Exotic Ecuador Brochure

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” — Moorish proverb

Exotic Ecuador Tours

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First at all, let us congratulate you for thinking in Ecuador as your next dream destination, Ecuador is a unique country full of megadiverse. The phrase "Small is Beautiful" could have been coined specifically with Ecuador in mind, here you can watch dawn break over the jungle canopy, have a nice meal high in the Andean Mountains, and then watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean, all in the same day! - David Muñoz Jensen, Executive President - Exotic Ecuador Tours

www.exoticecuador.net


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We offer several tours options in Ecuador, you can pick from a wide diversity, fro example adventure tours, cultural tours, relaxing tours, etc, we have so many different choices for you and don't worry we don't operate only with dull groups if you are alone we can also make the dream tour for you, we prefer to plan the tour with you instead to be attached to an itinerary that way you can plan the perfect trip without worrying about timing or regular touristic schedules, so lets plan your Dream Vacations!

Exotic Ecuador Tours provides the opportunity for travelers all around the globe, to explore the unknown and the exotic landmarks of Ecuador, and to become intimately involved with distant communities and cultures, in order to give you the best travelers experience that you can get...

EXOTIC ECUADOR TOURSTRAVEL STATEMENT

QUITO, will serve you as home base thought out your journey in Ecuador. This is where the exploration begins as you acclimate to your new surroundings. You will have many opportunities to experience the rich culture that the city has to offer, including theaters shows, museum trips, dance clubs, strolls trough the Old Town filled with charming colonial architecture, and -of corse- markets where you will find goods from all over Ecuador such as hammocks, wood carvings, paintings and many more unique treasures. QUITO

hot SPOTSOLD TOWN: situated on the middle of Quito, you will be amazed to know their well-preserved colonial town, which is why UNESCO named as the first Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

MIDDLE OF THE WORLD: Ecuador is one of the few countries situated in the ecuadorian line, a few minutes from Quito, you will be standing with one foot on the northern hemisphere and with the other on the south hemisphere, an unique sensation.

RUMICUCHO RUINS: located near the middle of the world monument this place used to be an old incan castle used to spot enemy invasions in the Incan conquest.

PITA RIVER WATERFALLS: just 30 km from Quito you will enjoy the natural waterfalls, enjoy a day full of nature and relax with the sounds of falling water over the rocks.


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choose your adventure

The town of Baños, a favorite spot for national and international tourists, is located precisely at the skirts of the volcano. "Tungurahua" comes from "Tunguri" (esophagus) and Awa (fire); and indeed it spits fire! It is an exciting experience to observe the volcano in action, and as for now it is safe, from a distance, of course.

The Ecuadorian Andes are the only site on the planet where the Equatorial Line crosses over highlands; in the rest of the world, the Equator crosses through dense tropical forests or the ocean. The pre-Incan cultures that inhabited Quito developed their astronomical knowledge helped by the clear landmarks surrounding the city: the Pichincha volcano (15,000 ft) above, the Antisana (18,700 ft) to the southeast, and the peak of the snow-caped Cayambe volcano (18,725 ft) to the northeast, almost precisely on the equatorial line. Thus, Quito is the best natural astronomical observatory in the planet, where the northern and southern hemispheres can be observed.

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The highlands of Ecuador are basically the middle region of the country, situated just on the middle of the Andes Mountain Chain.

Many of the provinces in the highlands of Ecuador are named after the most important mountain or volcano on its territory: Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo. Moreover, most of the names of the mountains have their origin in an indigenous tongue, mostly Quichua. The names have been modified with time and the influence of Spanish; however, it is most interesting to learn about their origin.

The Ecuadorian Andes hold several active volcanoes. Ecuadorians have witnessed and still can experience numerous volcanic eruptions. For example, the Tungurahua volcano awakened at mid 1999 after about 80 years of sleep.

hot SPOTS

COTOPAXI: Rising majestically 60 kilometers south of Ecuador's capital city, Quito, is a perfect cone shaped volcano named Cotopaxi. In indigenous tongues, Cotopaxi means "neck of the moon."

OTAVALO MARKET: The Otavaleños have been long renowned for their weaving skills, and over the last couple of decades have become the most successful indigenous group on the continent, thanks to the popularity of their weekly craft market.


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The largest lake in the province. Indigenous people fish early in the morning in their straw canoes, and also bathe and wash their clothes in this lake during the day. Inns, farms and restaurants where you can spend a weekend or just a day full of entertainment surround the lake. You can also take a boat ride around the lake, or enjoy other water sports such as sailing, water skiing, jet ski.

You will, enjoy the peaceful sounds of the lake, this is the perfect destination for relaxing and recover for the rest of the voyage

Otavalo is a small city of about 50,000 inhabitants. It lies at 8,300 ft above sea level in a spring-like valley, situated between the Imbabura volcano (15,118 feet) and the Cotacachi volcano (16,200 feet).

The most famous indigenous market in Ecuador is held here. Although the market is bigger on Saturdays, you can visit it any day and find an impressive variety of all kinds of Ecuadorian handcrafts. At dawn you may see indigenous people arriving the market place from many mountain trails surrounding the city. They come from nearby villages and towns such as Peguche, Agato and Iluman, to sell their products. One may visit the workshops of these local weavers working on back strap and Spanish treadle looms, as well as other artisans at work making felt hats, knitting sweaters or weaving straw mats.

North Highlands

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The province of Chimborazo is named after the highest Ecuadorian mountain (20.702 feet above sea level), the third highest elevation in America after the Aconcagua in the Chilean-Argentinean border and the Huascarán in Peru. The summit of the Chimborazo is the furthest point from the center of the Earth, as it is crossed by the Equatorial line, where the Earth is wider. Thus, if measured from the center of the Earth, the Chimborazo would be the highest mountain on the planet. The majestic Chimborazo has attracted adventurers and scientists such as Humboldt and Whimper and has inspired artists and writers.

The Chimborazo is the "Colossus" of the mountains of the region, however, it does not stand alone. On a clear day, other impressive snow-capped mountains can be admired: the Altar (17.730 feet), the Carihuairazo (16.470 feet), and the Sangay active volcano (17.159 feet). Also close are the Illinizas (17.267 and 16.785 feet) and the Tungurahua (16.457 feet), which has been in eruption since 1999.During Humboldt’s visit to South America in the year 1802, he named the region as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" precisely due to the presence of these snow-capped volcanoes, all close but separated from each other.

The "hieleros" of the Chimborazo:A tradition of the indigenous communities of the Chimborazo province is to bring down ice from the glaciers of the mountain to prepare their drinks. Although the amount of people dedicated to this activity has evidently reduced, the activity still exists. To this day, blocks of ice are cut from the glaciers on Tuesdays and Fridays and transported by mules down to the city of Riobamba, to be sold in snow cones called "raspados" at the Wednesday and Saturday open markets. The road of the "hieleros" can be followed by foot, on horseback or on 4X4 jeeps.

South Highlands

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South Highlands

QUILOTOA

COTOPAXI

Rising majestically 60 kilometers south of Ecuador's capital city, Quito, is a perfect cone shaped volcano named Cotopaxi. In indigenous tongues, Cotopaxi means "neck of the moon."

Surrounding the volcano are lakes, lava beds, spectacular mountain scenery and, of course, sparkling white glaciers. This is Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi became a national park on July 26, 1979. The park encompasses 33,393 hectares and occupies parts of the provinces of Cotopaxi, Napo and Pichincha. Altitude within the park varies from 3400 meters above sea level to 5897 meters at the top of the volcano. Cotopaxi is the second most visited national park after the Galapagos Islands.

Quilotoa Lagoon, with an approximate diameter of 3 km and an average depth of 240 meters, is housed in the crater formed by the violent eruptions of the volcano of the same name, located on the slopes of the river Toachi. Its name comes from two Quechua words "Quiru" which means tooth and "toa" means queen due to the shape of the lagoon.

Quilotoa Lagoon is located 66 kilometers south of the city of Latacunga, in the parish of Zumbahua and is part of the Ecological Reserve The Ilinizas. Located at 3,800 meters above sea level, has become a way of life of its inhabitants, who benefit from its advantages. The pond water has an emerald green color and varies according to season, with bluish-green or almost yellow impressive showing a picture according to the shadow and light.


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week two

SELVAe x p e r i e n c e

At first glance, the rain forest is a vast green wilderness. However, as one observes carefully, this ecosystem is full of surprises for its visitors. Not only is each tree very different from the next, but also for every tree there are hundreds of other plant and animal species in constant interaction. Tropical rain forests occupy 7% of the Earth’s surface, but they hold 50% of the world’s biodiversity (Myers 1988; Wilson 1988). These forests are found in Central America, Africa and Asia, but the biggest area extends in the South American Amazon.

To truly take advantage of the rain forest, one must awaken all five senses to discover how exotic life forms have evolved to live together in a minimal extent of land. The embracing sounds tell of the various birds and insects that keep this living forest in constant change. The many other animal and plant species need of careful observation to be found as they have amazing color and texture adaptations to be confused with the scenery. The many smells tell of the chemicals that the plants have developed as a defense for herbivores, and many are of medicinal use for humans.

hot SPOTS

SHIRIPUNO COMMUNITY: This unique culture opens the doors for you, letting you experience a different way of living, you will learn the jungle customs and learn how to survive in the jungle.

RAFTING: you will experience this extreme sport with a full day on the river, enjoy the beauty of the region combined with a lot of adrenaline as you navigate thought the rivers in the region.

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In contrast to what one may think, the soil of the rain forest is not fertile. The nutrients that supply this exuberant ecosystem are the product of a constant interaction between the living and dying organisms on the surface. Decomposers are the vital to the dynamics of the forest. Thus, it is important to preserve this ecosystem as a whole.

The overwhelming complexity of the forest makes one wonder about the ancestral knowledge of the millenarian indigenous communities that have passed the knowledge generation after generation as to unfold the secrets hidden in this magical site.


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Waysayaku river pounds is an unique place full of life and adventure, you’ll enjoy so much to be on direct contact with the nature, this is a small trek that will take you thought several small pounds of water and river falls.

For the most adventurers there is the option to camp in this site, just near the jatunyacu river, this experience will open your eyes trough the beauty of the rainforest, an adventure you wont regret and remember all your life.

SHIRIPUNO COMMUNITY

This community is an unique place to learn more about the rainforest ancient cultures, the community is ruled only by the women's, they have many activities on the commune like jungle medicinal plants, face painting, dances, they even teach you how to make your own food, how to hunt it and how to cook it all by your self, another interesting point of the Shiripuno commune is the Shamanic rituals that are offered here, like the ancient beverage “ayahuasca” used to induce the person that drinks it to a hypnotic trance to see and feel the rainforest in an amazing experience.

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Jatunyacu River Class +3

This is the main river run for most of the companies in the area It is a big volume big fun river with plenty of action but generally suitable even for beginner paddlers. This is a 25K run. We always start our trips with a waterfall and swimming adventure in the Llanganates national park and include a short jungle excursion in the afternoon to make this a truly memorable rafting trip.

Jondachi/Hollin class 4

38K of pristine jungle that is more isolated than most of the river runs in the country. The two rivers are different in style the first being technical and the second a big water experience. The trip starts with a hike and a visit to a hidden canyon where there is a chance to make a 10 meter jump into a deep pool. From there the river experience is unique with amazing jungle scenery with many cascading waterfalls along route.

Hollin class 5, 2 days

Without doubt the most challenging rafting done in the country that is suitable for experienced rafters in good physical shape who are prepared for an isolated jungle expedition. Spectacular scenery and challenging rapids mark of this 75 K run.

Misahualli class 4+

The river most acclaimed as an Ecuadorian classic and said to be run by nearly all rafting operators but never is mainly due to the grueling portage at the waterfall and the difficult nature of a narrow canyon run with big water potential that makes it particularly challenging for river guides.

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Also 14 different species of finches which served Darwin as proof for his theory of evolution from natural selection; among others. Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves and endemic cacti. The Galapagos house an incredibly high rate of endemic species.

In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His writings on the theory of the origin of species, which shook up to the scientific world, were inspired by the living proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago. His observations and studies can be confirmed by all those who choose to make this unforgettable trip to the fascinating and mysterious Galapagos.

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Visit the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes, and get to know a variety of exotic species exclusive to this Archipelago! The Galapagos Islands are the perfect setting to understand the evolutionary changes that have led to a new perspective of life on Earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their very existence on our planet.

among the animals found are the different species of giant 'Galapagos' tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called 'galapago' in Spanish. A variety of birds are found:

from blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos, frigate birds, and albatrosses, to unique small penguins and non-flying cormorants.

origins

The origin of the Galapagos Islands is volcanic. The islands appeared from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and that rise as much as 2600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2000 craters has continuously altered the terrain of the region. The last significant eruption was in 1825 and since then Isabella Island has shown some volcanic activity. Variables such as climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.

www.exoticecuador.netFor more information including trip dates and costs, please contact us vía skype at exotic.ecuador.tours or mail us at: [email protected]

What you get by traveling with us:FEEL FREE: we don't like to be attached to a tight schedule, we prefer to discover the places with you, that way you enjoy much better the hole trip

TRANSPORTATION: we always drive with you, we have 4x4 jeeps that can take you anywhere in the country!

ALWAYS FULL: we don't wait to be a large group to start a tour, we do tours with little groups too and even if you are alone.

PLAN WITH US: for all the tours we meet with you, and plan the tour together, that way we ensure a really enjoyable experience.

Quito - EcuadorExotic Ecuador Tours

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Exotic Ecuador Brochure

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