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THE TOUR PROGRAM
(could vary according to weather conditions. For more details
contact us)
Day 1 - in Quito, From the airport we transfer to Santa
Barbara Hotel, to rest after the flight and acclimatize a bit,
because Quito is more than 2800 meters above sea level.
Day 2 - from Quito to Mindo along the Ecoroute el Paseo del
Quinde. We leave Quito early in the morning, accompanied by
a Naturalist Guide, and after several kilometers we turn off the
new Road to Mindo until reaching the Ecoroute el Paseo del Quinde,
the old road once connected the Coast of Ecuador with Quito. We
then descend (we are more than 3000 meters above sea level) along
this road to view the diversity of nature and scenery, starting
from Paramo, down to the Cloud Forest (about 1600 meters above
sea level), passing thru different ecosystems. The significance
of the ecological transformations at the different elevations
are well explained by our Guide. In the afternoon, we arrive at
Pachijal Reserve, where we will be based for accommodations next
four nights
Day 3 - a day in the Cloudforest. In the morning, we walk
well-cut trails in the Forest, observing, listening, taking photos,
relaxing, sitting, eating and drinking. The afternoon is left
open for self discovery in the reserve. If you are so inclined,
you can further explore the Forest with one of our horses.
Day 4 - a cultural day. In the morning we visit the Ceremonial
Site of Tulipe, located less than 10kms from our Lodge.
The site is managed by the community. A local guide will help
us learn about Los Yumbos, the people who lived here before the
arrival of the Spaniards and then disappeared. We will then visit
the village of Las Tola where shops are filled with traditional
handcrafts made with natural material, like seeds. In the afternoon,
we visit the Village of Mindo and it's Mariposario (Garden of
Butterflies). And then an Italian Restaurant and …music and
… whatever else …
Day 5 - bird watching day. In the morning and in the afternoon,
when the birds like to go out hunting and feeding, our licensed
birding guide will escort us with our binoculars to discover the
extraordinary world of the Mindo birds and the reason why this
place is world renowned.
Day 6 - from the Cloud Forest to Pacific Ocean. After
breakfast and with no hurry, we will start our trip to the Ocean
of Rio Verde. We will reach the Resort Breeze of Ocean on early
afternoon and will spend the rest of afternoon enjoying the beach,
looking at fishermen's work and the flight of pelicans and, why
not?, bathing in the pool. At dinner shrimps, lobsters, encocado…
Day 7 - from the Ocean to Santiago River and Playa de Oro.
After breakfast we will travel to Selva Alegra where we board
on the boat that leads us, in a couple of hours of sailing in
a primary scenery, to the afro-Community of Playa de Oro, where
we will lodge the next three nights.
Day 8 - immersed in the Rain Forest of Playa de Oro. In
the morning we will walk along the trails in the Forest to reach
the falls and enjoy a regenerating bath. In the afternoon relaxing,
swimming in the river, pan for gold, or other activities.
Day 9- …and its Culture. In the morning we will sail
the river up to the Cathedral, a strange and mysterious rock formation.
In the afternoon we will visit the village and at night…marimba
music.
Day 10 - from the Rain Forest to Andes. In the morning,
after breakfast and greetings, we will sail again the Santiago
river down to Selva Alegra, where our van will be waiting for
us to follow us to the Laguna of Cuicocha. During the second day
of Inti Raymi (or Sun Festival) every summer solstice, indigenous
shaman use Cuicocha as a bath of ritual cleansing and purification.
Here we will lodge at Los Pinos, a small hotel close to the Laguna.
In the afternoon or tomorrow morning, depending on arrival time
and our tireness, we have a ride on the Laguna with a boat.
Day 11 - back to Quito. … but on the way we will
visit Otavalo's market, the largest indigenous market in South
America. In the afternoon we will be at Santa Barbara again. At
night the City Tour.
Day 12 - leaving…To the airport or to Your next destination
if starting a new trip. But you won't ever forget the one just
terminated.
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