| Duration: |
8 days - Quito to Quito |
| Countries Visited: |
Ecuador |
| Age Guide: |
18-45 years |
| Max Group Size: |
16 |
| Transport: |
Local Bus, Private Van, On Foot |
| Accommodation: |
Hotel (3 Nights), Jungle Lodge (2 Nights), Farmhouse/Hacienda (1 Night), Comfortable Mountain Refuge (1 Night) |
| What's Included: |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners - Escorted Tour with Experienced Guide/Leader - All Activities as Per Itinerary - All Specialist Equipment required for Activities, Including Mountaineering Equipment for Ascending Cotopaxi - Certified ASEGUIM Mountain Guide for Cotopaxi |
| Local Payment: |
NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: |
Quito - Equatorial Rainforest - Horse-Riding - Jungle Trekking - White Water Rafting - Papallacta Hot Springs - Mountain Biking - Cotopaxi Farmhouse - Ice-Climbing - Cotopaxi Summit |
| Optional Highlights: |
No optional highlights |
| Meeting Point: |
Hotel Jardin del Sol
Calama 166 y Diego de Almagro
Quito (new town)
Ecuador
Tel: ++593-2-2230941 / ++593-2-2230945
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| Introduction: |
Looking to get away from it all and try something completely different with lots of excitement and adrenalin? Ecuador is still a relatively well kept secret compared to it's fellow South American countries. Yet, it offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor adventure due to its geography and climate. Our Ecuador Action Package focuses on lots of adventure based activities which are all included in the price; white-water rafting, horse-riding, jungle trekking, biking, ice-climbing and reaching the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano. If you are looking for action in a remote part of the world then this is the tour for you! (Please note that you should be in good physical condition to complete this tour).
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| Day 1: |
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and the second highest capital in Latin America at 2,800m. It was once one of the main cities of the Inca Empire before the Spanish Conquest. The Spanish established Quito on the same site as the original Inca city, founding Quito in 1534. Quito is divided up into the old city and the new city. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its attractive with many churches, plazas, colonial buildings with carved wooden balconies and steep cobblestone streets. Markets and the Quechua Indians supply local colour. The new city, where our hotel is situated, is a short trolley bus ride from the old city area. In the new city you will find many outdoor cafes, restaurants and bars, internet cafes and shops. The old city of Quito is unfortunately earning a reputation as a city with many pickpockets and muggings. Be especially careful with your belongings here. We strongly advise to not visit the old city area after dark, and during the day wear your daypacks at the front, and your money securely put away. The new city has not got quite the same reputation, but it still pays to be cautious here too. On arrival in Quito you are free to explore at your own leisure and acclimatize slowly to the altitude, and how about getting into the action straight away by catching the newly built "Teleferiqo" cable car ride up the mountain to 4,100m!! The views of Quito are simply breathtaking.
You need to be at your hotel at 6pm to meet up with your Tour Leader/Guide and your fellow travelers for a tour briefing.
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| Day 2: |
We leave Quito and head from the Andes down into Amazon territory reaching our jungle lodge located well off the beaten-path on the banks of the crystal clear River Inchillaqui which even has a white sandy beach! It’s here that we get to enjoy our first activity, horse-riding. This unforgettable excursion is suited for both beginners and advanced riders. Under professional guidance and well-cared-for horses the ride takes about two and a half hours traversing through rivers and streams, flat and hilly areas, and don’t forget that this is in the rainforest, so you will hopefully get the opportunity to see lots of interesting flora and fauna. Afterwards you can swim in the river and admire the pre-colombian petroglyphs both located a stone’s throw from your cabin, or if you want to stretch those legs then you can select from one of many marked nature trails on the lodge’s property. Both lunch and dinner are served at the lodge’s restaurant, where there is also a fully stocked bar.
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| Day 3: |
After having breakfast at the lodge you will transfer to a small native community on the shores of the Arajuno River where you climb aboard dug-out tree-trunk canoes which will take you to the start of your jungle trail. Along the way a professional bilingual guide will explain the wide range of flora, their uses by the indigenous populations and their medicinal properties, and fauna (birds, amphibians and insects). The trail will certainly test your stamina as you head deeper into the Amazon Basin through both primary and secondary rainforest where the humidity and heat really hit you! Lunch will be served in the rainforest. You will return to the lodge at approximately 6.00pm for a well-deserved shower, dinner and rest.
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| Day 4: |
Today our tour takes us on a tropical water adventure! After breakfast we head to the Jatunyacu River which means the “big river” in the local Quechua dialect and is the location for our class 3/3+ white water rafting (no previous experience required). Firstly there is a safety briefing and a full explanation on controlling the raft and how to ride this mighty river with as much fun as possible! Along the way you will get to see stunning scenery, waterfalls, wildlife and lots of rapids. Lunch will be served at a quiet location on the riverbank. Next stop, are the Papallacta Hot Springs where we will spend one night on the banks of the Papallacta River wedged between Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana. It’s a unique natural environment that offers nine hot thermal pools or varying temperatures between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F) and three cold water pools, and of course, the chance to soak up those therapeutic salts and minerals and relax in this bizarre, remote location.
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| Day 5: |
Feeling fully refreshed and packed with energy, it’s time to hit the trails on a mountain biking adventure! A day of exciting biking action – both off-road on mountain tracks and on the winding downhill road from Antisana to Chapiñan – passing beautiful mountain views, Andean lakes and lush green scenery as you go.
From Papallacta we begin our journey to Cotopaxi, one of the highest, active volcanoes in the world at 5,897m (19,347ft). At this altitude we need some time to acclimatise, so what better place than a 150 year old farmhouse set in the spectacular Interandino Valley, the "avenue of the volcanoes", a part of the western mountain range of the Andes located south of Quito in Ecuador.
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| Day 6: |
After breakfast at the farmhouse we transfer to Cotopaxi National Park. From there we drive up to the car-park at 4,600m. The refuge is a short trek up to 4,800m where we get to try ice-climbing training, an essential part of the Cotopaxi climb. You are now well and truly in the Andes! The Cotopaxi area has the highest number of clear days per year in the Ecuadorian Andes and has an average nightly temperature of -15 degrees Celsius. The refuge gives us more time to acclimatise and is comfortable and warm with about 60 bunk-beds, running water, two kitchens, toilets, a fireplace and storage facilities.
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| Day 7: |
The adventure starts at midnight!! We climb the Whymper route in the direction of Yanasacha, meaning “large black rock” in Quechua, and then on towards the summit with an ascending time of 5 to 8 hours. Reaching the summit is certainly a challenge but one that you will remember forever, the sense of achievement can be overwhelming. From the summit there are great views of the crater, the neighbouring peaks of Ruminahui and Corazon, and the valley of the volcanoes itself. The descending time is 2½ to 4 hours, then transferring to and arriving in Quito at about 3pm.
Please note: The ascent of Cotopaxi to its peak may not be possible due to adverse weather conditions which at this altitude can happen all year around. In the event of this happening we would attempt to reach the refuge or if possible ascend another near by Andean peak.
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| Day 8: |
Tour ends and memories begin.
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| Finishing Point: |
Hotel Jardin del Sol
Calama 166 y Diego de Almagro
Quito (new town)
Ecuador
Tel: ++593-2-2230941 / ++593-2-2230945
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| Please Note: |
Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.
Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. We make a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.
Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
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| Pre Departure Meeting: |
The Pre-Departure meeting is held on Day One at 6pm at the Meeting Point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise TRAVEL AMAZING SOUTH AMERICA if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
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Passport.
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Vaccination Certificate.
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Travel Voucher.
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Travel Insurance Policy.
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| Insurance: |
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then please visit our Travel Insurance page for more information.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Tour without travel insurance.
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| Passport: |
Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate.
PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, WE MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
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| Visa Requirements: |
It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
We for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
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| Medical Information & Vaccinations: |
Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area.
Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio.
We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.
Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
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| Altitude Sickness: |
If you are beginning your trip in one of the Andean countries (Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia) please be aware that you may be susceptible to some form of altitude sickness. If you are starting your trip in La Paz, allow 2 days to adapt to these conditions.
You may feel nauseous, overwhelmingly tired, short of breath or experience headaches. There are methods though of minimising the levels of altitude sickness that each person experiences.
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Taking the following steps will greatly help in minimising the level of altitude sickness, but please be aware that every individual reacts differently to it.
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Drink plenty of bottled water. At high altitude your breathing is rapid and shallow, causing you to dehydrate. 2 litres of water per day is the recommended amount.
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Avoid alcohol.
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Avoid smoking. If you are a heavy smoker they should either cut down or stop completely for their time in the altitude (although some smokers say they have an easier time because they are used to having less oxygen).
Taking the above measures will in most cases mean that within 2 days your body should adjust to taking less oxygen but each individual will be affected differently.
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| Malaria: |
Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.
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| Climate Information |
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella - this should prepare you for anything!
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| Security |
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We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
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A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
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DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
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Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
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| Books & Reading Material: |
You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Footprint Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
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| Money |
We suggest clients budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. There will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.
Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America
Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted. Cash is far easier to exchange than Travelers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20).
Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards, VISA being the most useful.
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| Local Customs: |
Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular when visiting religious buildings and when taking photographs.
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| Time: |
For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com
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| Language: |
Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English is spoken a little bit in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
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| Participation: |
The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!
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| Pre & Post Tour Accommodation: |
If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
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| Tipping and Bargaining: |
For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. As a general guideline, in South America it is customary to tip 10% at restaurants and bars, USD5 to guides, and to leave approximately USD2 tip for the chambermaid and bellboy.
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| Staying in Touch: |
Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. You can opt to use an International SIM Card.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers.
Blog – You can keep your friends and family updated by blogging about your adventures.
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
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| Tour Feedback: |
Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. Seven days after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still write a review on the tour page you've done on our site.
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email at tours [at] travel-amazing-southamerica.com
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| Drug Policy: |
Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
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| Map: |
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