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Ecuador Tours and Travel

Amazon and Highlands Standard Multisport Tour,
6 days

(By mountain bike, foot, raft, horseback and canoe)

Looking for the complete multisport trip, encompassing a range of environments and experiences? Then this journey is for you. It includes whitewater rafting, canoe exploration in the Amazon, mountain biking in the cloud forest, stunning horseback riding, Quechua Indigenous communities and even a hot springs resort in the Andes.

DAY 1: DOWN TO THE AMAZON - PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
We leave Quito, bound eastwards to the slopes of the Andes which tumble down to the Amazon. We cross a pass at 4,000 meters above sea level with spectacular views of Andean scenery, before hitting the Papallacta hot springs resort to enjoy a soothing bath in the complex's attractive hot-steaming pools. From here, we continue down the skirts of the Andes to the Tena region to visit the "Amazonic Park," before checking-in at our jungle lodge for the night. (L, D)

DAY 2: JUNGLE RAFTING ON THE JATUNYACU RIVER
We start the day with a jungle trek in the Llanganates National Park, making our way to natural swimming pools where we can relax before the adventure ahead. The Jatunyacu River is famed for its big waves, fun holes and large volumes of water, with rapids of around Class III+. We'll navigate Jatunyacu for the rest of the day, carried through breathtaking landscapes with abundant bird life, before returning to relax for the night at our jungle lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: CANOE EXPLORATION ON THE ARAJUNO RIVER
The Arajuno River takes us through stunning lowland tropical rainforest, giving us an opportunity to learn about the numerous Quechua Indian communities which live along its banks. Traveling by motorized canoe, we'll visit the Amazon Animal Rescue Center before returning to our jungle lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: EXPLORE THE BAÑOS CLOUDFOREST
From Tena, we make our way south to Puyo, visiting the Fatima Animal Center on the way to learn more about jungle wildlife. Then, from Puyo, we continue up the stunning Pastaza River gorge and visit some of the region's most amazing waterfalls. We arrive at the picturesque town of Baños, in the shadow of the active Tungurahua volcano, in the afternoon, and spend the night at a hacienda in the nearby Patate cloudforest valley. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: MOUNTAIN BIKING PATATE
The day kicks off on two wheels, cycling in the Patate cloudforest. Here, we descend through the beautiful valley of the Patate River which affords impressive views of the fuming Tungurahua volcano. In the afternoon, we drive back north through the highlands to our hacienda-hotel, close to Cotopaxi national park. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: HORSEBACK RIDING IN COTOPAXI
We prepare our horses and gear to ride up the slopes of Rumiñahui volcano, with stunning views of the surrounding Cotopaxi National Park. Riding for several hours, we'll have the chance to learn about the local cowboy (chagra) lifestyle and the area's flora and fauna. On the trip, we visit the Limpiopungo glacier lake and some Inca ruins, before our drive back to Quito in the afternoon. (B, L)

INCLUDED: Private transportation, mountain biking equipment, rafting equipment, all safety equipment, overnight accommodations, professional bilingual guide and meals as indicated.

NOT INCLUDED: hotel & restaurant beverages, National Park entrance fees and tips/gratuities.

IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 5 hours per day
SEASON: All year, except June
ALTITUDE: 500 m to 4800 m
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: DAY 8-24ºC, NIGHT 5-12ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CLOUDFOREST: DAY 16-30ºC, NIGHT 16-20ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AMAZON: DAY 20-35ºC, NIGHT 18- 22ºC
SUGGESTED: Non-cotton trekking gear, sun block, bathing suit and mosquito repellent.

2012 Price per person in US$: $1510 each for 2, $1148 each for 3, $1014 each for 4, $906 each for 5-9, $773 for 10+