An All Inclusive Tour
This tour is all inclusive! From the moment you embark with us to the moment we say our goodbyes - we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ecological and cultural adventure of a lifetime!
What's Included
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All meals
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Drinkable water
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Hotels & Lodging
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Domestic ground transportation
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Domestic flights + 1 Checked Bag
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Local guides
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Entrance fees
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Activity fees
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On site doctor for any medical issues
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Tips for appropriate staff & guides
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Credit card and processing fees
What's *NOT* Included
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Alcoholic beverages
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Souvenirs
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Laundry service
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Extra baggage fees
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International airfare
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Traveler's insurance
(Cancel for Any Reason addon plans are recommended)
General Logistics about the Tour
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This tour requires you to be active! Some of the hikes are medium to difficult. We'll be at altitude too, so get ready to impress that FitBit of yours.
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No minors will be allowed below the age of 14 and minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This trip will be geared towards adult audiences and we will be discussing all aspects of evolution including reproductive biology, sexual selection, and other topics that may not be suitable for younger crowds.
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We will be travelling mainly by bus. If you are prone to carsickness, please keep this in mind.
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You MUST be vaccinated against Covid-19 to come on this trip. Everyone who we interact will also be vaccinated. Ecuador has vaccinated 86% of its population by 2023 and continues to vaccinate its citizens at a high rate.
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What to Expect
We will be a small group of travelers, science nerds, and nature enthusiasts. The group will be capped at 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with the instructors, local guides, and nature. Learning will happen on and off the trails, both formally and informally from your instructors, guides, and most likely each other!
Think of this trip like summer camp but with way better food! The cabins are simple but comfortable and the hot water for the shower is solar heated
You'll probably get wet! It is the *RAIN*forest after all. You can decide your preferred method of staying dry ... or accepting your fate. By that token, it can also be sunny and hot, so make sure to bring a lot of water and comfortable clothes.
Trail conditions can be muddy and slippery depending on the amount of rain we get during our stay. We'll also be in the hills and at altitude. We recommend you being physically fit enough to do short walks over difficult terrain and up to 2 mile walks on flat terrain.
We will have two long travel days. The first will be entering the Amazon where we'll leave Quito in the early morning and fly to Coca. We'll then have a 2 hour bus ride to to the pickup point and then a 3 hour canoe ride to the lodge. We'll leave Quito around 7:30am and get to the lodge around 5pm. When we leave the lodge, we'll overnight in Coca. After lunch we'll have our 3hr canoe ride to the pickup point and the 2 hour bus ride to Coca. If you get carsick please anticipate these long bus rides and take the necessary precautions to ensure you have a pleasant voyage. I know it's a trek - but if you want to see amazing animals, you have to go to where they live!
Photos: Jen Cross
Most of all - you can expect we'll have fun!
General Advice About Ecuador
The Altitude
Quito sits right about 9,000 ft (2,800 m). It's not uncommon for you to feel more tired than usual and you might find a flight of stairs takes your breath away. This is normal - so don't worry! Just take it easy and drink a lot of water!
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Other Normal Symptoms
• Waking up in the middle of the night
• Getting dehydrated quickly
• Tingly fingers / lips.
• Headaches
• Nausea
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**Please note that alcohol may affect you differently than normal at altitude.
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Always communicate how you're feeling with your guide. If you need to take a breather just say so!
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Vegans and vegetarians may find that they have trouble at altitude. Talk to your travel doctor about taking iron supplements before and during your trip.
The Weather
While Ecuador is on the equator - only certain parts are warm! Dressing in layers in key. Always bring a jacket with you no matter how sunny it is outside! Weather can change here in an instant.
The Highlands:
In the highlands, like Quito and Otavalo, nightly temperatures can drop below 45°F (7°C) and many hotels have neither heating nor air conditioning.
During the day, average temperatures are around 70°F (23°C) but the sun is strong! Wear sunscreen even if you normally don't. (take it from someone who's been burned a few too many times)
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Some mountains like Cotopaxi have snow! If you're planning on going up even some of the smaller volcanoes like Pichincha or through the Papallacta Pass it's best to bring gloves, scarf, and a hat. If you're adding on Papallacta, you'll definitely want some warmer accessories.
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The Cloud Forest:
Halfway between here and there - the cloud forest is temperate but muggy. At night it can still get cool and the humidity makes it feel colder than it is. During the day it gets up to around 80°F (27°C) and at night can drop down to 50°F (4°C)
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The Amazon:
When we're in the boats in the amazon you'll want sandals, shorts, and a t-shirt. When walking around in the jungle you'll want long pants as a preventative against insect bites. We'll be provided rain ponchos for our inevitable showers in the rainforest. Temperatures are a bit warmer in the Amazon ranging from about 70°F (23°C). at night and 90°F (32°C) during the day.
Insects and Tropical Diseases
The Highlands:
The Andean mountains in the "Sierra" region are devoid of insect vectored diseases. Right now - above 7,000 ft (2,100 m) is completely safe.
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The Cloud Forest:
Sitting between 4,000 - 6,000 ft (1,200 m - 1,800 m) the cloud forest is relatively safe. There have NOT been reported cases of malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, or Chagas. Rumored cases of leishmaniasis have been mentioned but nothing yet confirmed. Black flies definitely like your ankles - so rubber boots are recommended.
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The Amazon
Outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue fever have been reported however it is not a common occurrence.
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Malaria: In the area of the Amazon in which we are visiting - cases of Malaria have not been reported in the past ten years.
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Yellow Fever: Recent cases of yellow fever have not been reported. You can be vaccinated against yellow fever. If you are visiting other countries (ex. Costa Rica) after Ecuador you may be required to show proof of your vaccination against Yellow Fever. This vaccination is not required to enter Ecuador.
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Zika: Only a handful of cases have been reported in Ecuador and only on the coast.
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Chiggers: The larval stage of mites. They do not carry any diseases, but having had them myself, are definitely no fun and EASILY preventable. When you get back from the field, take your clothes off and take a shower BEFORE lying in your bed. We'll give you a "chigger prevention chat" at the lodge.
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It's always recommended to be cautious!
Visit your doctor to see the latest CDC recommendations. Be up to date on all of your vaccines. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves / long pants) and insect repellent.
Still have Questions?
Send us an email and we'll answer all your questions!
Or check out SciBugs FAQ page for more info about Ecuador and tourism in Ecuador in general.
