Eco-Zone Explorers

Featuring cloudforest visit,  high Andes paramo eco-zone, Incan culture, Amazon ecolodge, Huaorani indigenous experience, Galapagos 3 island stay and Avenue of the Volcanoes. You will make a connection with local people, contribute directly to conserving precious and threatened environments, help foster respect for native and traditional peoples and cultures, and support local projects that provide benefits for the communities you visit. This is the Ultimate Ecuador Eco-Zone Explorer Tour.

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Meet your driver at the airport and be welcomed into Ecuador. From here you will be transferred to your night’s hotel.

Day 2: Mindo

This morning the first destination is in the Mindo Cloudforest. Cloud forests are at mid altitude and frequently become misty, creating a cool humid environment that supports an abundant biodiversity. You will travel through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and, upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction to the ecolodge facilities. This is a very interesting place where the owners have created a mini micro hydro site, and organic vegetable garden, a lovely main lodge with expansive sitting areas open to the cloud forest. The individual bungalows are self contained units with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Rough hewn construction, very comfortable and secure feeling. There are daily guided hikes and a tour of the facility included. (BLD)

Day 3: Mindo An optional 6:30 wake up call begins the day that starts with a guided walk to observe wildlife. You might see toucans, quetzals, parrots and sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis. After breakfast is another guided nature walk and several other optional activities: mountain biking, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding. Make a point to visiting the town of Mindo to try out the freshest chocolate you will ever taste at the Quetazal Cafe. They offer a free tour of the mini-plantation and show you the magic transformation from seed to elixir. Cacao pods actually originated from this region and were traded and then cultivated by the Azteca in Mexico. For many years, Ecuador was the world’s largest producer. (BLD)

Day 4: Otavalo

If you are inclined, you can take a very early morning excursion to see the rare courtship display of the cock o the rock. The trip involves a steep hike into a reserve, and then sitting in a blind to see the birds. They appear daily, but you must be quiet and unobtrusive. The display is quite riotous and colourful, although the air can also be quite misty. You come back to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will travel to Mojanda, a mountainside ecolodge and organic farm, located near the town of Otavalo. (BLD)

Day 5: Otavalo (You can also read more in detail about Otavalo market by searching this blog for posts.)

Today, see the famous Otavalo market. Lunch is in a local indigenous-owned restaurant after which you will participate in a guided tour of local craft workshops, homes and nearby villages. Later, back at the lodge, you can take a walk in the amazingly beautiful hills, along foot paths adjacent to local farms. If you are lucky, you can be led by the lodge’s mascot to a pretty waterfall. (BLD)

Day 6: Cotopaxi

Today we’ll continue touring the highlands area, taking a scenic route south and east In the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito. Here travellers can choose between hiking and mountain biking in the clouds, riding horses with the local ‘chagras’ or Andean cowboys, and ziplines that will take you soaring over the spectacular mountain scenery.

Close to the truly majestic snow capped Mount Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, visitors will experience an authentic taste of Ecuador’s colonial past during their stay in the comfortable accommodation provided by a real working ranch house built in colonial style, and nestled in the unsurpassed beauty of this region of the Andes.

Before we arrive at the lodge there will be a chanced visit to Cotopaxi National Park where the interpretation centre will give you an opportunity to get to know something about the plants and animals that populate this lush green mountain region. You will also learn about ancient eruptions of this truly majestic, snow capped, cone shaped volcano that have left an indelible imprint on the area.

After driving slowly up through the park and enjoying the mountain we will start our climb to the Padre Rivas mountain climbers´ refuge, situated at an altitude of 4,800m (15,744 feet) above sea level. Here you will be above the clouds, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This is truly the land of the gods. In the afternoon we will explore some of the other interesting areas of this important national park: the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon situated in the mountain peaks, and 15 km beyond the lake, located on a small hill, we will explore the ruins of ancient Inca fortress (pucara) of Salitre.

And at the end of day, a delicious dinner, a warm fireplace and conversation in cheerful company will be waiting for us at our Mountain Lodge.

Day 7: Horse Riding on the Volcano
After a good breakfast an expert ‘chagra’ (Andean cowboy), who will also be our local guide, will show us how to ride a horse provided by the lodge. The ´chagras´ their colourful clothes and their well groomed horses are a reminder of the days when the horse was the main form of transport in the area. Our ride starts in the foothills of the craggy Rumiñahui volcano, named after a famous Inca general who lead the first uprising against the Spanish conquistadors. During the ride our local guide will share with us his knowledge of the ancient lore and myths of the region.

We will be back for lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon we will walk around the hacienda and visit the Manto Blanco waterfall. Or if you prefer, we can relax in the Hacienda take part in some of the activities or just settle in front of the fire and relax before the evening meal. Night: Mountain Lodge (BLD)

Day 7: OPTIONAL

For the traveller interested in a more active day we offer an optional, more adventurous excursion, that will take you across these beautiful Andes highlands:

The journey starts with a visit by horse back, mountain bike, hike (or if you prefer, drive) to El Tambo, a pre-colonial Inca refuge and stockyard that hosted and supplied Inca travellers that moved from the mountains to the coast and vice versa.

The journey up to El Tambo (the word signifies Travellers Rest), is truly impressive, the mountains, the llamas, the local communities, the Quichua culture. All these we can take in on the way up and back, accompanies by our local guide who will give us some insights into the culture and this beautiful part of the country.

At night we will stay at a hacienda where you can still see the original handcrafted stone floor of the Inca Tambo. This magical place is surrounded by volcanic sand and has fantastic views of Mt. Cotopaxi.
Alternative night: El Tambo, Cotopaxi

Day 8: Ecological Reserve and Ziplines
Today we will visit the Santa Rita private ecological reserve

We make our way up to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve to explore the forest canopy by zipline. This system was originally used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy and includes five cables between 100 and 480 meters long. The zipline provides a great vantage point for bird watching and enjoying the scenery, and will give you a real adrenaline rush as you soar above the trees. After a good picnic lunch, the group will be lead by the Reserve’s park rangers as they perform trail maintenance and rehabilitation.

The reserve is located on the slopes of Mt. Pasochoa. The trail we will take crosses high mountain forest at 3,300 m (10,824ft) above sea level. During our walk we will pass native forest until we get to the open grassland locally know as paramo, at 3,700 m above sea level. From here you will be able to view a magnificent panorama that includes the Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua volcanoes.

In the afternoon we will head further down the Avenue of Volcanoes to the town named Banos, in the shadow of the active volcano Tungurahua . (BLD)

Day 9: The Avenue of the Volcanoes and flight over the Amazon Rainforest

Getting to the Huaorani’s world is an amazing part of the experience. We drive from Banos to the town of Shell, a town named after the oil company, and we board a small plane, flying for 35 minutes to Quehueri ́ono over spectacular rainforest panoramas. A dug- out canoe will then take us to the Lodge where, after settling in, you will get your first taste of the Amazon, and explore one of the short forest trails close to the Lodge. Night: Huaorani ecolodge (BLD)

Day 10: Getting to know the Community
This is the day we get a chance to know the people of the Huaorani Community of Quehueri’ono. You will be able to join them in some of their daily activities and have a chance to share some of their history, myths and magic. Later, in the warmth of the evening we will relax in the company of the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. (BLD)

Day 11: On the Trail With the Huaorani
On the Hunting Trail. Accompanied by our guide and a member of the community equipped with lance and blow pipe, we explore the ways of the forest and the animals, entering the world the Huaorani share with them. You will be able to try your hand (or mouth) at the blow pipe and get to know more about this marvellous world that is now threatened by oil fields and palm plantations. (BLD)

Day 12: Reality Tour and Back to Quito
We travel on the Via Auca to the town of Coca (the formal name is Puerto Francisco de Orellana after the Spanish conquistador/explorer) where we will board the flight back to Quito. The journey will be revealing. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life. (BL)

Day 13: Flight to Galapagos Islands
Fly to San Cristobal Island, and transfer to your hotel. After a tasty lunch, we’ll ride bikes to the Interpretation Center, and then on to the Loberia, a great spot to see colonies of sea lions. (B, L)

Day 14: Kayak and Snorkel
Today is the perfect day for taking to the water. We start with a great intro to kayaking, paddling from the Puerto Baquerizo beach to Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigate Hill, which gets its name from the large number of Frigate Birds (Tijeretas) that live and nest there. Later we’ll snorkel at Leon Dormido, enjoy some fantastic kayaking next to a cliff filled with Galapagos birdlife (experienced paddlers can catch a big wave), and then try some snorkeling, with the chance to see dozens of harmless sharks and a colorful rock channel teeming with tropical fish. (B)

Day 15: Island of Isabela
Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Isabela Island and check into our hotel. After breakfast we’ll head to the small Tintoreras islands, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we’ll see white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays and Galapagos penguins. There’s also the chance to snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of the bay, where we’ll be able to get a close up of the islands’ famous underwater life. In the afternoon we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding centre. (B)

Day 16: Volcano Crater Hike
Today it’s time to stretch our legs. We’ll visit Sierra Negra, the largest crater of all the Galapagos volcanoes. It is a spectacular hike, and a perfect primer on the geology of the archipelago. We’ll enjoy some spectacular vistas over the island before returning to our hotel. (B)

Day 17: Wildlife and Water
This morning we’ll leave from the white sandy beach in front of our hotel and paddle to Villamil Bay, passing rays, penguins, and blue footed boobies, and watching the friendly sea lions that paddle along with us. In the afternoon we will walk the Wetlands Trail, through the mangroves and marine iguana colonies, to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by WWII prisoners housed at the island’s US base. (B)

Day 18: Island Santa Cruz
We’ll leave in the early morning sun and travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into our hotel we’ll head to the Highlands to see Giant Tortoises, and then explore lava tunnels and the ‘Los Gemelos’ a pair of giant volcanic craters. In the afternoon we’ll head to the spectacular white sand beach at Tortuga Bay where we can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, and paddle amongst marine iguanas, sharks, and sea turtles. (B)

Day 19: Charles Darwin Research Centre and Mainland
After a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, we transfer to Baltra for our return flight back to mainland Ecuador. Of course, if you’ve fallen in love with these ‘enchanted’ isles – many people do – you can decide to extend your stay for a few days. There’s lots of scuba diving and naturalist day trips you can take to explore some of the other fascinating Galapagos islands. (B)

Day 20: Return Home
This morning the tour finishes with a transfer to the airport. You may want to extend your stay a few days and explore Quito. If so, be sure to ask about adding on some nights.

RELAXING TOGETHER OR WITH THE FAMILY IN A BEACH FRONT HOTEL.

Isabela is the only island of the Galapagos chain that actually spans the equator. You’ll be based in Villamil, a sleepy fishing village situated in a sheltered cove on the South Eastern end of the island. Your hotel, a comfortable modern two story building, sits on a spectacular three kilometer long palm studded white sand beach. The hotel has a family atmosphere and no effort is spared in making you feel at home. In the morning you can enjoy a stroll along the sand before breakfast, read a book during the heat of the afternoon, and finish off the day with a cocktail while enjoying the warm equatorial night. And all this with the murmur of the Pacific Ocean in your ears.

Day One: First on the menu is a visit to the breeding centre where the Islands’ Giant Tortoise population is presently recovering. Expert guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing these giant slow moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present day name.

Day Two: We start the day by visiting el Cura and then move on to El Mango with their stunning views of the southern part of Isabela. The walk then takes us up to the spectacular crater of the Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world, and then on to Volcán Chico (little volcano) at the eastern rim of the crater, where you’ll get a glimpse of the fascinating process that formed the Galapagos. Two recent eruptions have laid the geology of the islands bare, and you can see and explore massive lava flows, small cones and miniature tunnels. Here you’ll be able to picnic on the top of the volcano and enjoy truly spectacular views over the central and northern parts of Isabela, as well as Fernandina, Pinzón and Santa Cruz Islands.

Day Three: Today we’ll take a short tour of the small islands of Tintoreras, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we can see white tipped sharks at rest, plus sea lions, turtles, rays and penguins. We’ll also have the chance to snorkel in the bay. In the afternoon we’ll walk the Wetlands Trail through the mangroves (all four types of mangrove tree can be seen) and marine iguana colonies, and enjoy the network of paths, beaches and historic sites. At the end of the Trail is the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by Second World War prisoners held at the US base that existed here at that time.

Day Four: Today we say goodbye to Isabela and fly over the spectacular island scenery once more to Baltra, where we board our return flight to Quito.

For those who just hate to leave this paradise, there’s the option of adding another day for a visit to the island’s spectacular tunnels:

Optional Day:

This is the chance to have your second encounter with Galapagos underwater life.

The day starts with a visit to Roca Unión, a small island full of life, where we’ll  snorkel amid clouds of brightly-colored fish and watch sea lions and blue footed boobies from the surface. At Turtle Cove, a secret spot used by fishermen, that today is considered one of the island’s major attractions, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel through a maze of small islands and arches (and for the experts, tunnels) in the company of fish, sea turtles and occasional white tipped sharks and rays. There are more opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles at Finado, and from our boat out on the open water, the chance to watch sea turtles and manta rays against a background of varied coastal beaches and rocky shores where sea turtles nest.

The afternoon is free for wandering about or relaxing in a hammock and reading. A delicious evening meal will be served in one of the village’s friendly restaurants.

UNIQUE ADVENTURES IN A UNIQUE WORLD

Contributed By Jascivan Caravalho

The Galapagos Islands, a world heritage site and one of the most famous places on the planet, is a must visit for every adventurous traveler. The story of this exceptional archipelago is intertwined with the history of the human race itself. It’s a tale of violent eruptions and the formation of the volcanic islands that played a major role in Charles Darwin’s ground breaking theory of evolution, one of the most important moments in the human journey.

From barren volcanic outcrops these islands slowly developed into the home of a stunning variety of unique wildlife, and thanks to careful control, that wildlife is still here for you to see today.  The islands retain their original untamed nature, offering discriminating travelers the chance to enjoy an exciting and challenging voyage of discovery.

With our Galapagos Ecological Adventures program you can design and follow your own path into this fascinating environment. It’s a unique experience that’s not only more dynamic and adventurous – with spectacular hikes, kayaking, snorkeling and biking – it’s the way to spend quality time with the family, actively exploring the islands on a path less traveled. With this special program you’ll have more time to explore your extraordinary surroundings, and more time to enjoy the enchanted atmosphere.

But Galapagos is more than spectacular wildlife and scenery. It offers you that little bit extra. The human touch. Here you’ll be accompanied by local guides who are knowledgeable about, and devoted to their island home. And they’re passionate about preserving it. They’ll show you life here on the islands as they know it. As no one else can. And with us you’ll have more time to get to know some of the friendly people who will make this a really personal experience. This is a truly special way to experience the enchanted isles, the way to get the most out of your stay.

Your exploration can be as adventure filled as you want. As part of our flexible program you’ll be able to kayak, snorkel and bicycle on the islands, avoiding the throng of visitors and the crowded trails. Here you’ll get a closer, more active view of the place that fascinated Charles Darwin and has played an unequaled role in human history.

Galapagos Ecological Adventures offers experiences that go beyond the limits of the traditional one week boat tour with its problems of being confined amongst strangers, the risk of sea sickness and the rush hour traffic of the tour boats. This is a more independent program, with a wide range of accommodation that will suite everyone’s taste -  families, couples or groups of friends – and the flexibility to operate any day of the week, and if you choose, to adapt to extensions to your cruise.

GETTING UP CLOSE TO THE ISLANDS’ UNIQUE WILDLIFE

As part of this program you’ll visit three islands and get a chance to spend time with the unique wildlife that inhabits the islands: the sea lions, the giant tortoises, the marine iguanas and much, much, more.

First stop is the impressive Island of San Cristobal. This is the place to see sea lions. There are thousands on the Island, in colonies and small groups, and you’ll have a chance to see them close up as we walk and bike alongside. The animals are surprisingly tame and will let you approach with no problem. The colonies of Frigate birds that inhabit the island and have occupied a small bay are also something to see, and you’ll have a chance to get up close to these spectacular birds with their red chests, as we kayak and snorkel in the nearby waters. Also on the menu is the impressive Leon Dormido,  a rock formation that is a great place to snorkel amongst dolphins and sharks, and to be dazzled by a myriad of brightly colored fishes.

Next is Isabela island, not only the largest, most volcanically active and most interesting of the chain, but also the least visited and the most relaxed. It’s four times the size of the next largest island, yet has only 20% of the Galapagos population. Here you’ll be able to get a close look at the very source of the Galapagos spectacular history; you’ll see five active volcanoes and hike into the second largest volcanic crater in the world, Sierra Negra. It’s an awe inspiring site.

On Isabela you’ll get close up to the archipelago’s famous wildlife. It’s all here: giant tortoises, sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, boobies, penguins and flamingoes (this is the only place in the world you can see both at the same time).  And for good measure the island also boasts the most extensive wetlands in the archipelago – recognized as a globally important site -  where you can visit the ‘Poza del Diablo’ with its brilliantly colored flamingoes.

And as a fitting end to a memorable trip you’ll visit the island of Santa Cruz. Here you can relax and soak up the atmosphere in the charming port of Puerto Ayora, the major link between the islands and the mainland. You’ll swim in Tortuga Bay, one of the largest fine sand beaches of the entire chain, where you’ll also be able to kayak in the turquoise waters. There are lava tunnels and rock fissures to explore, where you can snorkel amongst the fishes in the crystal clear water.

The highlands also have a lot to offer.  You’ll find huge tunnels and strange sunken areas formed by subterranean activity and volcanic activity the islands are famous for.  On the surface are the farms where you can see Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. And speaking of Tortoises, a trip to Santa Cruz would not be complete without a visit to the home of ‘Lonesome George’, the most famous tortoise in the world.

 

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

The Spanish bishop Tomás de Berlanga, who discovered the islands in 1535 when his ship was blown off course, was the first to call these the enchanted isles. This is an exceptional place, and one that must be preserved for all humanity.

Here conservation is not a luxury, it is essential, and that’s why this ecological adventure is designed to generate minimum environmental impact. It’s a program planned for those who care about limiting environmental and social impacts on these unique islands, and support the conservation of this fragile world heritage site.

This is the pleasant, unhurried, and responsible way to visit the Galapagos. And what’s more, the friendly islanders will help you enjoy it even more.

IN THE COMPANY OF THE ISLANDERS

After being used for centuries by pirates and whalers the Galapagos were finally claimed by Ecuador in 1832, and since that time have supported a small population, centered mainly on the island of Santa Cruz. And who better to tell you about what life is like here.

On San Cristobal you´ll have a chance to meet, eat and chat with some of the local people. You’ll share a meal with a local family that makes its living fishing on the islands, where you’ll be able to listen to their stories about how their ancestors came to the Galapagos. And on Isabela you’ll be based in the fishing community of Villamil, a small village on the South East of the island where the community is the heart of the program.

The local people are in the front lines defending the environment. Their participation is an essential element in keeping the Galapagos environment in pristine condition. That’s why island communities are involved in all aspects of our program, and why contact between travelers and the community forms an vital part of the company’s commitment to the conservation of the Galapagos. And Galapagos Ecological Adventures’ program makes sure that the money you spend stays on the islands and supports the local people’s efforts.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Fly to San Cristobal Island, and transfer to your hotel. After a tasty lunch, we’ll ride bikes to the Interpretation Center, and then on to the Loberia, a great spot to see colonies of sea lions.

Day 2: Today is the perfect day for taking to the water. We start with a great intro to kayaking, paddling from the Puerto Baquerizo beach to Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigate Hill, which gets its name from the large number of Frigate Birds (Tijeretas) that live and nest there. Later we’ll snorkel at Leon Dormido, enjoy some fantastic kayaking next to a cliff filled with Galapagos birdlife (experienced paddlers can catch a big wave), and then try some snorkeling, with the chance to see dozens of harmless sharks and a colorful rock channel teeming with tropical fish.

Day 3: Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Isabela Island and check into our hotel. After breakfast we’ll head to the small Tintoreras islands, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we’ll see white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays and Galapagos penguins. There’s also the chance to snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of the bay, where we’ll be able to get a close up of the islands’ famous underwater life. In the afternoon we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding centre.

Day 4: Today it’s time to stretch our legs. We’ll visit Sierra Negra, the largest crater of all the Galapagos volcanoes. It is a spectacular hike, and a perfect primer on the geology of the archipelago. We’ll enjoy some spectacular vistas over the island before returning to our hotel.

Day 5: This morning we’ll leave from the white sandy beach in front of our hotel and paddle to Villamil Bay, passing rays, penguins, and blue footed boobies, and watching the friendly sea lions that paddle along with us. In the afternoon we will walk the Wetlands Trail, through the mangroves and marine iguana colonies, to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by WWII prisoners housed at the island’s US base.

Day 6: We’ll leave in the early morning sun and travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island.  After checking into our hotel we’ll head to the Highlands to see Giant Tortoises, and then explore lava tunnels and the ‘Los Gemelos’ a pair of giant volcanic craters. In the afternoon we’ll head to the spectacular white sand beach at Tortuga Bay where we can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, and paddle amongst marine iguanas, sharks, and sea turtles.

Day 7: After a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, we transfer to Baltra for our return flight back to mainland Ecuador.  Of course, if you’ve fallen in love with these ‘enchanted’ isles – many people do – you can decide to extend your stay for a few days. There’s lots of scuba diving and naturalist day trips you can take to explore some of the other fascinating Galapagos islands.

The Galapagos Islands, to many people’s surprise, are inhabited by more than just the plants and animals. It makes logical sense in some ways, how else would all those boats get fuel and food?

The biggest and most diverse island is Isabela and in upcoming posts, I will tell you all about our fantastic trip there. But let me say, if you love laid back, natural places, with no biting flies and incredible scenery (world’s second largest volcanic crater) you will fall in love with Isabela.

This is tour that operates with private driver guide with a minimum of 2 passengers. You can take it year round, any day of the year. Group discounts with 6 or more people travelling together.

Day 1: Quito

Upon arrival, we meet and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Mindo

This morning the first destination is in the Mindo Cloudforest. Cloud forests are at mid altitude and frequently become misty, creating a cool humid environment that supports an abundant biodiversity. You will travel through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and, upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction to the ecolodge facilities.  This is a very interesting place where the owners have created a mini micro hydro site, and organic vegetable garden, a lovely main lodge with expansive sitting areas open to the cloud forest. The individual bungalows are self contained units with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Rough hewn construction, very comfortable and secure feeling. There are daily guided hikes and a tour of the facility included.  (BLD)

Day 3: Mindo An optional 6:30 wake up call begins the day that starts with a guided walk to observe wildlife. You might see toucans, quetzals, parrots and sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis. After breakfast is another guided nature walk and several other optional activities: mountain biking, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding. Make a point to visiting the town of Mindo to try out the freshest chocolate you will ever taste at the Quetazal Cafe. They offer a free tour of the mini-plantation and show you the magic transformation from seed to elixir. Cacao pods actually originated from this region and were traded and then cultivated by the Azteca in Mexico. For many years, Ecuador was the world’s  largest producer. (BLD)

Day 4: Otavalo

If you are inclined, you can take a very early morning excursion to see the rare courtship display of the cock o the rock. The trip involves a steep hike into a reserve, and then sitting in a blind to see the birds. They appear daily, but you must be quiet and unobtrusive. The display is quite riotous and colourful, although the air can also be quite misty. You come back to the lodge for breakfast.   After breakfast you will travel to Mojanda, a mountainside ecolodge and organic farm, located near the town of Otavalo. (BLD)

Day 5: Otavalo (You can also read more in detail about Otavalo market by searching this blog for posts.)

Today, see the famous Otavalo market.   Lunch is in a local indigenous-owned restaurant after which you will participate in a guided tour of local craft workshops, homes and nearby villages. Later, back at the lodge, you can take a walk in the amazingly beautiful hills, along foot paths adjacent to local farms. If you are lucky, you can be led by the lodge’s mascot to a pretty waterfall.  (BLD)

Day 6: Quito

Today we’ll continue touring the highlands area, taking a scenic route and return to Quito for the night. (BL)

Day 7: Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

 

When you visit Ecuador, you will most likely want to go to the Otavalo market. Otavalo is an indigenous and mestizo town about 2 to3 hours drive from Quito. It is doable on a day trip from Quito but, you miss the chance to explore the area at all. I suggest 1 night if you are pressed for time and 2 or 3 if you have some leisure.

The market is open everyday, year round, but on Saturday there are more vendors as the local people bring in goods for sale. As markets go, it is impressive for first time visitors to such events, but for seasoned travellers, it is a little bit predictable. There is a huge selection, so variety is good of you are shopping for things to take home. Make sure you bargain heavily. The vendors are savvy.

One thing I really did like at the Otavalo market was the interesting food and plant products for sale.

There were grains, fruits, dried beans and selections of herbs.

There were also many other vendors selling prepared foods like cooked fish, breads and biscochos (tasty, buttery biscuits, like cookies, but not sweetened). We were visiting over the holiday weekend of “dia del muerte” so there were many different foods available. The Guagua de pan is the traditional treat for the season.

If  you can stay over for a few days it is well worth asking your guide to take you to some of the smaller villages around Otavalo as there are wonderful small textile shops and even musical instrument makers.

Of course the big ticket items are the pure alpaca sweaters, jackets and hats. You have to be careful to get real alpaca because there are many wool imitations. Like everything else the more you pay, the higher the quality. Real alpaca yarn is made from the sheared coats of  the Vicugna pacos, a small a llama like animal. It is distinctive for being very warm, since the animals are native to the high Andean mountains, and very soft. (read more about alpaca on Wikipedia   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpaca ) .

These traditional skills live on in this area, and others, and while the rest of the planet moves ever more rapidly to a digital reality, I can’t help but think that one day we’ll need this knowledge for our survival.

Beside the markets, the Otavalo highlands also has a birds of prey conservation center that features daily flight demonstrations with merlins, hawks and eagles. The site is near Otavalo and well worth the admission. Weekends are busy and many people come to see the raptors.  The birds are all rescued, not captured. There is a magnificent enclosure with the andean condor, about as close as you can ever expect to get.

Other than this, you can drive to the Mojanda lakes about 30 minutes away and see some of  the amazing páramo ecosystem, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramo)  tufted grasslands on the slopes and valleys. You can also see the ancient, but still used, Inca trails along the mountainsides and imagine yourself in a time long before cars and computers.

There are several other things in the area, best left to a separate post.

Have a look at a suggested tour itinerary in the Ecuador/ Ecotour Services category above.  If you are interested in visiting this area, please contact us here.

This Huaorani program below is the one we experienced with the local people. It is very well organised and entirely authentic meaning that when you drop onto a grass airstrip in the middle of the rainforest, deep in Huaorani territory, anything can happen. It is the skill of the Huaorani that makes it work at all. They are perfectly attuned to their environment and deal with all the obstacles you encounter. This was and is truly a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be duplicated. In other ways the journey’s end will be very revealing.

After leaving the Huaorani villages by river, travel is by road to the jungle town of Coca to catch a flight to Quito. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields in Huarani territory and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life.

Introduction to the Region

The Amazon is one of Ecuador’s treasures. Wide winding rivers, the steamy heat of exuberant tropical rainforests, and an abundance of colourful plant and wildlife, is what the Amazon is all about. And while only a small part of the Amazon is within Ecuador’s borders, colourful birds abound here and species diversity is off the charts.

But the Amazon offers more than just exciting wildlife. Here we offer visitors a unique opportunity to share time with people from ancient Amazon forest cultures: the Huaorani, the Secoya and other native people that share and preserve this globally important ecosystem. Here you will see this special world through the eyes of the people that live here, and learn what it means to have the rainforest as a home and have to fight to preserve it.

In the Amazon,  this program offers you the chance to stay in intimate traditional lodges nestled in the rainforest, in comfortable cabins with tasty, hygienically prepared food.  Here you can  kayak on slow moving Amazon rivers, walk through the forest in the company of people from an age old culture who still maintain their traditional lifestyle, learn traditional skills, and come to know the plants and animals whose habitat this is.

Introduction to the Ecolodge

Huaorani Ecolodge is an intimate, harmonious and environmentally sustainable stay in the Amazon rainforest. It is a way to share time with the Huaorani and experience the richness of their natural environment, while creating the least possible impact on the surroundings.

The Ecolodge provides accommodation for a maximum of ten people housed in five comfortable, traditionally built, palm thatched cabins. All cabins are fully meshed to keep you safe from biting insects, and are spaced to provide privacy and a chance to enjoy the sounds of the balmy Amazon nights.

The restaurant provides nutritionally balanced meals, hygienically prepared with care and artistry by the local chefs. Locally grown produce is used wherever possible. Fruit, tea and coffee are always on hand and a bar is available for beer, wine and soft drinks. Locally made handicrafts and souvenirs can be bought from the community shop.

Time here is flexible. If you would like to get to know your hosts a little better, you can stay to for up to six days. Or if you wish, for as little as four.

Program

Day 1: The Avenue of the Volcanoes  and flight over the Amazon Rainforest

Getting to the Huaorani’s world is part of the experience. We drive from Quito to the town of Shell, passing through the spectacular ‘Avenida de los Volcanes’ where you will be able to see some of the most magnificent scenery Ecuador has to offer. In Shell, a town named after the oil company, we board a small plane, flying for 35 minutes to Quehueri ́ono over spectacular rainforest panoramas. A dug- out canoe will then take us to the Lodge where, after settling in, you will get your first taste of the Amazon, and explore one of the short forest trails close to the Lodge.

Night: Huaorani ecolodge

Meals: Snack, L, D

Day Two: Getting to know the Community

This is the day we get a chance to know the people of the Huaorani Community of Quehueri’ono. You will be able to join them in some of their daily activities and have a chance to share some of their history, myths and magic. Later, in the warmth of the evening we will relax in the company of the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

Night: Huaorani Ecolodge

Meals: B, L, D

Day Three: On the trail with the Huaorani

On the Hunting Trail. Accompanied by our guide and a member of the community equipped with lance and blow pipe, we explore the ways of the forest and the animals, entering the world the Huaorani share with them. You will be able to try your hand (or mouth) at the blow pipe and get to know more about this marvellous world that is now threatened by oil fields and palm plantations.

Night: Huaorani Ecolodge

Meals: B, L, D

Day Four: Kayaking the Amazon Headwaters and Amazon Camping

A visit to the community of Nenkepare and a hike to a stunning waterfall are on the agenda. One of the highlights of the day is the early morning departure in dugout canoe or kayaking, poling silently as the sun begins to rise and the mist dissipates on the Shiripuno River. This is a chance to see forest animals that are often active at this hour. We will camp overnight at Nenkepare in comfortable, fully serviced tents, on a large platform off the ground and covered with a protective roof. You will relax alongside the river listening to the forest chorus.

Night: Nenkepare Campsite

Meals: B, BL, D

Day Five: Reality Tour and Back to Quito

Leaving our fully serviced campsite in Nenkepare, we travel on the Via Auca to the town of Coca (the formal name is Puerto Francisco de Orellana after the Spanish conquistador/explorer) where we will board the flight back to Quito. The journey will be revealing. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life.

Night: Hotel Quito

Meals: B, BL

Included

Accommodations at the Lodge

All meals & drinks (except soft drinks and alcoholic beverages)

All activities

Local Huaorani guide

Bilingual naturalist guide

Use of camping gear

Use of rain poncho (from Quito on)

Use of rubber/Wellington boots up to sizes: European 44; • American M 10.5 / F 12; British M 10 / F 9.5

Use of umbrella (in cabin at Lodge)

Biodegradable soap & shampoo

Not Included:

Transfers from and to Airport (international flights – ask us about available options)

Hotel in Quito  (ask us about available options)

Transportation outside of the vicinity of the Lodge area

Entrance fee to Huaorani Territory (US$10 per person)

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Accommodations in Quito or Coca

Transfers from and to airport in Quito

Rubber/Wellington boots greater than sizes: European 44; • American M 10.5 / F 12; British M 10 / F 9.5

Extend your journey with us to the Galapagos Islands or the Andes highlands, and get more out of your stay in this beautiful country

We have recently just come back from an extraordinary tour to the Amazon region of Ecuador. We were the guests of the Huaorani people and stayed at a new ecolodge they own and operate. There is really too much to absorb to write a complete description the of this experience at this moment but this was one of the best travel experiences that we have ever encountered. It was adventurous, but we felt safe. We were greeted by the Huaorani warmly, and it was a genuine welcome, not a “professional” welcome, the guides were very enlightening and we intereacted closley with them over the 5 days. I will defintiely be writing more, and uploading more photos, but for now I just wanted to get some content published to whet your appetites.

The Huaorani are a well documented people who have had a major struggle trying to keep their lands, their language and their people alive in the face of a world hungry for the oil that happens to be in their traditional territory.

One of the ideas they had was to embrace ecotourism in order to bring in sorely needed cash but also to have outside people gain an understanding of their situation. In a very short while they have managed to create a high quality, authentic ecotourism experience that is quite different from the normal type of  ecolodge. While most ecolodges are usually centered on natural history, Huaorani Ecolodoge is about the Huaorani, who are completely integrated in nature. So you could say its about natural history that includes the human element.

By all reports I am getting the unrest yesterday (Sept 30, 2011) in Ecuador has settled down. It appears that for the moment the police have returned to work and the country is now operating as normal. The airports are open and flights are landing and taking off. Roads are open.

These types of protests and demonstrations are quite common in Ecuador and other South American countries they often less serious than they sound in the news.

Once when travelling in Mexico we experienced a big demonstration in La Paz, Baja California Sur. At the time we spoke no Spanish so we scampered back to our hotel to wait it out. Well, it was a big demonstration with bull horns and people parading with signs. Much to my chagrin I found out the next day it was a big rally to elect the new Miss La Paz beauty queen.

Similarly once in Arequipa,  Peru I was watching BBC world news and they reported a big farmer’s demonstration, right there in Arequipa. We were only a few blocks away and had no idea.

These events can be alarming when you read about them, and they can get ugly, but for the majority of the time as a visitor, you won’t often even be aware that anything happened until its over.