Hiking, biking and rafting will have your adrenaline pumping on this 15-day action-packed Ecuadorian adventure. Ecuador Hike, Bike & Raft Active 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Ecuador, Amazon Quito Quito Ecuador Ecuador Cycling, Rafting, Trekking/Hiking 15 5 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/ecuador/ecuador_hotspring.jpg Arrive in Quito at any time. Enjoy views of 8 different volcanoes, including the world's highest active volcano. Starting at 4,420 m (14,500ft), bike downhill through volcanic ash, páramo, and pine forests, spotting condors. Bike through the town of Guano before hitting the area's rugged terrain. Enjoy a picnic with Quichua families before continuing. Stay in a mountain refuge. At 6,310 m (20,702 ft), Mt. Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest point. Enjoy the views from the Urbina Mountain Refuge at its base. From Achupallas, trek to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca site. Pass through remote highlands, indigenous communities, mountain landscapes and lakes. Take a guided tour of Ingapirca ruins and explore. Relax in the famous thermal hot springs and enjoy scenery with a coffee at an outdoor café. Optional hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding are possible. En route to Tena, watch the scenery change from towering mountains to lush jungles.
Navigate both the wild Jondachi and Quijos River and the cloud forest. The cool water and air make this an excellent change from the tropical Amazon climate. Head to the Papallacta hot springs for a well-deserved soak, with stunning views of snowcapped mountains and a glass of wine.
Visit the town of Otavalo and the famous market where you can purchase handmade wares. On Day 14 return to Quito. Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Located 2850m (9348 feet) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring like climate, despite its location only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. It is in a valley flanked by mountains, and on a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the capital. As well as being in a beautiful location, it is rich in history and much of the old colonial town is well preserved. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a world heritage site, and any new development in Quito's Old Town is now strictly controlled.

Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns. There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the Old and the New Towns.

The Old City is full of interesting historical buildings, including many churches. Among the most interesting are the Catedral de Quito, which is located on the Plaza de la Independencia, was built between 1550 and 1562 and is one of the first neoclassical works in Quito, and La Compañía de Jésus Church, considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).

The small, rounded hill which dominates the Old Town is called El Panecillo, or 'the Little Bread Loaf', and is a major Quito landmark. Marvellous panoramic views of the entire city, as well as views of the surrounding volcanoes stretch out at your feet. You can take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab to the Old Town from the New Town.

Quito has a large population of foreigners and is a popular destination for travelers, resulting in a varied and vibrant nightlife, where salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can. These are great places for meeting locals and dancing as well as enjoying local cooking. Drive by jeep to Cotopaxi National Park. Just a couple of hours south of Quito, the park is home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. On a clear day enjoy stunning view of 8 different volcanoes. Starting at 14,500ft, (47,572m) we commence the spectacular down hill bike ride through volcanic ash, high altitude páramo, pine forests and lakes. Keep an eye out for condors! We then ascend northwest by jeep into the western Cordillera, spending the night in a quaint mountain village. Start with a ride through the town of Guano known for their artisan carpet making industry. From there we descend on mountain bikes through rugged terrain and expansive corn plantations. A picnic lunch allows time to mingle with local Quichua people before we continue down a long and winding road to where the cycle trip ends. Spend the night relaxing by the fire of a cozy mountain refuge.
“Standing at 6,310 m with the added advantage of the Equatorial bulge, Mt. Chimborazo is the highest point from the earth's centre.” Nestled at the base of this colossal mountain is the Urbina Mountain Refuge. Located in high altitude páramo at 3618 m (11,870ft) this historic building, built in 1905, once served as a train station and has since been converted into a cozy mountain hostel. Spend your day exploring the area, relax and enjoy the mountain views, or take an optional excursion to the Chimborazo Mountain refuge.

On a clear day stunning views will be had of the majestic Mt. Chimborazo (6310m/20,702ft) and Carihuairazo (5020m/16,470ft) towering behind it. Chimborazo has two climbing refuges. The lower refuge is Refugio Hermanos Carrel at 4860m (15,945ft) from where you can hike to the higher refuge Refugio Whymper at 5000m (16,404ft). There is also the option to relax by the fire, or go for a stroll along an ancient Inca trail to a nearby indigenous village in the valley below.
We get an early morning start to the village of Achupallas, the starting point of our hike along the old Inca road. Over 500 years ago this was an important commercial connection between Colombia and Peru for the Inca. The trail leads us to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca site. En route we pass through remote highlands, indigenous communities, beautiful lakes and enchanting mountain scenery.

Although information about the historical importance of Ingapirca varies, many believe that it served as a fortress. Archaeologists believe that the main structure was considered to be the Temple of the Sun, which may have been used for ceremonial purposes. While exploring the site you will see the mortarless stonework and trapezoidal doorways that are characteristic of Inca construction. Also found at the site are buildings believed to have been storehouses, and rest places for ‘chasquis’, runners that carried messages from one end of the Inca Empire to the other. Unfortunately much of the site has suffered from looting, but today the importance of the site is recognized and the site is officially protected.
Today we arrive at the famous Ingapirca ruins where we receive a guided tour of the site. Next we head north along the Valley of Volcanoes to the lush green mountain town of Baños, known for its thermal hot springs. This is perfect place to relax a and enjoy the mountain scenery while soaking in the thermal baths, sitting in an outdoor café, or for the more adventurous, hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding.

Baños is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country and you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn sun creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Today we travel by bus down to the Amazon basin. Watch the scenery change dramatically as you travel through towering green mountains, pass by waterfalls, and deep river valleys arriving in the jungle town of Tena. Spend several challenging days on a white water rafting adventure. We raft down the wild Jondachi River which gives one the feel of paddling high in the Andes and is filled with sections of mystical cloud forest and bird life all around. The cool water and air make the Jondachi an excellent alternative to the hot, tropical climate of the Amazon.

The small town of Baeza, once an old Spanish missionary and trading post, is the starting point of our three day rafting adventure along the Jondachi and Quijos River. The Quijos River is formed by the Papallacta and Cosanga rivers, which receive flows from the Antisana volcano and high altitude páramo valleys.
We finish our final day of rafting adventure with a relaxing visit to the hot mineral springs of Papallacta. Enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped Antisana Mountain and spend the night relaxing with a glass of wine.

Papallacta is a village 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Quito, over the Andes and on the outer rim of the Amazon Basin. This small village, surrounded by cloud forest on the road between the highlands and the Oriente, has arguably the best thermal springs in all of Ecuador. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening soaking in the mineral hot springs, while enjoying the great natural beauty of the area.

Next we visit the beautiful area of Otavalo and its world famous handicrafts market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits and vegetables. We return to Quito for our farewell evening.

Otavalo is justly famous for its friendly people and Saturday market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.

There are three main market plazas in town, with the overflow spilling out onto the streets linking them. The Plaza de Ponchos is where you will find most handicraft items. You will find colourful woollen goods such as ponchos, gloves, hats, blankets, scarves and sweaters, as well as fine tapestries and a variety of embroidered blouses and shirts, shawls, string bags, and rope sandals. This market gets underway at dawn and continues until early afternoon. Remember, bargaining is expected for every purchase! If you're good you should be able to get at least 20% off of the starting price. The food market sells produce and household goods for the locals, and there is an animal market beginning in the predawn hours on the outskirts of town. Although these are not designed for visitors, they are cultural experiences to see and are definitely worth a visit. One of the most evident features of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life. 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1519 1449 919 759 1989 1349 1089 1599 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Hotels/guest houses (10 nts), Camping (2 nts), Mountain refuge (may be multi-share) (2 nts). Associated RT Project Optional visit to Planeterra community projects Departure Departs twice per month (Oct-Mar) DepEnd Sun-Sun Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, Mount Chimborazo Biking, Urbina Mountain refuge, Ingapirca Trek, Baños, Tena, Jondachi and Quijos River Rafting, Papallacta Hot Springs, Otavalo. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD160 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included All meals on the Ingapirca Trek, on the rafting and biking excursions and at the mountain refuge. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Too much action? Try our Inland & Amazon EIA trip. StartFinish ex Quito Testimonial "The trip was excellent. One of the best I have ever taken. There was so much to do and the activities were very well planned out. Never a dull moment." - Paul Resnick travelled on Ecuador Hike, Bike & Raft Transport Public bus, Bikes, Rafts, Hiking. What's Included 2-day biking excursion on Mt. Chimborazo, 3-day Ingapirca trek with local guide, cook and porters, Guided tour of Ingapirca, 3-day whitewater rafting trip on the Jondachi and Quijos River (level IV-IV+), Day trip to Otavalo market.
A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following Planeterra project:

Salesiano Street Children Project
In the last five years the Salesiano Street Children Project has opened its doors to approximately 870 children each year who were either living in the streets or were at immediate risk of being abandoned to the streets by their families. In Ecuador, there are more than 1 million children and adolescents who are economically active, working in the informal sector for more than 40 hours a week. It is not easy to determine the exact number of children living in the streets, but the highest concentrations are in urban areas.

With various centers set up across the country, the Salesiano Street Children Project provides programs and shelter for children working on the streets of Ecuador. Children are provided with valuable programs including medical and family outreach programs, psychological support, schooling, cultural programs, technical workshops in mechanics, carpentry, auto repair, electricity and agricultural skills as well as sports on Sundays.

The Planeterra Foundation supports Salesiano’s reference center, located in La Marin near the main bus terminal which is in one of the poorest sectors of Quito. This center is run by Ivan Troya, an educator who has dedicated his life to helping children in need. Through this center, Ivan and other volunteers provide programs for 50+ children on a daily basis. Parents are able to take part in their family outreach program, while children are provided with a safe environment where they can enjoy a warm meal, receive educational and psychological support, participate in music and cultural workshops and have time to play foosball and other board games. Ivan understands that each child has a unique background and individual needs and he sees the reference center as one of the only places where these children can take a break from working on the streets and spend some time just being children.

It is possible to visit this project as an optional activity on most tours that pass through Quito. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader.

How You Can Help
For those travellers who have the opportunity to visit La Marin Reference Center we encourage you to bring food items that can be purchased locally. Items needed include milk, bread, eggs, tuna, sugar, coffee, hot chocolate, rice, oil, oatmeal, fruit, vegetables, jam etc. This will help provide children with a nutritious meal when visiting the center.

However, if you would like to make a lasting difference, your donation through the Planeterra Foundation will support the development of a performing arts program for the children of La Marin. The goal of this program is to teach children dance, music and performance skills that they can use to present at various festivals in and around Quito. The estimated cost of this program is $6000 USD annually to develop and maintain the music program which will benefit the 50+ children who attend the center. Funds donated will provide wages for a music instructor, the purchase of uniforms, an amplifier, sound equipment, guitars, microphones, etc.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website: www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro Hiking, biking and rafting will have your adrenaline pumping on this 15-day action-packed Ecuadorian adventure. Checklist - Inner sheet (for sleeping bag)
- Wool hat, mitts or gloves
- Rain poncho
- Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
- Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approx. $15 USD)
- Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating type mattresses are not)
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
- Thermal underwear
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and traveller’s cheques (Note: Traveller’s cheques can be changed only on working days)
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocket knife
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion)
- Insect Repellent
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Money belt
- First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

**All other camping equipment for the Ingapirca trek is provided and included in the cost of the excursion. Mules carry the gear, so you will only be responsible for carrying your daypack. But please be aware there are weight limits on what the mules can carry, thus every passenger is limited to one backpack/duffle bag for the excursion.

**Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.
Departure Tax USD37.93 - From AUG 1/07 will be USD40.25 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Hiking, biking and rafting will have your adrenaline pumping on this 15-day action-packed Ecuadorian adventure! Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Quito.
If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we
may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Quito, Ecuador
Veintimilla #667 & 6 De Diciembre
Quito, Ecuador
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + (593 2) 2 565 683 ,(593 2) 2 236 641
Fax: Int. Dialing Code + (593 2) 2 565 683
Cell Phone (24 hours): Int. Dialing Code + (593 9) 9 506 000 (outside Ecuador), (09) 9 506 000 (in Ecuador)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Quito,
we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139. Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However,everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on
how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel QuitoHotel Rio AmazonasCordero No 1342 y AmazonasQuito, EcuadorTel: Int. Dialing Code + (593-2)2-556666 Joining Instructions Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, the international airport in Quito, is a 20 minute drive from the New Town, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. You can get an official taxi inside the airport, and pay set rate (approximately $4 USD during the day, approximately $6 USD at night). American dollars are now freely used in Ecuador, so you don’t need to worry about changing money into a local currency.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Excess luggage can be stored free of charge at the joining hotel during your tour if desired. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Please bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than 100, as they can be hard to exchange in Ecuador. 100 dollar bills of certain series (e.g. CB B2) can be especially hard to cash!

Traveller's cheques are easier to cash during the week, however if you do need to cash them over the weekend, the following places offer this service: on Saturdays you can cash them at the Banco del Pacifico in the Mall el Jardin until 13:00, and on Sundays they can be cashed only at Quito's international airport.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person in US dollar amounts.

Quito: (all activities have 2 person minimum.)

City Tour $24 - Entrance fees not included.
City Tour & Equator Line $32 - Entrance fees not included.
Pre-Colombian Pryamids $45 - Entrance fee $2
Otavalo Market $45 - full day tour
Saquisili Market & Cotopaxi $60 - Entrance fee to NP $10
Cotopaxi National Park $55 - Entrance fee to NP $10
Cotapaxi Biking Tour $45 - Entrance fee to NP $10
Bellavista Cloud Forest $50 - Entrances fee to the reserve $10
Devil's Nose Train $110 - Entrance fee to Cotopaxi Park $10 - Train ticket $12 - (hotel in Riobamba not included - $15 p/p)
Papallacta Hot Springs $45 - Overnight at the hot spring resort $28 p/p/n (optional)
Horseback riding - $65 p/p

Urbina Mountain Refuge:
Chimborazo Refuge - $15 - Entrance to National Park $10
Visit to the Ice Merchants - $20
Horseback riding - $20

Baños:
Bike rental - $5
Horseback riding - $5 - $20
Canyoning - $45
ATVs/Quad Biking - $45
Massage - $25
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city! Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.