TOUR SUMMARY

• Duration: 12 days starting and finishing in Quito
• Trip focus: Community project work and visit the highlights of Ecuador
• Accommodation: 3 nights jungle lodge, 8 nights comfortable hotels
• Transport: bus, motorized canoe, private van
• Group Size: Max 12 + S.E.T. tour leader, Min 4

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• City of Quito - The second highest capital city in the world in a beautiful setting.
• Otavalo - Famous market town full of color and atmosphere.
• Jungle Excursion - 3 day Amazon adventure
• Baños - A health resort with hot thermal pools and many activities on option e.g.: horse riding, cycling, walking, massages
• PROJECT WORK WITH LOCAL ECUADORIAN CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS

ITINERARY

Day 1
QUITO: ARRIVAL DAY.  You are free to arrive and check in at any time. There will be a briefing that night and a chance for you to meet your traveling companions and ask questions. The information will be awaiting you at the reception regarding that nights briefing. If arriving late in the evening, don’t worry! You will be briefed in the morning and meet the group. (D)

Day 2/3/4
QUITO PROJECT WORK.  For the next 3 days we will be involved with Ecuador’s local charity organizations, working with the local poor and needy. This can range from working with children to the elderly, to educational programs. (A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE CLOSER TO THE TIME OF THE TOUR DEPARTURE) S.E.T will make a donation to a selected charity or charities at the end of the 3 days. (B)

Day 5/6/7
TENA, AMAZON  Today we descend from the Andes into the upper reaches of the Amazon basin, to our jungle lodge. From here we able to visit a local wildlife sanctuary, observe birdlife with optional early morning nature walks and relax in this pristine environment while enjoying spectacular views. (B, L, D)

Day 8/9
BAÑOS  From Tena we take a bus to the town of Baños situated under the volcano "Tungaruhua". From Baños we are able to enjoy a variety of activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, and day trekking in the surrounding hillsides. After a day on the bike or in the saddle, what better way to relax than with a nice soak in one of the many thermal baths in Baños or a massage. Highlight dinner (B, D)

Day 10/11
OTAVALO/QUITO  Quite a long days travel, takes us back to Quito and then onto the famous market town of Otavalo. A beautiful area of Ecuador renowned for Indian markets, handicrafts and produce. A market dating back to Inca times, there is plenty to do and buy as all the villages from the surrounding areas, converge to sell there handmade crafts, goods and fabrics. After our day at the markets, we return to Quito for night 11. Highlight dinner (B, D)

Day 12
DEPARTURE DAY  Hasta luego y gracias amigos. Thanks and we’ll see you again soon (B) Connect to Galapagos Adventure Tour or flight home

KEY: (B)REAKFAST, (L)UNCH, (D)INNER
NB. S.E.T RESERVES THE RIGHT TO RUN THE TRIP IN REVERSE
 
IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

An interesting and busy itinerary offering culture, scenery, adventure and project community work. We have incorporated 3 days community work with Ecuador’s needy and local charity organisations, so you can come away from your time in Ecuador feeling like you have made a difference and helped those who need it the most.

The itinerary can be as active as you make it, with plenty of options to do as much or as little as you please. A couple of long travel days that some passengers may find tiring. The accommodation is generally simple and comfortable. A great way to see Ecuador’s incredible contrasts and diverse cultures.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE ... pretty much everything

• Bilingual guides.
• All land transport during the itinerary.
• Otavalo markets
• Mountain biking in Baños
• Full massage in Baños
• The cost of entry for all scheduled tours
• 3 Day Jungle Excursion
• All hotel accommodations* (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast).
   * Additional and or single accommodations can be arranged at the clients’ request
   * 3 highlight dinners and all meals as listed B, L, D

PAYING LOCALLY

Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. This is especially true of Argentina since the devaluation of the peso. Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash.

All prices are approximates and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.