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Join us on a journey through Ecuador’s diverse and varied landscapes. Descend from the high glaciated Andes traveling by bike, foot and raft into the lush Amazon rain forest.

• Trek to the base of a 17,500 foot volcano. Hike up into the crater and enjoy spectacular scenery and glacial lakes.
• Descend the East side of the Andes on mountain bikes to view mist shrouded waterfalls in a stunning cloudforest canyon.
• Spend a few days living with a local indigenous family in the rainforest.
  Learn traditional and medicinal plant uses, hike to a sacred waterfall with a medicine man, swim in crystal clear lagoons and learn about a rapidly disappearing culture.
• Whitewater rafting along a lush rainforest river. An exciting and unique way to see the rainforest.
• Elevated canopy tower and miles of trail await your footsteps at a rainforest biological research station.
• Visit a cloudforest reserve tucked up against the Andes. This hard to access area is home to Spectacled Bear, Puma and the very rare Mountain Tapir.
• Soak in crystal clear, rock lined hot springs, a perfect way to relax and look back on all you've done.

"High Andes, Hidden Amazon Itinerary"

Day 1...  Arrive in the capital city of Quito nestled amongst volcanoes at 9,200 feet where Untamed Path will be there to greet you at the airport. Back at the hotel we’ll provide you with a comfy bed and a snack.

Day 2...After a hearty breakfast and an orientation to Ecuador, drive along the "avenue of the volcanoes" and up to a comfortable and rustic old hacienda where we'll spend the night. Usually time for an afternoon walk in the local countryside to help adjust to the altitude.

Day 3...The bulk of our gear goes on the mules so we can enjoy the hiking. A full day up a beautiful canyon to a high plain at the base of the volcano. Vistas, fresh air and sometimes Condors. Camping in the valley surrounded by peaks and lulled to sleep by the rushing stream.

Day 4...Spend the day exploring in this high Andean valley. Hike up into the crater of the volcano where a pristine glacial lake awaits. Some of the finest mountain scenery in Ecuador.

Day 5...Descend the trail to the Hacienda and head off to spend the evening in a cozy town nestled under a volcano and famous for it’s good food and pleasant climate.

Day 6...Continue down the East side of the Andes on mountain bikes. Riding on a dirt road through the cloud forest in a waterfall studded canyon, stopping along the way to hike to the base of several pounding cascades. Travel to a colonist town in the rain forest to enjoy home cooked meals, hot showers and the best ice cream in all of Ecuador.

Days 7 and 8...Stay with a medicine man and his family at their remote cabanas in the rainforest. This unique family struggles to preserve traditional values and a way of life passed down through generations. Day hikes in the rainforest, swimming in crystal clear lagoons and various workshops on plants (medicinal and traditional), spiritual traditions and life as it exists today in a rainforest community.

Day 9...Grab your paddle and head to the river for a day of whitewater rafting excitement to see the rainforest from a unique perspective. We pass small communities along the way and walk into the forest up a side canyon hanging with vines, bromeliads and orchids. Spend the evening falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle at a Biological Research Station.

Day 10...Explore the research station trail system, option to climb a 100 foot tall bird observation tower. Learn about conservation issues in the immediate area where over 500 species of birds have been identified and new plants and insects are still being discovered.

Day 11...In the morning travel North to visit a tucked away cloud forest reserve. After lunch head out on the trail to explore the forest.

Day 12...A full day to learn about this unique and threatened ecosystem. This area is renowned for the wildness of the surrounding forest and is one of the few places in the world where Spectacled Bear and Mountain Tapirs still have room to roam.

Day 13...Morning freetime to hike or relax, departing after lunch to get to our favorite hotsprings once again high up in the Andes. 19,000 foot peaks loom nearby with views from the pools when it's clear. A very comfortable and relaxing way to finish our travels and visit yet another unique ecosystem.

Day 14...The Paramo is a high rolling grass lands bordered by "Elfin Forest" and there is time to explore a self guided trail, or just soak away the morning before heading back to Quito. A short visit to the old colonial section of Quito gives you a sense of it's history and leaves time to look for souvenirs before our farewell dinner.

Day 15...Breakfast and transport to the airport provided for your flight home with memories of amazing people, places and experiences. Or maybe on to the Galapagos Islands or another adventure!

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