Andes to the Amazon Multisport

Andes to the Amazon Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Our trip begins today in Quito, Ecuador. Arrive in Quito any time today and transfer by taxi to our hotel for the evening. Dinner on own.

• Day 2

  After breakfast we depart Quito to explore Cotopaxi National Park, a nature and wildlife sanctuary established around the highest active volcano in the world. Its unique paramo (Andean grasslands) ecosystem is a spectacular place to hike and search for wildlife. Our hike begins on the slopes of the Rumiñahui volcano which is located directly across from Cotopaxi's imposing glaciers. Along this trail we may find hares, fox, Andean falcon, whitetail deer and even the great condor flying overhead. In the afternoon we explore the park by mountain bike. We ride across highland plateaus surrounded by multiple volcanoes and stunning scenery. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, reflecting Cotopaxi in its blue waters, and the Pucara fortress ruins which were used by the Incas up until the Spanish conquest. In this area of the park it is common to see llamas and wild horses. We spend the night at a lovely family-owned hacienda. All meals included.

  Hiking: 2 hours, 4 miles, Elevation gain: 1,000 feet, Elevation loss: 650 feet; Terrain: uneven, rocky dirt trail. Biking: 2 hours, Elevation loss: 2,625 feet; Terrain: unpaved, dirt and gravel road.

• Day 3

  This morning we take a scenic bike ride through the fruit producing valleys of Ecuador, from Pillaro to Patate. Along the way, we take the opportunity to stop at different traditional country homes and taste the local produce. We continue our way south, exploring the Llanganates which is considered one of the world's most mystical mountain ranges. Perhaps this reputation is due to the number of explorers who have gone there and never returned or perhaps because Ruminahui, an Inca General, decided to hide the world's most impressive treasure here. The Llanganati, as it is known by the locals, means "Beautiful Mount," and it is a vast reserve on the eastern Andes with peaks whose altitudes range from 3,940 feet to 14,765 feet. We hike at about 11,485 feet in a combination of cloud forest, Andean forest and paramo. Our trail winds through a landscape that harbors a great variety of orchids, birds, and the elusive spectacled bear. At the end of our hike we descend into the Patate Valley on an ancient Panzaleo trail. We spend the night at a hacienda with spectacular views of the Patate Valley and Tungurahua Volcano. All meals included.

  Biking: 1 1/2 hours, 9.5 miles; Terrain: paved road, mostly downhill; Hiking: 3-4 hours, 5 miles; Elevation gain and loss: 400 feet; Terrain: "Culunco" ancient Indian (pre-Inca) trails that are uneven, rocky, and muddy in some sections.

• Day 4

  The day kicks off on mountain bikes which we ride on a quiet, unpaved back road that descends into the Pastaza river gorge. From our hacienda we begin biking uphill for about 2.5 miles to Lligua, situated at 10,200 feet. From there we begin a spectacular 9 mile descent through Patate cloud forest and farmland. This spectacular gorge is a tributary of the mighty Pastaza River and is a main gateway to the Amazon Basin. We stop for lunch and enjoy impressive views of the fuming Tungurahua volcano. In the afternoon we explore Baños, a colorful town nestled in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. We overnight at a charming hosteria in Baños. All meals included.

  Biking: 2.5 – 3 hours; Elevation gain: 650 feet; Elevation loss: 5,580 feet; Terrain: unpaved, hard packed gravel and dirt roads that can be muddy.

• Day 5

  Today we explore some of the most scenic trails in the eastern Andes of Ecuador. The Pastaza Gorge cuts through mountains surrounded by a lush cloud forest ecosystem. We hike to some of Baños' most impressive waterfalls, including "Agoyan" and "El Manto de la Virgen." There are excellent photo opportunities of the waterfalls and the impressive gorge itself. We will continue with a 2 hour hike on a "smugglers trail," an ancient road that the first adventurers followed to the Amazon. After hiking, we travel to Tena, a small town in the upper Amazon basin. We sleep tonight at a riverside jungle lodge. All meals included.

  Hiking: 2 hours, ~3 miles; Terrain: uneven, rocky dirt trails.

• Day 6

  We begin our day with a whitewater rafting adventure. Rafting the Rio Jatunyacu offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water and glimpses of indigenous communities that live along its shores. Rock-and-roll waves make for an exciting few hours. After rafting, we travel back to Quito, stopping along the way at Papallacta hot springs located in verdant cloud forest between Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes. We take some time to relax and enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.

  Rafting: Class II/III river, 1/2 day. Note: Depending upon water conditions and other factors we may raft the Anzu River, Class ll. Your guide will discuss this with the group.

• Day 7

  We depart Quito on a 30-minute flight to the Amazon frontier town of Coca. The flight takes us over the Andes, and in clear weather there are views of many of Ecuador's volcanoes including Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest summit at 20,561 feet. From here we board a motorized canoe on the Napo River for a ride down this major tributary to the Amazon River. When we arrive at the entrance to the reserve on the Challuayaku River we are greeted by a Kichwa family before settling into our kayaks to paddle to our lodge on Challuacocha Lake. Kichwa is the indigenous group of people in the community surrounding Challuacocha Lake. The Kichwa group of South American Indians is the largest of any American Indian group in the world today. Kayaking on this small tributary to the lodge, it is easy to see nesting golden orioles, toucans, blue morpho butterflies, and many other species of birds, as well as the occasional monkey family that gathers in the trees above. Once we reach the lake, we may be greeted by one of the black caimans - a formerly endangered crocodile species - that begin patrolling the lake in the late afternoon, as well as herons, parrots, and more. We settle in our lodge for the evening and enjoy a delicious, gourmet meal prepared by our Kichwa hosts. After dinner, we explore a nearby trail to learn about howler monkeys, bats, and other mammals that make up the incredible nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon basin. All meals included.

  Kayaking: 1 hour; Terrain: flat lake water. Hiking: 1 hour; Terrain: flat, dirt trails with muddy sections.

• Day 8

  This morning we board our kayaks and paddle to explore Challuacocha Lake. From the water we will be able to observe a great variety of bird species, especially in the early morning. We follow a narrow tributary surrounded by vegetation and seek out tiger herons, blue cotingas, black-capped donacobius, and other exotic bird species. When we reach our trailhead, we dock the kayaks and head out to explore and search for wildlife; our experienced local guide helps reveal the secrets of the forest around us. We look for wood creepers, toucans, cragids, and other birdlife. Our trail leads us back to our kayaks and we paddle back to the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon we will hike through the jungle to a 100-foot high observation platform built around a 500-year-old Ceibo tree. From this height we can appreciate the Amazon canopy, and our guides will point out exotic bird species as the sun sets over the horizon. We return to our lodge for another gourmet dinner. In the evening we venture out to the lake for a closer look at the black caiman. All meals included.

  Kayaking: 2 hours; Hiking: 3-4 hours, 3-4 miles; Terrain: flat, dirt trails with muddy sections.

• Day 9

  After breakfast we hike on some remote trails in primary rainforest. Our native guide will help deepen our understanding of this rich ecological chain. He will delight us as he shows us how the people of the Amazon use the forest for food, medicine, magic and construction. On this trail we are likely to see cuckoos, tinamous, snakes, and much more. If we walk quietly and stay alert, it is also possible to see anteaters, black-mantled tamarin monkeys, poison-dart frogs, and countless other surprises that the forest holds in store for us. In the afternoon we visit a Kichwa indigenous community to learn more about jungle life and the preparation of food. We also tour the local school, health center, and traditional thatch-roof homes. In the afternoon we return to our lodge for our last night in the jungle. All meals included.

  Hiking: 3-4 hours, 4 miles; Terrain: flat, dirt trails with muddy sections.

• Day 10

  An early start! We board a motorized canoe to navigate the Napo River back to Coca for an afternoon flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast included.

• Day 11

  You can depart anytime today. Transfer on your own to the Quito airport for flights home. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 10 nights accommodations; private transfers throughout; entrance fees to National Parks; airport transfers Quito-Coca-Quito; motorized canoe transfers in the Amazon; equipment necessary for itinerary including inflatable sea kayaks and related equipment, bike and helmet; services of an skilled bi-lingual guide throughout.

International airfare to and from Quito; airport transfers on international flights in and out of Quito; round trip airfare from Quito to Coca (mandatory fee & subject to change); meals not specified in the itinerary; cost of medical immunizations as needed; insurance of any kind; cost of optional activities; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; optional gratuities to your lead guides; items of a personal nature.

In addition to the required $400 deposit to reserve your space on this trip, and the internal flight from Quito to Coca is also due at the time of registration. The deposit and flight cost are non-refundable 90 days prior to departure. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional travel insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking. The hiking in the Andes is above 10,000' on moderate terrain and, as a result, can feel more strenuous than expected. The biking days are moderate, and participants should have experience and be comfortable riding on uneven, dirt and gravel roads. In general, the hiking and kayaking in the Amazon is easy in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy and learn about the flora and wildlife.

Quito is at 9,200 feet above sea level and maintains a spring-like climate year round. The temperature ranges from 55 F at night to 70 F at midday, with the average temperature being in the mid-60s. In the Andes, the average temperatures range from the mid-50s to upper 60s year round. Be prepared for some rain at any time of year. In cloudy and/or rainy conditions temperatures may feel much colder. The average temperatures in the Amazon are in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the "dry" season (May-October) can occur, bringing daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. You are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest, so rain showers are always a possibility.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Quito is at 9,200 feet above sea-level and maintains a spring-like climate year round. The temperature ranges from 55° at night to 70° at midday, with the average temperature being in the mid-60s. In the Andes, the average temperatures range in the mid-50s to upper 60s year round. Be prepared for some rain at any time of year. In cloudy and/or rainy conditions temperatures may be much colder. The average temperatures in the Amazon are in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the "dry" season (May-October) can occur, bringing daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. You are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest – showers are always a possibility.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking shoes and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
• Space for luggage is limited. Baggage allowance for the flight from Quito to Coca is a maximum of 20 kg / 44 lb per person.
• Pack lightly. Lightweight, quick-drying, synthetic items are advisable. Muted earth tone colors are best for wildlife viewing.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• A warm jacket and waterproof rain jacket are often needed since breezy days with a chance of rain and cool evenings are common.
• Make sure your hiking boots/shoes are broken-in, and bring moleskin, Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.
• Rubber boots are best for visiting the jungle. The lodge provides them (up to size 12). Be sure to bring liner socks to wear with the rubber boots.
• Sarongs make excellent lightweight, quick-drying and compact travel towels. Another good option is the REI MultiTowel Lite (available in various sizes) or similar. See www.rei.com for details.
• The sun is particularly strong on the equator, so a good sun hat and a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt are important. Bring plenty of water-resistant sunscreen.