A June 2000 trip to Quito by trixy
Quote: I travelled for a month in Ecuador. This is an overview of the things to see, do, and experience.
Overview
The Amazon Jungle, simply amazing.
The Galapogas Islands are definitely worth the price.
Attraction | "Amazon Jungle"
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 25, 2003
Amazon Amazon Quito, Ecuador
Attraction | "Amazon continued"
Day 4=Swimming in the Rio Napo. for this being a strong swimmer is needed as I was nearly carried downstream very quickly by strong currents. Hard to believe where you are, swimming in a tributary to the Amazon surrounded by thousands of miles of rainforest.
All in all going to the jungle is something that can't be missed, my experience was unlike anything I have ever done, and probably will do. You have to see it to understand!
Attraction | "Galapagos Islands"
It is expensive to travel there (there is also a $100 fee for tourists) but really worth it. Throughout Quito Boat tours around the islands can be booked.
Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Marine Reserve and National Park 972 Km West Of Ecuador Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Day 1= waterfalls and trek though the jungle. This was one of the best things I have ever done. For a whole day we followed a stream through dense jungle, climbing up waterfalls by rope. This is definitely not for the faint hearted and was strenuous but simply amazing. Wellington boots are the only footwear to wear and are given to you. Be prepared to squeeze into rock crevaces with bats and get very dirty, wet and exhausted. Although far from safe, the guides know what they are doing inside out and make sure you get through.
day 2= Going down the river Napo on rubber inside tires. Again this was strenuous but very fun! The tires are tied together and you float downstream ecountering rapids on the way. You stop at an indigenous village with very overexcited children (take sweets to give them) and you feel completly in the middle of nowhere.
Attraction
It is safe enough on the roof, and although not too comfortable the scenery takes your mind off it. Passing the large, snow capped volcanoes such as Cotopaxi on the way and passing down the mainstreets of Andean villages makes it amazing even before getting to the Devil's Nose. Here you pass on the very edge of the mountain side, expect a very large drop on one side, but it is really breathtaking.
My advice is to take lots of layers of clothing as it is freezing in the morning and boiling by the time you get to the Devil's Nose. Take some food with you.
The Devils Nose Rio Bamba Quito, Ecuador
trixy Cambridge, United Kingdom