Adventure Extensions

Adventure Extensions

Rainforest Expeditions Day tours

 

 

 

 


Rainforest Expeditions

RAINFOREST EXPEDITIONS

It is comforting to know that there are still places on earth where nature, in all its glory, still maintains its pristine majesty, and thus, its ability to instil in us a certain awe. One of these earthly paradises is the Amazon basin in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Amazon region offers the traveller who wants an exotic experience, an excellent alternative for adventure. Campus Trekking will provide different kinds of tours ranging from short, medium and longer expeditions as well as accommodation in comfortable lodges or tented campsites for the more adventurous traveller.

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The Cononaco river is located at the northeast of the Pastaza province and it has always been recognized as Huaorani territory. The Huaorani is an ancestral people that has lived in the Amazon basin since thousands of years. They have maintained their traditions, their own language and hunting habits. The Cononaco area has a marvellous concentration of game such as monkeys, tapirs, pecaris, capibaras and lots of bird's species.

Departure days

This programme lasts at least 8 days in order to explore the whole area and meet the Huaorani people. Departures can only be arranged upon request and there is a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 participants.

Accommodation

Tented accommodation, usually at the river banks.

Activities

  • Day and night excursions.
  • Game viewing and birdwatching.
  • Participation in intercultural exchange.
  • Caiman observing .
  • Fishing.
  • Camping in remote areas.

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The lodge is located in the Yuturi Biological reserve 180km. from the town of Coca in the Ecuadorian jungle. The Yuturi lodge is situated on a small hill overlooking 3 lagoons and the Yuturi river. The area offers flooded Varzea forest and Terra Firme. We will enjoy the plant and wild life of the primary forest as well as the incredible feeling of peace which is only disturbed by the jungle sounds. You will see the Quichua Indian huts along the rivers and it's a great place for birdwatching. There are more than 400 species of birds, including hoatzins, yellow-rumped caciques, caracaras, tanangeas, parrots etc. The Yuturi lodge offers very good value for money, the programmes are quite nice and accommodation is simple but meets western requirements.

Departure days

4-day programme leaving every Friday - guaranteed departures.
5-day programme leaving every Monday - guaranteed departures.
Special arrangements for shorter and longer programmes also available leaving every day of the week with a minimum of 5 passengers.

Accommodation

15 huts built with the traditional materials of the zone and according to the architecture of the Quichua indians. The huts offer double and triple occupation with private bathrooms and showers.

Activities

  • Day - and nightwalks.
  • Birdwatching.
  • Visit an Indian home.
  • Visit canopy tower
  • Canoeing.
  • Pirana fishing.
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The Kapawi lodge is the newest of the eco-lodges in South America and it was completed in 1996. The lodge is located on the Pastaza river, in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin and close to the Peruvian border. The Kapawi lodge is only accessible by small aircraft and it is located in a very private, safe and spectacular area in the tropical rainforest. The lodge is built in partnership with the indigenous organization OINAE and the lodge is runned together with the Achuar people. The Kapawi project is a ground breaking example of how private tourist companies work together with indigenous groups sharing benefits and respecting the land and traditions of the people. An Achuar can recognize every one of the 500 species of birds found in Kapawi and it is said that an Achuar is a living encyclopedia.

Departure days

4-day programme leaving every Friday with a minimum of 2 passengers.
5-day programme leaving every Monday with a minimum of 2 passengers.
Special departure days and longer programmes can be arranged upon request.
The programmes are graded in easy, moderate and difficult and are characterized by their flexibitily.

Accommodation

The lodge was created using the Achuar concept of architecture without a single metal nail. The lodge offers 20 very comfortable double rooms each with private bathroom, sun-heated showers and electricity also provided by a solar energy. Every room is located on the shore of the Kapawi lake and each has its private terrace with a beautiful view.

Activities

All activities are designed to suit each passenger or group's interest such as:

  • Day and nightwalks*.
  • Birdwatching.
  • Canoeing.
  • Participation in shaman rituals.
  • Ethnic encounters.
  • Fishing.
  • Camping in remote areas (optional).
  • Conferences about all subjects of the Amazon.

* There is a big variety in trails ranging from 15 min. to 10 hours.


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The jungle lodge El Jardin Aleman is located in Misahualli, Napo province, on the shores of the Misahualli and Pununo rivers. The lodge is surrounded by 300 acres of rainforest and additionally, the lodge protects 264 acres of primary rainforest on the banks of the Napo river. This is a very good choice if you do not have time for a long tour but do not want to miss the taste of jungle.

Departure days

3-5-day programmes available. The itineraries are based on day tours accompanied by a native guide and different activities can be combined according to the clientes wishes and time. Guaranteed daily departures.

Accommodation

15 double and 3 triple comfortable rooms with fan and terrace, each one equiped with private bathroom and hot water. 3 family suites also available.

Activities

  • Day and night walks in the primary forest.
  • Canoeing.
  • Visit a local shaman.
  • Birdwatching.
  • Goldpanning.
  • Visit native family.
  • Visit butterfly farm.
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Day Tours

RIVER RAFTING

Are you looking for an adrenaline flow, then join a day tour rafting on the Toachi and Blanco rivers. The rivers flow of the coastal side of the Andes approximately a 3 hour drive from Quito and offer grade III-IV rafting depending on the time of the year. The rafting is a combination of thrilling whitewater and drifting silently through the subtropical forest. Rafting time is approx. 3 1/2 hour. You are guided by professional rafting guides and full rafting equipment is provided.

 

 


HORSEBACK RIDING

Daytrips can be organized in different areas in the neighbourhood of Quito. All areas have beautiful sceneries, composed by rough mountains, deep gorges, volcanic springs, wild orchids, cloudforest, subtropical or páramo vegetation. You are guided by an experienced horseback riding guide and have a choice of great sensible horses for both beginners and experts. Both Western and English saddles are available.

 

 

 


MOUNTAIN BIKING

The destination depends on the programme planned for your departure day. Our favourite mountain biking trips take place in the Cotopaxi National Park, Papallacta and the green Nono - Tandayapa area. Most of the biking is down hill, but uphill is also part of the game. Good bikes are provided and during the programme, you are accompanied by an expert biking guide and you have a back up vehicle following you all the time.

 

 

 


 

 


HIKE GUAGUA PICHINCHA

A breath taking hike to Guagua Pichincha, which is located some 10km. due west of Quito and is easily visible from the capital. Guagua Pichincha (which means baby Pichincha) is a presently active volcano and a visit worth. You hike to the crater rim at 4.874m. / 14.670ft., from where you observe the inside of the crater and its fumaroles. Walking time is approx. 4 - 5 hours. Note: Moderate hike and some acclimatisation is recommended. Can be an option for acclimatisation before climbing a bigger mountain.

HIKE COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

C otopaxi with its 5.897m. is the world second highest active volcano and it is located in the heart of the National Park. On the lower slopes, the landscape is dominated by pine trees. Your hike around the Limpiopungo lake, where different species of birds might be seen, and afterwards you visit the Inca ruins. Optional afternoon hike to the Jose Ribas refuge located at 4.800m./14,450ft. In the afternoon return to Quito. Note: Easy hike.

HIKE PASOCHOA CLOUDFOREST RESERVE

M ore than 100.000 years ago a volcanic eruption destroyed the Pasochoa crater and the product of the eruption created a very fertile ground. Now Pasochoa is an area of subtropical humid Andean forest. There are several trails in the area and you go for a 3-4 hour hike to observe flora and fauna situated between 2.700m. and 4200m. Note: Easy hike, but ascent to the summit (4200m./12,645ft.) strenuous.


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