Our essential information section replicates the headings contained in the general information section but supplies you the essential information in regard to your specific trip with us, Please read both sections before you book.
Your AB trip to Ecuador includes or precludes the following:
Your AB leader to Ecuador will be an experienced fully qualified UK mountain leader who will work closely with our expert in country guides. You will be given direct access to your guide at the earliest opportunity after you book your trip.
We are fortunate that we have guides of the highest calibre at our disposal in Ecuador. Many have climbed big mountain peaks all over the world including Aconcagua, Alpayamo, Ama Dablam and Everest just to name a few. They have trained extensively in the European Alps and are of course naturally intimate with their own mountains. They are all ASEGUIM (Association of Ecuadorian Mountain Guides) qualified guides and work closely with National School of Guides in France (ENSA). Most of them are English speaking and are a pleasure to now and deal with, you will be in excellent hands.
Our guide ratio on our mountain climbs range from 2:1 or 3:1 depending on the mountain and prevailing conditions.
Hotels:The hotels we use in Quito and elsewhere in Ecuador will be standard basic hotel´s. These are comfortable, clean and well run hotels that we specially pick for their suitability towards travellers, in particularly mountain climbers. You cannot compare the standard and quality of a hotel in Quito to a hotel in Banos, but our hotels are safe, reputable and friendly.
NB: Hotels in Quito normally provide wifi or internet facilities whilst the further down the country you go then internet facilities are normally restricted to dial up connection.
Haciendas: These are normally comfortable family run affairs that offer a ´homely´ feel to your stay in Ecuador. They are normally located in a rural location and offer some great views Again the standard and quality of Haciendas all over Ecuador vary but we think that you will enjoy any Hacienda stay in Ecuador and find them very comfortable.
Lodges: Most of the lodges we use are only available on our Amazon trips (available on request) in southern Ecuador. These lodges tend to be eco style lodges with excellent amenities, especially comfortable and normally offer beautiful vistas.
Refuges: The standard of the refuges in Ecuador vary considerably. We only use those found on Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo as they are similar in standards to those found in the European Alps. They are clean, hospitable and serve their purpose well. Other refuges in Ecuador tend to lean towards the other end of the scale with the one on the ILLinizas being particularly damp, dirty, cold and unhygienic. We only use the refuges
Tents: The tents provided by our providers tend to be standard mountain tents that can sleep two to four people.
Single supplements: Are available on request at any of our hotels but single rooming facilities are limited at any of our lodges or haciendas. Single clients will in ordinarily be doubled up with clients of the same gender whilst camping but during your stay at any refuge there will be no such luxury unless you are fortunate to be climbing during a quiet period when rooming conditions may change. When ever possible we will make every effort to accommodate all of your accommodation requests.
NB: If camping or staying in a mountain huts, you will need to bring a suitable sleeping bag and sleeping mat or Thermarest.
We are particularly conscious of the inherent risks involved whilst driving in other countries so our transportation in Ecuador is provided entirely by our reputable in country providers, which normally consists of a comfortable tour bus, mini bus or car. On our climbing trips however we use well maintained 4x4 drive vehicles that are capable of being used off road when required to do so. Some of the roads we use to gain access to refuges and trails require this facility so you will find our transport costings are slightly higher than normal due to the quality of vehicle required. Whilst we cannot guarantee the same driving and regulatory standards as that of the UK we do specifically ask our in country drivers to supply suitable drivers and vehicles for our use at all times.
Your fees to any of Ecuador´s national parks is included within our price.
Your price will include the cost of all of your booked adventure activities outlined in your invoice. Your cost will not include the cost of any hire equipment as this will be paid locally by yourself in order that you get the opportunity to view and inspect the equipment first i.e. ice axes, boots, crampons.
Our Ecuadorian providers can supply ropes, tents, group cooking gear and all climbing hardware within the price of your trip. For an additional nominal surcharge they can also supply ice axes, plastic boots, crampons and harnesses. We do prefer if our clients brought their own equipment as outlined above for reasons of familiarity but if weight is an issue or you simply do not possess such items then let us know what you want and we can let you know know what is and what is not available in country and the cost of hire if required.
The actual provision of food for your trip will vary depending on the destination country. As a general rule most of your meals will be included. Hotel stays in cities however will in the main only include breakfast unless otherwise stated i.e. the provision of hiking day lunches. Any stays at mountain lodges, haciendas or refuges will include all meals on a set menu basis.
Ecuador Food mainly includes a great variety of fruits and vegetables, as there are plenty of them. Ecuador is greatly recognised for its exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood and the innumerable varieties of Andean potatoes. All over the country, you will find a wide frequency of national and regional dishes, which include lemon marinated shrimp, toasted corn and patties stuffed with minced spicy meat.There is a wide range of breads, pastries, savoury snacks and cheese or meat filled patties. Potato and cheese pancakes known as llapingachos are delicacies.The regular diet includes rice, potato, meat as in beef, chicken,and pork. One of the most important sauces in Ecuadorian cuisine is aji which is a hot sauce. Most homes and restaurants in Ecuador have their own versions of this sauce. Soups are again a speciality of Ecuadorian food and Locro soup made with cheese, avocado and potato is particularly delicious. On on a daily basis you can also try their seco de pollo or stewed chicken with rice and avocado slices. The spices of Ecuador are extraordinary which makes Ecuadorian food mouth watering.
We do ask that if any client has got any dietary requirements then they let us know at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
Adventure Beyond is not an IATA bonded company and such we do not provide flight bookings. Our itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and charge you appropriately.
Flights
Regular carriers operating to Ecuador include;
Continental Airlines: www.continental.com
American Airlines: www.americanairlines.co.uk/
Also try: Iberia and KLM.
Websites to try for low cost fares include: www.opoodo.co.uk, www.cheapflights.co.ukand www.dialaflight.com
Flight options and costs.
The most popular option is to fly via Miami but see our section below on the US ESTA* requirements.. Expect flights to range from £700 to £1,200 depending on the airline, time of year and availability.
*Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
You will have to pay a departure tax of $40.80 at your point of departure in Ecuador.
The general rule will be that your lunch or evening meals at hotel stays will not be provided unless it specifies in your particular trip or expedition. On average we provide you with 75% of your meals.
We do not include any form of insurance as part of our price but you must have adequate and valid travel insurance and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you obtain insurance cover and provide us with a copy of your policy. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical costs, rescue (including mountain rescue and repatriation) in the event of an emergency. In addition we advocate having suitable cover for baggage, effects, personal liability and cancellation should you become ill and are unable to travel with us. Most good travel insurance policies will cover these items but please ensure that you are covered for your specific trek, climb or any activities that you will participate in. We find that Snowcard or The BMC provide the best policies for adventure travellers.
The mountains of Ecuador are special places but they are mountains and rugged ones at that. Once you book your trip we will send you a full list of equipment that you will need for Ecuador. The list will include the items you will need for for your mountain trip and for any other activity that you will be taking part in. Each item will either be labelled up as desirable ´´D or essential É. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
As a precautionary note we do especially highlight the fact that clients will be expected to supply their own rucksacks, waterproof jackets, trousers, hiking/climbing boots and sleeping bag for all of our hiking and climbing trips and that these items are suitable for their needs. For all of our climbing and hiking trips at altitude our general rule is that you need to be dressed and equipped for a day out in the Scottish hills in winter.
Any food or refreshment you consume that is outside the remit of our supplied itinerary will be paid for by the client.
Our overseas itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and invoice you appropriately.
The amount of spending money you take is up to you, we can only advise on this. You will need monies to pay for about 25% of your meals, any tips given, laundry or room service charges and any social expenses that you incur. Tips are also referred to in our responsible tourism section below.
Ecuador Money and Exchange Rate
Currency: Ecuador uses the US Dollar.
Currency Exchange: Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at casas de cambio (exchange houses), the latter being generally the best option. It may be difficult to exchange money in the Oriente. The rate of commission varies between 1 to 4%, so it is worth shopping around.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 GBP = 1.52 USD as at 20th July 2010.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs: Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most businesses. ATM's are available at most banks in urban areas. On the Galapagos Islands, currently only Mastercard is accepted.
Traveller's Cheques:Traveller's cheques are generally accepted in the larger cities and can be exchanged into currency at most banks and casas de cambio.
Clients who are British citizens will need a full British passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the return date for all of our holidays. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the embassy of your destination country. Please note that for all of our trips we will require a copy of your passport details and additional photographs. These are to be used only in the event of an emergency.
Note: It is a legal requirement to carry identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport pages that include your photograph and Ecuadorean immigration entry stamp will suffice.
British nationals can visit Ecuador for 90 days without having to obtain a visa. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply and you should check with your destination country. However British nationals (and other nationals) who book their flight to and from Ecuador via the United States will have to comply with their visa waiver program.
This section is reproduced from our booking conditions to stress the Visa Waiver Program entry requirements to the USA.
Visa Waiver Program
For some of our trips clients may travel via the USA. If so since the 1st January 2009, the US authorities have introduced a requirement for passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for a Electronic System Travel Authority or ESTA. For additional information consult the US Embassy London website.Registering for your ESTA is free via the electronic registration page on the US Embassy website. The ESTA is valid for two years, so you will only need to apply once even if transiting in the US on both your outbound and return journeys.
Passengers who have not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the U.S port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa, nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the VWP guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
You are responsible for any necessary medical immunisations required for your respective trip or expedition. We are able to advise on health requirements but we are not medical experts. You should obtain suitable medical advice and recommendations for your travel destination from your local doctor or travel clinic at least two months in advance of your date of departure. You are also well advised to have a dental check prior to your departure. Clients are reminded that should you have to undergo any medical or dental treatment whilst abroad then the treatment may be expensive and the services not of the same standard as the UK.
Health overview for Ecuador: Ecuador´s varied climate and topography provides the visitor with a variety of health and safety risks and these are outlined below.
Malaria: Malaria precautions are essential in quite a large area of the country below 1,500m (click on the map below to see affected area), particularly in smaller towns and rural areas in the north and east of the country. Serious malaria occurs to the east of the Andes in the Napo and Pastaza river valleys and also to the west of the Andes in the river plains of Esmeraldas and neighbouring Manabi provinces. There is very low to no risk in Guayaquil, Quito or Galapagos Islands.
Dengue Fever: In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue Fever across the region, for which there is no vaccination or immunisation. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.
Immunisations: You should check with your local travel clinic but general advice is to:
On 21 May 2008, the Ecuadorian Health Ministry recommended Yellow Fever vaccinations for all travellers to the provinces of Morono-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Zamora-Chinchipe and Sucumbíos in the Amazon basin.
Aids: The prevalence rate of aids in Ecuador in 2008 was estimated at between 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Altitude: High altitude areas such as in Quito (2,800 metres) can affect your health. If visiting Quito you are advised to take it easy for the first few days and drink plenty of water.
Further information: For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the NHS (Healthcare abroad) website, its Scottish counterpart NHS Fit for travel and the health section for your destination country on the FCO website. In addition the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) also provides excellent medical information.
Any client suffering from any mobility impairment, illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or pre existing medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking.
Some of the countries we visit have higher crime rates than we do here at home. We carry out a security risk assessment for all of our trips and will give you sensible and suitable advice for your destination country. Though we will do our utmost to take care of your safety we cannot guarantee it due to the many variable factors involved. We do expect any person travelling with us to take due notice of our safety advice but in addition we also expect each person to be aware of their own personal security by behaving appropriately and taking basic sensible precautions.
Crime overview in Ecuador: The type of crime incidents that occur in Quito or in Ecuador overall reflects a similarity to many other Latin or central American countries. Crime in Ecuador is low in comparison to other industrialised countries but according to the FCO and the US department of state violent and non violent crime is on the increase. Should you wish to know more about crime and security in Ecuador visit Nation Master. In addition the FCO gives out excellent travel information advice on their Travel Advice by Country page and provides an excellent travel service on its Know Before You Go page.
Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru. Drug production and trafficking is widespread in both these countries and has spread into Ecuador. You need to be aware that any involvement in the trafficking or use of illegal drugs is a serious crime for which the penalties are harsh and prison conditions are extremely grim. Over 90% of foreign prisoners are in jail for drug-related crimes.
On our main mountains of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo you will be start from the mountain refuge and be travelling in teams of three. You will be roped up wearing harness, plastic boots and crampons. You will be also carrying an ice axe. If you have previous winter experience in Scotland you will find this very beneficial for your climbs in Ecuador. If you have crevasse rescue skills then this is even better. If you do not we will take the time to teach you how to use these items safely. If you have the time we can also offer you a winter skills course in Cayambe which includes some excellent introductory ice climbs on Cayambe glacier. You will find the course very beneficial for your climbs in Ecuador or other parts of the world.
Each of our trips are graded appropriately in accordance with our grading trips section. Clients should not underestimate the physical demands required for any of our trips. This is particular so for our mountain climbs as they are at altitude and taxing physical endeavours. With that said regular UK hikers should have the experience and fitness levels required to complete any of our trips or expeditions. If you have some Scottish winter experience then this will provide you with an even better chance of success.
The mountains that you will hike or climb in Ecuador range from 4,000 to nearly 6,300m. At 4,000m you will have 63% of the oxygen available to you at sea level and at 6,300m this will equate to 47% (click on www.altitude.org for these figures).
To reiterate our advice given in our general information section we should remind you that we are careful to allow for a suitable acclimatisation period on all of our treks and expeditions but the time allowed will not suit everybody. Some people will adapt better than others but we do anticipate that our programs will be successful in 90-95% of cases. You may also be one of the 5% of the population who adapt least well to high altitude and if so most if not all commercial climbing trips will not suit you. In addition about 10-20% of our clients may experience some symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite on our climbs.While we will do our utmost to acclimatise at our destination location it is important that clients without prior high altitude experience take heed of the above.
In any event we ask all of our clients to familiarise themselves with our in depth section on altitude.
Ecuador is a relatively modern country with a bustling adventure tourism industry. With this in mind it is still a developing nation and the local customs, culture and food is not what it is at home. Whilst we endeavour to provide you with the best facilities we can you have to be prepared for the laid back Latin American approach to life, style after all you did book with us for an adventure trip.
In addition you will have booked to go on a mountain climb and therefore must expect to encounter a degree of discomfort and hardship during your travels with us. We will say however that the mountains of Ecuador are not as remote as many of the mountainous areas of the world so you will always be less than a day from a sizable town where any assistance or social commodity can be obtained.
In addition to this some things just cannot be planned for and our itinerary may have to be changed due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We will always attempt to minimise any disruption to your trip and such incidents will be dealt with by the designated Adventure Beyond guide and in accordance with our booking conditions.
Our trips to Ecuador have been formally risk assessed and our trip leaders and in country providers will direct our expeditions in accordance with these risk assessments. Each expedition group travelling with us will be briefed in full in regard to their booked activities and personal security in country.
Our mountain guides, trip leaders and our in country providers will do their utmost to ensure that you have a save and pleasurable trip. However mountain climbing and outdoor related activities in general do carry the risk of injury. On all of our trips and expeditions we have to take extra care of our clients but we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate all of the risks due to the very nature of the activity you will be partaking in. Where the risks are deemed by your guide or leader to be above a reasonable level then that activity may be cancelled or terminated.
In order to adhere to a system of continuity Adventure Beyond applies the same standards of safety to its overseas ventures as if it was undertaken by NGB (National Governing Body) organisation within the UK i.e. BMC (British Mountaineering Council), BCU (British Canoe Union.