Ecuadorian Fauna & Flora
Ecuador has the largest animal and plant diversity of the world. It is a paradise for observation, especially for birdwatching with 18% of the existing bird species in the world.
The program of the trip: the observation of nature and easy walks to link Ecuador's most prestigious sites, the cloud forests of Mindo, the region of the active volcano Cotopaxi, the Amazon basin.
Walking, swimming and visits for a complete discovery of the country and its natural resources.
The highlights of this trip
- Immersion in several remarkable ecosystems: Amazon rainforests
- The discovery of the Cotopaxi National Park and its Andean Páramo.
- Meeting with Indian communities in the north and visit the authentic market of Otavalo.
- Itinerary
- Organisation
- Informations
Day 1: Quito - City Tour - Otavalo Arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito. Visit of the Ecuadorian capital, placed in the hollow of volcanoes, and first city declared World Heritage by Unesco. Transfer to the Native village of Otavalo, in the area of Imbabura. The diversity of indigenous groups makes it a fascinating cultural melting pot, known for its rich crafts
Day 2: Otavalo market - Cochasqui - MindoOn Saturday, the village of Otavalo offers a wonderful spectacle with its weekly market. Indian people go down from the hills with their felt hats and their characteristic poncho, to trade all that one can imagine. In the morning visit of the animal market, local market and in the afternoon visit of the pre-Inca site Cochasqui. Transfer to Mindo for the night.
Day 3: MindoDiscover the beautiful region of Mindo. This quiet village of Mindo has grown to 1,200 meters above sea level. Placed in a natural hollow, it is surrounded on all sides by a lush tropical cloud forest. Hiking in search of some 600 bird species living in the lush cloud forests .
Day 4: Mindo - Bellavista - PapallactaToday we visit the Bellavista cloud forest reserve. This reserve is located on the western Andean slopes, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters. It protects about 25% of the primary forest. Bellavista was one of the first ecotourism initiatives in the region. Transfer to Papallacta in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Papallacta - AmazonThis morning, relaxation in the pools of warm waters of this little paradise. In a magical setting surrounded by Cayambe-Coca and Antizana ecological reserves mountains, we enjoy these natural treasures to experiment with different temperature baths with the volcano Antisana in the background. Transfer to the Amazon in the afternoon.
Day 6: AmazonIn the morning we go for a walk in the forest in an area where we can observe a variety of flora, birds, insects and animals of all kinds, colors and shapes! Then different activities are possible depending on the group's wishes: a visit from a rescue center for animals, an Indian community, bathing in a river, boat ride.
Day 7: Amazon - Waterfalls road - BañosWe leave the lodge in the Amazon to reach the spa town of Baños. Located in a subtropical region at 1,800 meters in altitude, this charming little town is the perfect place to try outdoor adventure activities. On our way, we visit the spectacular Waterfalls Road, with no less than twelve waterfalls to discover.
Day 8: Cotopaxi National Park - QuitoTransfer to the Cotopaxi National Park. This protected area, created in 1975, covers 33,400 hectares. Hiking around the laguna Limpiopungo and watching condors, wild horses and other animals while enjoying the Andean paramo at the foot of the majestic volcano. By late afternoon, return to Quito and connection with international flights.
AventurEcuador Highlights
- Accomodation in double rooms
- Full pension (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Free drinking water
- All entries to national parks, churches and activities as mentioned in the intineray
Technical sheet
Activités
Observation faune & flore Trekking
Regions visited
Andes & Amazon
Discovery
In the field
The team
- English speaking tour guide
- A driver for driving the vehicle
Displacements
- Private bus reserved for the group for the entire trip
Accomodation
Throughout your stay, accommodation is varied:
- Hostels 3-4 stars in cities (local standards).
- Homestay (basic comfort)
- Family inn or cozy guest room
- Lodge in the Amazon
Meals
- Breakfast served at the accommodation
- At noon picnic for hiking, restaurant meal the other days
- In the evening, restaurant meal or prepared food at accomodation
Ecuadorians products help ensure varied menus and good quality.
The luggage transport
During the excursions and activities, each participant carries a light backpack containing only personal belongings needed for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, ...). Luggage transport is ensured by vehicle.
Travel equipment
Travel Essentials
- Passport and photocopies
- Photocopy of certificate of insurance / assistance contract
- Vaccinations record and medical indications
- Currency, credit card => The ideal is to carry personal papers and money in a discreet travel pouch worn under your clothes.
- Camera
- Universal Adapter
- Flashlight (frontal ideal) and extra batteries
- Sun protection (sunglasses and bag, sunscreen SPF 30 minimum, cap / hat)
- Personal pharmacy (see below)
- Tissues / toilet paper
- Travel alarm
- Toiletries and towel (microfiber type)
- Protective plastic bag (cloth, paper ...)
- Swimsuit (pools Baños)
- A backpack 30L / 50L: this capacity lets you take all you need for a day of travel: rain clothes, warm clothes, small pharmacy, water bottles, snacks, and possibly part of the picnic
Aid kit
- Analgesic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Cream / ointment after sun
- Antibiotic broad spectrum (paracetamol, aspirin ...)
- Disinfectant for wounds (type Hexomedine)
- Set bandages, tape, scissors, blister dressing
- Hydroalcoholic gel
- Survival blanket
The Amazon
- Long and light clothes (for mosquitoes protection). Avoid black clothes which attract them more
- Anti-mosquito (type Tropic) and anti-itch cream
- Swimsuit
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Binoculars
GET A QUOTE HEREPaperwork
No visa is required for nationals of countries of the European Union, Switzerland, USA and Canada for a stay of less than 90 days. A passport valid at leat 6 months after the travel date in Ecuador is enough.
Travelling with children
The foreign minors are subject to the same obligations as adults. They must hold a passport valid at least six months after the travel date.
International flights
We do not offer international flight booking. To plan your route in Ecuador, several international airlines provide transportation to Quito (or Guayaquil), such as Air France (via Bogota or Caracas), KLM, Iberia and Lan (via Madrid), American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa, etc ...
Health
Mandatory vaccinations
No mandatory vaccine.
But vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory if you have previously been to a country situated in endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
We strongly recommend to update the classic vaccinations: diphtheria-tetanus-polio +/- whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.
Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended if you go to the Amazon or to a province east of the Andes below 2,300 meters in altitude.
Malaria
Malaria occurs below 1,500 meters, mainly in the Amazon area: classification 3 (high resistance). Antimalarial treatment is necessary. Consult your doctor.
The risk is moderate in the coastal provinces. It is recommended to protect yourself in some areas: Baños, on the Pacific coast and the Galapagos Islands.
Make sure you have in addition preventive personal protection against mosquito bites (repellents, loose and covering clothes).
Zika
Ecuador is affected by the Zika virus disease transmitted by bites of Aedes mosquitoes.
In case of pregnancy, the hypothesis of a causal relationship between the event of outbreak of fetal or neonatal microcephaly and infection Zika virus in the mother is likely. It is therefore recommended for pregnant women or for those having a project of pregnancy to consider postponing their stay or to first consult a doctor to be informed about the complications that can occur during infection by Zika virus.
Acclimatization and preventive treatment of acute mountain sickness
We recommend you before your trip to Ecuador to visit a doctor to check your ability to stay at high altitude. Andean reliefs are very marked and altitudes are significant (Quito already at 2,800m above sea level).
Whether on adventure, discovery, trekking or mountaineering tours, routes include acclimatization steps and time required for the body to naturally adjust to the altitude. By following a few simple tips especially the first days (drink regularly, avoid alcohol, overeating, too abrupt efforts ...), you will facilitate the acclimation process and avoid the most common symptoms (headaches, shortness of breath ...).
For more information, visit the Association for Research in Environmental Physiology (www.arpealtitude.org) or the International Medical Service (www.smi-voyage-sante.com)
Currency
The currency is the US dollar. Exchange rates (indicative price): 1 € = $ 1.12 or US $ 1 = € 0.89.
Most credit cards (MasterCard, Visa ...) are accepted in Ecuador in department stores. It is possible to make withdrawals * directly to distributors in major cities you will be going to during your trip (Quito, Otavalo, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Baños, Cuenca ...). Plan ahead among the major steps to not run out of cash for personal expenses (souvenirs ...). Moreover, it is better to have small denominations (5, 10, 20 $) because the businesses rarely have the exchange.
For stays in Galapagos, only the islands of Santa Cruz and Santa Cristobal are equipped with distributors.
NB: it is difficult to change euros, the exchange is only possible in major cities in banks (limited opening hours) and exchange offices ("casa de cambio").
* Before departure, it is best to consult your bank to know your conditions / fees abroad to avoid inconvenience.
Climate
Ecuador is located in the equatorial zone where there is no clear-cut seasons. It is possible to travel throughout the year in Ecuador. The climate is however very variable and unpredictable!
It is generally cool in Quito (15 ° to 25 °), very mild in Cuenca (18 ° to 30 °) and very hot in the Amazon or on the Pacific coast (27 ° to 40 °). In Galapagos, the heat is tempered by the winds that cool constantly the islands (20 ° to 35 ° C).
Security
Ecuador is considered to be one of the safest countries in South America. However, we advise you to avoid, as far as possible, to carry valuables. The risk of theft exists, avoid displaying wealth, be vigilant in crowded places (markets, city centers ...) and leave whenever possible valuables and significant amounts of money in the safes of hotels. Do not hesitate to ask your guide in which places it is necessary to pay particular attention and which ones to avoid.
Each participant must be aware of the fact that the tour chosen may include activities (rafting, hiking, ziplining, biking...) which may be risky. Service providers selected for those services were chosen for their professionalism and the quality of supervision and equipment. Each activity will begin with a reminder of the safety instructions.
Useful information
Language & some useful words
In Ecuador, Spanish is spoken by all the population. The Quechua language and local dialects are used in remote locations. English is practiced by persons in relation to tourism (hotels & restaurants of higher category).
Electricity
We recommend that you bring an adapter because the plugs are flat type 110 volts, as in the United States.
Jet lag
Ecuador is located on the GMT -5. The time is the same in all the country except the Galapagos (- 1 hour). The sun rises around 6am and night falls around 6pm, all year.