Neotropic Expeditions
Quito, Manuel Sotomayor #E17-105 y Flores Jijón
593 2 6046800
[Link]
Itinerary 25/04/2018 [Link]
Reservation code: 1075 Customer: Southern Explorations
#Guest: 2 Agency code: L4-016P ARATAx2
Observations (public):
Observations (private): los hoteles confirmados son: Cusín, Termas, Huasquila, Leito y La Ciénega//Jeanne Wolf es parte del
club Orinda Hiking Club, el mismo club que ya vino a realizar este Epic Trek en febrero (L2-021P). Entonces, si vamos a
realizar algún cambio en este itinerario antes de la venida de estas pasajeras, me avisan por favor ya que este grupo de
febrero dejó varios comentarios al respecto. Gracias.// RECORD LOCATOR: American: NTDTTL
Quito Transfer Airport/Hotel between 07:00 AM to 23:00 PM
Quito Transfer Airport/Hotel between 07:00 AM to 23:00 PM
Service observations: American 1413, Dallas-Quito, 23:21
Friday, April 27, 2018
Hotel Patio Andaluz Standard Room Twin
Hotel Patio Andaluz Standard Room Twin
Friday, April 27, 2018
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Epic Treks of the Andes & Amazon 7 Days
Effort: Moderate, basic hiking experience recommended.
Activities: Hiking, indigenous cultural exchange and wildlife observation.
Accommodation: Tourist-superior hotels, historical haciendas, and eco lodges.
This epic adventure follows some of Ecuador's best hiking trails through national parks and nature reserves while you
enjoy quality accommodations and authentic cuisine in colonial haciendas and rustic eco-lodges. Discover an extraordinary
array of environments as you hike through vast landscapes full of wildlife and wonder, experiencing seven ecosystems in
seven days. Learn about the rich history and culture of Ecuador's indigenous tribes during fascinating Kichwa community
visits. Only in Ecuador you can experience this level of natural and cultural diversity while hiking world-class trails through
unique, remote landscapes.
Trip highlights:
* Get off the beaten path to discover incredible places most tourists miss.
* Unique hikes take you through an incredible variety of environments.
* Hike through paramo, cloud forest, rainforest, and dry forest ecosystems.
* Encounter a vast array of native wildlife and plants.
* Discover the spiritual world of the Kichwa Indians.
* Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich, curative Papallacta hot springs.
* Hike along the slopes of the highest active volcano in the world.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Highlight: LATITUDE ZERO ON VOLCAN PULULAHUA
LATITUDE ZERO ON VOLCAN PULULAHUA Our adventure starts heading north out of Quito. After a quick stop at the
equatorial monument, we continue north until we reach Volcan Pululahua, an extinct volcano surrounded by a
geobotanical reserve. Pululahua?s crater is directly crossed by Latitude 0°. As we hike into the reserve and toward the
crater, we pass through a series of unique ecosystems, including montane cloud forest, myrtle forest, and dry acacia
forest. This reserve is also home to a huge number of bird species, including hummingbirds, mountain tanagers, eagles,
and hawks. After arriving at the crater, we continue on toward Rio Blanco, we cross the river to find an otherworldly
landscape called Infiernillo (Little Hell), an arid patch of sulfur deposits within a dry forest. After our hike, we drive to a
beautiful, historical hacienda, where we enjoy a delicious meal and comfort accommodations to finish the day. (L, D)
Monday, April 30, 2018
Highlight: CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE
CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE This morning, we drive to Cuicocha, a crater lake collected in a secondary caldera of the
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Neotropic Expeditions
Quito, Manuel Sotomayor #E17-105 y Flores Jijón
593 2 6046800
[Link]
extinct Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha translates as ?Lake of the Guinea Pigs,? named for the shape of its two central
islets. The lake and surrounding slopes are protected as a nature reserve. At around 3,000 meters, Cuicocha?s
ecosystem is a combination of paramo and Andean forest. We will find many unique plant species in this rare
combination of two ecosystems. Our path circumvents the crater rim, revealing stunning views of the lake and the
volcanoes Cotacachi, Mojanda, and Imbabura. We keep our eyes open for native wildlife, and if we are lucky, we might
even catch a glimpse of the rare Andean Condor. After lunch, we stop to visit the leather market in Cotacachi and the
famous indigenous handicraft market in Otavalo. In the late afternoon, we head back to the hacienda for another
delicious dinner and relaxing evening. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Highlight: CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TO PAPALLACTA
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TO PAPALLACTA Today we drive east through the inter-Andean valley, gaining elevation as
we climb into the heights of Ecuador?s eastern Andes. At 4,100 meters, we reach the continental divide, a high pass
that separates the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. We begin our hike through the Cayambe-Coca nature reserve, home
to some of the best highland paramo scenery in the country. This humid area is part of the largest hydrological system in
the world, and features one of the highest concentrations of lakes in the Andean range. The high altitude and humidity of
the paramo create a very unique ecosystem with a host of endemic species. We hike mostly downhill, heading toward
the Amazon lowlands on the other side of the eastern Andes. As we walk, we seek out three native deer species and the
elusive spectacled bear, and of course we continue our search for the Andean Condor! Our hike ends in Termas de
Papallacta Spa & Resort, where we spend the evening relaxing in the mineral-rich, curative waters of the local natural
hot springs. The highly recommended spa treatments are booked separately. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Highlight: MACAW JUNGLE TRAIL
MACAW JUNGLE TRAIL After breakfast at Termas de Papallacta, we drive along a scenic road that descends further
into the Amazon basin until we reach Sumaco National Park. The local ecosystem is montane cloud forest, where many
species from the jungle and the highlands coexist, in addition to some endemic mammals, birds and insects. We will see
cock of the rocks, toucans, macaws, monkeys, and more. As we descend along a remote trail through dense vegetation,
we can observe the gradual change from cloud forest to rainforest. We continue to descend until reaching a good spot
for a healthy picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we continue by vehicle to Archidona to visit an indigenous community, where
we learn about the Kichwa culture and jungle life. After our visit, we head into our jungle lodge. After a delightful dinner,
we prepare our flashlights for a jungle night walk in the nature reserve next to our lodge. (B, BL, D)
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Highlight: RAINFOREST WALK, EXPLORE THE PASTAZA GORGE
RAINFOREST WALK, EXPLORE THE PASTAZA GORGE This is our most relaxed hike, with plenty of time to enjoy the
jungle wildlife at an easy pace and recover at a lower altitude. The forest displays a great variety of trees like balsa,
cedar, rubber and cinnamon. As we hike, our guide identifies countless species of orchids, vines, ferns, insects, and
reptiles, teaching us the traditional ways indigenous tribes use many of these plants. After lunch, we drive south and
start climbing back into the Andes through the Pastaza River Gorge. This scenic route, with rocky cliffs in a deep cloud
forest canyon, is known for its many waterfalls. We stop to admire some of the largest, including Pailon Del Diablo
(Devil?s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride?s Veil). We pass through Baños, an attractive subtropical town set on
the slopes of the very active Volcan Tungurahua, and enjoy some fantastic views of Tungurahua before arriving to an
Andean Hacienda, where we will spend the night. (B, L, D)
Friday, May 4, 2018
Highlight: MYSTERIES OF THE LLANGANATES
MYSTERIES OF THE LLANGANATES The Llanganates mountain range has a long history of mystical events and
legends. To this day, it is one of the few places in the world that remains largely unexplored and uncharted. Locals relive
stories of failing compasses and disappearances, and the most famous legend tells how Inca general Rumiñahui hid a
vast fortune of gold in one of the range?s lakes. The Llanganates is protected as a vast, 220,000 hectare national park,
it covers four provinces and the altitude in the park varies between 4,500 and 1,200 meters. Our hike starts around
3,500 meters and takes us through cloud forest, Andean forest, and paramo ecosystems. This picturesque and remote
trail gives us the chance to enjoy great views of the surrounding volcanoes and spot an abundance of hummingbirds,
mountain tanagers, and deer. We continue our hike to Laguna San Borja seeking for the elusive spectacled bear,
looking up for evidence of its presence, following its prints and traces. If we are very lucky we may see one! In the
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Neotropic Expeditions
Quito, Manuel Sotomayor #E17-105 y Flores Jijón
593 2 6046800
[Link]
afternoon we continue the journey through the avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi area for dinner and overnight at
an Andean Hacienda. (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Highlight: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK Cotopaxi Volcano, with its symmetrical, glaciated cone and imposing presence, is one of
Ecuador?s most enduring images. The wild paramo that surrounds this 5,897 meter giant is designated as Cotopaxi
National Park, and is a spectacular place to hike while searching for highland wildlife and admiring incredible volcanic
scenery. We begin our adventure on the slopes of Volcan Rumiñahui, where we get stunning views of Cotopaxi rising
over 2,000 meters above the high plain. As we hike, we spot hares, foxes, falcons, deer, and with luck, condors flying
overhead. We descend the slopes of Rumiñahui all the way to Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, home to scores of aquatic
birds. It is common to see gulls, ducks, teals, lapwings, shore birds, and even the occasional high-altitude flamingo on
the banks of Limpiopungo. After stopping for lunch at a local hacienda, we return to Quito to rest and celebrate an Epic
Adventure! (B, L)
ABOUT THIS JOURNEY This journey is the result of a decade of exploration, research, trailblazing, and planning.
Although many of the areas we visit are remote and previously uncharted, our adventure guides assure safe navigation
through these secluded natural areas with the expert use of satellite imaging, topographic maps, and GPS technology.
RECOMMENDED GEAR ? Trekking poles ? High-quality, waterproof hiking boots ? Waterproof gaiters ? Water bottle
or Camelback ? Backpack (daypack/weekend size ? 15 to 30 liters) ? Camera ? Headlamp or flashlight ? Sunglasses ?
Insect repellent ? Sunscreen ? Knife (optional) ? Binoculars (8 x 42 optional) ? Compass, altimeter, and/or GPS
(optional) ? Dry bag (optional)
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING Layers are the way to go! A well-planned layering system can keep you comfortable in a
sweltering rainforest, high-altitude thunderstorm, and everything in between. Here?s an example of a good layering
system for a week-long trip: ? Two to five lightweight, non-cotton t-shirts ? One to three lightweight, long sleeve,
non-cotton shirts ? Three to seven pairs non-cotton socks ? Three to seven pairs non-cotton underwear ? Warm hat ?
Sun hat ? Buff, neck gaiter, or scarf ? Lightweight, non-cotton shorts or swimsuit ? Two pairs long, non-cotton pants
(zip-off legs are handy) ? Waterproof rain jacket or poncho ? Lightweight, non-cotton fleece jacket or sweater ?
Heavyweight, non-cotton fleece or down jacket ? Everyday clothing for relaxing after hikes
INCLUDED Accommodations in tourist-superior hotels, historical haciendas, and eco lodges, private land transportation,
all meals as described (breakfast, lunch or box lunch, and dinner daily), high-quality adventure and protective
equipment, professional English-speaking adventure guide
NOT INCLUDED Tips, Hotel and restaurant beverages, personal expenses
NOTE This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, and
adjustments of National Park policies.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL TIME: 1 or 2 hours drive time per day.
HIKING OR ACTIVITY DURATION: 3 to 7 hours hike per day.
SEASON: All year.
ALTITUDE: 500 to 400 meters (1600 to 13,000 feet).
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ? ANDES: Day 46 ºF to 75ºF / 8 ºC to 24ºC, Night 41ºF to 53ºF / 5 ºC to 12ºC.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ? AMAZON: Day 68 ºF to 95ºF / 20 to 35ºC, Night 64 ºF to 71ºF / 18 ºC to 22ºC.
Hotel Patio Andaluz Standard Room Twin
Hotel Patio Andaluz Standard Room Twin
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Quito Transfer Hotel/Airport between 07:00 AM to 23:00 PM
Quito Transfer Hotel/Airport between 07:00 AM to 23:00 PM
Service observations: American 946, Quito-Miami, 23:50
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Neotropic Expeditions
Quito, Manuel Sotomayor #E17-105 y Flores Jijón
593 2 6046800
[Link]
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Observations in report:
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