Raft, Swim, Hike, Bike, Birdwatch in Mainland Ecuador

I was recently asked why I would choose to go to mainland Ecuador. Friends assumed it was nothing more than a stopping point for a Galapagos vacation. It is true most people pass through Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, on their way to the Galapagos Islands (as do guests on the three O.A.R.S. Galapagos Adventures). However, in an area less than two hundred miles, a traveler can access all of Ecuador mainland’s defining regions - the coastal lowlands in the West, the volcanic central highlands, and the rainforests of the East (Oriente).

Ecuador, one of Latin America’s smallest countries, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Half the size of France, Ecuador boasts nine national parks, 20 national, provincial or other governmental reserves and a half-dozen private reserves.

On an O.A.R.S. Ecuador Multi-Sport trip, guests have the opportunity to:
-Hike and horseback ride in Cotopaxi National Park - one of the most scenic volcanic settings in the Ecuadorian highlands
-Mountain bike and hike in Tungurahua province with opportunities to explore the small town of Banos, nestled in the foothills of Tungurahua Volcano and within the Pastaza River valley. There are stunning waterfalls and views of the mighty Pastaza River gorge, the main gateway to the Amazon Basin.
-Try the cable car-ride over the Bride’s Veil Waterfall and hike on the hanging bridge over the Devil’s Pail, an impressive waterfall feeding the Pastaza River.
-Hike through the rainforest where a native guide will point out exotic flowers, lush vegetation and the most important medicinal plants used by the Quichua.
-Spend the night in the torch-lit Cotococha Jungle Lodge with rustic riverside cabanas complete with private showers and balconies nestled by the Napo River.
-Hike in the Llanganates National Park located in a region of Ecuador where the last Inca Ruler, Atahualpa, hid legendary gold treasures.
-Swim in pristine natural pools and raft Class III+ rapids on the Jatunyacu River, famous for its big waves and calm pools.
-Travel up the Andes to Papallacta Hot Springs, at an elevation close to 11,000 feet. This oasis features beautiful hot springs and a spa nestled in the middle of fantastic cloud forest.
-Visit the world famous Otavalo Market for fabulous shopping and people watching.
-Hike and mountain bike in the Mojanda Lakes region. On a clear day, all the snowcapped volcanoes of the Eastern Cordillera (Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, Chimborazo), as well as the Western Cordillera (including Pichincha, Atacaz, and others) are visible.

If you are interested in lounging with lava lizards or bobbing with Blue Footed Boobies on Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands - check out the O.A.R.S. three adventures to the archipelago of volcanic islands: Galápagos Multi-Sport, Galápagos Adventure Cruise or Sea Kayaking the Enchanted Islands.