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The Responsible Traveler
offered by supplier M16824 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Ecuador
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 700 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1050 US Dollar (USD)
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This trip is perfect for people:
* with an active interest in conservation and eco-tourism
* who like to travel off of the "beaten track"
* who seek a more authentic experience than on traditional tours
* with an interest in local cultures
* who like to put something back into local communities
This is a private group tour, in other words your group will be traveling privately without other passengers. Prices depend on the total size of your group.
TOUR SUMMARY
There are some wonderful responsible tourism projects set in poor communities in the Ecuadorian Andes and this trip visits the very best of them:
1. At Guamote the Inti Sisa project has set-up a tourism development program set amidst beautiful mountain scenery with proceeds going to the community school and handicrafts projects.
2. The Black Sheep Inn is an eco-friendly lodge with organic food and composting toilets, not to mention the myriad of beautiful walking trails in the surrounding countryside. It has won a plethora of awards for its support in the local community of Chugchilan as well as being voted inside the top 10 of eco-lodges in the world by Outside Magazine.
3. Santa Lucia is an internationally-recognized reserve and eco-lodge run by a small community in the lush cloudforest in the north of Ecuador. The project promotes cloudforest conservation and sustainable income for the local community, and offers an authentic chance to get to meet the welcoming people of this rural community and learn about their lifestyle.
PAST CLIENT FEEDBACK
"We bought into the whole concept of this tour right away as we wanted to get off of the well-beaten tourist paths and really get to know the country. We were certainly not disappointed as each project was fascinating, the locals were really friendly, and the service was excellent throughout." (David Carrington, UK)
"What a wonderful idea for a tour this is! We just adored the children in each community and take home many happy memories of our time there." (Sandra Wright, Australia)
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: (no meals included). Arrival Quito - our driver will meet you in airport arrivals and transport you to the majestic Hotel Patio Andaluz in the historic old town district of Quito. Patio Andaluz is an exquisitely-renovated old colonial house located just 1 block from the central plaza of Quito that was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978, and is the only hotel in Quito to hold the Smartvoyager sustainable tourism certificate. Free time to relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings.
Day 2: (B,L,D included). Inti Sisa project & Chimborazo - early morning transfer south down the Andes to the peaceful village of Guamote. Upon arrival there is time for an introduction to the Inti Sisa community project, visit to the local school and lunch. In the afternoon your volunteer guide will accompany you to the slopes of the nearby Chimborazo Volcano for a short trek and views of sunset over the Andes. Dinner and overnight at Inti Sisa Hostal.
Day 3: (B,D included). Guamote market - Black Sheep Inn - on Thursdays you can spend the morning visiting the local Guamote market - renowned as one of the most colorful and traditional in Ecuador today. On other weekdays it is possible to spend more time learning about the various work that Inti Sisa do within the local community. Afternoon transfer to the Black Sheep Inn in the small village of Chugchilan - some stunning mountain views and a hearty organic meal await your arrival!
Day 4:(B,D included). Quilotoa Laguna - a full day to enjoy the stunning scenery of the countryside that surrounds the Black Sheep Inn which affords many trekking opportunities. Also highly recommended is a trip to the Quilotoa Laguna - a picture-perfect emerald-coloured volcanic crater-lake - it is possible to trek into the crater and there is also time to see some of the local artists at work on their Tigua paintings that the area is famed for. Overnight at the Black Sheep Inn.
Day 5:(B included). Quito, Capilla del hombre - return north to Quito after breakfast. In the afternoon a chance to visit the fascinating Capilla Del Hombre museum which was built by local artist Guayasamin as a tribute to humankind, and the art-work on display depicting the historic suffering and struggle of Latin America's poor indigenous population is extremely moving. Overnight at Patio Andaluz.
Day 6:(B,D included). Quito - Santa Lucia - transfer north out of Quito to the Santa Lucia Reserve where you will be met by a native guide to start your trek up to the lodge (approx 1 and 1/2 hours, backpacks can optionally be carried up by mule) through the luscious natural environment of the cloudforest. Upon arrival to the lodge you will receive a warm welcome and an introduction to the activities you will be able to enjoy the following day. Optional night-time walk to listen to the nocturnal sounds of the forest.
Day 7: (B,L included). Santa Lucia project - an early breakfast to start the day followed by gentle trekking opportunities and a chance to learn about sustainable agroforestry in the area and visit the tree nursery and reforestation project. In the afternoon there is time to visit a handicraft workshop run by women of the local community at Marianita. Return to Quito, overnight at Patio Andaluz.
Day 8:(B included). Tour end - the trip ends after breakfast. Our driver can transfer you to Quito airport for your return journey home.
The itinerary is designed to run starting on any day of the week desired but bear in mind that the Guamote market is only present on Thursdays, and that the local school visit at Inti Sisa is not possible on weekends. So if you would like to include these visits then please plan the days accordingly.
We also offer a full range of add-on services in Ecuador and Galapagos that we would be happy to help you with.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
INCLUSIONS:
* Accommodation in double rooms. Triple rooms are also available should a group of odd-numbered passengers wish to avoid paying a single supplement.
* Transport with local driver throughout tour
* Meals as listed in itinerary
* Activities as listed in itinerary
* English-speaking guide for activities at Inti Sisa and Santa Lucia
EXCLUSIONS:
* International flights
* Personal expenses
* Tips
* Meals not listed as part of itinerary
* Local entry fees
* Single supplement $225
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
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