from $1009.00
Ecuadorian Coastal Farming (STA exclusive) - TSEVET
Or call 0800 474 400
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. A Gap Adventures representative will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 7 pm and 8pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details). Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking. Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.
Day 2 Bahía de Caráquez / Rio Muchacho Farm (L,D)
Fly to Manta airport and transfer to the community farming project.
Day 3-8 Bahía de Caráquez / Volunteer at Community Farming Project (6B,6L,6D)
Contribute to a valuable environmental model for the coast and have the opportunity to learn about organic farming and permaculture. Experience a completely different culture and take part in community activities. You will spend your days enjoying all that the Rio Muchacho Farm has to offer with time spent helping out on the organic farm and assisting at the primary school. Activities on the farm may include: * nursery work, sowing seeds, filling bags, composting * reforestation work, planting, weeding, mulching, staking, pruning * creation and maintenance of vegetable gardens * planting, harvesting crops * work in the environmental school, maintenance or assisting classes with English, art, sport * help in the preparation of food ( especially if you are interested in learning about local,typical food) * making banana circles * simple construction, painting * Assisting visitors * help in feeding and caring for the animals. Time is also spent interacting with the children at the school through the organization of soccer matches, educational games, arts & crafts, and teaching basic English. Approx 8 hours a day is spent working at the farm from Monday to Friday and half-days Saturday. Optional activities in your free time can include making handicrafts from local materials, horseback riding to see the howler monkeys, fishing, swimming at the waterfalls and relaxing around the campfire.
Day 9 Bahía de Caráquez / Quito (B)
Transfer to the Manta airport and fly back to Quito. Free afternoon for individual exploration or take an optional city tour.
Day 10 Quito (B)
Depart at any time. Add on extra weeks if desired, to a maximum of 12 months.
Or call 0800 474 400
