Hi, my name is Felipe Arteaga, and I was born in Quito-Ecuador.

I'll describe a little bit of what I have done with my life!

I studied Applied Ecology at USFQ College in Quito and then had the chance to study abroad for one year in the USA at Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pennsylvania). I also had the chance to live in England while attending King´s College (London) for my Masters in Environmental Tourism and Development.

My professional career includes working for the Rainforest Alliance in the Sustainable Tourism Program as well as working with various volunteer organizations that coordinate international volunteer placement programs, including Peace Corps Ecuador.

I worked also as a naturalist tour guide for a couple of years, mainly in the beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon. This amazing experience allowed me to work with and understand the reality of several indigenous communities in the rainforest, including how these social groups have adapted to use tourism as a tool, both for sustainable community development and as an alternative to oil extraction in their territories.

This is what actually inspired me to create my own eco and community based tourism operator - Greentrek Sustainable Travel- which I hope can help make a change for both, the local community and the traveler!.

I enjoy living in Quito as it is a beautiful city sitting between the mountains. I try to ride my bike as much as possible around the city because I believe we should minimize the impact on our environment as much as possible!

I like spending time outdoors in nature, but I also enjoy the city life, going to the movies and a fun night out in a club (with electronic music please!).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I recently discovered couchsurfing as my sister told me about it after her travels in Australia, and thought I'll give it a try now that I have the opportunity to travel to the U.S.

I think it is such a great (and sustainable!) initiative, it helps build trust among travelers as well as giving each other a hand.

I also want to host in the future so I can give back what others have done for me by opening their home to me.

Interests

I am interested in sustainability, ecology, conservation, hiking, photography, traveling, camping, cooking and culture.

• culture
• photography
• environment
• cooking
• clubbing
• movies
• traveling
• music
• electronic music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• business
• ecology
• entrepreneurship
• study abroad
• tourism
• volunteering
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy electronic music very much! specially trance & house.

At this moment in my life I enjoy reading about mindfulness & meditation.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Start my own eco business to promote sustainable travel!
Check it out at: www.greentrek.org

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share a bit of insight regarding Ecuadorian/Latin American culture as well as my ideas about sustainable living and my journey of being an entrepreneur, what I have learned from myself and others!

Countries I’ve Visited

United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England