Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Discover the otherworldly rainforest terrain of the Ecuadorean Amazon on this incredible journey. Meet indigenous families to learn the cultural traditions of the jungle and walk with a local guide to discover its abundant plant and animal life. Awake to the exotic sound of birdcalls in an eco-friendly lodge and spot thousands of colourful butterflies on this unique jungle adventure.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Accommodation
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador.
You will be met on arrival at Quito airport and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). Day 1 is at your leisure to explore Quito.
An envelope will be waiting for you at hotel reception containing pick-up times, jungle information and contacts for your leader. Please ask at reception for it.
On day 2 before leaving the hotel your leader will collect your insurance and other details.
Sitting at an altitude of 2,850m (9,350ft) under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Long and incredibly thin, the city winds its way down a valley that eventually drops down to the Amazon Basin. It's worth paying a visit to El Panecillo (the Little Bread Loaf) for views over the Old Town and an enormous statue of the Virgin of Quito.
Although compact, Quito's Old Town is full of historic buildings. One of the most interesting is La Compania de Jesus, considered by many the most beautiful in the Americas; it is certainly one of the most ornate. It is claimed that seven tonnes of gold leaf cover the interior whilst the exterior is decorated with statues, busts, sculpted heads and a jungle of carved leaves. There are more than 30 churches to explore in the Old Town, not to mention the fascinating museums, but if you want to get out and practice your Spanish then be sure to drop by a pena. These are great places for meeting locals and enjoying some local cuisine.
Accommodation in Quito is in a 3-star standard hotel. The rooms are comfortable with TV, private bath, hot water, friendly staff. There is also a cafeteria. You can walk (approx. 6 blocks) or take a taxi (approx 5 minutes/US$1.50) to the Mariscal Area where you can find plenty of cafes, internet places, galleries, shops and restaurants.
You depart Quito at about 8:30am on day 2 and head south by minibus to Tena (approx 5 hours), where you will stop for lunch before taking a final 45 minute drive to the lodge. On the way it is possible to stop at Papallacta hot springs where you can enjoy an hour in the thermal and medicinal swimming pools. During the trip there are several opportunities to stop for photographs overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls.
The lodge is located 200km east of Quito at an altitude of approximately 500m. The area forms part of the Upper Amazon Basin, characterized by small Quichua communities and abundant vegetation. Due to its location near the Andes, the area is rich in tropical, humid forests; one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world with a high number of endemic species in flora and fauna. The comfortable Amazon lodge overlooks the amazing Napo River with its small islets of stones and sandy shores.
Once at the lodge, relax in your bungalow built in a rustic native design surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. In the afternoon you will be given rubber boots and a rain poncho to take on an hour and a half jungle walk where your local guide will help you discover the mysterious jungle and learn about the different plant species and their medicinal properties. You will also observe a great variety of insects, and small groups of monkeys weaving around the giant trees, although you will need some luck to observe them and must stay very quiet. Dozens of curious colorful birds tag along with us during our walk whistling enchanted notes. After the short walk we return to the lodge where you can relax and enjoy the river view.
At night we have dinner and gather around the fireplace before a peaceful night's rest listening to the sounds of the jungle.
After breakfast on day 3, prepare your gear - boots and raincoat - board a canoe and travel through the Napo River to Misahualli. After a short stop to check your papers with the local Marina (don't forget your passport!!) you continue your canoe trip to Arajuno River. Here you can visit 'Mariposario' - a butterfly farm where you can admire different species of butterflies.
Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch on the river shore, picnic-style. You'll have the opportunity to swim in the river or just rest peacefully surrounded by a wonderful natural atmosphere.
After lunch, you will visit a Quichua family and learn about their culture and traditions such as gold rinsing the river shoreline, traditional pottery making, the use of the serbatana (blowpipe for hunting use) or how to prepare the typical drink chicha, made of yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian manioc).
On day 4, after breakfast, travel by canoe upstream to take an hour walk to the jungle's secondary forest. After the short walk, you'll find yourself in a breathtaking waterfall - 'Las Latas' - where you can take a refreshing bath in its crystal clear waters and enjoy the surrounding views while listening to the sounds of the jungle. Return to the lodge for a quick lunch before heading out again, this time to the jungle's primary forest. Return to the lodge after about 3 hours of walking.
Please note that activities while in the jungle may change due to weather conditions.
The jungle lodge comprises 17 bungalows built according to traditional architecture. They are equipped with bedding, private bathroom with hot and cold water, and a private veranda with reclining chairs or hammocks. Electricity is only in the kitchen. Your room will be lit by kerosene lamps.
After breakfast we'll return to Quito along the same way that took us into the heart of the Amazon (approx. 6 hours).
We return to our 3-star standard hotel in Quito for tonight.
As there are no activities planned you are free to depart at any time on day 6. A departure transfer is included (please ensure you provide your departure flight details at least 14 days prior to departure so we can arrange your airport tranfer).
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback. We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Roundtrip airport transfers
Guided jungle walks - Amazon Jungle
Boat trip to Mariposario Butterfly farm - Amazon Jungle
Quichua cultural visit - Amazon Jungle
Las Latas waterfall hike - Amazon Jungle
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Equator Monument, Quito - US$79
Ballet Folkorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua, Quito - US$39
Cotopaxi Volcano, Quito - US$69
Otavalo Market, Quito - US$45
Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, Quito - US$289
White water rafting, Quito - US$119
Bike tour to Cotopaxi, Quito - US$78
Papallacta Hot Springs, Papallacta - From USD8
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in local markets and basic restaurants. However if you wish to tip, round your bill up to the nearest 5%. In more up-market restaurants we suggest up to 10%-12% of your bill. Some restaurants already include tipping on the final amount, which should be shown on the bill as: propina, servicio or cubiertos.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2 per person per day for local guides.
Porters (If applicable): While on the Inca Trail, we suggest PEN80-120 for all porters, assistants and cook.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$1-2 per day is generally appropriate.
Luggage loaders (Argentinean bus stations): it is common in Argentina to tip AR$1 for someone to load your bag onto a bus.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$1-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, particularly when arriving in cities such as Quito (2850 metres), Cuzco (3300 metres), Puno (3860 metres) and La Paz (3640 metres). Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water and don't attempt too much in a day.
For more information about altitude sickness prevention please go to http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotel (2 nts), jungle lodge (3 nts)The jungle lodge comprises 17 bungalows built according to traditional architecture. They are equipped with bedding, private bathroom with hot and cold water, and a private veranda with reclining chairs or hammocks. Electricity is only in the kitchen. Your room will be lit by kerosene lamps.
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $60 for meals not included.
5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Canoe, minivan, walking
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
On this trip you will be met by a local Intrepid representative in Quito, and have local guides at the jungle lodge.
Hotel Sierra Madre
Veintimilla No 464 y Luis Tamayo
Quito
Ecuador
Phone: (593-2) 2505 687
Quito's airport is 10km north of the city. The quickest and most reliable way from the airport to the hotel is by taxi. As you exit the airport terminal there is a pick up area directly in front of you but dont worry the drivers will have found you as soon as you open that terminal door. Unless the taxi has a meter and is willing to use it you will need to bargain - you are likely to pay US$10. Most drivers will speak a little English and your hotel is well known but in case of difficulty the following in Spanish will help you reach your destination.
Por favor me puede llevar al Sierra Madre, que se encuentra localizado en calle Veintimilla 446 y Luis Tamayo.
Arrival and departure transfers are complementary on the first and last day of your trip or if you book pre/post accommodation through Intrepid. Only 1 arrival and 1 departure transfer will be provided per booking. Passengers arriving or departing at different times will need to make additional arrangements.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Hotel Sierra Madre
Veintimilla No 464 y Luis Tamayo
Quito
Ecuador
Phone: (593-2) 2505 687
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Peru Operation's Office can be reached on Tel: +51 1 99605 5559. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. The visa requirements for your trip may vary depending on where you are travelling from and where you are going (ie in which order you are visiting countries).
Laundry facilities are available in most cities we visit. It's normally charged per kilo (around $3 per kilo). 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.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
This is a lodge based trip, so you don't have to carry your bags daily. However, you do have to carry your bags from the lodge and back, so please pack as lightly as possible.
Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Any Vaccination Certificates required
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight. Some nights are spent at sites without electricity, such as home stays, Inca and Lares treks, Amazon jungle, Salar de Uyuni, etc. We recommend you to take a proper outdoor/camping type of flashlights, as opposed to regular house type of flashlights.
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards are the best way to access money - note though that charges are made for each transaction. Please check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.
Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to US$100 per day.
It is also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations bills, for those times when ATMs may not be available. US dollars are the most readily changeable currency.
VERY IMPORTANT:
US$100 bills with serial number CB or BE and any other USD bills that are old, torn, written or stamped on will not be accepted by local banks.
Please note that in Ecuador automatic money machines often limit the amount you can withdraw. This can be $100 or $200 per day depending on your card.
Please allow US$44.30 for international airport departure tax.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. 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 details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
You should consult your doctor with a complete list of countries you intend to visit to get up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements or medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Latin America.
Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation (Yellow Card) is a mandatory requirement for citizens of some countries when entering Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru.
This card may be required by your airlines before allowing you boarding a flight to above mentioned countries.
Customs officials may require you to provide a valid Yellow Card on your way back home.
Yellow Fever vaccination must be applied at least 10 days prior to your departure date.
The World Health Organisation has countries in Latin America registered as zones affected by Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies and Malaria.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
If you have a pre existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.
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.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
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 the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also 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. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Airport Taxis: If you are taking a taxi from the airport by yourself, agree on the price beforehand and tell the driver to bring you straight to our hostel BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HAVE A RESERVATION. Remember: both the tourist information booths at the airport as well as the independent taxi drivers receive commissions to persuade you to go elsewhere by using any type of argument, and force us to pay them for bringing you to our hostel!
In order to avoid fraud, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only.
Theft Warning: There have been some cases of theft to taxis coming from the airport. The thieves' usual trick is to spot at the airport parking lot which passengers keep their bags with them inside the taxi and follow that car. When it stops at a red light, they break the window and snatch the passenger's bag from their lap. The best way to avoid this is to put ALL your valuables inside the trunk at the airport.
Please note that some of the hotels that we visit have swimming pools; however there is no legal requirement for a safety fence, so minors will require supervision at all times.
Altitude sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
- Periods of sleeplessness
- Occasional loss of appetite
- Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
- Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
- Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
- Your nose becomes bunged up
- Dry cough develops
- Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy be sure to let your guide know so that we can monitor your condition.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. 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 if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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