Ecuador Animal Rescue Trip

Day 1

Monday, June 12, 2017, Quito

Depart from the USA and arrive in Quito. Hotel Rio Amazonas (Cordero E4375 & Av. Amazones).

 

Day 2

Tuesday, June 13, 2017, Banos

This morning, students will get acquainted with Quito, the lovely capital of Ecuador. A guided tour will take them around the colonial center of this beautiful city, including Itchimbia’s scenic views, Independence Square, and the church of La Compañia. Then travel to the Mitad del Mundo, just north of Quito, to view the world from the equator. In the afternoon journey to Baños, which stands in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano and is known as a gateway to the Amazonian jungles. Hotel La Floresta (Juan Motalvo y Thomas Halflants Esquina).

Day 3

Wednesday, June 14, 2017, Puyo

Today travel into the Amazon region towards the site of your service project. Along the way, they’ll stop to enjoy hiking along a waterfall route lined with stunning cascades. Tonight’s destination is a scenic lodge located in the jungle near the village of Puyo. Hotel: Jungle Lodge el Jardin.

 

Day 4-6

June 15-17, 2017 Puyo 

Today marks the first of three days in which they’ll participate in an Amazon animal service project at one of two facilities outside of Puyo, depending on the current needs. The Monkey Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of rescued primates and the Amazon Animal Rescue Centre partners with the Ecuadorian Environmental Police and the Ministry of Environment in the fight against trafficking and abuse of wild animals. As a volunteer, her duties will include day-to-day care of animals (cutting up fruit, feeding and so forth), helping new animals adjust to the center, general maintenance and cleaning work, repairing animal enclosures or building new ones and daily hikes to pick fruit and catch insects for the animals. They might also be asked to harvest yucca, corn, sugar cane or cocoa.  Hotel: Jungle Lodge el Jardin.

Day 7

Sunday, June 18, 2017, Banos

The morning begins with a trip back to Baños, known worldwide as an eco-tourism paradise. Here they’ll enjoy an afternoon canopy tour above the Andean landscape, exploring via an elevated circuit that includes thrilling zip lines, a Tibetan bridge and rock climbing. Later enjoy time to explore more of Baños. Perhaps soak in the famous thermal mineral baths for which the town is named or shop for souvenirs—taffy made from cane sugar and balsa-wood parrots are two of the town’s locally-made signature products. Hotel Monteselva (Thomas Halflants s/n Banos).

 

Day 8

Monday, June 19, 2017, Cotopaxi

Today they’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, located at an elevation of nearly 15,000 feet and home to a dormant volcano. Here they may hike or mountain bike up to a glacier, or spend time observing the stunning landscapes and amazing flora and fauna. They’ll stay here overnight in a mountain lodge that offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped volcano.  Hotel: Chuquiragua Lodge.

Day 9

Tuesday, June 20, 2017, Departure

Depart for the USA.