ECO01 Rafting
on Blanco (or Toachi River) 1Day
The Toachi and Blanco Rivers are a fantastic introduction
to the rivers of Ecuador. Flowing
off the coastal side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable
sections of white water in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the forest environment
we pass through and you guarantee a day to remember.
The day starts when we pick you up from our meeting point.
Transport to Santo Domingo de los Colorados, from where we drive
approximately 15 minutes to the put-in where the adventure starts.
Before setting off we will fit you with life jackets
and helmets, give you a comprehensive safety briefing and train each
crew member in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down
the river. Once on the river
you can expect both the action of thrilling white water and the tranquility
of drifting silently through tropical rainforest.
So while you are guaranteed to get wet you will also have
the opportunity to be absorbed by the sounds of the forest and
to see a close up of the wildlife from our mobile ”viewing platform”.
Rafting time approx. 3 ½ hours.
During the trip we will stop by the side of the river
for a delicious picnic lunch including fresh tropical fruits, served
with soft drinks, juice and water.
At the end of the trip we celebrate a fun day on the river with
a few ice cold beers and return to Quito (approx. 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.)
River Grading: III-IV (depending on the time of the
year)
Tour
Grading: easy - moderate
Included: private transport, professional guides, top-of-the-line rafting
equipment, a delicious lunch plus snacks and beers, safe and fun trip
What to bring: Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, shoes/river
sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen,
insect repellent, towel, dry change of clothes.
ECO02 Rafting on Blanco & Toachi Rivers 2D/1N
After the challenges and rewards of day 1 we stay in
a hotel in Santo Domingo. Here we can relive our experiences as we enjoy
a delicious dinner and a few celebratory drinks.
On day 2 we head back to the river for more white
water action but also have the chance to catch our breath and take in the
splendor of the surroundings. In the
afternoon return to Quito
Tour
Grading: easy - moderate
Included: private transport, professional guides, top-of-the-line rafting
equipment, hotel with American breakfast, 2 box lunches, 1 dinner.
What to bring: Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, shoes/river
sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen,
insect repellent, towel, dry change of clothes.
ECO03 Biking on the Highlands of Cotopaxi Volcano 1 Day
Early departure towards Machachi town where we will visit the local market
to buy some fresh fruits. Continuing afterwards towards a mini-track
point, from where we will start a beautiful 16 Km. bike ride through
the forest. Time for lunch. Drive up to the car park at 4600 m. Short
trek to visit the amazing glaciers of Cotopaxi and later we bike downhill
enjoying nice views of Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano
in the world. Bike in the beautiful Limpiopungo Valley at 3800 m. Late
afternoon return to Quito.
Difficulty level: Adventure
Included: Private transport, professional guides, bikes,
and helmets, entrance fees, box lunch.
ECO04 Horseback Riding at Hacienda La Estacion
1 Day
This typical Ecuadorian Hacienda provides a unique opportunity to enjoy
the view of the highlands of
Ecuador. Starting from Quito
we drive towards the western Side of the “Cordillera de Los Andes” (Andean
Mountain Range). After a 1-hour
ride we arrive at Hacienda La Estacion.
A cocktail prepared in the most traditional style: a combination
of boiled “elmo” (kind of aniseed) leaves with “puntas”, the typical
“aguardiente” (liquor), of the area, gives us a nice welcome to the
house. The house owners prepare
the cocktail themselves and arrange our horseback trip for the next
3 hours. Enjoy the views of
the highlands together with a wonderful cloud forest on the western
side of the mountains. After
noon we return to the main house for a delicious Ecuadorian lunch together
with a beer and some soft drinks. Relax
in the hacienda gardens and late afternoon transport back to Quito.
End of program.
Grading: easy
Included: Private transport, professional guides, horses, entrance fees, box
lunch.