked.

For reservations and full booking information, CLICK: www.bathurstinletlodge.com/

Built in 1914, this grand holiday resort sits spectacularly above the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, proudly owned and operated by the Broughton family since 1948. Thanks to some very forward thinking by Jestene Broughton, The Colony became Maine’s first environmentally responsible hotel in 1989. In 1994 the hotel turned its attention to conservation and initiated the Colony Hotel Ecology Group.

Their deep commitment to providing their guests with a quality experience while maintaining the policy of respect for Nature and their surroundings is shared throughout all levels of staff. Varying degrees of on-site educational information is readily available to guests. And, for a very pleasant change you will find your in room waste-bins are conveniently separated for your trash and recyclables. The consistent attention to conservation, waste reduction, and cultural stability have helped to qualify it as a U.S. Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Open from mid-May through late October. Situated on 112 acres, you’ll enjoy a heated outdoor saltwater pool, private safe surf beach, organic gardens, including flowers, roses, and herb. It’s an easy walk to Kennebunkport, with many area activities including golf, tennis, sea kayaking, nature trails, bicycling, boating, shopping and galleries.

For booking information, CLICK: http://www.thecolonyhotel.com/

Photo courtesy & ©: www.jaymsramirez.com

Your visit to Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve will transport you to a time and place so remarkable, so utterly unlike any other you have experienced. Deep, deep, in the Ecuadorian rainforest, accessible only by plane is this wonder of confluence where ancient life and tradition gently lights your evening path with solar power.

This is the home of the Achuar, the last indigenous people of the area, some 6,000 in population now living in 64 communities throughout their two million acres of nearly pristine land in the Amazon.

A partnership was formed in 1996 between Canodros, an Ecuadorian tourism operator and the Achuar with the shared goal of bringing economic stability and sustainability while conserving the natural state of the rainforest. The Kapawi project was planned and its successful execution over time has resulted in the full transference of management and ownership to the Achuar people as of January 1, 2008.

This trip helps support the Achuar people and helps to preserve their land.

For full information on the lodge, activities, and 20 available bungalows, CLICK: http://www.kapawi.com/index.htm