Ecuador Multi-Sport Adventure

For those in search of Andean and Coastal adventure, we’ve designed the route that has it all!  The journey takes us on a thrilling, volcano mountain bike descent, a trekking adventure in the cloudforest, rafting down thunderous white waters, and on to sea kayaking amid the mangroves of the Pacific coast of Esmeraldas.

2009 Departures: daily on request

2009 Costs:

• $1275 per person/double occupancy-4 persons traveling
• $1675 per person/double occupancy-2 persons traveling
• Add $95 for flight Esmeraldas-Quito

Note: This is a fully escorted tour operated on request as a private departure.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive to Quito. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for one night. (Note: Additional days in Quito can be added to explore the colonial city, do day hikes or mountain biking to help you acclimatize for your adventure program)

DAY 2: MOUNTAIN BIKING TO MINDO. We begin the day near the town of Nono, on the road behind Guagua Pichincha volcano which looms above the capital, on a smooth uphill incline up to 3,300 meters above sea level. Next comes a thrilling descent into the cloud forest lasting approximately 3 or 4 hours, which takes us to our delightful lodge near the Mindo Cloudforest Reserve. We spend a relaxing evening enjoying the natural amphitheatre of the forest’s night sounds. (L, D)

DAY 3: CLOUD FOREST TREK Our second day is dedicated to exploring one of the world’s most bio-diverse regions: the cloudforests of Mindo. Here, we’ll trek to beautiful waterfalls set in stunning primary cloud forest full of dozens of orchids and butterflies, and be able to spot some of the area’s 450 species of birds, including the renowned Andean Cock of the Rock. In the afternoon, we return to our lodge, ready for a relaxing evening in our forest cabins. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: RAFTING ON THE BLANCO RIVER. Day three kicks off on the Blanco River, called “the White River” because of its relentless flow of white rapids. After a safety briefing, we will navigate 30 km of Class III - III+ rapids and waves, admiring the breathtaking rain forest and abundant bird life, possibly encountering a southern river otter. In the afternoon we drive west down to the Esmeraldas coast, and overnight in a beach-front hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: SEA KAYAK PORTETE MANGROVES. In the morning, we set off for a nearby bay, and begin kayaking and exploring the well-preserved coastal mangroves in Portete. We have the opportunity to learn about this complex ecosystem, and be on the lookout for its abundant birdlife, including blue footed boobies and egrets, among others. In the afternoon, we enjoy a visit to a reserve with howler monkeys, before continuing to a beach lodge in the remote and charming town of Mompiche. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: SEA KAYAK MOMPICHE AND MUISNE. After breakfast, we will sea kayak along the largely untouched Pacific coastline to reach the mangrove areas around Muisne, where we learn more about the mangrove ecosystem. At beautiful Muisne Island, there’s great paddling and a top beach for a relaxing bit of sunbathing. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: BACK TO QUITO. On our last morning, there’s time to swim in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean and relax under the sun. In the afternoon, we drive back to Quito, or fly from Esmeraldas airport. (Add $95 if flights are used) Check-in to your Quito hotel for one night. (B, L)

DAY 8: You’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport to check-in for your return or continuing flights.

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

INCLUDED: Private transportation, mountain biking equipment, rafting equipment, sea kayak equipment, overnight accommodations, professional bilingual guides and meals as indicated.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, hotel & restaurant beverages, entrance fees and tips / gratuities.

Trip notes:

• This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador, which can be reached via daily flights on a wide variety of airlines. Latin American Escapes offers excellent discounted airfares, please contact us for a quote from your home city.
• Additional days may be added in Quito at either the beginning or end of this itinerary if you wish to explore the city in more depth, or visit other interesting areas of Ecuador---the Galapagos islands, colonial cities, Amazon Rainforest, volcanoes, hot springs, etc.
• We use a well located B&B style hotel in Quito for this trip. Upgrades available on request.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

• TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 4 hours per day
• SEASON: All year
• ALTITUDE: 2,800 m. to Sea Level
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: DAY 8-24ºC, NIGHT 5-15ºC
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CLOUDFOREST: DAY 16-30ºC, NIGHT 16-18ºC, high humidity
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE COAST: DAY 20-35ºC, NIGHT 18- 22ºC
• SUGGESTED: Trekking gear, rain gear, paddle gear, sunblock, bathing suit, and mosquito repellent.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.