Living in Ecuador, Indigenous Communities, Rainforest Conservation, and Cultural Experiences With Photographer Mark Fox

Today, I’m joined by photographer Mark Fox to talk about his experience working in Amazon Rainforest conservation and how he built a life around travel and his passions.

Mark is a British photographer based in Quito, Ecuador. In 2017, he quit his stable job as a cameraman in the UK to travel the world. He now works with an Amazon conservation organization, collaborating with Indigenous leaders and local governments to protect three world-class biocooridors for wildlife migration.

In this episode, Mark shares what he’s learned from working in conservation and spending time with Indigenous communities, advice on visiting these communities as an independent traveler (and having genuine experiences), and how to respectfully photograph locals on your travels. You’ll hear about his stint working at an Ayahuasca retreat and how this opened him up spiritually, daily life in Ecuador, and much more!

How can you build a life around your passions and travel? Are you already on that path? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

• Why Mark chose Ecuador as his base and his approach to living life in stages
• How skateboarding sparked his passion for photography and how he manages self-doubt
• What it was like working at an Ayahuasca retreat and his experience using plant medicine
• Mark’s advice for pursuing your passion and sustaining a living while traveling
• Why biocorridors are essential to wildlife and conservation  
• How we can best support Indigenous communities and avoid the “white savior” complex
• His advice for photographing locals without being intrusive
• The must-visit places in Ecuador (besides the Galapagos)
• Living expenses, daily life, and culture in Ecuador
• His dangerous adventure through narco territory
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
• Today's Sponsor - Airbnb
• Check out Mark’s photography
• Support Andes Amazon Conservancy
• Plan a work exchange with Workaway

Want More?

• Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins
• Australia Through Indigenous Eyes
• Adventure and Conservation: A 6000 km Tuk Tuk Journey Through Africa

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