Accommodation
Hotels (5 nights), jungle lodge (2 nights).
Transport
Plane, minibus, motorised canoe.
Meals
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners.
Staff
All operator Latin America group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, an operator representative or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. operator endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by operator nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with operator.
Equator Monument, Quito - US$79
Ballet Folkorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua, Quito - US$39
Cotopaxi Volcano, Quito - US$69
Otavalo Market, Quito - US$45
Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, Quito - US$289
White water rafting, Quito - US$119
Bike tour to Cotopaxi, Quito - US$78
Bike rental, Banos - US$5
Horse riding, Banos - US$20
White water rafting, Banos - US$50
Canyoning, Banos - US$35
City tour, Cuenca - US$15 - $20
Chordeleg and Gualaceo towns, Cuenca - US$60
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended for operatorlers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in the bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing a water purification method. Some of the options are:
- Refill from water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
- Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies.
- 2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
- Personal water filters available from camping stores. (Bottles with filters built into the cap are lightweight and easy to use. Water is forced through the filter by squeezing the bottle as you drink.)
Night time temperatures can be low in the height of the winter months and at altitude so bring a set of warmer clothes. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful.
A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.
Please be aware the maximum luggage allowance on domestic flights is 20kg check and 5kg hand luggage. Any excess luggage expense will be your own responsibility.
During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and talk with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live.
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, operator voucher
Health requirements arranged
Any Vaccination Certificates required
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Group Size
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Operator Remarks
Allow USD $275 for meals not included.