Discover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forest regions with a full-immersion in the cultural and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the countries with the biggest biodiversity in the world.
Enjoy waterfalls, butterflies, bird watching and chocolate making in the tropical paradise of Mindo, then take a spectacular drive through the cloud forest to reach the coffee valley of Intag, where you will visit a coffee plantation. Back to the highlands, visit Cuicocha crater-lake, the world-famous indigenous market of Otavalo and then live an unique experience sharing an organic lunch prepared side by side with local people in the very heart of the Andes.
"Unique Experiences:"
Organic cooking lesson with traditional fresh ingredients, side by side with local people in the heart of the Andes
Take a scenic drive in the valley of Intag and taste the organic fair-trade coffee produced in the area
What's included
Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
Accommodation based in double occupancy: First class hotel in Quito, cloud forest lodge in Mindo, hacienda in Otavalo, luxury spa resort in Papallacta.
Lunch
Activities: Equator Line museum tour, Hiking to waterfalls in the cloud forest, Visit Butterfly farm and chocolate factory, Organic fair-trade coffee tasting in Intag Valley, Visit Otavalo indigenous market, Organic lunch cooking with local people, Hike and boat ride at Cuicocha crater lake, Volcanic hot springs, Visit Cotopaxi National Park
Breakfast
Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides
Out-door gear: Hiking sticks
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
IMPORTANT DETAILS
It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
2 – 3 hours driving a day.
From 3 to 4 hours a day. Please check the maps and full biking information in the full itinerary.
All year
Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo, Cotopaxi
Highlands and tropical rainforest in Ecuador.
From 1510 meters (4,950 ft.) to 4000 meters (12,631 ft.
Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
Easy. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the cloud forest, involving some short hikes.
High quality MTB (Disk brakes and front suspension), Shimano Deore parts, gloves, helmets. For canyoning: harnesses, waterhelmets, ropes, wetsuits, watershoes and carabiners.
All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
More than 6 days before departure: 100% refundable
6-2 days before departure: 50% refundable
2-0 days before departure: 0% refundable
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not reached.
