A landscape of hills and mountains under a cloudy sky, with grassy terrain in the foreground.
Logo with abstract shapes in various colors above the word "EcoEndurance"

EcoEndurance creates meaningful movement experiences around the world that support local and Indigenous communities and highlight community-based conservation.

Origin story

In 2022, EcoEndurance's founders met during a friend's adventure tour project in Ecuador called L'odyssée d'Huma. By the end of that tour, having run together all over the country in magnificent places, they sat together in an Andean hot spring, wondering aloud about a unique tour specifically for runners. From that moment forward, it was as if the idea could no longer be contained. What bubbled up from that "hot spring moment" was an equitable collaboration between friends from Ecuador and the US and a unique way to travel, move, and explore the world through ecotourism and running. 

In January 2023, EE's passionate collaborators, Mere, Juanjo, Cristian, and Andy, conducted a pilot run tour with Juanjo's Quito-based hiking company, La Trocha. When the pilot exceeded expectations, Mere returned to the US to launch EcoEndurance as a US-based partner with La Trocha.

In collaboration, we continue to realize our eco-running and hiking tour dreams. Today, EcoEndurance is broadening its horizons to launch sustainable, small-scale eco-running tours worldwide. Will you tag along?

Snow-capped mountain in a grassy plain under a blue sky.
The image shows a navy blue background with white text that reads "LA TROCHA" arranged in three rows.

Our Ecuador Partner

EcoEndurance and La Trocha teamed up to build a unique trail and travel experience in Ecuador.

La Trocha's founders have more than 10 years of experience exploring and discovering the best places in Ecuador. They love adventure and charting new paths, hence their name, La Trocha, meaning path or trail.

Our team

Mere Beaton, EcoEndurance leader

A group of people outdoors, with a woman in a yellow beanie and blue jacket preparing something at a stone structure, while others watch and chat, surrounded by trees and colorful flowers.

Mere finds happiness in the worlds of adventure athletics, sustainability, and exploration. That's how EcoEndurance was born. She’s up for the adventure. Once she went on a night hike to look for Jaguars in Belize, all while thinking, "what if I see one?" Once, she ran over three volcanoes in Guatemala and two in Nicaragua.

Andy Marx, EcoEndurance leader

A man with a beard and mustache wearing outdoor hiking gear, a soft cap, and a neck gaiter, stands on a dirt trail with purple flowers and mountain scenery in the background, under overcast skies.

Andy must have been a TV presenter or a tour bus guide in another life because he loves showing people around and getting on the mic. He always has facts and puns in his back pocket. Andy brings the fun, which is why he is sometimes called Fandy. Just know he gets a little uneasy around spiders.

Juanjo Calisto, La Trocha leader

Two men working together outdoors, one wearing a green t-shirt and orange cap, the other with a green headband and tribal face paint, holding a long wooden staff.

We like to say that Juanjo Calisto is always listo (ready). His adventures never cease! Juanjo, aka Coco has immense knowledge of his country and its environment. His energy and positive attitude help everyone around him embrace the journey. Juanjo is experienced in group management, guiding, coaching, and training.

Cristian Martínez, La Trocha leader

A man in outdoor gear and orange cap is holding a drone in the air and a smartphone in his other hand in front of a rustic house with potted plants, other people are in the background.

You’ll find Cristian piloting his drone and then sprinting to catch us without breaking a sweat. Not only is Cristian a runner and tourism professional, he’s a surfer and futbolista who loves his native Ecuador and his current home- Spain.