Andean Adventures

From the Amazon jungle to the glaciers beckoning 16,404 feet above the Pacific Coast line; the variety of landscape astonishes.  The villages, the people and their way of life so well adapted to the environment present a rich diversity. This country's contrasts surprise at every moment. The volcanic activity, currently intense, adds a particular attraction to this country.

Ecuador is perfect for discover Latin America in family. A veritable extract of South America, since the cordillera with Amazonian forest, on foot, bike, horse or in dugout. A colourful circuit, which will remain engraved in the memory of young people... and others.

• Day 1/ Arrival in Quito
• Day 2/ Visit Quito, Otavalo
• Day 3/ Otavalo market, laguna Cuicocha (riding horses)
• Day 4/ Autoferro
• Day 5/ San pablo, Zuleta, Tambopaxi
• Day 6/ Cotopaxi view, Tigua
• Day 7/ Laguna Quilotoa, walk, mules, Banos
• Day 8/ Banos, walk, cycling, hot springs
• Day 9/ Ilalo (riding horses), Quito
• Day 10/ Depart from Quito.

Ecuador is perfect for families wishing to travel remotely.  It is also perfect for your first visit to Latin America.  The country of Ecuador reflects all flavors of the continent. One can discover the glacial lakes to approach remote traveling as a family or for a first contact with the Latin America. It is indeed a true concentrate of this continent: one finds there glacial lakes, mountains and active volcanos dominating the altiplano, and one can quickly pass from the highlands deep into Amazonia. The inhabitants, a majority being the Quechuas Indians, are very visible and still wear their traditional clothes. Bustling, colored markets and  highlight crafts from a rich and dynamic artisanal industry, alongside exotic... exotic fruit and vegetables. And the town of Quito is one of most beautiful in South America. We invite you and your family to discover with us all that Ecuador has to offer, on foot, on mountain bike, on horse, in local canoe or on the astonishing autoferro crossing the canyons. We often delight in mid day hotspring baths or taking a dip in an Amazonian river. A voyage that will leave an indelible memory for you and your children!

Day 1/ Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito at Mariscal Sucre Airport; you can arrive in the afternoon or night. You will be met at the airport and transferred to an elegant five-star hotel with many amenities, including a beautiful spa and indoor/outdoor swimming pools (Grand Mercure Alameda or Hilton Colon or similar).

Day 2/  Quito city tour - cable car - Otavalo
After a delicious breakfast, explore Quito: a town built on the ruins of an INCA city by Spanish invaders. Quito has maintained an undeniable colonial flavor. It is the first city in the world declared "Cultural heritage of the world" by UNESCO, its historical center boasts over sixty churches and convents, which earned the nickname "Florence of the Americas". After learning about Quito and its culture you will have a short transfer to visit the cable car (teleferico) for a splendid view of Quito, we'll go from Occidental Avenue (9,678 feet) to Cruz Loma over Pichincha volcano (13,287 feet). After that we will head towards Panecillo, a hill that dominates the city, where we will discover the famous religious statue, the Virgin of Quito. In the afternoon we will drive about 2 hours to Otavalo. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 3/ Cuicocha (riding horses) - Otavalo
On Saturdays, it is Otavalo and nowhere else! This is one of the highlights of the trip. The entire region takes part in the most colorful and famous market of Latin America.We will enjoy the animated bargaining for animals, weavings, fruits, vegetables and crafts. The inhabitants have maintained their original way of life and traditions. The local people of Otavalo are among the most prosperous groups and they sell their wares in all corners of Ecuador and the world.
From Otavalo, we will ride horses to Cuicocha's lagoon (approx 3 hours). Cuicocha's lagoon that is located in the crater, which was formed on the sides of the Cotacachi volcano (16,194 feet). This lagoon with two small islands, seemingly floating in the middle, offers wildly varied flora (orchids, "elephant's ears") and splendid views of Imbabura's province. Circling on a great looping path, the modest altitude allows us moderate acclimatization. From the highest point (11,155 feet), we enjoy a very beautiful view of Otavalo and the volcano Imbabura. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 4/ Otavalo Autoferro - Lechero (walk) - Otavalo
Early in the morning, transfer to the station of Ibarra and departure on board the "autoferro", a bus on rails which can easily climb the rough slopes of the Andes. We have the privilege of riding on the buses' roofs in direction of Lita and admire the superb panoramic sights as well as the tropical vegetation. If rail traffic is stopped for mechanical problem, we will walk on the sides of the Volcano Imbabura approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking at 9,514 feet high. Then a return to Otavalo. After lunch, short walk of "Lechero", indigenous sacred tree overlooking Otavalo. 2 to 3 hours walking. Hacienda Puerto Lago (or similar).

Day 5/ Otavalo - San Pablo - Zuleta (walk) - Tambopaxi
After breakfast, we trek towards the village of Zuleta and the lagoon of San Pablo, on the cultivated and inhabited foothills of Imbabura. This new route allows us to enter an ancient zone exclusively populated by Indians.
We will discover the beautiful area inhabited by the Zuleta Indians, who cultivate their multiple fields in a traditional way on the side of the volcanoes Cayambe, Imbabura and Cusin. 4 to 5 hours of walking at 9,500 feet of altitude, adaptable according to the level of the participants. In the afternoon transfer to Tambopaxi. It's an acclimatization center located at 12,303 feet at the foot of the volcano.

Day 6/ Tambopaxi - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa
The National park is located at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano 19,347 feet high, which, with its perfect snow covered cone, is the world's highest active volcano.
We cross the park, leaving behind us herds of wild horses, in order to begin the climb to the refuge. From this point located at 15,748 feet, we walk to the glacier, which is very impressive and relatively easy to access. This hike up to the glacier will depend on weather conditions and physical clients abilities (children especially). After that we will drive to Quilotoa. Quilotoa Crater Lodge (or similar).

Day 7/ Quilotoa (walk/mule) - Baños
We depart to discover this splendid area of the western cordillera and reach the lagoon of Quilotoa, 12,800 feet at the bottom of its crater. We will be able to admire astonishing Andean landscape, mountains slopes with small cultivated fields and semi-desert plains with their sheep and llamas. We will cross large canyons. Excursion to the bottom of the volcano's crater. 2-3 hours walk. Then transfer to Baños. Volcano Hotel or La Floresta Hotel or similar.

Day 8/ Baños (walk + cycling)
Located in a subtropical area at 5,905 feet high and at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua at 16,456 feet. The charming little town of Baños is well known for its thermal spring's swimming pools, an ideal place to relax.
You will have a chance to see numerous sugar cane, mandarin and blackberry plantations. Furthermore, you will discover the city center, the cathedral, the balsa and tagua (vegetal ivory) workrooms, the small zoo where you can get accustomed to know the Amazonian fauna.
We will enjoy a thrilling downhill mountain bike ride along the road leading to the Amazon, passing amazing waterfalls and spectacular canyons. Horse back riding or walking is also possible. Volcano Hotel or La Floresta Hotel or similar.

Day 9/ Baños - Ilalo (riding horses) - Quito
After breakfast, we ride horses at the foot of the very active Tungurahua volcanoe , about 3 hours riding horse. In the afternoon return to Quito. Hotel Grand Mercure Alameda or Hilton Colon or similar.

Day 10/ Depart from Quito
Transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flight.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice. 
- The Otavalo market is only on Saturdays. The program takes this into account.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

The guide: an English-speaking professional Ecuadorian Mountain World Travel guide.
A driver in charge of the bus.

The airport/hotel transfer and all other transportation are organized through private tourism Bus vehicles.

Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
In the cities, we book hotels and hosterias of excellent standard, Quito 5 stars, Baños and Otávalo 4 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Downtown, breakfast at the accommodation's restaurant, dinner at the restaurant.
Lunch, taken on the way in the form of a picnic or in a restaurant depending on the day and circumstances.
Beverages, mineral water provided during transfer and in restaurant.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Quito
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Airport tax (to date 38 USD$ per person)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Quito are:
-    American Airlines: daily flights from anywhere in the States through Miami
-    Continental: daily flights from anywhere in the States through Houston
-    Avianca: daily flights from Miami
-    or LAN (Oneworld), etc.

Formalities for US, Canada, EU, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For US citizens, please check with  US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Ecuador embassy of your country.

We advise you, however, to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis.
Visit: US Department of Health

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness.
We conceive our routes by respecting the best possible "stages of acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit:  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

Ecuador, an Andean patchwork
A small country on the scale of South America, Ecuador is nonetheless a plethora of the most beautiful landscapes! From the Pacific to the depths of Amazonia, it offers an astonishing diversity, from the tropical forests to the glacial fields at 20,702 feet. The volcanic activity, currently intense, adds a particular attraction to this country already rich in natural wonders. It is in the central zone, made up of cordilleras and volcanoes where the majority of our trip is concentrated: crater lakes, excursions in the national parks, visits to famous Inca sites, ascent of the high Ecuadorian summits, villages and their way of life  so well adapted to the environment, colorful markets... A succession of contrasts awaits you, and will surprise you at every moment. A very complete, ideal destination for the true hiker!

• The broadest choice of adventures, from family adventures to the ascent of the highest volcanoes.
• Guarantee of a highly reliable and professional organization and team, thanks to our agency in Quito.
• Services of high quality: comfortable and charming lodging, parks and site entry fee included in the price, along with high quality meals and utility equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of the terrain, thanks to our more than 20 years of experience in the country.

It is easy to travel year round to Ecuador, because there is not much fluctuation between seasons. On the other hand, climate change is evident in the frequent sun alternations accompanied by heavy showers. Sometimes, strong variations in temperatures can occur during the same day, depending on the intensity of the sun or the wind on the mountains. Well equipped, these changes are easily managed.

Quito, the capital, located in the volcano zone, at 8,850 feet of altitude, has average temperatures of 50°F at night. At the time of the excursions (Otávalo, Pichincha, Cotopaxi and of Chimborazo), it can freeze or snow during the night.

• In the mountains: the weather can be cold in altitude.

• In Amazonia and on the peaceful coast: heat and moisture all year round.

Average temperatures in Quito(day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:

Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June
66/50	66/50	66/50	66/51	66/51	66/60
July	August	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
68/55	68/54	68/49	67/49	67/49	66/50

Population	14 millions habitants
Surface	98,985 squares miles
Capital	Quito
Main Cities	Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca
Peaks	Chimborazo (20,700 feet) - Cotopaxi (19,347 feet)
Official Language	Spanish
Local Language	Quechua and dialects in the remote areas
Religion	Catholic religion
Head of the state	Rafael Correa
Political Status	Republic
Time Shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc-0500.html

The currency is the American dollar (the old local currency, sugar, disappeared in September 2000)We advise you to carry American dollars in small increments, un-damaged. Credit cards are accepted in the main cities, and there are ATM machines in Quito, Otávalo and Baños.

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips.
Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US Government Travel Advices

The Ecuadorian project was an extremely tempting project which attracted the founders of Mountain World Travel in Ecuador, at the end of the Eighties. The relatively easy ascent of the large glacial volcano, Chimborazo, its summit, at 20,000 feet was quite a lure. We could not help but fall under the charm of this country, so small on surface, but so rich in all that is Latin America flavor: fabulous landscapes, colored markets, the Indians' smiles, architectural richness... we could not wait to share all of these treasures. We are now proud to offer this destination to you.

We created this beautiful adventure by combining our expertise with Beto and Carole. Beto is an Ecuadorian native, a local guide and experienced mountaineer alpinist. Carole, his wife is a French native passionate for the country of Ecuador.

Beto, at the time of our meeting, was one of our local guides. He and Carole approached us on the spot about providing their services to our adventure travel organization.

Impassioned by treks and Ecuador, Beto traverses his country in all directions and shares common values with Mountain World Travel.

Beto introduced us to Carole, his French wife, who he met during a trip where Beto was the group leader!Since 2001, Beto and Carole have been our adventure travel representatives in Quito.

Today, they are managing a dynamic team of group leaders passionate of their volcanoes. Since then, our two friends invest themselves each day to perfect our adventures in Ecuador. They animate a team of qualified and motivated local guides, with whom they can share their love of the country and of hiking.

Being a responsible tourism company and considering the environmental problems encountered in certain national parks of Ecuador, in 2006 we worked together with Carole and Beto for the installation of toilets in the Cotopaxi park, the crossing point of all the Mountain World Travel groups. The project received the support of the Department of the Environment, proving its effectiveness and this, in turn, awakened the local authorities. The toilets are thus in place at the two entries of the Park and operational for the 2007 season at the southern entry, as well.

Generally, Spanish is spoken by all of the population. The local language, quechua and other dialects are used in the remote areas. English is spoken by those in tourism related work. Learning some Spanish key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with the Ecuadorians.
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello, how are you? : Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thank you: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta luego
Yes: sí - Not: No
Excuse me: discúlpeme
You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language.
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

The Ecuadorian population is made up of a mosaic of ethnic groups. The many Indian markets reflect this great diversity. Mongrels, Indians and pure Castilian live in good harmony. You will be able to admire, in Quito, a great number of churches, the jewels of colonial architecture.

Advice from Beto and Carole, our specialists in Ecuador:
We kindly request you to respect the goods of the peasants, in particular to remain on the edge of the fields when we walk in the country side.The flora is of an incredible diversity in this country which, because of its geographical contrasts, shelters thousands of plants, tropical or Andean... Ecuador also counts a very rich fauna. Thank you for your respect.

What precautions should one take during a trip to Ecuador? Although the situation has degraded slightly during the last few years, Ecuador remains a safe country, in general, if a minimum of precautions are taken. We advise you, for example, to avoid, as far as possible, carrying valuable articles. The theft risk exists, it is appropriate not to flash one's wealth, to be vigilant in the areas that we visit (markets, downtown areas...) and to leave money and valuables in the safes at the hotels. Don't hesitate to ask your guide which places one should be particularly attentive to and the areas that one should avoid.

US electrical devices are compatible with Ecuadorian electrical plugs. We recommend you do not carry an adapter, because the plugs are 110 volts ones, as in the United States.

Where to buy the most beautiful souvenirs?
The Indian craft industry is very rich (weaving, leather, pottery...). Do not forget however that it is forbidden to buy souvenirs such as pre-Columbian artifacts. If you have a doubt, ask your guide. At the markets, you will not be able to resist purchasing a naïve painting sharp in color, a geometrical weave or an alpaca sweater. The richness of the craft industry reflects the cultural development of this country. Do not hesitate to buy over at the famous colorful market of Otávalo, which animates the neighborhood each Saturday. All of our circuits pass through here. Quito is also an excellent place to make your purchases.

Ecuador is a formidable kaleidoscope of landscapes, from the Andes cordillera to the immense Amazonia, while passing by the valley of the volcanoes.
In order to not leave your garbage behind you, please remember to always carry with you a little bag for your personal waste: bring it back to the next hotel or camp.
Separate your waste: do not to leave behind those very polluting items such as batteries, etc... but, instead, bring them back home with you, as there is no recycling for this type of material in Ecuador.
In the camp sites, use the toilets or toilet-tents.