Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Quito

A BikeHike Adventures representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the city. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Imbabura - Otavalo (Horseback Riding)

We start with a typical Ecuadorian breakfast and then head north, driving toward Imbabura (Province of the Lakes). We'll visit The Otavalo Indian Market first, where everyone will have a chance to wander through the stalls bartering for local handicrafts, produce and livestock... just imagine taking home a cow! Afterwards we'll saddle up on Creole horses, riding along backcountry roads with great views of the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes (father and mother of the Imbaya tribes). This area is beautiful with crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and small traditional Indian villages where the locals specialize in weaving and handcrafts. We'll overnight in a comfortable hotel in Otavalo.

Day 3: Otavalo - Nono - Mindo Cloud forest Reserve (Mountain Biking)

Early this morning well set off on a 2-hour drive towards the town of Nono. Once we reach the dirt road, we'll hop in the saddles of our fat tire mountain bikes for an awesome 60 km/33 mile ride. The terrain is on undulating dirt roads, with one awesome glute-burning climb and lots of downhill swirling switchbacks. We'll follow a gurgling river, cross a few streams and then drop deep into the valley. The temperatures will rise as we descend, and everyone will be shedding layers of warm clothes. Once we reach Tandayapa, we'll get back in the van and drive to the Mindo Cloud forest Reserve. This reserve is one of the worlds most diverse and threatened endemic bird areas. The forest is abundant with moss-covered trees, exotic orchids and crystal clear rivers. Our cozy lodge is located near the Mindo Cloud forest Reserve. The evening is at leisure, relaxing to the nocturnal symphony in the natural amphitheatre of the forest. (L,D)

Day 4: Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve (Hiking)

Our second day in Mindo is dedicated to exploring this primary cloud forest on foot. We'll tramp along muddy trails, passing curtains of cascading waterfalls and ancient mossy trees tangled with orchids and bromeliads. There are 450 species of birds in the reserve, including the renowned Andean Cock of the Rock. In the afternoon, we return to our lodge for a relaxing evening in our forest cabins. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Blanco River (Whitewater Rafting)

Switching gears today, we take to the river, for a blast down the gurgling Blanco River, famous for its relentless flow of frothy whitewater rapids. After a safety briefing, we'll navigate 30 km/19 miles of Class III-III+ rapids and standing waves. The river cuts through a tropical rainforest, abundant with mammals and birds. If we're lucky we may spot the southern river otter and hear the roar of the howler monkeys. We'll take out in the afternoon, then transfer to a small village in Esmeraldas province, where we'll overnight in a cozy hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Congal Biomarine Station (Volunteering)

After a typical Ecuadorian breakfast we depart to The Congal Reserve, a global hotspot, where less than 24% of primary forest remains. It features beach, mangrove, estuarine, wetlands and humid tropical forest habitats. Upon arrival, we'll be greeted and led on an introductory hike, exploring the grounds. Afterwards we'll start our volunteering segment, first monitoring terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species and then helping to maintain trails, repair stairs and slopes and plant trees. We'll return to the lodge early evening for dinner and to relax. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Congal Biomarine Station (Volunteering)

We'll wake to a chorus of birds and insects, head to the restaurant for breakfast then walk to the beach, where a speed boat and captain await to motor us to Congal Island. We'll visit a salty forest, and see the reforested areas, while our guide educates us on the importance of these important ecological zones. Afterwards we'll assist the local women in the harvesting of clams, digging deep through the mud. You will find this truly amazing and gain a real appreciation for the food that we are so easily able to access at home. In the afternoon we'll visit some organic gardens where tropical fruits are harvested, including bananas, coconuts, mamey, lime, tagua, sapote, guava, pineapple, passion fruit and tomatillo. Late afternoon we'll return to the station for dinner and lodging. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Congal Biomarine Station (Volunteering)

This morning we have community activities with children on the agenda. We'll either visit a school or a day care in the little town of Bunche. The activities will be coordinated with the director, but may include playing with the children, helping them to draw, making handicrafts and telling them stories with puppets. In the afternoon we'll transfer to Mompiche for overnight accommodations. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Portete - Mompiche (Sea Kayaking)

Early this morning we'll transfer to Portete to begin our day of sea kayaking. We'll start with a safety talk, and then have some time to practice our paddling techniques before casting off the shores. We'll paddle past huge buttress roots of mangrove swamps, isolated whitesand beaches and remote fishing villages, located along the coast. Today's destination is a beachfront lodge in Mompiche, a secluded coastal town. We should arrive early enough in the afternoon to enjoy the facilities. (B L,D)

Day 10: Estero del Platano - Quito (Sea Kayaking)

For our final day of kayaking, we'll paddle north, over a turquoise reef. We'll eventually reach the Estero del Platano, an estuary of tropical vegetation and an ancient fishing village. There's an abundance of marine life here, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and giant pelicans, who are sure to be swooping and fishing alongside us most of the day. Late afternoon we'll transfer back to Quito by local flight. Dinner will be in a local restaurant in Ecuador's capital, and then there's free time to enjoy the city for the final evening. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Departure

A BikeHike Adventures representative will transfer you to the Quito International Airport for your flight back home. (B)

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