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Ecuador Tours and Travel

Andes, Amazon & Galápagos Multisport Adventure Tour, 10 Days

Ecuador's ultimate adventure tour takes you to 6 different ecosystems to show you the best the country has to offer in a 10-day nature-filled, adventure-packed journey. The Andes Mountains, Amazon Jungle & Galápagos Islands are yours to explore in a journey of discovery that brings you into contact with diverse ecosystems, unique wildlife, and indigenous communities. Activities such as mountain biking, rafting, ocean kayaking, horseback riding, and encounters with indigenous communities give you a hands-on experience of Ecuador's culture and natural beauty. Top-notch guides accompany you every step of the way to reveal the secrets of these diverse ecosystems. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in small distinctive hotels & lodges throughout your trip.

Trip highlights:
" Explore an Andean hacienda on horseback, chagra (Andean cowboy) style
" Hike and zipline across a stunning cloud forest canyon
" Mountain bike on the slopes of the world´s highest active volcano
" Visit Salasaca and Kichwa indigenous communities and participate in cultural activities
" Exhilarating rafting down Ecuador´s best one-day river run (class III-III+)
" Relax in the rejuvenating natural hotsprings of Papallacta in the cloudforest
" Sea kayak and swim with sea lions and marine turtles
" Snorkel with Galápagos sharks, rays, and tropical fish
" Hike lava rock trails to meet blue-footed boobies, finches, and other famed birds
" Relax on picture-perfect white sand beaches
" Horseback ride to the world's second largest volcano caldera
" Fly on a private, small plane between San Cristobal and Isabela Islands
" Top-notch adventure and nature guides accompany you every step of your journey
" Quality accommodations in private hotels, historic haciendas, and distinctive lodges
" Optional excursions allow you to customize your vacation

DAY 1: CLOUDFOREST ZIPLINE & HORSEBACK RIDING IN COTOPAXI
We depart from Quito through the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes towards Cotopaxi National Park. We reach a private cloud forest reserve where we begin a nature interpretation hike to learn about this highly endemic ecosystem. This hike ends when we reach the edge of the Pita River Canyon. Here we prepare our safety gear to experience an incredible zip wire adventure. We jump across the gorge and get spectacular aerial views of the cloud forest canyon below. We continue on to Hacienda El Porvenir, a 3000-hectare hacienda that has been in the same family for seven generations. This was the first hacienda to raise fighting bulls in Ecuador and is still a strong representative of the Chagra cowboy culture. As we arrive, we are greeted with a welcome highland tea followed by a locally grown Andean gourmet lunch. After lunch we gear up in style. With ponchos, chaps, and cowboy hats we set out to explore the expansive hacienda grounds on horseback. We learn about the potato, lima beans, quinoa, and other high altitude crops while we ride with spectacular volcano scenery. Our Chagra guide will help us learn about the local use high altitude plants and safely admire the brave fighting bulls. As we gain altitude we will look for wildlife and birds including the Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world. The evening is spent relaxing in the hacienda living room and fireplace. (L, D)

DAY 2: MOUNTAIN BIKING AT COTOPAXI VOLCANO & Salasaca Indian Community
After breakfast, we drive towards the base of the imposing snow capped Cotopaxi Volcano. We set up our mountain bikes and explore the park's highland plateaus, endemic highland vegetation and wildlife. On our way we encounter llamas, wild horses, ducks, highland gulls and hawks. We ride mostly downhill to compensate for the high altitude until we arrive to the Pucara Inca Ruins where we learn about the Inca presence in the Cotopaxi area. We also visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake before we continue our journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We arrive to the Salasaca community who are easily recognized by their distinctive colorful ponchos and dress. We meet a Salasaca family to share and learn about their way of life and millenary weaving techniques. The Salasaca have a long relationship with the Agave cactus which is used in the making of clothing, drinks, ropes, and other daily essentials. We continue on to the subtropical Patate Valley and Hacienda Manteles where we dine and relax for the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Patate Mountain Biking & Rain Forest Hike
In the morning, we drive through a scenic road with impressive views to the often fuming Tungurahua volcano. We set up our mountain bikes and begin riding through highland paramo. As we descend, the environment gradually melds into mountain cloud forest and later rainforest. We ride through a dry basaltic gorge, which is a hot spot for wild orchids. The canyon widens and deepens as we reach the Pastaza River Gorge, which forms spectacular waterfalls. We stop to visit two of these waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride's Veil). We continue our drive down into the Amazon Basin. At the 600 meter level we reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where we will learn about balsa, bamboo and ceramic products. We continue through the Amazon highway until we reach our riverfront jungle lodge. In the afternoon we head out for a jungle walk. We will interpret the ecosystem and search for species particular to the tropical lowland rainforest. We explore under the canopy for trees such as balsa, cedar, rubber, kapok and cinnamon, as well as many bromeliads, orchids, vines, ferns, insects and even reptiles. The evening will be spent surrounded amazing jungle sounds while we relax in our river front cabins. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Jungle Rafting & Papallacta Hotsprings
We drive to the Llanganates National Park, which is part of a United Nations Biosphere Reserve. The water collected from the many streams in the eastern Andes slopes form the Jatunyacu River. We begin the day with a short jungle hike to reach some incredible naturally-formed swimming pools. Here we can jump, slide and swim in these incredible rock formations. We return to our put-in and begin our whitewater journey. Jatunyacu, which means "Big Water" is considered one of Ecuador's best one-day river runs. It has lots of big waves and fun play holes. The river is flanked by spectacular jungle scenery, birdlife, and Kichwa Indian families that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. In the afternoon we begin our return up the Andes, but first stop to meet the Waira Churis, also known as the "Wind Dancers". They are an extended Kichwa family, guardians of vast botanical knowledge and traditional music lore. Through their music and dance they express the harmonious balance between human and earth. Many of these nearly forgotten songs are played with animal and plant instruments. We continue our journey up the Andes as we enjoy fantastic vistas of tropical valleys, natural waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. We arrive to the Papallacta Hotsprings Resort where we can choose to relax in any of 9 different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97ºF to 104ºF (36ºC to 40ºC). The pools are surrounded by cloud forest mountains and an occasional snow capped volcano. The mineral rich Papallacta water comes from underground geothermal springs. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, or other treatments can be provided at an additional cost when arranged in advance. Lodging at the Papallacta Hotsprings Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Continental Divide Hike & Otavalo Indian Market
In the morning we hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, which is located across the Atlantic - Pacific continental divide. The environment in this reserve is endemic highland paramo combined with cloud forest patches. The great amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source to the largest water system in the world. Our hike through this reserve features a great number of lakes and wildlife such as dear, the elusive spectacle bear and the Andean Condor. We continue our drive north though the Inter Andean valleys until we reach Latitude 0. Here we arrive to a middle of the world monument which is shaped as a star of eight points. This monument which is aligned with the solstices was established to recover the powerful ancestral symbol of the Quitu-Caranqui culture. We will learn about how Ecuador's geographic position influences food, traditions, diversity, industry and even ancestral politics. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the famed Otavalo market which is filled with colorful textiles and skillful handicrafts. We return to our hotel in Quito in the late afternoon to prepare for our Galapagos Adventure. (B, L)

DAY 6: FLY TO GALAPAGOS AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
We pick you up in the morning to accompany you to the airport, where you board your flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island. Once in the Galápagos, we welcome you with lunch and an orientation at a local restaurant. After lunch, our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about volcanic activity, natural history, and evolution in the Galápagos. We continue our hike on towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galápagos cotton, and other vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by Galápagos species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, and numerous other land birds, including Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we can stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach or Mann Beach. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. Accommodations in a first-class hotel on San Cristobal Island. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Sea Kayak & Snorkel on the Northern Coast
The northern coast of San Cristobal Island is protected form the currents and offers the best sea kayaking in the archipelago. We set out in our expedition kayaks paddling north along the coast, exploring bays and coves filled with wildlife. We visit Darwin Bay, site where the HMS Beagle landed when Charles Darwin first arrived to Galapagos. Along the route we find colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds along the cliffs. We reach Playa Ochoa and continue on to nearby Isla Lobos on the lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions. Isla Lobos forms a clear water channel where we can enjoy excellent snorkeling and the best sea lion encounters in the entire archipelago. We continue on to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy exceptional snorkeling. Here we can see white-tipped, Galapagos and hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, golden rays, marine turtles and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon, we return to port for dinner and our last evening in our San Cristobal hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Mountain Bike & Kayak on Isabela Island
In the morning, we take a small aircraft inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When we arrive we set up our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline for its scenery and wildlife treasures. We begin with a visit to El Muro de las Lágrimas which means Wall of Tears, a historic site that dates back between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela Island was used as a penal colony. The wall was built with lava blocks and had no other purpose than of keeping prisoners busy from the madness of isolation. We continue riding along the coast as we explore expansive white sand beaches, mangroves and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with birdlife such as American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. In the afternoon we take our ocean kayaks and paddle out to Tintoreras, a set of small Islets within Isabela bay. The Islets are filled with wildlife and are home to the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives in equatorial region. We will also see sharks, marine turtles, sea lions and much more wildlife as we explore its many small coves and beaches. We receive the sunset in Isabela's white sand beaches and spend the evening in this tranquil port town. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Volcano Discovery Hike in the Isabela Highlands
From Puerto Villamil, we drive up to the highlands to where the road ends. Here we prepare our day backs and walk into an amazing geological world. We walk on dirt trails until we arrive to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. We explore along the rim of the huge 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled crater. We may also get views of the Perry Isthmus and the other Isabela volcanoes. We continue our hike all the way to Volcano Chico, an area of puffing fumaroles and extraordinary lava formations. These are dramatic geological examples of the forces that created the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon we return to Puerto Villamil for our last afternoon in the Isabela beaches. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: FLIGHT TO BALTRA & RETURN TO QUITO
An early morning flight takes us from Isabela Island to Baltra Island, where we will board our flight back to the continent. (B)

2011 price per person in US$: $3795 for 2 people, $2990 for 3, $2518 for 4, $2334 for 5+
2012 price per person in US$: $3465 for 2 people, $2730 for 3, $2300 for 4, $2132 for 5+

Can start on any day

INCLUDED: Accommodations in first class and tourist superior hotels; all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily); all adventure and protective equipment (including front-suspended Deore mountain bikes, expedition kayaks, rafting equipment, gloves, helmets, water bottles, and dry bags); professional English-speaking guide; professional Galápagos naturalist guide; land, sea, and inter-island air transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galápagos (subject to change); Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee (subject to change); other National Park entrance fees; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, or gratuities; guide tips; and personal expenses.

**PLEASE NOTE** This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, and adjustments of Galápagos National Park policy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Level: Moderate
Activities: Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Ocean Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Beach Exploration, Indigenous Community Encounters, Wildlife Seeking
Accommodations: Small Distinctive Hotels & Lodges
TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 3 hours per day
PADDLE, HIKING, OR ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-4 hours each day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 1,500 to 15,500 feet (500 to 4,800 meters)
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - ANDES: DAY 46-75ºF / 8-24ºC, NIGHT 41-53ºF / 5-12ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - CLOUDFOREST: DAY 60-86ºF / 16-30ºC, NIGHT 60-68ºF / 16-20ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - AMAZON: DAY 68-95ºF / 20-35ºC, NIGHT 64-71ºF / 18-22ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - GALAPAGOS: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF / 15ºC to 25ºC.
GALAPAGOS WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters in the Galápagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm & cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF / 18ºC and 30ºC.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: water sandals, rain jacket, flashlight, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, bathing suit,