Jaguar's Next Adventure

In January 2006, Jaguar will embark on another tour to the beautiful country of Ecuador. Well traveled in this country, the Tour Operator will take travelers to explore some of Ecuador's most interesting places. Our anticipated date of departure is January 2nd. Travelers have the option of arriving on January 4th, but would miss out on the tour of colonial Quito. Ecuador 2006 will allow the traveler to experience life in the upper Amazon basin, spending time in at least two different native villages. As a group we will navigate the roads, trails, highlands and lowlands of this very diverse landscape, visiting differing peoples along the way. In each new location, travelers have free time to explore, shop, or mingle with the locals. Each traveler will be required to assist in the overall mission of Jaguar, by helping to bring donated goods as checked luggage on the initial flight into Ecuador. Donations are stock-piled in Seattle, but if travelers originate elsewhere, we may arrange another way for him/her to help.

Ecuador's EcoTour will have the following schedule. REMEMBER: This is an adventure tour. Expect the unexpected. Things may change… but for now here's the plan.

Arrive to the Capital city (Quito) by way of Jumbo Jet. Check into hotel in the heart of the city, enjoy getting acquainted with local food and customs while site-seeing, shopping, etc. Optional hike up Pichincha volcano, which flanks the city. The altitude will take some getting used to, so be prepared to take it easy. A hike is not likely to occur unless you are coming from a high-altitude area. (Quito is at 9300') By Friday we are heading north as a group, viewing campesinos on our way up to Otavalo and the province of Ibarra. There are many options of things to do, such as hikes to nearby waterfalls, hiking the rim of a crater lake, visiting natural hot springs, or just hanging out in many of the great towns like Otavalo, Ibarra, Cotacachi or Cayambe. We will return to Quito on Sunday, spend a "tranquilo" day in town, and prepare our bags for the morning. Our journey to the Amazon will take us across the Andes by airplane and we will make a pit-stop for supplies in a town near the airport. From there we will travel overland and across rivers to our first Cofan settlement where we will settle in for a couple of days.

Many surprises await both the Tour Operator and each traveler, regardless of travel experience. I never know exactly how things will go. I just guarantee a safe adventure which will create memories for a lifetime. Most likely we will begin our native experience with the Cofan Indians of Sinangüe, but it may be Dureno. After a couple of days where the Andes fall into the Amazon basin, we will head into the jungle by dugout canoe, guided by Indians, on the Aguarico river into Cuyabeno. The majority of our time on this adventure will be spent in Ecuador's "oriente." We will live among some of the most fascinating children and their knowledgeable elders, learning what it's like to be a rainforest native in 2006. When we leave the rainforest and return to the "civilized" world, you may find yourself in a state of reverse culture shock. You may have mixed emotions. I certainly hope so! Our tour will conclude in the city of Quito, where many questions will be asked and a few answers will be found. "Where's the nearest baño?" seems to come up a lot! Before parting ways I invite everyone out to a final celebratory meal and drinks… and we will take our memories with us into life's next chapter.

Ecuador is an amazing country with more to offer than what can be explored in 23 days. I can offer a unique experience for the traveler who wants more than what can be found in a guidebook. Many of the places you will visit with Jaguar, are not accessible by just anyone. We are invited guests of the Cofan people, and I guarantee an authentic experience.

Estimated trip cost

$2990

Price is based on RT airfare from Seattle, WA. Departures from other cities may change price.Trip cost is an estimate until number of travelers is determined, based on current airfare and above average accommodations. I can work with people of all income levels.

What the Cost Covers

Transportation, guides, entrance fees, airfare to/from and within country, gasoline and jungle supplies per diem/per person, 2-3 meals/day in the jungle, 1 meal/day everywhere else, compensation for villages/tribe members.

What to Pack:

Backpack/Duffel containing the following:

I encourage travelers to bring items that you would be willing to trade/leave behind. Don't take your favorite shirt or an expensive watch, for example! If you don't own a major item like a backpack, I may have extras to loan. Travel Insurance is recommended but not required.

Vaccinations/Immunizations REQUIRED:

To see what our next trip will look like, please download a calendar now (Word Document, 35 kb).

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