Highlights of Ecuador: Andes to Amazon

Roselle Beard   -  Traveled, November 2023

Ecuador - What a wonderful trip Ecuador is a wonderful country to visit. This trip had it all as we visited the famous cloud forest, the highlands, the volcano Chimboratzu, the Amazon forest, Cuenca, the Casaj national park and finally the mangrove glades. I would highly recommend going. The hotels were very comfortable and traditional. Our guide, Etiel, was excellent and imparted lots of useful information. The highlight of my trip was on Chimboratzu taking the pony instead of walking. I’m not sure I would have made it without that help. And then in Banos our guide offered to take us to the thermal baths at 5am. It was still dark when we went and the nearby mountain waterfall was lit up. Very magical. I was the only one to take up this very kind offer! Others definitely missed out (from my point of view). We decided to have two extra days in Quito at the start of the trip to get over jet lag and to familiarise ourselves with the city. One couple also did the same but had three days. They booked a guided tour each day. This is well worth considering as the additional accomodation cost is very small. Most Inspirational Moment Taking the pony up Chimborazu Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and if something did go wrong you never knew. He was able to sort everything out seemlessly. Advice for Potential Travellers Arrive a day or so before the tour starts. Go the thermal baths in Banos especially early in the morning.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/28/2023

Nigel & Margaret Eaton   -  Traveled, October 2023

Great trip to Ecuador Mainland We had a wonderful trip to Ecuador. The itinerary is well planned with a wide variety of experiences. Our guide, Etiel, was excellent and very knowledgeable and organised. The hotels were very good. Some of the walks were quite challenging but well worth the effort. The scenery is spectacular! With a great group of people, an excellent guide and driver, and a great mix of activities, it is one of the best Exodus tours we have ever been on.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/18/2023

Gill Morriss   -  Traveled, October 2019

Excellent trip with great variety We loved our holiday to Ecuador because of the very varied itinerary, the stunning scenery, a very friendly group and because Eddy was a capable and enthusiastic tour leader. In addition, the quality of the food and accommodation exceeded our expectations. Our favourite place was the Chimborazo National Park with the walk down from base camp being exceptional for the tundra like scenery and the fabulous view of the snow-capped high peaks of the Andes. In addition, the Amazon Rain Forest was brilliant for the boat journey to the lodge, the fascinating night walk, the animal rescue centre, visit to a local family and the wonderful wellies which were a necessity! People were friendly everywhere, the hotels wonderful, with some providing whirlpool baths and food was great with good variety. Nowhere seemed too busy and we didn’t see too many tourists. Eddy, our tour leader, worked hard throughout, conveying his enthusiasm for the country which, combined with his warmth, made him one of the best guides we’ve had. All in all, a fabulous trip that I would recommend to anyone. Most Inspirational Moment Chimborazo national park. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes carefully.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/21/2019

Kevin Parsons   -  Traveled, August 2019

Fantastic and Stunning! A stunning first trip for us to South America – Ecuador has it all. This trip took us on a journey through all the ecosystems of this beautiful Country, from the turbid Amazon with it’s humid jungle to winding mountain roads overlooking houses clinging impossibly to the slopes from where a living was hewn from fields bathed in cloud. Subtle changes in the costume of indigenous residents highlighted this varied community, whilst equally subtle changes became the norm as one climbs from the rain through the cloud forests to the highlands with vegetation that appears barren until you look closely at the beauty of the tiny alpine flowers and plants. Most Inspirational Moment For me, the desolate, windy expanse of the foot of Chimborazo had a beauty of it's own and, the sight of the volcano peak, with it's glaciers and blanket of cloud streaming from it's summit is a view I will remember forever. The experience was made more memorable when picking up a lump of basalt rock that, despite the cooling wind, was quite warm from the equatorial sun's rays. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan, our leader was clearly passionate about his Country and quite knowledgeable indeed on all aspects of the trip encounters. Always ready to share this knowledge, he was also quite willing to share photographs he had taken as well as help us to home in on wildlife so we could likewise capture the moment. He made every effort to include all the group and on the occasions where we had "free time" was always keen to show us more of the sights, which is how some of us found ourselves in a Medical museum in Cuenca poring over antiquated dental chairs, ophthalmic equipment and Iron Lungs! Advice for Potential Travellers Take layers. The climate is such that whilst overall warm, layers help control the changes bought on by wind or the ever changing clouds that block then release the strong sun. We found simple cagoules with layers beneath plenty sufficient for the rain we encountered (which was minimal, it being the end of the dry season). As for mosquitos, we both dressed appropriately long trousers/sleeves when required, combined with liberal doses of Deet, Avon 'Skin so Soft' and mosquito coils at night whilst in the rain forest. Did it all work? - absolutely, I was not bitten at all, whilst Karen received a small bite when we decamped the coach unexpectedly to see a troop of Howler monkeys! Suggestions Muck in! Work as a Team with your fellow travellers and you will get more out of it. If you get a chance to try something out, go for it - that is how I found myself ploughing a furrow with an ancient plough pulled by two oxen! Embrace the local food, it is unbelievably tasty. I found green bananas quite pleasing whilst Karen took a shine to the local sugar can juice spiced with alcohol brewed from that very plant!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/21/2019

Jeff Seymour   -  Traveled, August 2019

You’ve got to see Ecuador If you want variety then look no further; this trip had it all and more. Scenery (stunning), history, wildlife and culture. Boat trips, train rides, walking, easy hiking, wildlife spotting. Volcanoes, Rain Forest, Cloud Forest, the Andes, sugar and cocoa plantations. I even learnt how to use a blowpipe. Great weather throughout the two weeks; only rained for one day (in the rain forest, so expected). Most Inspirational Moment Probably the Devils Nose railway but many, many other moments came a close second. Thoughts on Group Leader Ivan Tarapuez is a typical example of an Exodus guide; simply excellent. His knowledge, friendliness and dry sense of humour made him special. A credit to his industry and country. Advice for Potential Travellers Pick up the phone and book the trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/20/2019

sophie moran   -  Traveled, November 2023

diverse and exciting adventure this trip proves you dont need a multi country trip to see it all! volcanoes, cloudforests, the amazon jungle, highlands of the andes… the diversity of what you see in two weeks is unrivalled. often seen as the great Galapagos’s less exciting mainland counterpart…this could not be further from the truth. Be wowed by science experiments only possible on the equator, visit local communities in the amazon rainforest and experience the Andean cultures. i would recommend this trip to anyone with a spirit for adventure, who loves to be outdoors experiences lots of different landscapes flora and fauna. Most Inspirational Moment staying in the amazon and going to sleep listening to the soundbath of the amazon jungle. it does not get better than is Thoughts on Group Leader Etiel was one of the best leaders I've ever had the pleasure of travelling with. with 15+ years experience he was able to answer questions fully on any topic. with humour and enthusiasm Advice for Potential Travellers some of the walks have steep accents and decents. you go at a slow pace as you are doing the walks to see the animals and plants mostly. but being prepared with the right walking shoes and a stick if needed will make this more enjoyable . ( you can always sit these out as well, one person in our group did and saw wild monkeys instead! ) Suggestions I felt very safe and well looked after in all the towns and cities we visited. Ecuadorian people are passionate about hosting and welcoming people to their country. I hope to go back with friends one day

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 01/10/2024

Craig McGarrity   -  Traveled, July 2019

Andes to Amazon Gret indroduction to ecuador (Land) Most Inspirational Moment Amazon Jungle Thoughts on Group Leader Great Advice for Potential Travellers Cloud Forest only really for bird watchers. Suggestions Trip to Cotopaxi would be more widely appreciated than Bellavista (I think)

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/12/2019

Sarah (and Angus) Maude   -  Traveled, February 2019

Stunning beauty in a geologically active area. Ecuador is a fascinating, varied and often stunningly beautiful. Apart from high up on some volcanoes, it is very green, with deep valleys dissecting the layers of rock formed of volcanic ash. The people are very friendly and the ” indigenous ” (as they are known) still live in traditional houses in some mountain areas and have colourful fresh food markets. The programme was well planned, taking in cloud forest, rain forest, the high Andes and the coastal plain. There were activities to appeal to various tastes including bird watching, exploring geologically active areas and wandering in the old colonial centres of towns like Quito and Cuenca. I enjoyed watching the scenery on the long coach journeys (occasionally obscured by rain, it being the wetter season). The hotels, especially the haciendas and the Santa Lucia in Cuenca, were comfortable and large portions of food usually tasty. With so many places included in the itinerary, the pace of the tour was fast with little “spare” time, but that enabled us to see and experience so much. Most Inspirational Moment The scenic walk around the Cuicocha crater lake, beautiful and geographically interesting. The valley side train journey to the "Devil's Nose". The walk in the Cajas National Park - hills like the Scottish Highlands only bigger. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabian, our group leader, was excellent. He worked hard to ensure everything was in order every day but always appeared confident and relaxed. His experience and sense of humour made him a good "minder" for the group, keeping us in order! He kept us well informed about the places and our future movements. I like the way he has so much respect for his countrymen, not allowing us to take inappropriate or intrusive photos. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for a full-on tour with little time to relax, except possibly on the long coach journeys - unless, like me, you don't want to miss seeing everything you pass. Suggestions Thank you to Exodus and to Fabian for a wonderful experience.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/26/2019

philip isenhouer   -  Traveled, February 2019

The Pluses and Minuses This is a nice tour with some highs and low points. Highs: Sachatamia Lodge for birds and I mean lots of different types and numbers. Chachimbiro Hots Springs, excellent We got onaly a 10 minutes and a 30 minute boat ride in the Amazon River Basin. Cajabama Indian Market, great local color of locals selling and buying fruit, vegetables, plants. Hiking in Cajas National Park for animals viewing and great scenery Churute Eloological Reserve for mangrove swamp boat ride to see many birds and bird species. Lows: San Clemente Indigenous Community, slow moving and boring. Papallacta Hot Springs, over crowded Not enough boat on the river time in the Amazon Basin. Should be at least 2 hours per 2 days. Banos, over rated town Most Inspirational Moment Sachatamia Lodge for birds and I mean lots of different types and numbers. Chachimbiro Hots Springs, excellent We got onaly a 10 minutes and a 30 minute boat ride in the Amazon River Basin. Cajabama Indian Market, great local color of locals selling and buying fruit, vegetables, plants. Hiking in Cajas National Park for animals viewing and great scenery Churute Eloological Reserve for mangrove swamp boat ride to see many birds and bird species. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabian is an outstanding tour guide. Exodus should be happy to have him Advice for Potential Travellers Go only in Andes dry season, July-September Suggestions Exodus needs to add more boat time on the Amazon Basin rivers. 10 minutes and 30 minutes are about 3 hours too little.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/23/2019

Brian Helsdon   -  Traveled, January 2019

An excellent but busy trip This is an excellent tour in a country where variety really is the spice of life. You go from the Andes highands, in fairness this is most of the trip with heights, not including the peaks of 2600 to 3600 metres, to the cloud forest, rain forest and the hot and very humid coastal belt. It is very well designed but there are some long coach days. For example on day ten (to Cuenca) we did not finish until after dark having had two long coach rides. It also helps to be reasonably fit if you are to enjoy the more strenuous walks at Chimborazo and Cajas national parks. There are things I would leave out if I was designing the itinerary. For example there is the AmaZoonica Animal rescue centre which says it is not a zoo but it is really and a crowded and disorganised one at that. The Ingapirca ruins were really a non event and mostly reconstructions. One disappointment was the Mangrove boat trip. It did not happen. This was January 2nd and the boatmen simply did not turn up. Most Inspirational Moment Two moments stand out. The first was the climb up Chimborazo from 4800 to 5000 metres. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. The second was at Cuenca. we were there on new year's eve. Totally unexpected and unplanned we came across a massive parade with local ethnic groups demonstrating their affinity with the deity. There were loads of floats and children and adults in colourful costumes plus music. Thoughts on Group Leader Eddie was excellent, extremely knowledgeable and well organised. He was at ease with the group and enjoyed a joke. He had to cope with several issues affecting group members and did so calmly and effectively without this affecting the attention he gave the rest of the group, a real asset. Advice for Potential Travellers Outside of the rainy season you don't need a mosquito net for the rainforest. We didn't see any at all. For the rainforest take a bag that is big enough for all the things you will need for two nights in the rainforest. The boat to the lodge is not big enough to take the main bags. Also make sure you have a powerful torch both for the night walk and the room. There are candles but the matches and match boxes provided were useless. Suggestions Take plenty of layers. On the last day we went from 3600 metres plus to sea level with temperature changes to match. It was the coldest and hottest day in one.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 01/30/2019

Rosemary Muirhead   -  Traveled, October 2018

Excellent Trip We flew in 3 days early to see more of Quito, which was a good idea as had altitude headache first day. Could easily spend more time in Quito. Tour is full on, varied and really good. Poundland ponchos came in useful for showers, even in the hailstorm as we weren’t cold because we were walking. Spent $300 in total. Would recommend to anyone of reasonable fitness. Excellent holiday Most Inspirational Moment Loved the night walk through the rainforest. Thoughts on Group Leader Edi was excellent, best tour guide we have had so far. Advice for Potential Travellers Poundland ponchos, deet, if you like wine Clos litre boxes in the supermarkets are great for a pre dinner drink (a box costs $6 which is the same as a glass in the hotels)

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/22/2018

richard boner   -  Traveled, September 2018

Amazon to Andes involves a fair amount of bus time, but the diversity encountered is well worth it. Some exertion is required, since walks of a couple of hours at high altitudes are involved; but anyone reasonably fit will do just fine. Most of the tour is above 8000 feet; two nights in the Amazon are lower, as is the final day around Guayaquil. Mosquitos were (surprisingly) not present except in the mangroves, last day. Ecuador is a very easy and interesting country to visit. People are friendly, and are obviously proud of their ecological and cultural heritage. Accommodations and food on the trip were excellent, and the tour leader was well informed and experienced (20 years). Highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in exploring this wonderful small country. Most Inspirational Moment Really too many to count; it depends on whether one's main interest is in the Various cultures or in the huge diversity of flora/fauna. Thoughts on Group Leader Pablo was amazing - highest marks! Advice for Potential Travellers Don't worry about bugs, mosquito nets, or anything like that. Just come with some dollars for food, tips, and a few souvenirs and an adventurous spirit. You will need a sweater and windbreaker on a couple of occasions (hiking on Chimborazo or in the National Park), but otherwise moderate temps are typical everywhere. Long sleeve shirts are normal, but a couple of short sleeves will also come in handy. Bring a swim suit in case you want to spend 30 minutes on floating down the river.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/15/2018

Tony Lloyd   -  Traveled, July 2018

Memorable trip, huge variety, breathless scenery, superb guide. Ecuador is a very interesting country, much of it at significant altitude. In March, on day one, on the equator the temperature in Quito at over 2000 metres was only about 20 degrees C but I got quite badly sunburned in just an hour without a hat. The variety of environment was , as indicated by the name of the trip, extreme from canoe trips in the Amazon rain forest to wearing most of my clothes at nearly 5000 metres on Chimborazu.. In the past we have shied away from group trips after some bad experiences but this time it was the people that we were with that helped make the trip more enjoyable. However what really made the trip memorable was our excellent guide Fabien who took us to places that we would never have dreamed of going to and introduced us to fascinating people that again we would never have met without his help. Other than Guayaquil this was one of the best holidays we can remember. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing a full size crocodile launch itself into the river in the Mangrove swamps - too quick to get a photo. I had no idea that crocs existed in South America. Thoughts on Group Leader He was excellent. Despite being under stress from both vehicle issues. (We had to abandon the first minibus after just two days) and domestic issues (his flat in Quito had caught fire because of a defective refrigerator) he remained calm and made sure that we were all comfortable, well informed and well fed. Specifically he took us to fascinating markets, through doors into extraordinary buildings and into roadside sugar processing plants. He had a wicked sense of humour but showed great compassion when one of our party had to return home early because of an unexpected bereavement and when my wife struggled with the altitude. Advice for Potential Travellers 1) Suggestions Wear a hat during the day. The mosquito, dengue and yellow fever risk in the part of Amazonia that we visited was minimal to non existent. Don't buy a toy blow pipe. Only an 8 foot long one is accurate enough and powerful enough to amuse your relatives in the UK. Wine is exceptionally expensive. Do try to learn a bit of Spanish before you get there. Consult your GP about tactics to overcome altitude problems. Coca tea is pretty ineffective.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/15/2018

Miller Alison   -  Traveled, February 2018

Fabulous Trip Absolutely brilliant trip. Everything I’d hoped for. Loads to see and do. Lovely country, lovely people. Interesting and varied accommodation. Great group of travelling companions. Most Inspirational Moment I loved it all - but the stand-out moments were the visit to St Clemente, the time in the jungle and shopping in Cuenca. Thoughts on Group Leader Pablo was excellent - extremely knowledgeable, very friendly and highly organised. Mauricio our driver was also fantastic - I always felt very safe on the sometimes challenging roads. Advice for Potential Travellers Things I took which I didn’t need! 1. Mosquito net. 2. Expensive and heavy Electricity voltage converter - the cheap 2- prong adapters worked perfectly well. 3. Thermals and too many cold weather clothes - we really only had one activity where extra layers were required and even then only a fleece and light-weight jacket, although a warm hat was welcome. 4. Beach towel - towels are provided for the hot spring swim and tubing.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/17/2018

Caroline Speller   -  Traveled, October 2017

Andes to Amazon A great trip – to somewhere that most tourists don’t visit. Fantastic scenery, lots of wildlife, loads of views of volcanoes and some quirky places to stay. Some days are long but the travel is always broken up with things to see. Most Inspirational Moment I loved the cloud forest - the birds and plants were glorious. Cuenca is a lovely colonial city and it is relatively flat - a nice change as most of the time the trip is up and down hill. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabian was the best guide we have ever had. Showed us and told us about the country and its life, stopping the minibus when something caught his eye. He had a fantastic sense of humour. We were looked after but never smothered with too much fuss. Advice for Potential Travellers Midge repellant, anti histamine and and sun screen. The midge bites were rare but very itchy. Long sleeves are a good idea. The altitude can take it out of you so tell your guide if you feel rough. Walking poles handy and walking shoes/ boots essential. Warm hat for high altitude volcano walk, sunhat at other times. You need waterproof cover (poncho/mac) for the waterfall but goretex would probably be too hot. Dark swimwear for the thermal baths as the water will dye light colours. Wellies are supplied in the rainforest but your feet can get very sweaty so take several pairs of dry socks. No electric so you need a torch, which you also need for a night walk. You can only take a small bag (not your main bag) to the rainforest. Suggestions This is a bit of everything trip - scenery, wildlife, insects, culture, hot, cold, altitude, river, mountains. Accommodation is good but because the days can be long you don't always get to make the most of it. There are a couple of hotels where you stay 2 nights which will do laundry.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/23/2017

Robert Harris   -  Traveled, February 2017

Andes to Amazon A wonderful introduction to a hugely diverse country in terms of people, culture, nature and landscape. We came expecting a developing country and found a first-world one with a wealth of natural resources. Most Inspirational Moment The diversity of the flora was amazing - particularly ferns and the general greenness of the diverse topography. The constantly changing landscape and ecology that the trip itinerary presented was quite breathtaking. Thoughts on Group Leader Pablo Molveda was one of the best tour leaders we have experienced in nearly 20 years of travelling in small groups. He was patient, humorous, knowledgeable, kind and inspired confidence - the perfect guide to a new country. Advice for Potential Travellers Despite your grading of leisurely/moderate we found the trip relatively full-on compared with others we have experienced. Whilst we were happy with the pace of the trip, others may find it a little strenuous with respect to activities and the amount of travelling/moving on between hotels and the relative lack of free time. Suggestions The driver (Mauricio) was probably the best we have encountered and everyone felt supremely safe in his hands.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/21/2017

Sheila Oliver   -  Traveled, February 2017

Andes to Amazon This was an amazing journey through all the different regions of Ecuador. We started in Quito, went to the cloud forest, through hot springs, markets in Otavalo, to the jungle, up to Chimbarazo – the point nearest the sun, to the lovely city of Cuenca up to the high plains of Cajas national park, back to the mangroves and dry tropical forest. Our guide and driver were amazing, the food was lovely and I would not believe it was possible to fit so much into two weeks. It was not for the feint hearted – we had very long days of travelling and went up and down in terms of altitude and temperature. Perhaps some shorter drives and longer time in the lovely places we stayed would have made it a bit more like a holiday! Not sure how it could be changed though. Most Inspirational Moment Can't pick out one? I loved traveling down river in the jungle and the Mangroves, and being up in the Cajas National Park. Cuenca was a lovely city and joining in the Mardi Gras celebrations as we went along made the trip very special. Thoughts on Group Leader He was excellent. He was very good at including everyone and dealing with various illnesses suffered by the group. He had heaps of local knowledge. Advice for Potential Travellers Keep luggage to a minimum. Lots of outdoor wear clothes which protect from sun and insects. Make sure you are fit for the walks which are quite hard, and be prepared for very long journeys. Suggestions Only that cutting out one or two activities or stays may have made it more relaxing. Personally the jungle activities were my least favourite although I enjoyed staying in the lodge.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/21/2017

Thomas Parry   -  Traveled, October 2016

Andes to amazon Excellent, varied trip Most Inspirational Moment Seeing a hoatzin. Thoughts on Group Leader Eddie was first class, full of enthusiasm and knowledge and a really nice man Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare to enjoy yourselves. Suggestions Excellent hotels, esp in Cuenca.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/12/2016

Nick Yorston   -  Traveled, October 2016

Amazing Ecuador If it’s variety you’re after, in one country, with no worries about getting around, this is the trip to choose. Every day brings something different, whether at fairly high altitude in the snowy peaks of Chimborazo National Park or the sultry heat of the Amazon basin. Breathtaking scenery between the destinations, coupled with stops in quaint market towns en route, mean the travelling is never hard work. The local people you meet and perhaps buy goods from are also friendly and welcoming. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to choose, but probably the time in the Amazon basin. The different types of wildlife seen during the day compared to on the night time walk, the reduced use of electricity thanks to candlelit rooms at the lodge, and the work being done at the nearby wildlife rescue centre to educate people as to the importance of all the species, meant a wonderful couple of days. The 'tubing' on the river was great fun too! Thoughts on Group Leader Pablo was friendly and informative in a very relaxed manner, without ever going into so much detail that you'd switch off from what he was saying. He organised things well so that the odd longer day on the day bus was broken up sufficiently with breaks along the way, and he knew of decent places to stop for lunch. He was always ready to get our extremely reliable driver, Nelson, to pull over for the countless photo opportunities en route. Advice for Potential Travellers Remember that you'll be going to a couple of places at higher altitudes, where it could be very cold, so you might want to take a warm hat and gloves to go with the extra layers of clothing you'll want on those days. Heed your guides advice when it comes to trying to avoid altitude sickness, as until you're at those heights, you don't realise what an effect it can have. Suggestions You can eat and drink remarkably cheaply in a lot of places, and the standard of food always seemed to be very acceptable. Like in any country be aware of your surroundings, especially in the bigger cities, although I never felt uneasy anywhere on this trip. Have plenty of space on the memory card in your camera...

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2016

Anne Grabham  -  Traveled, September 2016

Fantastic trip! This was one of my best ever trips. Ecuador is a beautiful country with many different kinds of scenery, interesting cities, fabulous bird life, fascinating indigenous people, colourful markets and much more. Most Inspirational Moment Impossible to pick just one! Our whole time in the jungle was great but practising with a blowpipe certainly has to be high up on the list. Also walking down Chimborazo volcano at 4,800m in the snow just 24 hours later was pretty special. Making chocolate on a farm, from caco bean to a hot drink, was really good fun and the boat trip in the mangroves at the coast was amazing - we saw so many beautiful birds. Oh yes, and the hummingbirds in the cloud forest....I could go on for ever! Thoughts on Group Leader Pablo is a great tour leader. He is friendly, great fun and very informative. It is clear that he loves his country and he is passionate about Ecuador's wildlife and people. He was very much part of the group, interested in finding out about us as well as answering all our endless questions about Ecuador. He always made sure everything ran smoothly and quickly sorted out any little problems that occurred. He made a great holiday very special. Advice for Potential Travellers Take some warm clothes! Within a 24 hour period we went from steaming in the jungle to freezing near the top of a snow-capped volcano! Waterproof trousers are a good way of keeping your legs warm and a hat and gloves are a good idea. Don't forget a swimming costume for tubing in the jungle and the hot springs elsewhere. Suggestions All in all this is a trip for those who want a slice of all that mainland Ecuador has to offer. It's a busy two weeks with perhaps not long enough in each place, but Ecuador has so much variety with so many different landscapes and this trip will offer you a taste of everything.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/24/2016