Eco Tours

By Debra Bokur

There’s nothing like a little active communing with the earth to help put your own world into perspective. Embarking on an eco tour can teach you about the staggering diversity of the natural world, help you develop a personal connection with the planet, and stretch your spirit in the process. Think of the massage at the end of the day as a well-earned dessert.

1 Myths & Mountains Spaaah!‚ Ecuador Journey‚ Ecuador, South America
Trek through a rainforest, visit local markets, hike to sacred waterfalls, and relax at Papallacta Hot Springs. Your excursion will include a variety of accommodations, from a mountain retreat and boutique hotel, to cabins next to natural hot springs, and the Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa, located in the heart of one of the planet’s most fertile, and biodiverse regions. Guides will familiarize you with the abundant bird and botanical life, including rare orchids. Offered in April, June, and February, with custom dates and prices also available. Land cost for the 9-day trip is $3,450.00 per person, and covers all tours, hotels, most meals, daily massages at Papallacta and Arasha, and ground transportation for tours included in the itinerary. (800) 670 6984, www.mythsandmountains.com

2 River Soul Journeys with ROW Adventures & River Dance Lodge‚ Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Learn firsthand about water habitats and wildlife while navigating the West’s best-loved rivers. Packages include several River Soul Journeys, combining jaunts down the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde rivers, with time-outs for yoga, meditation, and guided hikes. Some packages arrange for comfortable camping along the shore, while others “such as the River & Soul “include floating on the river, massage sessions, healthy meals, and accommodations in private log cabins. Cabins come equipped with champagne and chocolate welcome baskets. Prices and paddling difficulty vary throughout the season, with a host of package options. (800) 451-6034, www.ROWinc.com

3 Harmony Hotel Spa & Nature Custom Retreats Nosara, Costa Rica
This sustainably operated property embraces its slogan, In Tune with Nature, with tree planting programs, tours highlighting sustainable practices, canopy tours through the Costa Rican forest, and turtle nesting excursions to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to observe and learn about the nesting habits of indigenous Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Round out your nature adventures with treatments at the on-site Healing Centre, with a full range of spa therapies. Yoga is offered three times a day in the outdoor room next to the Centre’s pond, along with meditation sessions. The tropical gardens of the resort are the setting for guest rooms, bungalows, and suites. Meals are primarily vegetarian, featuring local organic fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Design your own retreat to include surf instruction, river kayaking, nature walks, fishing, and area tours. Bicycles are available free of charge. (011) 506-682-4114, www.harmonynosara.com

4 Journey’s End Resort Bacalar Chico Ecological Snorkel Tour‚ Ambergris Caye, Belize
This eco resort offers a wide variety of custom environmental & spa packages throughout the year, from excursions to the world’s only jaguar preserve to hikes through ancient Mayan ruins. Love the water? Sign up for a snorkeling trip to explore Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve. The park’s landscape includes cenotes, lagoons, and Mayan temples. Below water, you’ll experience the diverse flora and fauna of submerged caverns and watch as barracudas, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees float around you. Back above the surface, enjoy the songs and scents of exotic birds and delicate orchids. A full range of spa treatments is available at the resort’s Serenity Spa. Prices vary according to package details and time of year. (800) 460-5665, www.journeysendresort.com

5 M/V Coral Star of Panama’s Two Oceans Expedition Wellness Cruise Panama
From August 2 “9, this small ship will transit the Panama Canal, with excursions to the Embera Indians in the Darien Region and opportunities to explore the remote Pearl Islands. During the cruise, massage, yoga, and meditation are offered on the ship’s upper deck, with additional opportunities to practice your Down Dog in the white sands of beaches along the Pacific Coast. Learn about indigenous sea life while snorkeling and kayaking, then go ashore to hike among local birds and wildlife. Meals focus on local, fresh produce and indigenous foods. Maximum guest capacity is 16. Prices start at $3,500 based on double occupancy. (866) 924-2837, www.coralstar.com