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Journey Ecuador, an multi-sport adventure across some of Ecuador's most amazing countryside
Rafting on the Rio Blanco is a great way to add excitement to this Ecuador tour
Duration: 9 days
4-8 Travelers: $1595/Person
2-3 Travelers: $1925/Person
Experience the exhilaration of a mountain bike descent from the heights of the Andes into a heavenly cloud forest. Stay in a comfortable jungle lodge and explore miles of trails lined with waterfalls and orchids within primary forest or raft one of Ecuador's most exciting whitewater rives before embarking on a three-day trek through the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the highest active volcano in the world. Finally, reward yourself with a long soak in one of Ecuador's most beautiful hot springs. This Ecuador vacation offers an unforgettable multi-sport adventure across some of Ecuador's most amazing countryside.
If you would prefer a private departure, please contact us about details and costs.
Journey Ecuador Itinerary Details
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Day 1 (Sat) QUITO
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After arriving in Quito, you'll be transferred to your hotel. An early arrival will allow time for tours to museums and other points of interest which we can arrange.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sun) QUITO - BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
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The morning begins with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the intense mountain cycling ahead. Descend from the impressive Pichincha Volcano at 10,760 feet into the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve through some of the Andes' most beautiful and diverse scenery. For three to four exhilarating hours, mountain bike through steep mountain gorges and lush green forests until reaching the fascinating Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Relax while experiencing the fascinating ecosystem that surrounds you. Night brings with it the enchanting sounds of the nocturnal cloud forest, making your comfortable stay at the reserve even more memorable. (B, L, D)
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Day 3 (Mon) BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
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Mountain biking in Cotopaxi National Park is another way to add excitement to this Ecuador adventure tour
The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve protects 1,800 acres of endangered bio-diverse cloud forest, habitat for 450 bird species. Today's adventure explores the vast cloud forest trail system of Bellavista. Along the way, you'll see waterfalls, various species of orchids and colorful butterflies and learning about the rich ecology of the area and the conservation efforts that preserve it. After a full day of exploration, return to the lodge for a replenishing evening in the cloud forest cabins. (B, L, D)
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Day 4 (Tue) BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE - QUITO
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Ecuador is famous for the warm waters of its rushing rivers. Today you'll be going straight to the source, rafting the exciting Rio Blanco or Toachi, depending on the season. Surrounded by the scenic rainforest, both rivers offer challenging Class III rapids and abundant wildlife. After the invigorating trip, enjoy a magnificent sunset on the Esmeraldas coast. In the afternoon, return to Quito to relax and prepare for the trek in the Ecuadorian Andes. (B, L)
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Day 5 (Wed) COTOPAXI TREK
Looking up at Cotopaxi, the centerpiece of this Ecuador journey
In the early morning, travel south from Quito to the Pasochoa Forest Reserve, located within a collapsed crater. The hike begins at the Pita River gorge, 9,184 feet above sea level. Along the trek, observe Andean plants and animals, and watch highland farmers in their fields, cultivating crops and tending their herds of cattle and horses. Camp at 11,480 feet, on the border of Cotopaxi National Park. (B,L,D)
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Day 6 (Thu) COTOPAXI TREK
After an ample breakfast, hike to the remains of "Pucara del Salitre," a strategic Inca military fortress that once controlled roads leading to the Amazon rainforest and the Latacunga valley. After exploring the Inca fortress, follow an ancient Inca trail to your campsite. During the day, you might spot alpaca herds grazing on the highlands. Stay overnight at La Laguna de los Patos campsite. (B,L,D)
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Day 7 (Fri) COTOPAXI TREK - PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS
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After your strenuous Cotopaxi Trek, relax at Papallacta Hotsprings and sooth sore muscles before your Ecuador tour comes to an end
Start hiking early in the morning to reach Limpiopungo Lake, where sparkling waters reflect the striking Andean peaks. Hike at 12,465 feet, crossing Cotopaxi National Park around Limpiopungo Lake along a narrow trail with breathtaking views that leads to the summit of Rumiñahui. After lunch, travel to Papallacta to relax in one of Ecuador's most scenic hot springs. These springs are renowned for their rich mineral content and the legends about their origins. The Incas believed that the waters possessed supernatural healing properties. Stay overnight in this mystical area. (B, L, D)
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Day 8 (Sat) PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS - QUITO
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The morning begins with a private soak in the invigorating hot spring with views of the Antisana Volcano in the distance. In late morning, hike the surrounding trails to explore more of this vast wonderland. Return Quito after lunch and stay overnight there. (B, L)
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Day 9 (Sun) QUITO - RETURN HOME
Transfer to the airport for international departure, which ends Southern Explorations' services. If you wish to experience more of Ecuador, Galapagos adventure tours, trip extensions to other regions, or extra days in Quito can be arranged. (B)
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
August
9 - 17
September
20 - 28
October
11 - 19
November
22 - 30
December
20 - 28
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Meals as indicated
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All airport/hotel transfers
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours
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- Park and archaeological sites
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- English speaking certified guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services.
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Ecuador
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult
ECUADOR ACCOMMODATION
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Journey Ecuador:
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4 nights hotels
2 nights cloud forest reserve
2 nights camping
(3 person tents for 2)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Travel documents:
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- You need a valid passport. No advance Visa is required for US citizens.
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Vaccinations:
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- There are no required vaccinations for travel to Ecuador, although certain vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your doctor, local Traveler's Clinic or County Health Department for the most up-to-date information on travel to Ecuador.
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Weather:
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- The "dry season" in the Ecuadorian Andes is June - September and a short dry season in December and January. April - May is considered the Andean spring. All other months, one can expect some rain. Daytime temperatures range from 68ºF- 72ºF in the sun. Nighttime temperatures range from 45ºF - 48ºF. Rain can happen in any season; bringing quality rain gear is the best way to stay dry.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $210
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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