Ecuador & Galapagos
Introduction to the Ecuador & Galapagos expedition |
Ecuador is home to many different ethnic groups and although the national language is Spanish, many different indigenous languages remain widely spoken. Overall, this blend creates a fascinating and mixed culture which teams will be able to fully immerse themselves within.
|
|
Ecuador is a good destination for teams looking for a diverse expedition and can be as challenging as a team wishes it to be. There is so much to do that teams can concentrate on a Northern or Southern route to minimise time spent on internal travel. In addition teams can complete their project and/or R&R phase in the Galapagos islands, where they can work and play alongside the famous blue footed boobies and Galápagos sea lions.
Some possible expedition objectives are given below, please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for Ecuador will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
 |
 |
 |
Main Trekking Phase
There are a number of 3-7 day treks that the team can do, which will prepare them for ascending some of the higher volcanoes. In the Northern part of Ecuador treks could include walking in the cloud-forest, in the Andean Sierra around Latacunga or the beautiful Pinan Lakes area. Further south, the team could do an Inca Trail trek from Achupullas to Ingapirca, or a trek in the Southern Highlands.
Challenging Trekking Phase - High altitude trekking
Once acclimatised, teams could aim to complete another challenging trek from 1-4 days. Many teams choose to tackle one of Ecuador’s volcanoes; Volcán Ruminahui (4712m), El Corazon (4788m) or Imbabura (4580m) are all peaks which are a suitable challenge for the whole team to summit.
Jungle Phase - Rainforest exploration
Teams could undertake jungle exploration in the Oriente region of the Amazon rainforest, based from Tena or Macas. Here teams can explore by foot and sometimes by motorised canoe, and will spend their nights in bamboo stilted huts called Cabanas. Whilst in the rainforest they will get the opportunity to go on day treks alongside local guides who have an incredible knowledge of the ecosystem that they have grown up and lived in.
Projects
Teams can participate in a number of different projects either on the mainland or in the Galápagos. Many projects are based in communities and schools where teams can help to repaint buildings and carry out basic construction tasks. In the Galápagos projects are also school or community based and may also involve helping the local children to appreciate the uniqueness of their own environment. There are also an abundance of potential conservation projects on the mainland, often linked to the preservation of the cloud forest and to promoting eco-tourism and agriculture.
Rest and Relaxation
Teams will be lucky enough to spend their R&R phase in the Galápagos Islands where they will embark on a 4 day tour taking in some of the amazing wildlife sights and volcanic landscapes along the way. Teams can also visit some of Ecuador’s famously colourful markets on the mainland.
Teams will need to undertake day treks from the start of their main trek (or nearby) to prepare for the main trekking phase and ensure they are ready for the subsequent journey.
Find out more
T +61 (0) 395 317 780 - Australia
T 0800 456 134 - New Zealand
T (852) 8170 3646 - Hong Kong
E support@worldchallenge.com.au
