Argentina: Wildlife of Peninsula Valdes

Gerard “Ged” Caddick founded Terra Incognita Ecotours in 2004 after over fifteen years of working in the Expedition Travel industry. Ged has led many trips for Lindblad Expeditions, International Expeditions, World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History as well as many College Alumni groups, the National Audubon Society and the Smithsonian Institution.

Ged also lived in Belize, Central America for a number of years in the late 1980’s and worked in the Conservation of Endangered Species for twelve years before becoming involved in the Expedition Travel industry. It is this mix of Expedition Travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) and Conservation that has helped to shape how Terra Incognita Ecotours operates.

We utilize locally owned lodges, restaurants and operations and importantly we always employ local guides in each destination, who provide detailed knowledge, enthusiasm and insight to all the destinations we visit.

Additionally we have a Conservation Partner in each destination who joins the Ecotours at some point to talk about their work, and share with us the challenges, successes and perhaps failures of conservation work on the front lines. This unique and detailed “behind-the-scenes” access is what makes a Terra Incognita Ecotours different from a normal tour and sets us apart as being committed to the conservation challenges facing the places we visit.

We are committed to making a difference to you and to the places we visit: We draw on our legacy of adventure, experience and knowledge, our commitment is to provide travelers with opportunities to participate in ecotours, which explore the world with a sense of discovery and wonder, and to preserve our environment for future generations. As we do so, we strive to create ecotours that are as enriching and memorable as they are comfortable and fun.

Indeed, we pledge to engage in responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Hence we adhere to the following principles:

--Minimize impact

--Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect

--Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts

--Provide direct financial benefits for conservation

--Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people

--Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate

--Support international human rights and labor agreements

We take these principles to heart, and for every person who joins one of our ecotours we make a donation to one of the leading conservation organizations working in the area. Indeed we partner with these organizations to help increase their effectiveness. Our conservation partners will send a representative to join us, to explain their work, to provide added insight, to make your experience more relevant, rewarding and unique.