Ecuador Tour - Exploring Ecuador´s regions: jungles, mountains, beaches, and more

Duration: 14 days

Locations: Amazon Rainforest, western Andean Cloud forest, central Coastal Dry Forest, Coastal Rainforest

Accommodation: a quaint city in Quito, community ecotourism projects in the Amazon and Cloud forest, plus an ecotourism project in the Coast known for its bio-architecture.

Activities: Rafting, hiking (Amazon, Cloud forest, Coast), Amazon Rainforest tour, bird-watching, whale-watching (depending on season), archeological and cultural visits, and natural explorations.

Optional Activities: Horseback riding, mountain biking, snorkeling.

Altitude: From sea level to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet)

Climate: Cool in the Andes, where temperatures vary from 5-25ºC; warm and humid in the Amazon and Cloud forest, with temperatures ranging from 12-30ºC; warm and dry in the Coast, with temperatures ranging from 15-30ºC

Description: In Ecuador, the Andes separate the Coast on the west from the Amazon on the east. Geographically, and culturally, the three regions are as different as it gets. This trek offers the perfect opportunity to travel over land-and-air through Ecuador´s diverse and incredible natural landscapes, constantly share with the locals, and learn first-hand about our rich cultural heritage. Combine all this with an itinerary full of adventurous and unforgettable activities, and you have one of the most unique travel options in Ecuador.

From the open landscapes in the Andes we head down to the lushness of the Amazon basin to begin our Amazon Rainforest tour. Located in the headwaters of the Amazon, the community ecotourism project that we visit offers the combination of traditional cabins, with a one-night stay at an ecolodge located 100 meters high (300 feet) on a cliff overlooking the forest. This perfect combination allows us to interact and learn from the locals, enjoy several cultural activities, hike in secondary and primary forest, explore hidden canyons, bathe in sacred waterfalls, and experience the emotion of white water rafting in the headwaters of the Amazon.

Following the main Amazonian highway, we continue pass the city of Puyo back to the Andes. After spending one night contemplating the active cone of Tungurahua volcano, we continue north through the Avenue of Volcanoes, with the main landmark being Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Our final destination is an extraordinary conservation and community ecotourism project in the Cloud forest northwest from Quito. We spend a couple of days surrounded by nature, with a breathtaking view of the natural preserve, while being looked after by our extremely friendly hosts.

After a couple of nights perched on top of a ridge overlooking the western coastal basin, we descend from the Cloud forest to the Coast to finally visit one of the best examples of ecotourism in Ecuador. We pass by many banana and palm plantations, as well as many colorful villages along the Route of the Sun, the main coastal highway. While enjoying an amazing ecolodge with private beach and incredible cuisine, we explore Ecuador´s flagship coastal park, enjoy a boat ride to La Plata Island, and visit one of the richest archeological sites in the country.

Regrettably, all good things come to an end. We take a quick 30-minute commercial flight back to Quito and say good-bye at a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Duration:
14 days
Price:
US$ 1,850 per person

Departure dates
2005	July 16-29*, July 30-August12*, August 13-26*, December 17-30
2006	January 7-20, June 24-July 7*, July 15-28*, July 29-August 11*, August 12-25*, September 2-15*, December 16-29

* Ecuador whale-watching season

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