Cloud Forest and Volcanoes Multisport Tour
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DAY 1: MOUNTAIN BIKING THROUGH MONTANE CLOUDFOREST
We start our adventure from Quito biking a smooth uphill incline to 3,300 meters above sea level on the road behind Guagua Pichincha – the volcano which looms over Quito. Next comes a thrilling descent into montane cloud forest. This area is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, as species from the Amazon, Choco Rainforest, and Andes all converge here. Bird-watchers from around the world are particularly attracted to the area around the Mindo Cloudforest Reserve, where we will be spending the next two evenings. We bike all the way to our delightful lodge near the Mindo Cloudforest Reserve and spend a relaxing evening here enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the forest night. (B,L, D) DAY 2: PRE-MONTANE CLOUD FOREST HIKE Our second day is dedicated to exploring the cloudforests of Mindo. Here, we’ll hike to beautiful waterfalls set in stunning primary cloud forest full of dozens of orchids and butterflies, and may be able to spot some of the area’s 520 species of birds, including the renowned Andean Cock of the Rock, quetzals, tanagers, toucanets, and motmots. We set out again at dusk to experience the waking of the forest’s nocturnal life. We will be introduced to a frog conservation project by a pond, where frogs serenade us with their nightly concert. We will then take a short walk to meet the amphibian performers and their nocturnal friends up close. Afterwards, we return to our forest cabins for another relaxing evening. (B, L, D) DAY 3: RAFTING ON THE BLANCO RIVER Day three starts off on the Blanco River, called “the White River” because of its relentless flow of white rapids. This is one of the best rafting runs of Ecuador’s western Andes. After a safety briefing, we navigate 30 km of Class III – III+ rapids and waves, admiring the breathtaking rainforest, abundant birdlife, and hopefully river otters. Some of the birds commonly sighted include cormorants, herons, and kingfishers. We return to Quito in the afternoon for overnight. (B, L) DAY 4: EXPLORE COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK ON HORSEBACK We depart Quito in the early morning driving south through the imposing Avenue of the Volcanoes until we reach Hacienda El Porvenir. After a traditional tea welcome, we have a brief riding lesson, as we get acquainted with the horses. Wearing the typical Chagra (Andean cowboy) attire, we then ride into Cotopaxi National Park to the foothills of Rumiñahui volcano. As our native guides share their knowledge of medicinal plants, culture, and natural history, we admire brave bulls, local birds, wild fauna, and the marvelous landscape of the snowcappedAndes. As we ride up the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, weather-depending, we are rewarded with a spectacular view directly across to snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. Additionally, with a little luck, we may get to admire the majestic Andean condor. Box lunch will be provided during the ride, and the evening will be spent at a traditional colonial hacienda hotel. (L, D) DAY 5: BIKE IN THE SHADOW OF THE ILLINIZA VOLCANOES We begin today’s adventure a hike to the Pucara Inca Ruins, giving us a peak into the western hemisphere’s most powerful ancient civilization. We then visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, which often paints mirror-like reflections ofCotopaxi in its azure waters that are interrupted only by ripples from Andean waterfowl. Before exiting the national park, we visit the Interpretation Center to learn about Cotopaxi’s wildlife and natural history. We then continue by vehicle to the foothills of the Illinizas Twin Peaks, where we begin biking through the highlands. We descend down a dirt road that leads to a valley and the small town of Chaupi. Along the way, we marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Ilinizas, Corazón, Sincholagua, and many other surrounding volcanoes. We continue our ride passing old train stations and farms. Return to Quito in the afternoon. (B, L) |
2022-2023Price per person double occupancy in US$: $1478 with 2 people, $1155 with 3 people, $1050 with 4 people, $979 with 5-9 people. Single supp. = $244 INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED Hotel in Quito, airport transfers, Hotel and restaurant beverages, tips, Cotopaxi entrance fee. 
IMPORTANT FACTS
TRAVEL TIME: 1-3 hours per day SEASON: All year ALTITUDE: 500m to 4300m (1,600 to 14,000 ft) AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: DAY 8-30ºC / NIGHT 5-20 ºC SUGGESTED: Warm layered clothing, hiking shoes, rain shell, and sun glasses, Non-cotton trekking gear, hat, sun block and mosquito repellent WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION: Class I – easy, Class II – novice, Class III – intermediate, Class IV – advanced, Class V - expert 
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