BootsnAll Travel Community

I have a great respect for ecolodges and the work they put in for minimal ecological impact tourism. I try to stay at one whenever I can. What are your experiences at various ecolodges around the world? That way, I can keep them in mind!

I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in Chugchilan, Ecuador. This one was rated on the Top 10 Ecolodges list by Outside Magazine, which is one of the reasons why I went to check it out. I was so amazed by this place. It was about $20/night -- a splurge for Ecuador, but well worth it. I liked the setting they were in -- at about 10,000 ft in the Andes, with great views over the canyon. Best view from a composting toilet I'd ever seen! Not only that, there was a garden in the composting toilet...fertilized by the composted waste. You wash your hands with biodegradable soap...then the water from the sink waters the garden in the toilet. I was amazed at how they use the earth, resources, and trash, and waste products to keep the place going. They also have organic gardens onsite. There, they use the veggies for meals. They also make a big effort to help the local community and artisans out as well (Chugchilan is a poor rural area) by helping them with business and education and by providing local artisans a place to sell their items for a fair price. And actively participate in the community. When I rode the bus to Chugchilan, I spoke to a guy next to me and told him where I was staying, and a lot of people on the bus knew the place and the owners.

I also stayed on Long Caye in Glover's Reef, Belize through Slickrock, a company who owns part of the island (a dive shop owns the other part of the island), and runs watersport adventure tours. Jim, the dive shop owner, had built the composting toilets on the island. The showers are from well water heated by the sun in a big black tank. Drinking water is collected rainwater. Electricity is generated by wind and solar power. To get to one of the other nearby islands, you kayak to them. The best part of all is that it is remote and so far away from the supertouristy areas of Belize (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker). It's quiet, serene, peaceful. On an evening when the moon is not out, you can see so many stars without light pollution.

Good on you for staying at one. I never have and would do it whenever the opportunity was there.
Thanks for the nudge

there wouldn't happen to be a list of ecolodges around the world, would there?

You could look at:

http://www.wwoof.org

Willing Workers on Organic Farms.
The general idea seems to be that you spend around 4 hours a day working and getting food and board in return. Having tried it yet, but intend to!

I stayed at the Trek Stop near San Jose Succotz in Belize.
It was about 10 dollars a night and it had solar heated showers, composting toilets (that where very well maintained) a garden full of medicinal herbs and I enjoyed my expierence very much.
At first I was a bit hesitant because of the bugs, but I became used to them after a while.
It also had a museum for kids, and adults that talked about the different species in the area and the impact they have.
I must say that checking my email with strange large bugs on the computer monater and a tarantula nearby was an odd expierence...but in a good way. Anywhoo I would highly reccomend the place for anyone travelling in Belize.

I've met people who wwoof'ed it in New Zealand, and they loved it. I haven't tried it yet tho. Anyone have experience wwoof'ing?

Prisa, Trek Stop sounds like a great place! I never made it out to the jungle in Belize. But well, one day I'll go! I'll keep the lodge in mind