Andes to Amazon

27 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on May 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Fantastic trip! Ecuador is amazing with so much to see - mountain, rainforest, cloudforest, coastal plain, varied paramo. There are beautiful people, colourful markets, colonial cities, and interesting wilds like jungles or mountain national parks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were a number: firelight cleansing by the shaman at the jungle lodge, hummingbirds at Guango, crater-lake walk, monkeys outside my jungle cabin, Chimborazo, dolphins in the mangroves, Cuenca old-town, selecting my unique panama hat, the descent into the rainforest... I could go on.What did you think of your group leader?We had Fabian and he is the best guide I've had - he is laid back, easy-going, funny, a great story-teller, flexible, unflappable, patient, kind, and also well-informed with excellent planning skills. It matters to him that we had a good experience, and he went out of his way to add highlights into the trip which were unique and special. Mauricio was our driver - he was constantly smiling, polite, and helpful - and very safe and dependable. Recommend both unreservedly!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Bring layers of clothing -  both a fleece and rain-jacket to layer since you get all sorts of climates on this trip. The altitude makes the sun more potent - opt for a stronger sunscreen than you normally use. You will take a boat to the jungle lodge, so if you can have just what you need in a lightweight duffel bag for those 3 days you'd likely be happier (pack some plastic bags, a lighter, bug spray, your flashlight). There is not much time to wash clothes on this trip - bring what you'd need for the duration. Bring US cash in $20's - higher bills are harder to change in some places, and there are few bank machines outside the major cities. Prices are in USD. I carried an altitude sickness prescription in case we needed it (it was not expensive). 'Undulating walks' means 'always up' ... more than I imagined, but well worth it! Check that your insurance covers you for altitude - no insurance would cover travellers for El Angel since it's red-flagged by the foreign office.Is there anything else you would like to add?This trip was busier than I imagined with little personal time. However, we packed in so much that it was worth it. I would have liked to have lingered at some incredible spots we visited. I didn't find I had enough time to really enjoy some of the locales (i.e. Guango hummingbirds, jungle lodge, Pantavi, Banos - baths?) You will likely dine as a group for most meals as there is just not much time/ choices in some areas to do your own thing. There are some long drives, but usually with stunning scenery. The vehicle was very comfortable. We unfortunately didn't stay in Banos (safety) and we missed Ingapirca due to a road closure. If I were designing the trip, I'd ditch El Angel (a full day of travel/ insurance issues) in favour of some of the cloud forests with ample birds (like Bellavista) and Papallacta thermal baths in the shadow of the Andes peaks..
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 19, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Ecuador is an amazing country, wonderful scenery, wonderful people, a new adventure round every corner not yet swamped by tourism.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were so many wonderful experiences, climbing to 5,000m and reaching the snowline at Chimborazo, sleeping in jungle huts with just a candle for lighting and listening to the sounds of the jungle at night, being cleansed by the local Shaman by firelight, the blow pipe competition, being drenched beside a huge waterfall and taking a cable car ride accross a gorge which was more like an open top cage on a zip wire, all the hikes around the mountains and the wonderful achitecture of Quito and Cuenca, the modern promanade along the river at Guayaquil, the Inca ruins at Ingapirca and the Devils Nose train. What did you think of your group leader?We were lucky enough to have Fabian as our guide and Maurisimo as our driver. Fabian was the best guide we have ever had. He was fun, helpful and nothing was too much trouble for him. His organisational skills were exceptional. We all had lots of laughs, lots of adventures and the whole group bonded, not one person was ever left out which was due to Fabian, definitely the best group experience we have had.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The walks are more challenging than described in the trip notes. If you use a walking pole take it with you and also take proper hiking boots as the terrain could be rocky, steep or muddy at times but all achievable by anyone with average fitness.  We had not done any walking for a few months before the holiday but managed all the walks. Take the advice of the guide with regard to altitude and it will not be a problem. Every one of our group made it to 5,000m at Chimborazo. Is there anything else you would like to add?The holiday was very busy but we would not have missed any of it. Although there was quite a bit of travelling by bus, it was always interesting as we passed through different landscapes all the time. The trip incorporated so many different experiences, my only complaint was that it was over too quickly!!!
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 22, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  A great holiday with such variety - should appeal to both those who enjoy the natural world and culture vultures.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?It's the most beautiful country we have ever visited and it is not without variety, even within the highland areas. We loved the climb to 5000m up Chimborazo. As  a contrast the Amazonian jungle was informative, thrilling and fun. The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca are beautiful.What did you think of your group leader?Fantastic guide. Really well informed. Never reluctant to answer any questions. Patient, relaxed, fun and with a great sense of humour.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You need a case that you can easily carry over your shoulder for the jungle - you can't use a suitcase with wheels. Alternatively take an additional bag sufficient for stuff for 2 nights not forgetting that you will get very sweaty in the high humidity. You will wear wellingtons (provided) in the jungle so make sure you have the right socks. A head torch is essential and a lighter would be useful as you need to light candles (no electricity in the rooms) and the matches were always damp.Be aware that you will spend as much time travelling as you will on actitivities but this is necessary to see as much and to do as much as there is on this wonderful holiday.Is there anything else you would like to add?The lodge is described as rustic which might make some people think that it is rather basic. Actually in the circumstances it is fantastic - very clean, great beds, lots of space in the rooms and no end of hot water. All the other hotels are great and Exodus has really tried to use characterful places wherever possible. A few of the rooms are small but that is because they are in lovely converted mansions rather than purpose built hotels.
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  Anonymous
  Written on November 16, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  If you are into mountain scenery and the natural environment then this is a truly wonderful trip made even more precious by the rich diversity of local dress and customs and the high standard of local accomodation available. Drives can be long but the scenery is so breathtaking that even long drives can be a pleasure. This is the best trip of its type that I have ever made. Thoroughly recommend.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many: that initial sight of the mountains surrounding Quito after a long flight in, the drive up to and the walk in the paramo of the El Angel Nature Reserve, staying at Pantavi hostel surrounded by the art work of Camilo Andrade, watching the clouds cleat to reveal Tungurahua volcano and , later in the trip,  Chimborazo, driving through the moonlike landscape created by past eruptions of Tungurahua, watching the rapid dance like flight of the hummingbirds in the reserve as they feed, the first sight of a frigate bird inflating its chest to be like a bright red ballooon.What did you think of your group leader?Pablo Montalvo was our group leader. He was simply fantastic, the best. He was extremely knowledgeable but fun with a really amiable personality. He managed us as a group with a light touch, gave us plenty of free time to explore on our own, introduced us to fun options like  cable rides over lakes and river tubing.  He was also sensitive to variation in fitness levels on walks etc and to awkward dietary requirements. He was just a great guy with a good sense of humour who undoubtedly made a major contribution to the trip being so enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for torrential rain if it comes, particularly in relation to protecting camera gear. We had capes which were great. Head torches are really useful for walks in Amazon at night. Otavalo really does have the greatest choice of crafts though the hotel in Riobamba had a craft area near the restaurant with some lovely weaving. Basically if you see something you like, buy it as its a bit unpredictable if you will get another chance later. If you are into local weaving (as I am) there is a great book you can get from the Book Depository  called "Costume and Identity in Highland Ecuador. Edited by Ann Pollard Rowe. (works at Textile Design Museum in Washington and expert in this area).Is there anything else you would like to add?I found the Museum at Banos (inside the Church) really interesting though apparently other travellers did not like because of its collection of old stuffed animals and birds. These are rather the worse for wear but despite that I found the different species that were displayed (several from the Galapagos) interesting and there is also a collection of old historical artefacts from various ethnic groups. In Cuenca at the Banco Central Museum, there is a really interesting ethnographic exhibition about the Shuar culture and their tradition of 'tzangas' or shrunken heads. A few are exhibited. Fascinating. Apparently there are also some heads in Guayaqui. The museum in Cuenca is itself situated on an archaelogical site and has other exhibits -coinage, paintings- though the ethonographic section is the only bit with English translations.. You need a passport as proof of identity for entry.
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  Anonymous
  Written on November 12, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip exceeded all my expectations. Ecuador is a fascinating unspoilt country still relativaly free of mass tourism.The tour manager was an expert in his field and full of enthusiasm for his own country.Absolutely brilliant!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Walking around Volcanoe tops and trekking up the sides.Travelling high up and then down into the Amazon rain forest.Fantastic hotelsWhat did you think of your group leader?Excellent...his knowledge of his country gave us all an insight I doubt other tours could have offered...Veryhumorous and helpful.I think he enjoyed the trip as much as us!Bursting with enthusiasmDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Treat yourself to this beatifully unspoilt country before its too late.The diversity of this country is amazing...an absolute joy!Is there anything else you would like to add?I was apprehensive when I booked this tour. Notknowing if I,d be dissapointed.However I was amazingly relieved...it was wonderful!..Everybody was really happy..and this feeling flowed through the coach.A Beautiful country that re-afftrms your belief in the Joy of Life.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 12, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A WELL THOUGHT OUT ITINERARY TAKING IN MANY OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ECUADOR, INCUDING SOME OF THE MOST DRAMATIC SCENERY I HAVE EVER SEEN IN SUCH A SMALL COUNTRY. WEL.L LED BY OUR GUIDEWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?THE HIGH ALTITUDE WALKS IN THE 3500 TO 4000M RANGEHACIENDA ACCOMMODATION OF THE HIGHEST STANDARDWhat did you think of your group leader?PABLO WAS EXCELLENT. SOCIABLE, WELL INFORMED, ENTHUSIASTIC, PATIENT AND WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?TAKE LAYERS OF CLOTHING FOR VARIATIONS IN CLIMATE AND CONDITIONS, CAMERA AND BINOCULARS.Is there anything else you would like to add?JUST A GREAT TRIP.
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 31, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Awesome.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The jungle.What did you think of your group leader?Knowledgeable, imformative and helpful.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Do this trip.Is there anything else you would like to add?I loved every bit of it but it's too short.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 25, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Great holiday, more hiking than the trip notes so it was even better than I antcipated.  the variation in landscape is incredible.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Getting to 4800m on chimbarzo and having a picnic! What did you think of your group leader?He was fantastic and enthusiastic, no matter how many times he has made the trip previsously, he was still taking photos and enjoying himself (or he looked like he did!) .  I learned lots about the history, flora and fauna of the place.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There is more walking/hiking than the trip notes suggest.  Take a torch for the amazon.  Taking plenty of long sleeve tops, easy to burn at the top of a mountain!  Also, DEET up, the bitey things were a problem particular in the first stage of the trip.Is there anything else you would like to add?Additional things note in the trip notes were a trip up Chimborazo which was great.  We also had a visit to a garden full of humming birds which was beautiful.  Also at the end of the trip you will see more frigate birds than you can count on a visit to a bird watching island in the mangrove swamps, likely to see dolphins too.
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 25, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip exceeded expectations.  We consistently enjoyed a huge variety of wonderful flowers and other plants, extremes of weather (snow, humidity and hot sun), local customs, culture and history which were only beaten by the wonderful and diverse landscape.  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Spoilt for choice, the walk around Cuicocha Crater Lake. You could do a 30 minute walk as indicated on the itinerary but would strongly advise you take the longer version; lying in bed at night following our night walk listening to the noises of the Amazon Rainforest; gate crashing a party in Banos and dancing with the locals to a girl band dressed in not much and gold boots; train ride along a visibly stunning valley; Cuenca, much the nicest and prettiest town where some of us requisitioned a restaurant and pretended to salsa our way through the afternoon and evening; Cajas National Park, quite beautiful and silent; boat trip on the Pacific Coast where the colony of frigate birds was a delightful surprise and you really do get to see bottle nosed dolphins; the swim in the Pacific.What did you think of your group leader?Fabulous. Eddie Ona showed endless patience, consistent cheerfulness and enthusiasm which infiltrated the group. A font of information and an aptitude for herding his ‘stray sheep’ back on track with artless diplomacy, Eddie sculptured out a fantastic trip which has set the bar high for other adventures.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?When in Quito take taxis back from any restaurants and listen to what the guide tells you.  It is not the nicest of cities but given due care and attention can be enjoyed.Is there anything else you would like to add?Don't forget to put insect repellant on during the day.The itinerary does not truly reflect the activities of this trip and needs to reflect the options available.
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 16, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip has it all, mountains and vulcanoes, hot springs, water falls, walks in the jungle and cloud forest, seeing indigenous markets and craft, experiencing life in the Amazon jungle, exploring the mangroves and shores of the Pacific, very good food (particularly fish and seafood, and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices as much as you like), and meeting a colourful variety of animals and people.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were many inspirational moments: Bathing in outdoor hot springs, by moon light, surrounded by beautiful mountains...seeing the paradisical gardens and works of art at the Hacienda Pantavi...finding out about a revised view of the world at the equator...seeing international volunteers caring for injured animals of the jungle, till they can be set free again...how sugar cane is harvested and processed into various products...seeing the Cultural Revitalisation Project promoting art, self-esteem and work in an area of former slaves....seeing the face of a shoe-shine child or man receiving a doggy bag...waking up to the sight of a snow-capped vulcano and a humming bird outside your window...the mangroves of the El Morro ecosystem along the Pacific, with dolphins and thousands of frigate birds.  What did you think of your group leader?The group leader, Fabian Lemesme, was absolutely inspirational. He had a fun personality, was a good leader, very knowledgeable, was kind and passionate about human rights, the plight of indigenous people, women and suffering animals (e.g. actively campaigning against bull fighting). He was very artistic, introducing us to many craft and art centres, well-chosen restaurants, and beautiful haciendas and hotels.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?1. To bring hiking boots or wellingtons with a good grip, to bring a rain poncho (to protect your camera when you want to take pictures in the rain). 2. The risk of mosquito bites or malaria is minimal. 3. Bring enough dollars or debit cards - despite warnings, there are still people who think they can exchange pounds in rural areas. There can be high fees for credit card transactions.Is there anything else you would like to add?Highly recommendable trip! Can't wait to explore other areas of Ecuador!