Begin your Ecuador adventure with a fast-paced mountain bike descent down Pinchincha Volcano to begin your Ecuador travel. Then settle into our lodge perched above the cloudforest canopy, and begin exploring the miles of trails that wind through waterfalls and steep ravines. Continue the adventure with an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip before we set off on a 3-day trek through the high Andes, camping inside extinct volcanic craters. End your journey with a well-deserved soak in natural hotsprings.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Day 2: Volcano Biking (L,D)
Begin the day 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 explore this unique ecosystem.
Day 3: Bellavista Cloudforest (B,L,D)
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. Bellavista protects 1800 acres of endangered cloudforest on the western slopes of the Andes. Today you'll explore the miles of trails at Bellavista, passing by steep ravines, waterfalls 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, the endangered mammals such as the spectacled bear, mountain lion, Andean coati, and others that take refuge here, and what Bellavist is doing to protect this region.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting (B,L)
Time to hit the Class III+ rapids of the best whitewater in the Western Andes! During the summer you'll paddle the Rio Toachi, in the winter months, you'll be on the Rio Blanco. 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)
This 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.
Each 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)
Complete your Ecuador adventures 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: Return Home
Accommodations: 3 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights mountain lodge, 2 nights camping.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: private van, mountain bike, raft, your own two feet!
An action-packed itinerary of biking, rafting and trekking at high altitude. No previous experience is necessary, but travelers should be fit. Hiking is strenuous at times. One of our most active trips!
Start Dates 2008: Jul 26, Aug 23, Sep 20,Sep 24, Oct 5, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13
Start Dates 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 upon request.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single supplement: US$95
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$40 for meals, US $41 international departure tax, and money for souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$75
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Multi-activity
Ecotourism
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