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Quito, Bahía de Caráquez, Rio Muchacho volunteer project, Papallacta Hot Springs, Amazon Homestay, Baños, Otavalo
Spend 5-days participating in hands-on volunteer projects in the coastal community of Rio Muchacho, on the organic farm and at the local primary school. Explore Ecuador's spectacular Andean interior and the Amazon lowlands with a village homestay, ending with a visit to the famous Otavalo market. Join us on this unique adventure of a lifetime and experience true cultural immersion in Ecuador. |
WHAT'S INCLUDED |
Group Size:
Max 15, Avg 8
Group Leader:
G.A.P leader throughout, local guide during amazon homestay and in Rio Muchacho.
Accommodation:
Simple hotels (6 nts), simple cabanas (6 nts, multi-share), amazon homestay (2 nts).
Transport:
Public bus, local flight, 4WD truck.
Meals Included:
All meals while volunteering and during Amazon homestay.
Meal Budget:
Allow USD175 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see dossier.
Notes:
Donation to be paid at time of booking. |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
- 5-day volunteer project
- 2-day Amazon jungle homestay
- Day trip to Otavalo market
Horseback riding excursion |
BRIEF ITINERARY |
Day 1 Arrive Quito: Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2 Bahía de Caráquez /Rio Muchacho (L,D): Morning flight to the Ecuadorian coast and travel by bus to Bahía de Caráquez, known as Ecuador’s eco-city. Enjoy an afternoon city tour including panoramic lookout points, the local market and Bahia’s oldest resident Miguelito, the 96 year old Galapagos turtle.
Day 3-7 Community Volunteer Project (5B,5L,5D): Spend 5 days in the coastal community of Rio Muchacho volunteering on the organic farm, at the primary school and assisting in community development projects. This is not only a chance to see rural Ecuador as the locals do but to share, learn, and participate in a different culture.
Day 8-9 Baños: Morning flight to Quito and travel by bus through Ecuador’s valley of volcanoes as we journey to Baños, a small town nestled in the hills of the Andes. Enjoy the numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. You may also relax in the town’s natural hot baths.
Day 10-11 Amazon Homestay (2B, 2L, 2D): Descend into the Amazon jungle region in the morning. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the mountains behind and enter the lush tropical rainforest of the Amazon. Experience life in the jungle first-hand on a homestay with a local Quichua family, and enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people.
Day 12 Papallacta (B): Travel by bus to Pappallacta where we spend the evening enjoying the natural mineral hot pools with a glass of wine under the stars.
Day 13-14 Otavalo/Quito: Visit beautiful Otavalo and its famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods, livestock, fruits and vegetables. Return to Quito for our farewell evening.
Day 15 Depart Quito |
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B - breakfast
L - lunch
D - dinner |
DEPARTURE DATES |
| Starts |
Ends |
| 25 May 2008 |
08 June 2008 |
| 22 June 2008 |
06 July 2008 |
| 27 July 2008 |
10 August 2008 |
| 24 August 2008 |
07 September 2008 |
| 21 September 2008 |
05 October 2008 |
| 26 October 2008 |
09 November 2008 |
| 23 November 2008 |
07 December 2008 |
| 28 December 2008 |
11 January 2009 |
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TRAVEL STYLE |
 Volunteer style tours are designed as a way to give back to the people and places we visit on our adventures. Experience true cultural immersion by working alongside local people to improve basic living conditions through hands-on volunteer projects. Trips are balanced with both volunteer activities and plenty time to relax and explore. After the volunteer portion of each tour, we visit some of the country’s highlights.
Transportation - Anything that moves. Bus, train, plane, canoe, kayak, bike, ferry, rickshaw and good old foot power.
Accommodation - Locally owned guesthouses, homestays, camping. Some rustic and multishare accommodation.
Group and Staff - Max 12 travellers. G.A.P and local leaders.
Meals - Meals included on volunteer portion of tour. Plenty of time to explore your own tastes.
Inclusions – Varies by trip. |
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