|
|
|
|
|
Adventure Tours |
 P9 NORTHERN ROUNDTRIP On this 3 week excursion we visit the northern regions of Ecuador, from the Pacific ocean to the Andes mountains and the Amazon jungle. We get to know old colonial towns, Indian markets, volcanoes, cloud forest, tropical rainforests, beaches and mangroves. Apart from those natural attractions, we also get to know cultural attractions and the different and distinct people of Ecuador. After this trip you have a good idea about how life is and was in this South American country. Day 1 We start our tour by going east to the Amazon jungle. But our first stop are the Hot Springs of Papallacta, located high in the Ecuadorian Andes. After a relaxed bath, we continue on to the San Rafael Waterfalls, where we spend our first night. Day 2 We explore the area, getting different view points of Ecuador's mightiest waterfall and the active volcano El Reventador. This region, located at an altitude of 1500m is tropical montane rainforest, which is famous for its highly diverse bird population, like the elusive cock-of-the-rock and its many plants and flowers. Day 3 We leave San Rafael and head to Lago Agrio, where we stop for lunch. Then we continue on to Coca, our starting point of exploring the tropical jungle. Day 4 Today we start our exploration by going downriver on the Napo to the Yarina Jungle Lodge, one hour east of Coca. In the afternoon we undertake a nature hike through the primary rainforest, where native guides explain the different uses of the plants and trees to us. In the night we venture again into the jungle to hear and see the nightly creatures of the forest. Day 5 Early in the morning we go out in a canoe on the river for bird watching. Later after breakfast we visit an indigenous family and learn about their traditional life and farming methods. After lunch we return to Coca, where we spend another night. Day 6 On this day we leave Coca and drive by way of Loreto to Puyo, a very long drive, where we spend the next night. Day 7 In the morning we visit Fatima, an experimental animal station near the town. After lunch then we move up the Eastern Cordillera to Baņos. On the way we stop and visit some of the many waterfalls which cascade down the mountains and into the Pastaza Gorge. Day 8 We spend the day around the beautiful surroundings of Baņos. We have a great view of Tungurahua volcano, which is presently in a very active mood. At night we drive to a place to be able to watch the possible eruptions of lava. Day 9 After a visit of the zoo in the morning, we leave the Baņos area and head back towards Quito. For lunch we stop at the Hacienda La Cienaga and in the afternoon we arrive in Quito. Day 10 Today we explore Quito, the modern city center and the old colonial town with a final visit of the Casa de Cultura museum. Day 11 Early in the morning we drive up to Pichincha volcano. After a short hike we reach the crater rim and have a great view into this still active crater with its lava domes and fumaroles. This region is also ideal for getting to know the high alpine vegetation of this paramo region. Day 12 Today we leave Quito and visit Mitad del Mundo, the Equator Line Monument and the Inca ruins of Rumicucho. After that we move on to the Pululahua crater where we spend the night at Finca Colibri. Day 13 We explore this huge crater and its surroundings on horseback or on foot, enjoying the distinct flora and fauna and wonderful and unique scenery, this geobotanical reserve has to offer. Day 14 Leaving the crater we drive to Mindo, a small village which is the gateway to a sub-tropical cloud forest reserve. In the afternoon we visit an orchid garden and a butterfly farm. Day 15 Early in the morning we hike through the forest to do some bird watching. Mindo is famous for its birds but apart from those flying creatures, it offers a varied and lush cloudforest vegetation. Day 16 In the afternoon we drive on to the Northern Pacific coast, where we arrive late at night in Atacames. Day 17 On this day we relax at the beach from yesterday's long drive. Day 18 On this day we visit the beautiful sand beaches at Same and Sua, two villages south of Atacames. Day 19 Today we leave Atacames and continue moving north with a visit of a mangrove reserve and the island of La Tolita. The night we stay in San Lorenzo, a town located farther up north. Day 20 Leaving the coast we drive up the Western Cordillera to reach the mountain valleys again just north of Ibarra. We continue on to Otavalo for our next overnight stay. Day 21 In the morning we visit the famous Indian market and in the afternoon we drive to Cuicocha crater lake. This beautiful water filled caldera is located at 3300m. Afterwards we head back to Quito, where we end our 3-week excursion.
|
|
||
|
|
