Andean Family Adventures

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).