Ecuador Multi-Sport & Culture - February, 2008

Ecuador:  A blend of Multi-Sport & Culture
The Amazon, the mountains, the people, the culture, join us for an amazing and unforgettable experience !

Dates:
Depart: New York/JFK for Quito, Ecuador: Saturday, February 16, 2008
Return from Quito, arrive New York/ JFK: Saturday, February 23, 2008

General Itinerary:
Saturday, Feb 16: 10.00 am Depart New York/ JFK - Arrive Quito, Ecuador 5.30pm - Hotel check-in
Sunday, Feb 17: White Water Rafting in the Amazon or Mindo Rain Forest Exploration
Monday, Feb 18: Visit the City of Quito & the Equatorial Monument or Day Hike
Tuesday, Feb 19: Mountain Biking or Horseback Riding in the Highlands
Wednesday, Feb 20: Cuicocha Lake Boat Tour & Otavalo Indian Market
Thursday, Feb 21: Pasachoa Hike w/ Wine & Cheese Tasting & Visit to Ilalo, Nature Paradise
Friday, Feb 22: Shopping in Quito, Pool Side Party or Optional Hot Springs, party at night...
Saturday, Feb 23: 10.00 am Depart for New York - Arrive JFK 8.40 pm

Pricing: (Full Package, including International Flight!)
$1,895 - if you make deposit by November 15, 2007
$1,995 - if you make deposit by December 15, 2007
$2,095 - if you make deposit by January 15, 2008
To make your $500 deposit and hold your spot: http://ecuador2008.eventbrite.com

Land only pricing starts at $1,295
To make your $500 deposit and hold your spot: http://ecuador2008.eventbrite.com

Trip Includes:
Airline tickets: ALL international air and local ground connections
ALL overland transfers and accommodations at our Luxury Hacienda w/breakfast
ALL the listed Adventures and Activities

Does not include:
Lunch and dinners in Quito
Optional Activities and Excursions

Questions / RSVP:  IgorBass@DynamicOutdoors.com

...

Our Accommodations: The Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda
A true luxury retreat: The grounds and suites have been newly renovated and include all modern conveniences and hi-tech appliances. Our suites are luxurious and comfortable. Choose from a twin, full, queen and even a honeymoon suite with whirlpool and fireplace. Above all, there is fine handcrafted contemporary and traditional art of Ecuador to enjoy that adorns the Inn. Continental breakfast is served every morning complimented by an array of exotic fruit juices. At the colonial style dining room, the chef serves up delicious gourmet Ecuadorian meals. Explore the wooded grounds, relax in front of a cozy fireplace, or watch surround sound television in the home theater.

The Resort Staff & Service:
We will be able to rely on the expertise and friendly smiles of our innkeeper, multi-lingual guides, groundskeepers and other members of our team who are there to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Experience the wonders that Ecuador has to offer while basking in superior surroundings and enjoying this unique experience!

...

Location & Tours:
Conveniently located in the center of the Andean heartland. We will explore the nearby wonders such as volcanoes, lakes, wetlands, rose plantations, forests and natural waterfalls. Our numerous excursions and day trips will take us to the Equatorial Monument and Quito. We will go trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, go on a shopping spree in nearby Indian markets and take some time off to simply relax in natural hot springs. Best of all, at the end of the day, we will return to the luxury and comfort our Resort.

...

The Activites:
Swim or play water volleyball in the heated outdoor swimming pool. Unwind in the evening by visiting the game room and test your skills on billiards, ping-pong, foosball, darts or sapo. Enjoy the "eternal spring" weather of Tumbaco while exploring the landscaped gardens where you can horseback ride, bird watch or hike. Feel rejuvenated by receiving an optional refreshing and relaxing facial or massage anytime.

...

Weather Forecast:
Because of the unique location in the Valle of Tumbaco, we are looking to enjoy a sunny 80' degrees EVERY day !!  Just the perfect remedy against the cold days of our February's winter weather...

Detailed Itinerary:
Saturday, Feb 16: 10.00 am Depart New York/ JFK - Arrive Quito, Ecuador 5.30pm
Transfer, check-in, and welcome dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda
Pool side party or option to check out Quito at night...

Trip Briefing:
Our adventure vacation menu and excursion itinerary will be discussed with a resort representative. All food served and prepared is 100% organic.  Breakfast will consist of eggs, bread, coffee or tea and an exotic tropical juice. Vegetarian meals can also be easily prepared.

Tonight you can enter Quito and discover many local bars or relax at a cafe located downtown. There is usually no cover charge at a bar, if there is, it might be $5, but it usually will come with a free beer.

Here you will blend with the Ecuadorian socialites and large European community that is always present.

...

Sunday, Feb 17:
Option A: White Water Rafting in the Amazon
Unforgettable Adventure in the Amazon: Spend the day rafting technical Class III+ rapids
This Rainforest has become famous with kayaking, tubing and rafting fans. The gorgeous rivers of the Amazon are perfect to practice these sports and they take you into the heart of the Amazon. We will arrive in 2 hours to conquer Level III+ rivers. The river offers an excellent 3-4 hour rafting excursion with many challenging rapids. Experience this rafting tour in the beautiful tropical rainforest with a rich flora and fauna.

Option B: Mindo Rain Forest Exploration
Activities will include: tubing, swimming, ziplining, butterfly farm viewing& hummingbird feeding, and hiking thru the Rain Forest.
Tubing is a popular activity on the low-level rapids and waterfalls.  It is ideal to snap photos, swim in lagoons and jump into waterfalls over 33 feet high.
If you want to enjoy an amazing thrill ride, you can’t miss the 10 zip lines that take you traveling on 1,700 meters above ground.

Transport via the Tarabita Skyway Basket over the Mindo River Valley. You will travel in a suspended metal cage powered by an old engine car that will provide spectacular views.

This 47,444 acres of the nationally protected paradise offers a unique destination into the heart of the Rain Forest, surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruits plants and trees, flowers, birds and local fauna.
Two rivers cross the property suitable for swimming and bathing.
Spa, natural facials, body massage with aromatherapy using Swiss and Thai techniques are available.

During the day, Lunch Box provided
Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda

...

Monday, Feb 18:
Option A: The Equatorial Monument
After breakfast, we'll transfer to the famous Equatorial Monument & Park
Stand at the Center of the World, one foot north and one foot south of the equatorial line
After a relaxing picnic lunch, we'll head for a tour or Ecuador's capital, Quito

Quito, brings the past to life in its museums with centuries old of Pre- Columbian treasures, convents, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches. Enjoy scenic, colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Middle of the World. Visit the ancient ruins of Rumicucho, an archaeological site of great interest believed to be a solar observatory and fortress of the Pre-Inca culture period.

Option B: Explore the City of Quito & Day Hike (Elevation Exposure 9,250 to 13,500 ft)
Visit the City of Quito (elevation 9,250 feet) and trek up to the North Ridge of Quito (13,500)
At the top of the ridge, we will be able to see volcanoes on the left and a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Quito on the right.
During the day, Lunch Box provided

Spend the evening shopping and exploring Quito
Group dinner in the city

...

Tuesday, Feb 19:
Option A: Mountain Biking (Elevation Exposure 9,900 to 15,500 ft)
Start at 15,500 ft and bike down and into the rolling hills of Cotopaxi National Park
Spend most of the day active and exposed to altitude at 9,900 ft

The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres surrounding the highest volcano in the world reaching 19,700 feet. This is especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. You may see herds of llamas, wild horses, deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and sometimes even a condor.

Option B: Horseback Riding
In the morning, we will have horses arrive to take you on a wonderful horseback ride thru the Chiche Canyon to take in the fresh air, wonderful views and an calming experience.
Spend 2 hours Trail Riding in the Ecuadorian country side and enjoy the most amazing views
Additional hours optional

During the day, Lunch Box provided
Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda

...

Wednesday, Feb 20: Cuicocha Lake Boat Tour & Otavalo Indian Market
A magical land of lakes, snow-covered mountains and terraced farmlands.
The colorful local markets of the Andean Valleys are famous for their fine handcrafts.
The Otavalo Indian market dates back to Pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on backstop looms.

This is a lake within a volcanic crater, at the foot of the dramatic, yet dormant, Cotacachi Volcano (4039 meters). There are two small islands in the center of the lake that were formed by eruptions after the collapse of the pre-existing crater. We will take a 40 minute boat ride around the 2 islands and stop midway to learn about this fantastic crater.  Afterwards we can hike on the edge of the crater to see the panoramic view of the crater and landscape.

During the day, Lunch Box provided
Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda

Thursday, Feb 21:
In the morning: Trip to Pasachoa for a Hike and Wine & Cheese Tasting
Pasochoa stretches between 2800 and 4200 meters above sea. The steep slopes and irregular topography of the area make it difficult to develop the land for agriculture and cattle grazing, but is excellent for hiking.  Pasochoa is actually one of the few remaining stands of original Andean Forest that is being protected and preserved.

After a wonderful hike, return to the San Juan Cheese Factory where you will see how delicious cheeses are made from the cows that are served only organic food.  We will visit the caves filled with cheeses that are Italian, Swiss and French, but made in Ecuador.

Of course we will sample the cheeses and drink delicious wine to enjoy every bite!


In the late afternoon: Visit to the Nature Paradise of Ilalo
This is a wonderful location only 25 minutes from our Resort and it has thousands acres of fauna and plant life. While having an adventurous hike, discover the medicinal plants, animals, caves, rivers and spectacular views of this Reserve. We will rest at a cave and have a wonderful cleansing ritual performed by a Shaman, a high level spiritual priest.

Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda

...

Friday, Feb 22: Shopping in Quito, Pool Side Party or Optional Hot Springs
Open day, free to relax at our Hacienda or roam Quito or the Tumbaco Valley

Optional: Indulge & Relax: Treat yourself to a unique Spa Treatment:
Located over 10,000 feet above sea level in a humid forest, Papallacta Hotel Thermal Springs Resort is just one and a half hours away from Quito. Nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle, Papallacta features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures. Resort facilities include a first-class hotel and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty, fresh trout. Guests may also trek or horseback ride along several marked paths alongside pristine mountain streams, observing hummingbird’s habitats, condors and eagles.

Dinner at our Mountain Inn Luxury Hacienda
Party & celebrate at night

Saturday, Feb 23: 10.00 am Depart for New York - Arrive JFK 8.40 pm
After breakfast, transfer to airport for return flight home.

Questions / RSVP:  IgorBass@DynamicOutdoors.com

..

Flight Service with Lan Ecuador:
1  XL 539 S 16FEB 6 JFKGYE HK21  1020 1700   *1A/E*
2  XL 516 S 16FEB 6 GYEUIO HK21  1800 1850   *1A/E*
3  XL 517 S 23FEB 6 UIOGYE HK21  1205 1300   *1A/E*
4  XL 538 S 23FEB 6 GYEJFK HK21  1410 2040   *1A/E*

Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel more than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive a refund minus $200
If you cancel less than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive 75% refund
If you cancel less than 45 days before the date of travel, you would receive 50% refund
If you cancel less than 30 days before the date of travel, you would receive 25% refund
If you cancel less than 15 days before the date of travel, there won't be a refund possible unless we find replacement for you !
(We always highly recommend to take out travel insurance: www.travelex.com)