Ecuador Travel and Adventure

VOLCANO MULTI ADVENTURE - Ecuador Cotopaxi National Park

2010-12-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

THIS IS OUR NEW MULTISPORT ADVENTURE....INNOVATING FOR ACTIVE TRAVELERS IN THE COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Day 1 Horseback Riding

After a brief lesson to get acquainted with the horses and once outfitted in the typical "chagra" attire, we begin our ride from Hacienda El Porvenir taking the lower route towards Hacienda El Tambo Quilindaña and going by Pucará de Salitre, an Inca fortress. The group will ride in the shade of majestic Cotopaxi and will pass through impressive Andean landscapes. After 7 hours we reach Hacienda El Tambo Quilindaña were an excellent dinner in waiting for us.

Day 2 Trekking and Mountain Biking

On our second day we trek around Hacienda El Tambo Quilindaña going to Chirimachay canyon through the highlands of Cotopaxi. The scenery of this area is unique because of the Lava Rivers that flowed through here during Cotopaxi’s last eruption. This trek takes about 5 hours. At Chirimachay we start beautiful cross countries descend on mountain bikes through trails and roads. Biking time 2 hours approximately. We spent the night at Hacienda El Porvenir.

Day 3 Trekking Rumiñahui

Very early in the morning we begin climbing Rumiñahui Volcano, crossing vast highlands swept by the cold breath of the Andes. Form the peaks of Rumiñahui at 4712 m (15,455 ft) on a cloudless day; we can admire in the distance the peaks of Ilinizas and Chimborazo. Trekking time: 6 hours approximately. In the afternoon we trek back to El Porvenir farmhouse.

Days 4 & 5 Climbing Cotopaxi (No previous technical experience required) (or Biking and hiking if our client does not want to climb high altitude peaks)

Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park parking lot 4500 m (14,760 ft). We climb up-hill to the climbers' refuge at 4800 m (15748 ft). We have lunch and rest. During the afternoon we hike up to the glaciers to practice some basic ice climbing techniques. We rest for the rest of the day until midnight when we begin our climb to the summit. We reach the summit just as the sun is rising and take advantage of the early morning light at the summit. The descent takes two hours and afterwards we return by car to the Hacienda El Porvenir where we will take a delicious lunch then we can rest until the dinner and lodging.

We start the mountain biking adventure with an exciting downhill track from a parking lot located at 4500 m (14,760 ft) on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano. In addition to admiring the stunning landscape, descending from the volcano to Limpiopungo Valley is adrenaline filled, followed by a cross-country ride through the bed of an old landslide formed by lava and mud flows from past volcano eruptions. We will ride by old ruins dating back to the Inca Empire where we have a lunch break. The adventure resumes when we reach Hacienda El Porvenir or Santa Rita Private Reserve (depending on the program), biking trough the magical Andean forest filled with abundant flora and fauna, rivers, ravines and waterfalls, and we end our ride in Los Chillos Valley.

Day 6 The Canopy Tour

In the morning a great breakfast will be waiting for us, then we will travel (20 minutes), in a van, carrying our stuff to Hacienda Santa Rita, where one of the most exiting activities wait for us. El Cañon del Salto Canopy is a transportation system based on harnesses and pulleys attached to an inclined cable, taking advantage of gravity. This system was used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy. They avoided coming down to the ground and climbing up the next tree by using this system. El Cañón del Salto Canopy Tour is a safe way to enjoy high mountain forest from the upper part. This is an environmentally low-impact adventure; it gives people with few or no climbing techniques knowledge to live an exciting experience. All the will late 3 hour around, finally we will take a box lunch and comeback to Quito.

PRICES FOR A SINGLE PERSON:
• 6 DAYS TOUR WITH COTOPAXI CLIMB: 1502 USD
• 5 DAYS TOUR WITH COTOPAXI CLIMB: 1284 USD
FOR MORE THAN ONE TRAVELER, WE APPLY IMPORTANT DISCOUNTS!

Tour Includes
• Lodging (based on double machai room and refuge)
• 13 meals
• Described activities
• Guides (bilingual and local depending on the activity)
• Basic equipment for activities (chaps and poncho, bike and protection pads, climbing boots, crampons, mittens, ice axe, harness and goggles)
• Transportation from and back to Quito (on tour days)

Tour Does Not Include

• Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee (US$10 foreigners)
• Personal trekking and climbing equipment
• Bar and shop
• Tips

Josep Nebot
Sales Manager
PIONEER JOURNEYS
The Custom Adventure Travel Company of Ecuador
Web: www.pioneerjourneys.com
Skype user: pioneer.journeys
E-mail: jnebot@pioneerjourneys.com
Phone: from abroad (00593) 91334508
from Ecuador 091334508

ECUADOR, FOUR WORLDS OF ADVENTURE AND TRADITIONS, explore it WITH YOUR INSTINCTS

2010-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, jungle, micro-environments, large rivers, ocean islands, cities, indigenous nations, cultures, etc. Located in a privileged place, in northwestern South America and crossed by latitude 0 which divides this place between the two hemispheres, this is the small country called Ecuador.
In his small size (270 670 square kilometers) Ecuador contains wonderful and great natural contrasts, making it a tourist destination full of fascinating experiences and adventures for the visitor. He is considered one of the 17 countries containing more biodiversity. Its territory consists of four worlds (four regions), firmly united by a single cultural heritage.
In the high Andes volcano rising more than five thousand feet high with snow and glaciers of ancient ice. This place is typically known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, wide avenue, which runs light striking wilderness, rain forests, valleys, towns, cities and colonial history, ponds and lakes and large mythical giants such as Cotopaxi (5897 m) volcano, the highest active one in the world, striking Antisana (5704 meters), the "daddy" Chimborazo (6310 m), Cayambe (5790 m) among others.
The rainforest, a deep green mystery, is a totally different region and make you think being in another country, but you are still in Ecuador, however, has entered into another world: the eastern or Amazonian jungle. From the exuberant and intense vegetation of this region are discovered volcanoes like Sangay and El Altar. Here we can find many reserves and national parks, including: The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, an ideal place where they live reptiles, mammals, pink dolphins, etc. Biological Reserve Limoncocha perfect place to see black caimans. Yasuni National Park, declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve is one of the most biodiverse in the world.
We can watch the highest Mangroves in the world in Cayapas Ecological Reserve - Mataje. We are now in the coastal region. Beautiful beaches are found along the route of the coastal zone of Ecuador (Route Spondylus). Sightings of breeding humpback whales during their season (June to October) in the area of Puerto Lopez, a visit to the Isla de la Plata, a place known as the "small Galapagos" by the presence of birds found only in Archipelago is one of several alternatives for visitors to enjoy your exploration. Here we can also add sports such as surfing, scuba diving.
Undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world to observe nature in its purest form, are the Galapagos Islands, one of the most important National Parks in the world. Visitors tell wonderful stories about flightless birds, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies danced in their rituals during the mating season, and what about penguins who live at latitude zero, flamingos, finches, frigate birds, hawks. And we must not forget the giant tortoises that give the name to the Islands. If the flora and fauna that can be seen in the island surface full of emotions and leave the traveler impressed, we should mention that the Navy Reserve as the archipelago was declared a World Heritage Site, is one of the seven world's most important sites for snorkeling and diving. Explorers in their dives are accompanied by whales, rays, manta rays, colorful fish, hammerhead sharks, iguanas, sea lions, etc.
Do not underestimate Ecuador for its size, is a country that offers more adventures and places I know four worlds concentrated to optimize your time. Ecuador, experience it!

10 Day Ascent of Ruco Pichincha, Illiniza Norte, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo - Departure Date: 20th of December.

2010-07-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Join us on that departure date: 20th of December. Final expedition price will be stablished once the group is finally closed. Check all details on
http://www.pioneerjourneys.com/10-day-ascent-of-ruco-pichincha-illiniza-norte-cotopaxi-and-chimborazo.html

Overview
This is a beautiful combination of acclimatization mountains and high altitude volcanoes. Climbing Ruco Pichincha (4.698 m / 15,413 ft) and Illiniza Norte (5.116 m / 16,785 ft) through its Andean grass carpets will let us to properly acclimatize for the following high altitude challenging mountains: Cotopaxi (19,347ft/5.897m) the second highest volcano in Ecuador and one of the most perfect cone shaped active volcanoes in the world; and Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft), the highest peak of Ecuador and of the World if we measure it from the core of the globe.

Itinerary
Day 1: Rucu Pinchincha (4.698 m / 15,413 ft)
We'll leave Quito in the morning and drive by car to the Cruz Loma, situated 10 kilometers west from the capital. From there it will take us approximately 3 and a half hours to reach the summit. Later in the afternoon we'll be back in Quito.

Day 2: Quito – El Chaupi Hostelry (4.650 m / 15,256 ft)
Leaving Quito in the morning, we’ll drive 2 hours to the base of the Illiniza. Today we will do a 3 hours hike around the base of the Illiniza to get a good acclimatization. We’ll accommodate in our associated El Chaupi Hostelry.

Day 3: Illiniza Norte Summit (5.116 m / 16,785 ft)
Our climb begins at 5 am following a rocky ridge. Under normal conditions, no special skills are required. Nevertheless, our guides will be always prepared to overcome any difficulty in order to reach the summit safety (some times our path can be pretty snowy or we may encounter bad weather conditions). From summit you’ll have a privileged view of the Avenue of Volcanoes: Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo…After our descent, we’ll head to enjoy a very good meal in our associated Tambopaxi Hostelry, right in the base of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Day 4: Refuge of Cotopaxi (4.800 m / 15,750 ft)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park and to the car park located at 4.600 m / 15092 ft. From there, we’ll hike for about an hour to the refuge (4.800 m / 15,750 ft). Once in the hut, we’ll take lunch and prepare for the climb to one of the most beautiful mountains of the high Andes: the perfect cone of Cotopaxi.

Day 5: Cotopaxi’s Summit (19,347 ft / 5.897 m)
Our climb will begin at about one in the morning. As all normal big Ecuadorian volcanoes routes, this is also quite physically demanding. After a 30 degree rocky and ashy slope, we’ll enter the glacier area and the several 30 to 45 degrees slopes that will take us to the edge of the one of most impressive crater formations. Having enjoyed the sunrise during our climb, from the top of that gigantic perfect cone shaped active volcano (19,347 ft / 5.897 m), we’ll be amazed at the views of the deep crater and the also caped mountains of Antizana, Cayambe and Chimborazo. After our 3 hours descent, we’ll head back to our hostelry where you’ll be able to rest and enjoy some good meals.

Day 6: Drive trip to the City of Riobamba and the base of Chimborazo Volcano.
This day is important in order to recover the strength and prepare for our last challenge in Chimborazo. We will drive for about 3 hours through the Andes till the City of Riobamba and to the comfortable mountain refuge Estrella del Chimborazo. We will have time to relax and visit some interesting historic points.

Day 7: Estrella del Chimborazo to High Campsite (5.047m/16,558ft)
After breakfast, we’ll get prepared for a three hours hike up to our high campsite. Once there, we’ll spend the afternoon preparing for the climb.

Day 8: Summit of Chimborazo (6.310m/20,702ft)
Chimborazo, with 6.310m/20,702ft, is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, somehow, the world’s highest point if we consider the distance from the center of the Earth (because of its ovoid shape caused by rotation). Although Chimborazo is considered an extinct volcano, its massive towering ice-capped peak can easily be seen from the Pacific Coast. Beneath the spectacular summit is a crater that today is eroded and contorted, suggesting that this mountain might have been even higher in more ancient times.
Our climb will start at midnight following the normal route. We should be reaching the summit after 8 to 9 hours of climbing. From there, you’ll enjoy one of the most extraordinary views in Ecuador: the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon rain forest, the peaks of Altar, Illinizas, Anizana and Cotopaxi, and the smoky active volcanoes of Tungurahua and Sangay.

The descent to the Estrella del Chimborazo takes around four hours. There, we will relax and recover our bodies with some delicious celebrating meals.

Day 9: Return to Quito
After having breakfast we’ll drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes back to Quito where we’ll accommodate in our hotel and celebrate the end of the trip with a great dinner.

Day 10: Extra Day
This extra day is highly recommended in order to improve the chances of climbing all of our goals. For instance, it can be used as an extra day for climbing Chimborazo if bad weather conditions delay our climbing attempt or and extra rest or acclimatization day is needed. If that extra day is finally not needed for climbing, it can be spent to do some cultural visits or even perform some activities in the cloud forest near Quito or relaxing in the hot springs of Baños, always according to your preferences.

Ask us any other detail you need to know, and join this group departure on the 20th of December.

Contact us:
Josep Nebot
Sales Manager
PIONEER JOURNEYS
The Custom Adventure Travel Company of Ecuador
Web: www.pioneerjourneys.com
Skype user: pioneer.journeys
E-mail: jnebot@pioneerjourneys.com

THE AMAZING AND WILD SANGAY NATIONAL PARK

2010-07-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

It is the largest park in Ecuador’s central Andes, connecting three provinces, Morona Santiago, Tungurahua and Chimborazo. For Pioneer Journeys this National Park is a very special destination because it contains three of Ecuador’s best climbing options: Tungurahua Volcano, the sharp Altar and the mysterious Sangay volcano.
It was in 1979 that the Ecuadorian authorities decided to protect 270,000 hectares of pristine landscapes and astonishing biodiversity. A few years later, UNESCO declared that reserve a World Heritatge Site, and then the government doubled the protected area to more than half a million hectares.
Pioneer Journeys adventurers and guides like so much Sangay National Park because of its enormous backcountry that remains pristine and hard to reach…a lot of true adventure possibilities.
Doing a trekking on it one can find 10 different life zones through its 4,400 meter altitude range: wetlands, lowland rainforest, alpine tundra, midrange woods, etc. That condition creates a huge diversity of flora and fauna: anteaters, jaguars, monkeys, and more than 500 different bird species. The Andean Tapir is one of the most precious animals of that territory, sometimes seen near the Sangay Volcano. There we can also see one of the most rare deer species, the Pudu Deer, one of the smallest of the world and in critic danger of survival.
Also the Sangay National Park contains two different indigenous groups: the Canalos Quechua and the Shuar. This is also the place of ancient Indian archeological discoveries, dated as far back as 500 B.C.

Sangay Volcano
You must know that Sangay Volcano is the most active one in Ecuador! Emerging above the Amazon Jungle on the edge of the eastern Andes, the smoky Sangay (5230 m above sea level) has always been an untouched mysterious jewel for adventurers and climbers.
Its name was taken from the Quechua word “samak” which means “frighten”. Its reputation is certainly true: when is well active, one can see rock falls, easily feel the tremors and the sulfur…if you climb it you might be able to say you’ve climbed perhaps the most thrilling climb in all South America.
The first recorded success ascent was in 1929! The main problem of climbing it has always been the tremendous volcanic activity…only when the volcano is quiet one can attempt to climb its slopes, and that doesn’t happens often. The mountain’s continual activity quickly makes any detailed route description obsolete because the peak and surroundings are being continually transformed. That’s why hiring a guide is so important, besides the fact that in order to reach the slopes of the volcano one have to do a long, difficult hike. Te best time to climb it is from October to February on the driest time in the area. July and August are usually sodden and the hike to the base usually takes two or more days.
This adventure gives you also the opportunity to see and literally walk over some geologically marvels! La Playa, for instance, is a flat lava platform at the very base of the volcano, from where one can admire enormous lava rocks, see and hear explosions several times per minute. From there the climber faces lava and snow slopes (not steeper than 35 degrees) and on the top one can see three perfect craters, usually with fog moving in and out. 6 hours for the ascent and 4 for the descent, a gift for our souls full of feelings and nature!
See http://www.pioneerjourneys.com/sangay-trekking.html for all Santay Trekking details.
See http://www.pioneerjourneys.com/trekking.html for all trekking option in Ecuador.

Josep Nebot
Sales Manager
PIONEER JOURNEYS
The Custom Adventure Travel Company of Ecuador
Web: www.pioneerjourneys.com
Skype user: pioneer.journeys
E-mail: jnebot@pioneerjourneys.com
Cell phone: from abroad (00593) 91334508
from Ecuador 091334508
Office: from abroad: (00593).2.3332687
from Ecuador: (02)6042278

2010-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Recommendations for Kayaking and Rafting in Ecuador…Possibly the best tropical white water in the world!
We can say that river running is starting in Ecuador, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better country for it. Experienced paddlers have been visiting Ecuador for the past 10 years describe the kayaking in Ecuador rivers as some of the best they’ve seen anywhere. They like to talk about wide, brown rivers that wind through thick, green foliage and precipitous rocky gorges before suddenly falling into Class IV wild white water. And, most of all, they like to remark that the water and environment is warm, the sceneries are gorgeous and the rivers are so easily accessible that it is a wonder this places aren’t overrun yet with paddlers.
From Quito from one day to one week paddling trips can be arranged, and for all levels of expertise. The upper section of rivers in the Andes, before they fall to the flat Amazon Basin, offer difficulties, even technical Class V runs best left to expert kayakers. As they flow downward and increase in water volume, the flows become softer but rapids can still be continuous, requiring endurance and sustained effort to manage the hours of Class III and IV white water…that continuity characteristic of Ecuadorian rivers are one of the most remembered by white water lovers!
Some river descriptions can be found in http://www.pioneerjourneys.com/kayaking-and-rafting-expeditions.html . Río Blanco is the most frequently run in Ecuador, in part because it is so accessible to Quito. Much of its 200 paddling km of white water in that river can be done in a day trip. Upper Blanco River has a 47 km sustained Class III-IV rapids that can be done in 4 hours! That is probably the most white water you will ever hit in a day. After that section, if you are still hungry for more white water, other rivers can be taken, the Mindo River Class III-IV, Pilaton (Class IV-V), Saloya (IV-V) or the upper Toachi (IV-V). All difficulties depend on the time of the year and we strongly recommend to always hire guiding personalized tours that will bring you to enjoy the best of that paradise.
For less experienced kayakers or also professionals, Río Quijos offers everything from Class II to steep Class IV-V white water. It is placed in an astonishing environment, near the snowed capped Antisana Volcano Reserve. Class IV-V streams drop through narrow rock canyons. There, rafters head to the main Quijos (Class III-V) and fanatic kayakers tackle the Papallacta (V) or Oyacachi (Class IV) tributaries.
Río Napo and most of its tributaries offer a crazy variety to let you paddle a different river every day during a whole week. Class III Uper Napo, Class IV Misahuallí River are maybe the most popular. As I said before, all theses rivers can suffer extreme changes in water levels but there are always alternatives thanks to the jungle mountains and weather particular conditions of tropical western Ecuador.
Pioneer Journeys (www.pioneerjourneys.com) work with the most experienced guides and has a good range of quality technical equipment. Rescue and first-aid training is a requisite for our tour leaders. Bear in mind that we have specialized in both guiding professional kayakers to personalized expeditions and also instruction courses to introduce newcomers to the thrills of white water…surrounded in that case by pristine tropical flora!

PROTECTED Nature Sanctuary in the Ecuadorian Amazon

2010-06-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

The secrets of the mysterious Amazon are discovered by scientists and tourists every day of the year. Ecuador has extended a great biological diversity in all its territory. This time we want to write about the protected nature sanctuaries in the Ecuadorian Amazon, places to protect the diverse ecosystems of the country.

The Ecuadorian Amazon region covers vast areas of forest and extensive river system arises from the snowy peaks of the Andes. This place is not only home to an incredible exotic flora and fauna that should be protected, it is also the home of various ethnic groups who for centuries have learned to live with their environment and enabled the development of their culture and traditions. Within these cultures we can cite the Kichwa, Huaorani, Shuar, Achuar, Cofan, Siona, such as Sequoia and other uncontacted Tagaeri and Taromenane.

1. FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE CUYABENO.

La Cuyabeno Reserva is a maze of black lagoons that are connected by various waterways. It is a magical place where visitors lose track of space, the result of reflection of the sky, clouds and trees on the surface of the water that give the impression that the world has doubled.
The birds perch on the trees that emerge from the water, thick forest is graced by the presence of mammals of various species, including monkeys, sloths, capybaras, in the water one can see the playful giant otters, alligators, the shy pink dolphin and various fish such as piranha.
The warm climate attracts visitors to swim in the refreshing waters of small lakes, is a place full of legends, well written by members of the communities that inhabit the reserve and share their culture, traditions and knowledge of the jungle.

2. Yasuni National Park.

It is the most biologically diverse forest in the world, on one hectare of this place there are more species of plants throughout North America, a tree in the Yasuni is home to more species of ants throughout England and could put many more examples of the variety and number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish found in this mysterious corner of Ecuador and which has won recognition as the most biodiverse place on the planet and a World Biosphere Reserve.
The tropical rainforest, full of marshes and lagoons also brings together a fabulous cultural heritage within ethnic groups. Another particularity of this place is the presence of people "uncontacted" as the Tagaeri Taromenane and Oñamenane, they live in an "untouchable zone" with a minimal or negligible relationship with people of "western."
In recent years, several efforts are being made to protect this area through environmental remediation programs and community and eco-tourism, the presence of oil and groups related to the timber industry have threatened this area so important not only for the Ecuador, but for all who live on Earth.
It is certainly an adventure and experience not to be missed.

3. Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve

An extraordinary and unique place. On the planet there is no other place where the equator crosses the snow line of a snow. The Cayambe at an altitude of 5790 meters, is the third highest mountain in Ecuador, appreciated by many climbers worldwide for its steep walls and the beautiful scenery that can be spotted from the summit. The snow is part of the Cayambe - Coca, which mixes scenes from the Andean highlands and the cloud forest scenarios. For those lovers of Ice Climbing, there you'll enjoy!
The combination of these scenarios give rise to spaces ideal for adventure sports like mountain climbing, hiking in the middle of wilderness and lakes (81 lakes), kayaking and rafting. It is an area where you can appreciate a wide variety of birds among which we can cite the condor, a bird symbolic of the country and indigenous cultures that inhabit the slopes and foothills of the Andes.

4. Sangay National Park

Natural Heritage of Humanity, Sangay National Park is a system comprised of perpetual snow, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, rain forests and cloud. This site offers the opportunity to watch three of the most beautiful summits of Ecuador: The Altar, Tungurahua and Sangay.
It is an ideal destination for adventurers, for those who enjoy long walks, seekers of plants and beautiful flowers such as orchids, for nature lovers and history because we can walk routes of the ancient Inca ruins Ingapirca. The park has nearly half of the ecosystems that exist in Ecuador.

5. Limoncocha BIOLOGICAL RESERVE.

Limoncocha Biological Reserve was hidden for most of the world, was known only by hunters from nearby communities to rise until the middle of last century. During the day offers the opportunity to observe waterfowl, fish and turtles. The night is ideal for exploring the lake in search of small pairs of eyes that give the sign of the presence of alligators.
The starry nights are complemented by a series of strange sounds produced by monkeys, birds and amphibians. The climate is hot and humid composed of thick vegetation and several lakes. A natural process of the Rio Napo, cause within the next 50 years Limoncocha become part of the river branch.

Undoubtedly the Ecuador offers the easiest access to unique places in the Amazon region ... It's a matter of minutes or few hours to get from the Andean highlands to the lush jungle and its mysteries.

Josep Nebot

Sales Manager

PIONEER JOURNEYS

The Custom Adventure Travel Company of Ecuador

Web: www.pioneerjourneys.com

Skype user: pioneer.journeys

E-mail: jnebot@pioneerjourneys.com

Cell phone: from abroad (00593) 91334508

from Ecuador 091334508

Office: from abroad: (00593).2.3332687

from Ecuador: (02)6042278

Ecuador, the most biodiverse Country on Earth!!!

2010-05-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Although Ecuador is a relatively small country (the size of Ireland or Colorado) it surprisingly has four very distinct destinations: the archipelago of Galápagos Islands, the jungle of the Amazon basin, the highlands of the Andean sierra, and the tropical Pacific coast…and in fact, it’s much more. Quito gives you the opportunity to visit both the colonial gems and modern
pleasures in a compact urban environment. Cuenca is another colonial treasure, with the
Inca ruins of Ingapirca nearby and the Cajas National Park with hundreds of lagoons. You can visit the rainforests of the Amazon basin and also the cloud forests of Mindo and Bellavista, or even the dry forests of the central Pacific coast, and the high-altitude wild lands of the Central highlands. Around those Central highlands one can find many colonial-era haciendas that have been converted into lovely and cozy hotels and hostelries. Active travelers can do horse-back riding or trekking on the Andean plains, or even mountain biking and climbing the amazing active volcanoes like Cotopaxi or Chimborazo. For whitewater lovers, and spectacular range of rivers are available…always surrounded by deep tropical forest. For bird-watchers, 1,600 species are waiting to get added to their list. With so much active and cultural variety, there are plenty of thrilling experiences and adventures for any type of traveler.