If you’re wondering how to make a difference during your next vacation, you’re not alone. Responsible tourism is on every considerate traveler’s mind, and luckily conscientious property owners and tour companies worldwide have made it a priority to give back to the communities in which they operate. Full ‘voluntourism’ trips are possible, or add on a day or two to your itinerary and, for example, visit an orphanage in Calcutta, help build a school in the Masaai Mara, or work at an orangutan sanctuary in Sabah, Borneo. If volunteering is not your thing, another valuable option is booking hotels, safari lodges and eco-resorts that are active with the local people in tackling economic, environmental, educational, health and infrastructure issues.

Of the myriad choices across the globe, one property stands out for its dedication to the Achuar community and rainforest conservation of southeastern Ecuador. Kapawi Ecolodge is located deep in the western Amazon basin near the border of Peru, and requires two turbo prop flights, a canoe trip and hike to reach the lodge. Conceived in 1993 by a compassionate Ecuadorian travel firm, this venture, the most luxurious Amazon lodge and largest community-based project ever developed in the country, was always intended to be built, staffed and eventually owned wholly by the Achuar. On January 1, 2008 the handoff occurred and the jobs created, guest entrance fees and local purchasing make up a large percentage of the economy.

The unique opportunity of having the Achuar as naturalist guides and spending time in their community creates an unforgettable experience for travelers. Phoebe Weseley, a guest with her husband and two kids in August 2007 writes, ‘We had a once in a lifetime experience in Kapawi, due in large part to our being guests of the Achuar. The whole experience was so authentic, from the furnishings in the rooms to the meals we ate, and this was due in large part to the Achuar.’

Former guest Eric Swanson enjoyed one of his most memorable family trips at Kapawi. ‘My family and I took a trip to the Kapawi lodge in 2004.  It was a fantastic trip and our Achuar guide Juan was fantastic.  We had a wonderful mix of activities including birding, canoe rides, hiking, swimming, blow gun contests, etc as well as some interaction with a few Achuar villages.  We even had a soccer and volleyball match (two popular sports the Achuar play).  While the tourist team lost by a large margin it was a great way to interact with the local villagers and helped break down barriers to later interaction.’

Many other properties, especially in Africa, are working towards transferring management to the local communities and we applaud this. Only when tourism entities cease exploiting and start enhancing the societies, wildlife habitats and ecosystems from which they derive their livelihood will travel become a truly positive experience.