OUR COMMITMENT
Our Commitment
At Gentian Trails, we deeply care about our most vulnerable communities and the natural environment. Since the company’s founding, we have been actively involved in socio-economic initiatives, sustainability, and environmental conservation. For us, every effort and experience must have a greater purpose, with a strong focus on giving back to people and protecting ecosystems.
In line with this philosophy, in 2007 we became Rainforest Alliance certified, and for the past 17 years we have been committed to two social aid projects and one conservation initiative:
Casa Atuntaqui: providing care and support for abandoned and terminally ill Indigenous people.
The Gentian Trails Scholarship: supporting the education of underprivileged Indigenous children in the northern Ecuadorian Andes.
Jatun (“Grande”) the Condor: adopting and protecting this majestic bird, which is critically endangered in Ecuador, ensuring its role in the future of the species.
We hope these three projects inspire you as much as they inspire us—and together, may we continue learning how to build a better world!
At Gentian Trails, we are proud members of The Long Run, a global community dedicated to advancing sustainability through the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.
Being part of this inspiring network reaffirms our strong commitment to responsible travel and to continuously pursuing excellence in sustainable luxury experiences. We are passionate about aligning our efforts with The Long Run’s vision and remain devoted to achieving its ambitious goals—creating meaningful and lasting impact through every journey we design.
Rainforest Alliance
As passionate advocates for both extraordinary journeys and environmental stewardship, we recognize the intrinsic link between preserving Ecuador’s natural wonders and offering you truly exceptional adventures.
From the captivating Galápagos Islands to the lush Amazon Rainforest and the breathtaking Andean highlands, Ecuador’s diverse landscapes inspire us to tread lightly and protect the beauty that enchants us. That is why we proudly partner with the Rainforest Alliance, a global leader in conservation.
Through this alliance, we ensure that our luxury experiences not only provide exclusive and immersive encounters but also contribute directly to the sustainability of Ecuador’s delicate ecosystems. Every step you take on our carefully designed trails supports local communities, promotes responsible tourism, and safeguards the habitats that make Ecuador a true paradise.
At Gentian Trails, we believe luxury is not only defined by high-end experiences, but also by the positive impact we leave behind. Join us in embracing the spirit of eco-conscious exploration, where preserving Ecuador’s natural heritage is as essential as the luxury you enjoy. Together, we are crafting a legacy of unforgettable experiences, while protecting the treasures that make Ecuador a jewel of world travel.
JATUN OUR ADOPTED CONDOR
Jatun is the third Andean condor chick—and the third male—successfully raised by Ayu and Inti within the Condor Huasi Project of Hacienda Zuleta and the Galo Plaza Lasso Foundation. Born in 2021, he followed his brothers Churi (2015) and Illapa (2019). His name means “big, tall” in Kichwa, chosen for his rapid growth and impressive strength. By his first health check at just nine months old, Jatun was already close to his father’s weight and size.
He was born under Ecuador’s National Conservation Plan for the Andean Condor, a critically endangered species in the country. This plan includes, among other efforts, a captive breeding program aimed at maintaining a backup population, safeguarding genetic diversity, and ultimately preparing for the release of captive-born condors to reinforce the wild population.
Today, Jatun resides in his own enclosure, giving his parents space to begin a new breeding season. He will remain there until he is joined by other condors to form a social group, an essential step in his development and future role in conservation.
CASA ATUNTAQUI
As part of our commitment to society and our philosophy of life, in December 2006 we launched a project to support homeless Indigenous people in the Otavalo area. Since then, Gentian Trails has shared a percentage of its profits to make monthly donations to Casa Atuntaqui, providing essential support to our Indigenous communities.
While significant resources worldwide are allocated to nature conservation and sustainable tourism, very few initiatives within Ecuador’s tourism sector focus directly on helping vulnerable human groups. Many travelers visit Otavalo for its famous market and breathtaking landscapes, yet behind this beauty lies another reality: sick and homeless Indigenous people who have been abandoned and are in great need of care.
Over the past seventeen years, much has been achieved in terms of infrastructure, medical assistance, and self-sustainability programs. We are proud to say that both our company and our clients have been an integral part of this progress. Our mission remains clear: to continue contributing and extending a hand to these remarkable people and to the wider community of Imbabura Province.
GENTIAN TRAILS - SCOLARSHIP
In September 2007, we began supporting a young Indigenous girl from a remote area near the Zuleta Valley in northern Ecuador. Her name is Monica Tito, and she was part of the education program run by the Zuleta Farm – Galo Plaza Foundation.
The Plaza Family, owners of Hacienda Zuleta, where we host our clients as part of our experiences, introduced us to their inspiring social projects. Since then, we have proudly participated in this education program. We first began by sponsoring Monica with a scholarship for her elementary school studies, and over time, we have extended our support to many more children.
Today, we remain committed to educating and empowering children, fulfilling our mission of giving back to society and creating opportunities for future generations.
