ECUADOR
JOURNEY OF FRIENDSHIP
Indigenous village service project and Galapagos experience

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)

 Ecuador is a magical country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. The Andean highlands with its hauntingly beautiful lakes and volcanos, the Amazon River basin with its verdant rainforests and the Galapagos Islands, one of the wonders of the world, provide this relatively small country with a natural diversity found in few places on the planet.

The Vibrant indigenous culture that permeates the country has a rich history stretching back thousands of years and offers visitors the opportunity to walk back in time. In Otavalo, travellers can experience the life and ancient weaving skills of the Incas and their descendents. "Old Town" Quito, a world heritage site, is a beautifully preserved example of colonial architecture.

Trip details
12 days
Departure dates: To be announced
2007 - March 10
Cost: $3095CAD (includes flight from Toronto)
Medium fitness required

Minimum 16 participants, maximum 20
Custom dates for groups possible
Contact us regarding incentives for organizing a group.


This journey is:

  • An exploration of the extraordinary natural beauty of Ecuador, a land of many treasures. Experience the Paramos and high lakes of the Andes and the unique wildlife mysteries of the Galapagos Islands

  • An immersion into the rich indigenous culture of the Otavalo region of Ecuador, renowned for its weaving, markets and Andean music

  • A volunteer experience living with local families and working on community projects

  • An opportunity to experience the wild life of the Galapagos Islands. Swim with the penguins and sea lions, witness the mating rituals of the graceful Frigate birds and walk with blue-footed boobies


Itinerary

Day one
Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to a comfortable hotel in town and be introduced to the coming adventure.

Day two
Visit the national museum, then travel to an indigenous village high in the Andes located at the base of famed Cotapaxi volcano.

Meet members of the community and settle in with families.

Day three
Community project work.

Day four
Community project work.

Day five
Hike to a local thermal hot springs. Enjoy a typical picnic lunch.

Day six
Community project work. Closing ceremony. Travel to Otavalo and settle into a local hotel.

Day seven
Spend the day at the market in Otavalo, the largest and oldest continuous indigenous market on the planet. Transfer to Quito via famed Centro del Mundo. Preparation for the Galapagos.

Day eight
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and settle in to your country lodge. Visit the Darwin Research station.

Day nine
Boat trip to Isla Plaza.

Day ten
Boat trip to Isla Bartolome.

Day eleven
Transfer to Quito. Tour the "old town" in Quito, with its magnificent colonial churches, government buildings, hotels and private residences.

Share a celebration meal with your group before returning home.

Day twelve
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)