|
|
Description, Schedule and Fact Sheet
The history and cultural
development of Ecuador starts well before the arrival of the Spanish
conquistadors. It was part of the civilization of the Inca. The
programs visit two ethnically different parts of the country and highlight
the rich cultural heritage and history, the geographical and environmental
diversity, and the mosaic of economic, geological, and cultural complexity.
Program participants have opportunities to see the lovely capital city of
Quito (a
World Heritage Site), rich in Spanish colonial Architecture, to meet Otavalo, Salasacas
and other indigenous people and explore a variety of unique ecological zones.
We will visit local markets, wander in historic sites and to enjoy the
extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the
Ecuador. Most programs are timed to coincide with the traditional
Inca Inty Raymi Festival, characterized by music, dancing, colorful
traditional dress and merrymaking. The rich cultural history of the
Ecuador is an under appreciated treasure. Specialists in cross-cultural
programs guide the group.
IBF sponsors educational programs for those who want to learn more about
the people of the world, as well as see the beautiful sights. The primary
mode of travel is bicycle. The cycling varies from program to program but
is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are available for those with extra
energy. Accommodations are a mix from western-style hotels to hostels and
local housing. All participants receive comprehensive pre-departure materials
with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and
other information for program preparation. The program is ideal for the realist
who appreciates the world and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest
rigors of bicycle touring.
Post tour extensions to the
Galapagos
Islands are available.
Fourteen-day, Ecuador Exploration program begin in June and July. The
program is $1390, including accommodations, two meals a day and variety of
activities along the way. The group is limited to 10 people so early
registration is recommended.
Ecuador Cultural
Bicycle Tour handout (PDF - Print two-pages back-to-back and cut into
thirds -- the text is the same on each panel.)
Photo Essay: Ecuador: Andes to Amazon
Photo Essay: Ecuador: Pichincha/Imbabura
Ecuador Videos by
Eli Baron
Comments and Testimonials from Past Participants
Registration Information
Ecuador Bibliography
Have doubts? Here is: Why you should take an Ibike Tour!
FACT SHEET:
Ecuador Exploration: Andes to the Amazon *
Schedule: July (full
schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):
US$1390
(less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-3: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration of
Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant
cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 4-8: travel the
Avenue of the Volcanoes, visiting markets, schools, churches, families,
development projects and ecological zones amongst the majestic Andes mountains.
Day 9-11: Descend to
the rain forests of the Amazon basin and visit indigenous communities.
Day 13-14: return to Quito and celebrate with a grand meal.
Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics,
social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces
of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there
will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity,
social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry,
music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts
Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day, starts with lower
mileage / 400km, 250 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: 75% paved roads, dirt and rock roads
can be very rough, mostly rolling terrain, with
sections of long hills, high elevation.
Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels, traditional village
and a private hacienda, no tent camping.
Van Support: no support vehicle.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner.
Typical dinner menu: : Potato soup, fish or chicken, salad, omelet, rice,
fried banana, fresh juice.
Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions.
Bike: Mountain bikes are strongly recommended.
Bike Rental: not available.
Ecuador Exploration: Pichincha/Imbabura *
Schedule: June (full
schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):
US$1390 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average
out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-3: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration
of Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant
cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 4-11: travel to the Pichincha/Imbabura
region, cross the equator, pass in the shadows of volcanoes, visit markets,
schools, churches, families, haciendas, development projects, historic sites
and a variety of fascinating ecological zones. Day 12-14: return to Quito
and celebrate.
Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics,
social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces
of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there
will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity,
social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry,
music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts
Mileage Daily / Total: 30-60km, 20-40 miles per day, starts with lower
mileage / 400km, 250 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: 50% paved roads, dirt and rock roads
can be very rough, long hills (ascents and descents), high elevation.
Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels and a hacienda, no tent camping.
Van Support: no support vehicle.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Typical
dinner menu: : Potato soup, trout or chicken, salad, omelet, rice, fried
banana, fresh juice.
Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions.
Bike: Mountain bikes are strongly recommended.
Bike Rental: not available.
Ecuador Exploration: Trans-Andean *
Schedule: June (full
schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):
US$1390 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average
out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-2: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration
of Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant
cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 3-4:
travel to the Paramo and cross the Andes. Day 5-7: descend 2000m
into the Amazon Basin and traverse the formerly and still quite remote
Napo region. Day 8-10: track the water of Rio Patanza and visit
indigenous communities. Day 12-14: ride in the valleys of the
highland, visit historical towns and haciendas, return to Quito
and celebrate.
Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit
with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics,
social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces
of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there
will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity,
social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry,
music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.
Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts
Mileage Daily / Total: 30-100km, 20-60 miles per day, starts with lower
mileage / 400km, 250 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: 90% paved roads, long hills (ascents and descents), high elevation.
Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels and a hacienda, no tent camping.
Van Support: no support vehicle.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Typical
dinner menu: : Potato soup, trout or chicken, salad, omelet, rice, fried
banana, fresh juice.
Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions.
Bike: Mountain bikes or sturdy touring bike are recommended.
Bike Rental: not available.
* Itineraries, fares and dates subject to change. 20% of
the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law for those
registering directly with IBF.
Registration: It is easiest, and saves paper, if you
register online.
Or, you can register by mail by downloading and printing the
Registration Packet
(PDF file). Or, you can begin the registration process by sending your
name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $100 is a
nonrefundable registration fee) to ibike. Deposit and payment
may be made by check, money order,
credit card or
PayPal. Upon receipt of your this information a the registration packet will
be forwarded to you. It must be
completed, signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations
submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations
received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and
a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check,
credit card or
electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the
advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the
departure date is suggested.
Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment
has not been received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to
assume withdrawal and fill the space.
Withdrawals: To receive a refund if withdrawing, submit a
letter of withdrawal in writing to ibike. Our policy is as follows: (1) A $100 registration
fee is forfeited for all withdrawals. (2) A fee of $300 is assessed for withdrawals within
6030 days prior to departure. (3) The full price of the land costs is assessed for
withdrawals initiated less than 30 days prior to departure. Changes in medical
circumstances are not considered as exceptions to our normal refund policy. Insurance
coverage for trip cancellation/interruption is available from several companies. |
Please
contact us
IBF's Homepage