IV. Reading
      The first eco-tours were in Africa and Latin America. These eco-tourists traveled to interestingplaces and studied the environment. Soon eco-tourists began to organize groups to help in thecommunities. These groups worked hard; for example, a group of city office workers “got their handsdirty”. They built a new trail in an area where rain was eroding the soil on the side of the mountain. Theycarried stones to strengthen the steep hill and to make steps in some areas. They planted native bushes tohold back the mud in the rainy season. They were ideal eco-tourists.
     Nowadays eco-tourists can choose from several kinds of tours. They can be “rugged” eco-tourists.Rugged tourists make plans and arrangements themselves. They do not expect comforts like hot waterand soft beds. They travel alone or in small groups by foot, train and bus. Other tourists want adventurebut they also like comfort. These tourists are more likely to travel on organized trips. These trips mayinclude hiking in the mountains, watching birds or whales, digging with archaeologists, sailing on theocean, or rafting on a wild river. Other eco-tours promote cultural understanding and friendship. Sometravelers live with people of the community.