Destination visited: Ecuador
Activities included: Birdwatching, Canoeing, Hiking/Trekking, Mountain Climbing, Walking

Twenty days and nights exploring Ecuador, from the Amazon Basin to the highest active volanoe in the world, majestic Cotopaxi. From the perspective of one participant on a semester-long survival course in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru, offered by the Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School.

Quito-Tena by bus. 3-hour water taxi ride down the Rio Napo to Puerto Ahuano. Stay at Yachana Lodge. Visit Funedesin, a rainforest learning center. Emerge from rainforest. Take camionetta (truck) 2.5 hours to Esperanza. Strenuous hike to Sarahuasi, a remote cloud forest village. Two night homestay with indigenous family. Very strenuous hike out of Sarahuasi, to Volcan Quilotoa. Quilotoa-Zimbabwa by bus. Five days in Cotopaxi National Park includes: Summit ascent of Mt. Ruminjahui; 24 solo; Glacier climbing; Unsuccessful attempt at summit ascent of Cotopaxi, due to dangerous conditions. Zimbabwe-Tumbes by bus. Tumbes-Lima, Peru.

Absorb Quechua language, Inca culture and tradition; Visit bee hives, donning a bee suit; Participate in shamanistic and tribal rituals; explore PRIMARY rainforest; Be humbled by Volcanoes Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.

The experienced hiker knows that gorgeous vistas are the reward for hard work. Staying healthy in Ecuador requires a conscientious effort to

1) Sterilize water, 2) Drink PLENTY of water to help the body adjust to changes in altitude, and pay attention to signs of high altitude intolerance, and 3) Prevent tropical illnesses. Minor steps precede major successes.

Your dollar will go far in Ecuador. Bargain with locals for textiles, jewelry, and pan flutes. Sample the typical Ecuadorian dish, Qui. Enjoy the comforts of home (restaurants, plazas, camera shops, pharmacies) in Quito, but venture to the lowlands to view spectacular flora, insects, and birds.

Hiking & Walking, Hiking/Trekking, Walking
Birdwatching, Canoeing, Hiking/Trekking, Mountain Climbing, Walking