Happy Gringo Travel Completes Tree-Planting Project at Parque Metropolitano

Happy Gringo Travel, an Ecuadorian tour operator, has completed a significant tree-planting project at Parque Metropolitano in Quito, Ecuador. The initiative, which took place in late September 2026, involved the planting of native tree species and the use of QR codes to monitor the growth and survival of the trees over time. This project is part of the company's broader efforts to enhance its environmental impact and align with its B Corp certification, which it received in July 2026 with an overall B Impact Score of 89.1.

Eva Merkx, General Manager of Happy Gringo Travel, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable practices.

The project at Parque Metropolitano is not just about planting trees. It is part of a broader strategy to make Happy Gringo Travel a more sustainable and transparent organization. The company maintains local tax compliance and provides 15 percent mandatory profit-sharing to its staff, enrolling them in Ecuador's national social security system. Happy Gringo Travel operates guided land tours and small-ship cruises across mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, offering a range of itineraries that cater to travelers interested in exploring the rich biodiversity of the region.

John Potts, President of Happy Gringo Travel, highlighted the multifaceted impact of the company's commitment to sustainability.

The tree-planting project at Parque Metropolitano is part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the company's environmental footprint. Happy Gringo Travel has strengthened its environmental impact management, improved its recycling processes, started measuring its carbon footprint, and built stronger governance systems and procedures. These efforts have not only helped the company become more transparent and accountable but have also allowed it to give back to the communities and places that make its journeys possible.

Happy Gringo Travel prides itself on a personalized approach to service and a team of local travel experts who know the country like the back of their hands. With 20 years of experience, the company has established itself as a travel agency/tour operator in Ecuador, offering a range of services that cater to both local and international travelers. The project at Parque Metropolitano is a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability and its belief that travel can be a force for good when approached with the right mindset.