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Ultimate Ecuador *15 days*

Jump right into the action with a fast-paced mountain bike descent down Pinchincha Volcano, then settle into a lodge perched above the cloudforest canopy. Continue the adventure with a whitewater rafting trip before setting off on a 3-day trek through the high Andes, camping inside extinct volcanic craters. Then experience a kayak expedition into one of the most important and biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Here we\'ll camp for two nights, and enjoy the Shiripuno jungle lodge in indigenous Huaorani territory in the vast Amazon basin. The Huaorani lived as hunters and gathers, entirely without outside contact until the end of the 1950s. Your trip helps encourage and promote long-term conservation of the traditional Huaorani community and the protection of their surrounding jungle environment.

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Day 1 Arrive Quito

Overnight.

Day 2 Volcano Biking (L,D)

Mountain biking on an Ecuador adventureBegin your Ecuador travel adventure with an exhilarating descent down the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. The tundra grass of the Andean páramo changes before your eyes (and the knobby tires of your bikes) as you roll into the lush cloud forest. Steep gorges and ridges covered by impenetrable jungle provide spectacular views on the 3-4 hour downhill ride. In the afternoon, settle into Bellavista's cloudforest lodge and begin your first explorations of this unique ecosystem.

Day 3 Bellavista Cloudforest (B,L,D)

Bellavista protects 1800 acres of endangered cloudforest on the western slopes of the Andes. Bordering the Choco bio-region, the forest is part of something that scientists refer to as a biodiversity "hotspot" - a place of extreme biodiversity in danger of extinction. Today you'll explore the miles of trails at Bellavista, passing by waterfalls, steep ravines, and thick gardens of hanging epiphytes in search of some of the 320 bird species recorded here. You'll learn more about the area's complex ecology, what Bellavista is doing to protect it, and about the endangered mammals such as the spectacled bear, mountain lion, Andean coati, and others that take refuge here...

Day 4 Whitewater Rafting (B,L)

Time to hit the Class III+ rapids of the best whitewater in the Western Andes! During the winter months, you'll be on the Rio Blanco and in the summer you'll paddle the Rio Toachi. On these exhilarating rides, you'll pass through forested canyons and isolated villages as you descend towards the Pacific lowlands. This afternoon, it's back to Quito to get ready for tomorrow's trek into the high Andes.

Days 5-7 Cayambe-Coca Trek (2B,3L,3D)

Travelers enjoying the Cayambe Coca trek in Ecuadorian AndesThis morning you'll depart Quito and head high into the Andean paramo to the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. Each day will include trekking for 4-6 hours at 3800-4200 meters in some of the most isolated and unique terrain in the Andes. You'll be hiking through an area of alpine grasslands, lakes, wetlands, high cliffs and waterfalls. The reserve also boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna including giant rosette plants, cushion plants, orchids, Andean Condor, foxes, dwarf dear and even the shy spectacled bear.

Travelers enjoy meals are prepared with care on the Cayambe Coca trek in EcuadorEach morning you'll rise early and try to spot the Andean condor, cara-caras, spotted ducks and more as you pass by a chain of small lakes. As your trek continues, you may stop for a moment to reflect on the impressive granite walls, patched with waterfalls. In the distance, the Antisana and Puntas volcanoes command the horizon. On your last day you'll descend from the grasslands of the high paramo into the warm lushness of cloudforest. The spectacular valley walls are covered in dense vegetation that will remind you of your days at Bellavista. Tonight and the next day, pamper yourself at Papallacta, enjoying the thermal pools and the optional spa treatments at the resort - a well deserved reward for your high altitude trek!

Note: This is a strenuous hike and travelers should come prepared for cold and often wet conditions of hiking over uneven terrain. The rewards for completing the trek are experiencing one of the world's most unique and precious ecosystems and remote landscapes that only the lucky few have the chance to venture.

Day 8 Papallacta/ Quito (B,L)

Enjoy your morning at the hot springs of Papallacta. Legend says that Inca royalty would travel to Papallacta to soak in its thermal waters. It's easy to see why Inca royalty traveled so far to enjoy this place. Nestled between steep mountains blanketed by lush vegetation, Papallacta provides the perfect setting to soak away your sore muscles before returning to Quito.

Day 9 Into the Jungle (B,L,D)

Kayaking adventure in the remote AmazonA morning flight carries you over the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes and down into the Amazon basin to begin your Amazon tour. A three-hour drive will take you to your put-in on the Shiripuno River and the start of your amazing journey. You'll meet your Huaorani guide and spend time in a local community were you'll have the unique experience of learning about the Huaorani people, their traditions, their history and their commitment to preserving the natural treasures of the region. Tonight's campsite is hosted by a local Huaorani family - enjoy a campfire dinner.

Day 10 Huaorani Community and Shiripuno Paddling (B,L,D)

Whitewater rafting adventure in EcuadorFollowing breakfast, visit the nearby Noneno Community where the local Huaorani share more traditions and aspects of daily lifestyle. After our visit we'll continue kayaking down the Shiripuno - you'll have nearly 25 km of river kayaking to do-- a challenging trip, but along the way you will be treated with the wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This incredible region boasts some of the world's highest biodiversity and sustains the traditional lifestyle of numerous indigenous groups. On your silent journey downriver you'll have an excellent chance of spotting monkeys, capybara, toucans, macaws, tapir and maybe even the elusive jaguar. There will be plenty of short stops to stretch and rest your muscles. Expect a late arrival to this evening's campsite.

Day 11 Kayaking and Hiking (B,L,D)

Today you'll paddle to the remote Shiripuno Jungle lodge; the wooden buildings and thatched roofs blend into the surrounding landscape. In the evening, enjoy a hike into the forest as the wildlife becomes more active, where your naturalist guide teaches you about the complex ecology of the rainforest. Relax and overnight in the rustic jungle lodge.

Day 12 Rainforest hiking and lake exploration (B,L,D)

Amazon monkey spotted during an remote trip of EcuadorA short trip upriver in motorized canoe will take us to the start of our rainforest hiking adventure. We'll explore old-growth and flooded (varzea) forest. We'll hike for 4-5 hours, keeping an eye out for monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, and jaguar tracks. During our walk the expedition guide and Huaorani guide explain their practical, medicinal and spiritual relationship with the Amazon jungle.

After lunch we will reach a series of small lakes, where we will paddle in wooden canoes. You'll reach a region of flooded forest and small jungle lakes where you'll have the chance to spot the prehistoric Hoatzin bird and caimans (a relative of the alligator). There is also great fishing in the area. Tonight, you'll return to Shiripuno where you can relax in a hammock and share stories about your Amazon adventures.

Day 13 Motorized Canoe to Coca. Overnight (B,L,D)

After a short wildlife hike in the morning to see a glorious sunrise -- and one more chance to spot some Amazon wildlife -- you head back upriver by motorized canoe, and transfer to Coca where you'll overnight before your flight back to Quito in the morning.

Day 14 Fly Quito. Overnight.

Take a morning flight back to Quito to complete your Amazon tour. At the airport, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel and have the evening free to enjoy Quito.

Day 15 Return Home

 

US$ 2990
 15 days starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador. Sat. departures
Tour Code: UE15
Single Supplement: US$95

Travel Highlights Quito
Bellavista
Cayambe-Coca
Papallacta
Mountain Biking
Whitewater Rafting
3D/2N Trekking
Amazon
Expedition Kayaking
Camping
Jungle Lodge
Huaorani Territory

Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights mountain lodge, 4 nights camping, 2 nights rustic jungle lodge

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: Local flights, taxi/jeep, motorized and paddle dugout canoes, private van, mountain bike, raft, your own two feet!

Note: Internal flights Quito-Coca-Quito is not included. Please add US$120 for roundtrip (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff: Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Bilingual local naturalist guide and Indian guide in the Amazon; Local Representative in Quito. bilingual guides through

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$80 for meals, US $45 international departure tax, and money for souvenirs.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$75

Is it for Me? An active itinerary that covers mainland Ecuador from the cloudforest to the Amazon. No previous experience necessary, but travelers should be fit and ready for remote adventure.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Start Dates 2008 : Nov 15, Dec 13 2009 : Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, May 30, Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 12
» Custom dates are available! «
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Prices are based on a 3% cash discount

 


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