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Mountain Hiking & Biking in the Ecuadorian Andes - 11 Day Tour
important information
- Departure Day: upon request
- Price 11 Days: USD 2,390.-
- More prices
| Overview Itinerary |
| Day 01: |
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park |
| Day 02: |
Limpiopungo Lake - El Boliche |
| Day 03: |
Saquisili - Zumbahua - Quilotoa Crater - Sigchos |
| Day 04: |
Toachi River Canyon |
| Day 05: |
Valle Hermoso - Mindo |
| Day 06: |
Mindo - Guagua Pichincha - Quito |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival into Quito
You will be met upon arrival and taken to the comfortable hotel La Vieja Cuba in the centre of the touristic area of the modern city. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 02: Otavalo – and Surroundings - Mountain Biking
We start with a typical Ecuadorian breakfast and then we drive to the North to Otavalo to visit the famous artisan market of the highlands. The Otavaleños are one of the most prosperous indigenous groups in Ecuador, well known for their handicrafts and music. Their dress is distinctive, with traditional blue and white fabrics and the women adorned in copious strands of gold beads displaying their wealth. Once we’ve had time to fill our bags with goodies the physical adventure begins. We set off on fat tire mountain bikes ascending a dirt road that leads to the Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. We crisscross along switchbacks through forested valleys of eucalyptus and misty cloud forests. To reach the Cuicocha Crater Lake, we leave our bikes behind and hike along a single track to the rugged edge. The views from the top are magnificent. Late afternoon we transfer to the comfortable hacienda Pinsaqui for the evening with time to soak in the steamy hot tub and relax any sore muscles. B/L/D
Day 03: Imbabura - Mountain Biking
Today we cycle through the deep and lush valleys of the lake province, winding our way through indigenous villages. We pass locals in the streets herding their llamas and sheep and selling their handcrafted woollens and speciality foods. We stop for photos at the sacred waterfalls of Peguche. These falls are holy waters to the shamans of the area. They come here to purify themselves frequently. From here we follow an abandoned railway to the town of San Antonio. The imposing volcanoes of Imbabura (father) and Cotacachi (mother) offer spectacular views throughout the day. Our ride concludes in the city of Ibarra back at the same hacienda for another night’s retreat. B/L/D
Day 04: Mojanda-Papallacta - Mountain Biking
After breakfast we have a short drive up to the jagged mountain ridge of Mojanda, located at 15,400 feet. There are numerous lakes nestled in the mountains and the views from the top are fabulous. If we are lucky and have a clear day, we can see all the snow capped volcanoes of the Eastern Cordillera (Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Chimborazo). At the high pass, we trade four wheels for two and trace a dusty path to the other side of the mountain. Here the downhill thrills begin with a 9,000-foot descent all the way to Tabacundo, 45 km. in total. We end in Papallacta, famous for its steaming hot baths with time to relax any sore muscles in the therapeutic hot springs. Dinner and accommodation at the Resort Termas de Papallacta. B/L/D
Day 05: Tena - Amarongachi - Hiking
this morning we transfer deeper in the Amazon rain forest passing Baeza, Archidona to the town of Tena, located on Napo River, the longest river in Ecuador, stretching more than 870 miles. From here we drive on dirt roads, about 30 minutes until we reach the village of Amarongachi. Once the road ends we follow a trail on foot and bushwhack through the forest to a series of bamboo huts owned by a family of Quechua Indians. We check into our cabins then feast on a typical homemade lunch hosted by the family. This afternoon we take to the Amazon trails hiking along muddy trails to Llanganatis National Park where we can swim in the natural river pools. An indigenous guide will accompany us and teach us the skills of jungle survival, from building a thatched roof cabaña to the medicinal properties found in the vegetation. The trails are lush and fragrant draped with tightly-twisted strangler figs, giant bromeliads and bright-red helliconias. Overnight in Amarongachi in thatched roof huts. B/L/D
Day 06: Jatunyacu River - White-water Rafting
We switch gears today, and set off for a day of white-water adventure on the mighty Jatunyacu River, which means “big water” in Quechua. Donned in helmets and lifejackets, we cast off the riverbank and bounce through big standing waves and in between narrow ledges. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this river has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery. Late afternoon we take out and check climb up to our cosy cabins located on the Arajuno River. Tommy, the resident monkey, will certainly keep you entertained this evening. B/L/D
Day 07: Amazon – Arajuno River - Hiking and Inner tubing
Today is a great day. We start with a hearty breakfast at the lodge then set off by local bus to Arajuno. Equipped with rubber boots and bathing suits we ride on the roof of the bus (optional) along a dirt road in the jungle. Half hour later we reach our trail head. We wave farewell to our new friends on the bus and spend four hours hiking through a series of jungle trails. It is common to see screeching parrots flashing overhead and playful monkeys swinging through the trees. Midday we reach the Arajuno Animal Rehabilitation Centre, a place where injured animals are brought to recover. The interpreter guides us around the grounds showing us the local residents including tapirs, caimans, toucans and monkeys. We feast on a wholesome lunch in the restaurant and then slip into inner tubes on the Arajuno River. The remainder of the afternoon is a relaxing float trip down the calm river. We take out at the bridge and drive the 4 WD back 2 Hours to our cabins, Las Cascadas Eco - Lodge. B/L/D
Day 08: Baños - Horseback Riding
Early this morning we board our vehicle for a picturesque drive to Baños. The name translates to baths in English because of the natural hot springs all over the area. Baños is quite famous because of the Tungurahua Volcano, which was threatening an eruption back in 2000. Upon arrival we check into our cosy hotel, then refortify with a hearty lunch. Shortly afterwards we drive to the foothill of Runtún and Ventanas, where our horses will be awaiting. From this point on we spend the afternoon exploring the pristine valley on horseback. We canter over lush mountains hanging with misty clouds and past fertile farmland where cows and sheep graze the fields. The day ends back at the Hotel Isla de Baños. B/L/D
Day 09: Baños – Cotopaxi - Hiking
We start the morning with a climb up to the crest of the valley, to a cross that protects Baños from the Tungurahua Volcano. The views from the top are spectacular, with the town at the bottom of a forested bowl of mountains. Once we’ve had sufficient time to admire the setting we get in our vehicle and transfer to Cotopaxi National Park. If we’re lucky and have a clear sky, the snowy peaks of South America’s highest active volcano (19,000 feet) will be visible. In Cotopaxi we spend an afternoon hiking through golden grasslands with wide-open views of the rugged region. We ascend to the refuge for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding region. The day ends in Lasso at the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest colonial haciendas in Ecuador. B/L/D
Day 10: Toachi River – Quito - White-water Rafting
After a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh breads and cheeses and strong Ecuadorian coffee we drive to Santo Domingo to the upper section of the Toachi River. In six-person rafts, we cast off the bank for a thrilling run bouncing between big boulders, over frothy holes and through steep standing waves. This river is non-stop action and is sure to pump adrenaline into your bloodstream. This afternoon we transfer back to Quito for our final night in Ecuador. B/L
Day 11: Departure you’ll be transferred to the international airport for connecting flights home.
B
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner
Price 2011:
USD 2,390. - per person
Single Suplement USD 490.-
Trip Includes: Private Transportation, all accommodation (twin shared), camping gear, 21-speed mountain bikes, horses, sea kayaks, rafting gear, Meals as indicated above, entrance fees to National Parks, veteran wilderness guides.
Not Included: Single accommodation, international flights, meals not mentioned in the Itinerary, Airport taxes, items of personal nature, beverages, gratuities.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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