ECUADOR - MOUNTAINS & WAVES
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Depart U.S. / Arrive Guayaquil
Days 2-4 Andean Highlands / Cuenca
Historic Parade, Hiking and Meet the Locals
We will spend today at one of Ecuador's most historic Parades -
Pase del Nino Viajero. There will be spectacular Floats,
children in native costume and dancers streaming ribbon…and all
being done to a rich, colorful musical display.
Next, we will leave the city to experience the Andean high
grasslands where the El Cajas National Park rainforest awaits
us. Our hike will take us along the same route the Incas
followed through the Andes. The wildlife is abundant here so
along the way keep an out for the Andean Pygmy Owl, Rainbow
Startfrontlet, Hummingbirds, and even Toucans!
We will enjoy a picnic lunch beside the picturesque Llaviuco
Lake before returning to Cuenca.
Enjoy a visit to our cultural exchange Ecuadorian family and
pick up the list of ingredients for our dinner, before embarking
on our own exploration of Cuenca. The many sights of interest
here include the city's main cathedral with its blue-trimmed
cupolas, the Museum of the Central Bank, Inca ruins, and more.
Then, with the help of our guide, we will head to one of the
main outdoor markets to buy the ingredients for our dinner. This
afternoon we will fix a meal of Ecuadorian food with the help of
our host family. B, L, D
Days 5-8 Alandaluz Resort
Cantalapiedra Project, Canopy Tour, Hiking
Once we arrive at Alandaluz, a coastal eco-lodge built mainly of
bamboo and surrounded by magnificent flowers and organic
vegetable gardens, we will head to the beach for a swim and take
some time to relax. Alandaluz is also known for its cuisine so
get ready to sit down for a delicious lunch.
Experience some Ecuadorian culture first hand. The eco-community
in Alandaluz works diligently on the legendary Cantalapiedra
project - an enormous bamboo forest reserve that includes
organic gardens and reforestation with native plants. Various
local communities strongly support these eco-initiatives, and we
will have the opportunity to work with them doing a variety of
activities.
Our volunteer project continues in the morning, but the
afternoon includes an optional trip to the mecca of Ecuadorian
surfing: Montaņita. Choose surf lessons, go boogie-boarding or
just swim in the warm pacific.
Next, explore Cantalapiedra from high above the ground. Our
zip-line canopy tour will give you a bird's eye view of what
this unique rainforest has to offer including bamboo forests,
river basins and vast variety of exotic flowers.
Venture out for a scenic hike through Machalilla National Park.
This rain forest is a birders paradise so keep an eye out for
seabirds, hawks and falcons. For those less adventurous, spend
the afternoon surfing or simply enjoying the beautiful beaches.
B, L, D
Days 9-11 Isla de la Plata
Marine-life Viewing, Farewell Dinner
We set out early for a full day's visit to Isla de la Plata.
This island lies 19 miles west of Puerto Lopez and is famous for
marine birds such as the blue-footed booby, albatross, and the
Magnificent Frigate bird. Sea lions also inhabit the island, and
we may even see some dolphins swimming nearby! For those
interested, snorkeling is available.
Our last morning at Alandaluz is for swimming, beach-combing,
and relaxing. Tonight we bid goodbye to Ecuador and our
traveling companions at a special farewell dinner. We set out
early the next morning for transfer to the Guayaquil airport for
your flight home. B, L, D
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