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Are departures guaranteed?
There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date, with each trip departing on a Sunday. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation.
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What are the accommodations like?
Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and colonial Haciendas. Eco-lodges are boutique accommodations designed to have the least possible impact on the natural environment in which it is situated. Haciendas are historical farm houses or Ecuadorian estates that date back to the 16th century and have been renovated into first class hotels, lodges and inns. Most of the haciendas are family-run and offer charming amenities, historic relics, traditional home-cooking and cozy, intimate settings. Haciendas are a major part of Ecuadorian culture and a highlight of the region.
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Is there a Single Supplement if I am a solo traveler? Can I book my own room?
There is a minimum of 2 people required per departure date. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that there are at least one other person on this trip to operate. Generally a single supplement fee is not incurred, as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room. If you prefer not to share and have your own room, no problem. In this case a single room supplement of about $315 (based on availability and season) will be needed to cover the extra costs associated with not sharing a room.
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What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
This itinerary is rated "intermediate"; a 5 out of 9 in terms of skill level. At a controlled speed and on mellow singletrack terrain, you are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand. You are comfortable and confident rolling over small obstacles (a couple inches high) like roots, rocks and small rollable drops (a couple inches high). On rare occasions you take your wheels off the ground intentionally. You are now becoming comfortable in anticipating terrain and shift gears accordingly and you are comfortable using both front and rear brakes when required.
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What are the guides like?
All guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; meaning they have a degree in guiding, with top-notch skills and knowledge. Each guide has many years of leading experience, including additional courses taken for other outdoor activities and International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, all guides are extremely personable and strive to deliver exceptional travel experiences for each guest.
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What gear should I bring? Do you offer rentals?
All gear is included. Activexpeditions always makes sure to have the best and most updated outdoor gear possible.
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What if I'd like to bring my own bike? Will I get a discount?
No problem! If you’d like to bring your own bike, we will take $100 off the package price.
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What if I need to cancel?
evoTrip upholds Activexpeditions policies regarding cancellation. Guests have:
72 hours to cancel with no fee.
3 days after the booking - 60 days before the trip a $100 USD cancellation fee would be charged.
59 days - 30 days before the trip; 50% of the trip cost would be charged.
29 days or less before the trip; 100% of the trip cost would be charged.
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When and how do I meet up with the group?
Please be ready to meet the group on Day 1 at 6 PM in the hotel lobby.
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What will the food be like?
Pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are really popular in the Andean regions of Ecuador, and are served with a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, especially rice, corn, and potatoes. A popular street food is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball). Some examples of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine generally include Ecuadorian ceviche (shrimp, lime and corn), hearty quinoa soups, patacones (unripe plantains fried in oil), llapingachos (fried potato pancakes), and seco de chivo (a type of stew made from goat).
A wide variety of fresh fruits are available, particularly at lower altitudes, including granadilla, passionfruit, naranjilla and several types of bananas. Another local favorite are fresh juices, including the tree tomato or a colada morada (a traditional Ecuadorian drink made with fruits, spices, and purple corn flour).
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Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
As Ecuador has a great variety of cuisine and gastronomy, vegetarians, vegans and gluten free options are widely available and welcome. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform Activexpeditions prior to your departure. Our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals and allergy needs.
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What is the minimum and maximum number of guests per trip?
Minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Trips usually average 8 people.
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Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
Yes, 12 years old.
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When is the best time to go?
Since Ecuador is on the equator, weather patterns are fairly consistent meaning it is a great place to travel all year round. The average temperature annually is 64°F (17.8°C). There are only really two seasons in the city: dry and wet. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October to May.
In Ecuador the weather can vary greatly depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go, the colder it gets. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador and the Amazon are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). The weather in Quito is consistent with that of a subtropical highland climate. The average temperature during the day is 70 °F (21 °C), which generally falls to an average of 50 °F (10 °C) at night. The weather in the Andean Highlands tends to be cooler due to its high altitude, especially during the night. We recommend cool weather clothing and layers for activities and when roaming the town in the Andes.
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What is transportation like?
Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with many people and consists of both dirt and paved roads. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
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Do I need a Visa, Passport and Vaccinations?
A valid passport for at least six months past the planned date of departure is required. Make sure you check your passport validity and expiration date prior to travel.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador and travelers can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days without a visa. However, sanctions including fines and deportation can occur if you stay past this time period.
No vaccinations are needed for this trip.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
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What about Covid-19?
We are optimistic that travel will continue to become more plausible with the advent of Covid-19 vaccines, but also understand that there is uncertainty about how quickly these will become widely available to all groups both in the US and abroad. We strongly suggest checking the CDC and WHO for the latest public health guidelines, and if you choose to travel while the pandemic is still underway, that you adhere to recommended health & safety measures before, during, and after your trip. Please note that currently Ecuador requires proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (within 72 hours of departure) in order to enter the country, and that the US currently requires proof of negative Covid-19 test result (within 72 hours of return) in order to re-enter the country.