Carbon Footprint Offset Annual Report

1. Background

Climate change is a change in climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.

Climate change is one of the main threats to sustainable development and constitutes a major global challenge, as it is causing environmental impacts on the global economy, health, biodiversity, the environment and human well-being.

Responsible Travel is an inbound tour operator that strives to do what it can to mitigate and compensate for the effects of its economic activity on the environment. In this way, the organization focuses on being part of sustainable tourism, which, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), is defined as “tourism that aims to satisfy the needs of tourists and tourist destinations, protecting and increasing future opportunities”.

Within this framework, it is necessary to consider that the tourism industry has certain activities that result in unavoidable carbon emissions, so it is essential to take action against them. For example, air, land, or water transportation that passengers must use to travel while using the tourist service; or the imminent impact that human visits to natural or protected areas implies.

As a way of taking action, Responsible Travel has included within its policies a section that specifically refers to its environmental behavior, in such a way that it details the good practices of the organization, as well as the way in which the tourist can contribute by being responsible and conscious with society and nature.
Its environmental policy states what Responsible Travel undertakes to do in four essential areas:

– Electric power resource
– Waste management
– Natural, protected and conservation areas
– Environmental education

In the same way, considering that carbon footprint offsetting can be done through socio-cultural contributions, Responsible Travel also establishes within its regulations a Socio-Cultural Policy. In addition, strict purchasing, supply and supplier policies, operational policies, and business ethics, which establish a responsible attitude towards the environment and communities.

To fulfill its purpose, Responsible Travel works together with the Amazon Productive Foundation, in reforestation and community development projects.

2. Calculation of CO2 emissions

Responsible Travel, in order to measure the CO2 emissions from its activities, primarily relies on the calculator provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The ICAO is responsible for addressing issues related to international civil aviation and promoting consistent regulations and standards in global aviation.

Considering the destination and the number of passengers, the ICAO calculator allows us to estimate the approximate carbon emissions that need to be mitigated and offset. It’s important to consider the potential margin of error associated with this calculation.

The values used for the calculation are updated monthly throughout the year 2022.

Table 1: Tons of carbon emitted

Year

Approximate No. of Passengers

Approximate tnCO2 emitted

2022

445 pax

376,20 tnCO2

To monitor the compensation efforts being undertaken, Responsible Travel commits to conducting periodic assessments of the monetary value equivalent to the amount of emitted CO2. This is done in order to estimate the required investment for addressing these emissions and to establish a benchmark against which the actual results can be verified.

Given all the aforementioned considerations, the information provided by the Carbon Footprint organization has been adopted as the foundation. Carbon Footprint’s objective is to assist businesses of all sizes in achieving carbon neutrality by investing in various projects initiated by the organization.

Table 2: Dollars per ton of CO₂

Project

Dollars per Ton of CO₂

Reforestation in America

$ 9,87

Community projects

$ 11,28

3. Mitigation and compensation methods implemented

As part of our commitment to corporate responsibility, we have implemented methods of mitigation and compensation, along with a sustainability policy that addresses the following areas. These are outlined on our website and shared with all stakeholders.

It’s important to note, within this context, that carbon footprint compensation extends not only to environmental considerations but also encompasses social aspects. Hence, we provide an overview of the responsible business practices carried out by Responsible Travel under the framework of Responsible Business Conduct.

a. Responsible use of transportation during our services

As one of the main activities carried out to mitigate CO₂ emissions as much as possible, Responsible Travel maintains agreements with transportation suppliers that have the fleet in the best possible conditions and as stipulated in the supplier policies, prioritize those that have certifications of ethics and social and environmental responsibility.

b. Sustainable Programs in partnership with Fundación Amazonía Productiva (FAP)

Part of Responsible Travel’s carbon footprint offsetting actions is to contribute to sustainable and verifiable projects that provide an environmental and social benefit, contributing in some way with a grain of sand to the fight against climate change and that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the planet. It is for this reason that it has joined in cooperation with the Amazon Productive Foundation to meet this fundamental objective.

The cooperation with FAP is based on working hand in hand in two main areas: one environmental and the other of a social nature.

i. Environmental: Sustainable Reforestation Program

Responsible Travel is currently the main sponsor of Fundación Amazonía Productiva. In conjunction with the foundation, Responsible Travel is active in a reforestation program. The area in the process of planting is located in San Antonio de las Aradas in Loja, Ecuador. In September 2019, there was a terrible forest fire that caused the loss of more than 4,411 hectares of forest, native grasslands, and crops in the Fundochamba and San Antonio de las Aradas parishes of the Quilanga canton of Loja, according to the Situation Report – Forest Fires at the national level 2019 of Ecuador’s National Service for Risk Management and emergencies.

Responsible Travel designates 5% of its profits for reforestation. This project involves the continuous care of the plants, which are endemic plants that really contribute to environmental care and a certificate of environmental responsibility. However, behind all this work there is a great help to the communities in the area, giving them an opportunity for economic income, so the positive impact is not only environmental but also social.

Figure 1: Benefits within the reforestation program

As depicted in the image, each planted tree incurs a cost, which is designated for activities encompassing seed collection, germination processes, nursery cultivation, transportation, replantation, and subsequent post-planting care for each tree. All these tasks are carried out by individuals from the local community. This type of arrangement was established with the sole intention of stimulating the economy in rural areas and providing an alternative source of employment for farmers.

Throughout this process, individuals undergo training to ensure the highest quality of the services offered, thereby contributing to the educational advancement of local families and the development of their agricultural skills. It’s worth noting that the program also benefits from collaborating with these individuals, as their ancestral knowledge offers valuable insights into the endemic species of the region, thereby achieving effective and efficient environmental restoration.
In this manner, the four primary species that have been planted are:

● Arupo – Chionanthus pubescens
● Higuerón – Ficus luschnathiana
● Lalatume – Cedrela fissilis
● Subo – Ficus yoponensis

Some other plantes species are:

● Laureles – Cordia alliodora
● Zapote blanco – Casimiroa edulis
● Aguacates – Persea americana
● Naranjos – Citrus sinensis

Approximately 1.055 trees have been planted as of December 2022.

ii. Social: Chaka-Sucúa Program

The Chaka-Sucúa project provides comprehensive educational support to young men and women of limited economic resources and at-risk situations in the Julio Padilla Educational Unit in Sucúa, during the school year (September-June); the main objective is to reduce school dropout and absenteeism at the higher basic level by providing direct support to adolescents to improve their quality of life and become role models in their communities.

This project was born because the statistics of the educational institution in Sucúa show that around 12% of the students drop out each year. The main causes for dropping out are low academic performance, low self-esteem, repeating the school year, emotional problems, pedagogical and methodological factors, economic situation, and early pregnancy. For teenagers, the result is that they frustrate their life projects by facing a life of difficulties, falling into addictions, and increasing early pregnancy. According to the Ministry of Education, the highest school dropout rate in Morona Santiago is 12.42%, the highest in Ecuador.

Responsible Travel’s fundamental contribution to this program is based on training, directed homework, donation of educational materials, and supplies at the beginning and during the school year.

As of December 2022, 15 young students have graduated, and support for the education of 9 young individuals currently enrolled in secondary school is being maintained.

c. Fair Trade relations with small businesses

Another of the actions carried out by the company is to establish fair trade relations with small enterprises of local people. This type of agreement seeks to encourage the economy of SMEs, in search of community development.
In order to meet this goal, Responsible Travel, within its services, delivers welcome packages to passengers, which include all national products, made by small artisans from various areas of the country and also promote in addition to our tourism products, handicraft products of very good quality in each of our participation in international fairs, such as the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) and International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid (FITUR).

In 2022 the purchase of:

– 350 handmade handbags (Intisisa.org)
– 200 Biodegradable Handmade Soaps (astralbodyandmind.com)
– 50 Kawsana Coffee Bags

This not only benefits the businesses involved, but also seeks to preserve the traditions of artisan families and share Ecuadorian culture with the world.

4. Results

Once the calculation parameters have been established, it can be said that Responsible Travel should invest US$1.203,64 to offset the carbon footprint emitted in 2022, as shown in the table below:

Table 3: Calculation of investment needed for compensation

Project

US$ per tn of CO₂

tnCO₂

Total to Invest

Reforestation in America

$ 9,87

188.10 tnCO₂

$1.856,5

Community projects

$ 11,28

188.10 tnCO₂

$2.121,7

 

TOTAL

376,20 tnCO₂

$3.978,2

During 2022, Responsible Travel allocated a fund of $2,500 US dollars for carbon footprint offsetting through projects with the Amazonía Productiva Foundation. Combined with the differences of $796.36 US dollars from 2021 and $882.65 US dollars from 2019, this totals $4,179.01 US dollars, which compensates for the total CO2 emissions emitted throughout the year 2022.

Additionally, the surplus of $200.81 US dollars is used to offset the CO2 emissions from activities that cannot be calculated due to our technological and logistical limitations.

At Responsible Travel, we encourage all travel agencies and other institutions to join the fight against climate change by calculating their carbon footprint and contributing to the mitigation and compensation of emissions caused by daily activities.

For the record, this is signed in the city of Quito on January 6, 2023.

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Responsible Travel Ecuador provided excellence in all areas of the trip. Jazmin provided excellent advice, and itinerary planning based on my stated goals of observing specific wildlife! Excellent, will do business with them again in the future!

Sunchaser Photography Dezember 10, 2024
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This agency helped us plan a memorable trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Cynthia was our coordinator, she was timely and professional with all communication and detailed from beginning to end. Cynthia was able to include everything we wanted to experience and open to our feedback to help create the final itinerary. The daily excursions were great, especially in Ecuador where we had Danny as our guide and Luis as our driver. Luis was safe and timely in all transportation and Danny went above and beyond at every step. At one point I wasn't feeling well and Danny went out of his way to find me some medicine. Danny was also extremely knowledgeable on everything.. history, the agriculture, the people.. 10/10 guide! Overall a great agency to work with!

Carmen Chegoz November 16, 2024
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Ha sido un viaje maravilloso, bien organizado, muy seguro, el guía Sebastián categoría premium sabe de todo, amable, responsable y maneja el coche de maravilla, prudente y ciertamente excepcional para su juventud. Yo repetiré viaje con esta agencia y haré Amazonia. Violeta Miguel

Violeta Mi November 11, 2024
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Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador…

Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador was extremely helpful, efficient and attentive. She found me an excellent offer for a cruise in the Galapagos and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Everything went smoothly and I can highly recommend Monica. She took care of every detail.

Marianne Jenni November 6, 2024

Cruise to the Galapagos

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga Oktober 5, 2024

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga Oktober 5, 2024
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Uma viagem inesquecível, onde tudo saiu conforme o esperado, sem falhas ou qualquer contratempo. Tudo, desde a recepção até o final foi um exemplo de competência e organização admiráveis. Equador não é um destino como outros, e no nosso caso teve roteiros variados, como uns dias na Amazônia, Cruzeiro para visitar as ilhas mais distantes de Galápagos e visita às principais ilhas. Bastante coisa pra ser organizada mas deu tudo certo. Galápagos foi incrível, a conexão com a natureza foi perfeita e eu só tenho a agradecer a Gabriela Cadena que conseguiu captar exatamente o que a gente queria e colocou no nosso roteiro tudo com maestria. Recomendo a agência e a Gabriela sem medo de errar.

Noilves Pelisser September 29, 2024
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One of the best trips of my life

One of the best trips of my life! I absolutely loved Ecuador and the variety of landscapes it offers (from the coast to the Andes and the Amazon rainforest). The trip was very well organized and made easy for us. The guides were all very knowledgeable and generally helped us have a great time. Would absolutely repeat.

Laura Sopeña Álvarez September 22, 2024

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Juan David Vaca August 26, 2024
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Excelente experiencia, agencia seria, disponible y cumplidora. Reservamos un crucero en Galápagos y la atención de Jazmín ha sido estupenda en todo momento, super recomendados.

francesco August 26, 2024
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A HUGE thank you to Responsible Travel and our wonderful coordinator Gabriela for making our August visit to the Galapagos and Amazon absolutely amazing! Gabriela catered the trip to our specific family's needs and capabilities, and every logistical step went very smoothly. The accommodations were top-notch, as were the local guides in each destination. We saw every animal we were hoping to see, and then some! We felt so secure and cared for in the hands of Responsible Travel that I've already recommended our exact itinerary to four additional families. This trip was incredible!!

Kristy Croushore August 25, 2024
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Excelente y personalizado servicio por…

Excelente y personalizado servicio por parte de Cynthia. El crucero fue fenomenal así como vuelos, traslados, guías y comidas. Sin sorpresas.

Enric Sol August 21, 2024

Servicio impecable, Cynthia nos acompañó durante todo el proceso de reserva, enviándonos información actualizada y resolviendo todas nuestras dudas vía WhatsApp casi al momento. Tanto los guías como los vuelos, crucero, comidas, traslados y actividades fueron perfectos. Muy recomendable para evitar sustos y despistes y conocer Galápagos con total comodidad.

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Effective, honest, and creative agency!

We could not be happier with our experience with this agency. The service provided by Maria Jose, who was our trip coordinator, was outstanding from day one. She made sure to understand our goals and vision for the trip, and was patient enough to work through multiple itinerary versions until we finalized it together. The chose the correct hotels, routes, and activities based on what we spoke about, and the guides/personnel on the ground that they reserved for us were trustworthy, puntual, and very knowledgeable. Every day they checked in on us with a text, to make sure that everything was going accordingly, which is a sign of excellent service. I highly recommend working with Maria Jose/Tamer and the entire Responsible Ecuador Travel team - I will do so for my next trip as well. 5/5, thank you!

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Mi viaje con Responsible Travel

Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

Mateo Camacho August 4, 2024

Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

Mateo Camacho August 4, 2024
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Cynthia my contact of the agency Responsible Travel resolved all my doubts and questions of the trip. She keep me informed about muy bookings and updates of my itinerary. Also she ensure that everything went well.

Patricia Uribe August 3, 2024
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Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard…

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sandy pico Mai 31, 2024

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico Mai 31, 2024
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I highly recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador. They are very professional and flexible to organize the perfect trip for you.Gabriela organized the trip for us to mainland, Amazon and Galapagos islands and she was excellent.She did everything for us and the entire itinerary was a unique experience. Our guide Wellington on the mainland was very helpful and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time with him!! We enjoyed every activity and will definitely return in the future to this beautiful country!!

George Liskas Februar 15, 2024
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Andres Garzon Februar 3, 2024
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Adam Conard Dezember 13, 2023
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The best of the best!

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Dave Khandros Dezember 1, 2023

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Carla Mazzini Dezember 1, 2023

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Bess Murray November 4, 2023
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Les Galapagos c'est le paradis !

Notre voyage aux Galapagos était super bien organisé, les jours avec visites autant que le temps libre ! Les hôtels choisis par l'agence étaient très confortables et accueillants, et les guides sur place super accueillants ! Aucun problème ... donc toute la famille n'a eu qu'à en profiter!

Douglas Oktober 7, 2023

I planned a trip to South America at the last minute, and Gaby was incredible! She created an amazing itinerary with me where I was able to go to Quito, the Galapagos islands, and Cuzco Peru. It was a truly unforgettable trip, and I would strongly recommend that you consider Gaby for your next South American adventure. She can help as little or as much as you need and is extremely responsive. I am a big fan of hers now!

Gigi Z Oktober 5, 2023
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Cuentan con paquetes muy buenos y se adaptaron a mis necesidades para viajar en crucero a galápagos

Andrés Perugachi August 31, 2023
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Felipe Villegas August 25, 2023
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Gran tour en barco de última hora

Fue una reserva de última hora de un tour en barco por Galápagos y nos ayudaron en todo momento. Grandes profesionales y el tour fue maravilloso

David B. Juli 19, 2023

Outstanding service

Responsible Travel Ecuador helped us find the outfit that met our needs in our visit to Galapagos. Interaction with our agent was easy and effective. She was really responsive and provided us with all the information we needed - also suggestions for further visits in Ecuador's mainland. I definitely would recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador for any travel needs in that beautiful country.

Nuria Juli 17, 2023

Una experiencia inolvidable con Responsible Travel: Descubriendo la magia de Ecuador

Responsible Travel es una agencia de viajes que ha dejado una huella imborrable en mi corazón. Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de explorar las maravillas de Ecuador a través de su excelente servicio, y no puedo dejar de elogiar su enfoque responsable y comprometido con la sostenibilidad. Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con ellos, su equipo demostró una gran atención y pasión por brindar experiencias auténticas y respetuosas con el entorno local.

Gabi Ramos Juni 29, 2023

Fantastic Experience!

I did multiple family treks with this company and the service is impeccable. Staff always has a smile and big energy to inspire you to expand your horizons. A big shout to everyone and thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Daniel Larrea Juni 27, 2023

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va…

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va ser a L' Ecuador amb aquesta experimentada empresa que em ajudar abans, durant i despres del viatge. Totalment recomendada

Santiago Cardenas Juni 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander Juni 27, 2023
Emilia Assa April 12, 2023
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We have booked a two day tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, a 5 days tour in the amazonia and also arranged some private transfers with the team. I have discussed everything with Lucia who has been very helpful, always answering on time and providing the best options. Would recommend the travel agency.

Iulian Petcu März 5, 2023
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By chance I happened to connect with Responsible Travel and I am glad I did. My agent was Estefania “Stefi” Puga and I could not have had a more attentive and responsive person arrange my travel plans. I am a nature lover with a special interest in birds. Stefi arranged a trip that included 3 lodges over 6 nights, transportation, guides, tours and other features and made it all easy. In addition I received messages regularly before I began the trip to check on details and assure me that all will be well. During the trip she checked in daily to see if everything was ok. It was a pleasure to work with such a caring and attentive agent. If I return to Ecuador, I will call Stefi.

Lee Burton Februar 27, 2023
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Great time- Great Service

Great time- Great Service

leejburton Februar 27, 2023
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12 unvergessliche Tage in Ecuador und auf den Galapagos-Inseln

12 unvergessliche Tage in Ecuador und auf den Galapagos-Inseln

Skjavel Februar 19, 2023
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Abenteuer im Amazonasgebiet ohne Anstrengung

Abenteuer im Amazonasgebiet ohne Anstrengung

Tom Contos Februar 9, 2023
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Wundervoll

Wundervoll

Chihiro A Januar 22, 2023
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Eine einmalige Reise zu den Galapagos-Inseln

Eine einmalige Reise zu den Galapagos-Inseln

LJH Januar 17, 2023
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Galapagos-Inseln Tagesausflüge

Galapagos-Inseln Tagesausflüge

Joanna J Januar 9, 2023
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Excellent

Excellent

Jiří B Januar 9, 2023
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I had an amazing 3-week tour in Ecuador (continent and Galapagos islands) thanks to this team! The country is very beautiful, no doubt, but the guides were amazing, very professional and provided great information. The hotels chosen by the agency were very good. I am very grateful for this experience! Thank you!

Bárbara Martins Januar 1, 2023
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3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

Barbara M Januar 1, 2023
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