Explore 2 unique eco-systems and the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador iN ONE TRIP:
ANDEAN SIERRA & ECUATORIAL AMAZOINIA
Travel from Latitude 0 along the Andean Range of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" down to the tropics of the Route of Waterfalls and then even deeper to the heart of the Amazon jungle, a unique place to be on Earth like no other! Spot the abundance of wildlife and exotic nature as you take a motorized canoe ride along the banks of the mighty Amazon river tributaries!
Travel back in time to the era of the Age of Discovery of the New World. Stay overnight at the hacienda house in the Andes , a mansion of colonial background settled on a rural land .
Experience Ecuador assisted by our knowledgeable and friendly crew of local english-speaking guides. Learn about Ecuadorian culture, traditions and taste the delicious local cuisine!
* This trip is good for families with kids 9+ yo and can be run on private basis
ECUADOR MAINLAND (ANDES):
💒 Colonial Quito - start your adventure from the capital of Ecuador, travel back in times and walk the streets of the city built by spaniards
🇪🇨 Latitude 0 - Step from northern hemisphere to southern and balance yourself on the Middle of the World
🌋 Cotopaxi Volcano -Hike the foothills of the one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak! Last time erupted in October 2022!
🏔 Quilotoa Lagoon - Explore the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful lagoons in South America.
💦 Route of Waterfalls & Swing at the End of the World - Walk to one of the most powerful waterfalls of Ecuador and take canopy rides along the thundering waterfalls of tropical Baños sanctuary
🌟 Quechua culture - Hunt for trophies at the vibrant local indigenous markets
👙 Papallacta Thermal Springs - Treat yourself relaxing in volcanic-origin hot springs
AMAZONIA JUNGLE ADVENTURE:
🐢 Take an adventure deep inland into equatorial forests of the Yasuni National Reserve, a home to an incredible wildlife such as river dolphins, tapirs, caimans, anacondas, ocelots, howler monkeys, piranhas, toucans and more
🛖 Stay 3 nights in ecolodge - rustic cabins with private bathroom, designed to serve all your comforts
🌴 Visit the local indigenous community, and learn about their ways of life, that haven't changed for decades
🛶 Explore the unique green world of primary jungle walking the trails, from the observation tower elevated above the trees, and in daily motorized canoe rides on the maze of waterways and tributaries of the Amazon river
Certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative covid test are NO LONGER REQUIRED
All visitors must complete a digital form (one per person) before arrival.
Your travel passport should be valid no less than 6 months from the date of entry to Ecuador.
In if the Trip departure is canceled by Organizer, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable. If the trip is cancelled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following penalties will be applied:
Cancellation out of 60 days before departure - fully refundable
Cancellation 61 to 45 days before departure - registration deposit is non-refundable (but can be transferrable to other person).
Cancellation 44 to 0 calendar days before departure – non refundable
We highly recommend to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect yourself from unexpected cancellations due to medial or any other reasons.
At the elevation of the city of Quito (2850m/9000ft) some people feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness. That's normal. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. With altitude sickness, you may have a headache, nausea or trouble sleeping. As a suggestion for successful acclimatizing drink plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid alcohol drinks on the first days of your trip. If you have a headache, take medications immediately.
(!) People with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and pregnant women are strongly recommended to consult a therapist before having a high-altitude trip.
GENERAL ITEMS
Middle sized suitcase for your main luggage (please check out for the airlines restrictions for max allowed checked luggage weight)
A small day-pack (for day-tours and in town walks)
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
Personal first aid kit (personal medication for migraines treatment, Imodium or similar, motion sickness (dramamine), band-a
** If you bring a photo-camera: charger + extra memory cards (if you run out of memory space, getting a new one can be expensive or difficult. If you bring a tripod, make it a lightweight non-bulky
QUITO & ANDEAN REGION
Altitude 9500-12000feet,
Average air temp: 55-70F, Windy, Possibility of rains in the afternoons (low in July)
Windbreaker jacket
Fleece jacket or warm hoodie
Beanie & gloves
Hiking pants, windproof
Sunscreen UV 50+
Lip balm with sun protection
Sunglasses
Tennis shoes
Cotopaxi day-hike: Trekking shoes
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
AMAZON RAINFOREST
Altitude 0-1500Feet, Average air temperature 80-85F,
Very humid, High possibility of showers and thunderstorm
Lightweight pants (sweatpants/ bermudas)
Change of t-shirts
Long sleeve loose cotton shirt (protection against the sun and insects)
Swimming suite
Sunhat or bandana
A windbreaker jacket (for early morning and late evening motorized canoe rides)
Quick-dry sandals or flip flops
Sunscreen (SPF 50+).
Mosquito repellent
Sunglasses
Headlamp with extra-batteries
Binoculars – good to have for canoe rides and observation tower wildlife watching
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
Provided gear at the lodge (at no extra cost):
Raincoats
Rubber boots for jungle walks
ECO-LODGE & CABINS
Located in the natural reserve (national park), at the water, allowing you to experience a special affinity with wildlife.
The Lodge is a few guest bungalows and a gazebo-dining room, a terrace for relaxing in the hammocks.
All bungalows are interconnected by small wooden bridges and footpaths.
The rooms are comfortable, queen beds in every cabin, provided with bed linen, towels, toilet paper and private bathroom in every cabin. Each room is divided into two parts: bathroom cabin and a bedroom.
Everything is built from the same simple eco-friendly materials as the native houses. Bungalows are built on platform on stilts, elevated above the ground.
ELECTRICITY is provided from solar panels. Do not forget to turn off the lights in your bungalow every time before leaving, to save the energy and also because light attracts small insects.
You won't find TV's, radio, hair-dryers, or iron in the rooms due to the high energy consumption. There is no laundry facilities at the lodge, that’s why bring a change of clothes.
Artificial lighting is not arranged outside the bungalows during the night, as it can disturb or change the behavior of nocturnal inhabitants of the jungle. Therefore, every time you leave your room after the dark don't forget to take a headlamp or flashlight with you.
You can charge your electronic devices/camera for free in the dining area.
WiFi is available to use in the dining are, however it can be slow
TAKING A SHOWER
Water heating for taking shower in each bungalow is for max 18-19L per day and taken from rivers and lakes. Please, try to save the water when taking a shower. Be prepared for the fact that the water is heated from the sun, so if the day is cloudy, the water may be just warm, but not hot as at home :)
ECO-FRIENDLY RULES
For the sake of sustainability please try not to use any spray-fragrances or spray-deodorants (use repellent or sunblock in a lotion, not spray please).
Travelers are encouraged to use their bio-gradable cosmetics/shampoos
Throw used toilet paper in the trash container in your bathroom (please follow this rule everywhere in Ecuador)
DAY-TOURS in the rainforest are always accompanied by local naturalist-guide and consist of moderate hikes and exploring the area in motorized canoe for up to 10-12 passengers. Naturalist guide is a true wildlife expert, who was born and raised in the region, he is a ranger who is looking out for animals and responsible for the safety of the group. Always listen to his advice and recommendations and try to keep quiet not to frighten the wildlife.
Swimming is possible in the rainy season when the water level in the rivers and lakes is high enough. Always follow the recommendations of your guide about the choice of places for swimming
VISITING NATIVE COMMUNITY
Remember that you are guests in a completely different culture and traditions which may seem rather strange to a western world
Please don't take pictures or videos of locals without their permission
Guests are usually offered to taste “chicha”, the local beer made from cassava. Do not decline, as it may offend the hosts. You can sip a drink or just pretend you are drinking
Please do not give money to local children, it may lead to begging. You can bring small learning materials, small gifts from your country. Locals will happily accept that
MEALS AT THE LODGE - FULL BOARD
Breakfast at the lodge is usually served at ~8AM, lunch ~at 1PM, and dinner - at 7.30PM.
Meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price of your package.
Drinking water for bottle refills are provided at no cost.
Tea and coffee are always available in the dining area.
Sodas and alcoholic drinks are available at the additional cost at the bar (although don't expect the variety except local beer and wine, it is allowed to bring your own alcohol)
TELEPHONE CALLS / WiFI
There is no telephone reception in the lodge.
In the case of emergency, the staff of the lodge use satellite phone.
WiFi is available in dining area
Please use ONLY bottled drinking water.
Tap water is good only for brushing your teeth.
Arrival to Quito at 2:44PM from MIA (AA 2163)
Meet with your local english-speaking guide at the airport terminal exit and drive to town (45min - 1 hr). Hotel check-in, evening at your own.
Overnight in Hotel 4* in Quito
Altitude - 2850m (9 350ft)