To get the right Ecuadorean package is a must. Only a qualified Ecuadorean tour group will undertake the difficult journey where you will see the top sides of the Andes and the tropical rainforest. The fierce conditions on the trail and its unpredictability made it a challenge for even the most seasoned professional trekker to obtain the quality of trekking permits required in Ecuador.
We started off our journey in the city of Conakry, which is located in the far East of Ecuador. TheTimberline and Cotopaxi mountain ranges form part of the Ecuadorian commodity production. It was rainforest early spring when we entered the area and we were surprised to find lush green vegetation surrounding every small area. Large trees were replaced by fruit trees in a matter of months, and the natural animals adapted to the new conditions. Large mammals could be found in these woodlands: Antelope, Bears, Cats, etc. We spotted a wild banana boa at one place which was still alive and oozing the juices of the nearby plant. We continued our exploration of the rainforest and came across another extraordinary species, the condor which is only found in South America. There are also rare birds like the giant pelican and albatross. As we traveled through the forest we came across native ruins and caves giving us the rarest peek into the early human history of this continent.
The Laranzer Circuit, the trek we chose, passes through three national parks offering more than 48 beautiful tropical rainforests. Through the forests weDeliveryDatelocated some of the rarest and endangered species like tarsier, blue-eared parrots, gigantic otters, howler monkeys, giant squirrels. We also saw a Sigurtha eagle and we were lucky enough to observe some green turtles. Our most memorable site was our last evening where we sat on the bank of a lake and watched the sun set. The freedom to be able to do anything we wanted to was incredible. No one ever told us before that we could do whatever we wanted, so this was our time. We chose to kayak across the lake to our destination which was a small city below. The roads were not the best but it did not take long before we encountered suspension bridges, jungle trails and stairways that we became very used to. Although the first time could have been buildup, I think that the second half of the hike was easier because we had already learned water-skiing in calm waters. It did rain, but the monkeys made it so that part of the trip was stress free.
It was so funny to watch the people as they acted like they were outside in the wilderness. They would laugh at the camera and then would run after the tourists. The tour guide also wore a big city hat which covered most of his face and he would always insist on changing into dry clothes while we were on the boat. It was hot in the jungle and we had to perform various functions in order to be able to pass the night. Water-skiing and scuba-diving were the chief choices.
All along the way, our next destination was the same and it was a city called Aguas Calientes – literally “at the point of departure” – which is located at the entrance to the Andean Chain. The first city was Harburg. To get there, you had to leave the train at Florijan, the start of the Florijan airport, and walk 50 minutes through the forest to the Riviera de Arac, the city’s main airport. The first city beautiful architecture and some of the best shopping in town and restaurants. But after an hour there, you get a different feel. The shopping here is mainly limited to fashion items while the restaurants are great for quality food with a fantastic wine list.
Afterwards, it was time for the train to Guavaberry. This stop would be our base for the next four days. We decided to travel to Pina, a little town known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. Once inside the town, we crashed into the restaurant and player for an hour or so. Service was good and the kids had fun playing on the internet. After a little while, we decided to hit the main square in a café. After aunt they set us down in a hotel, which was fine by us because usually the internet is not working that day. We continued our trip in the same direction to Pina, which we decided to explore on our own. At Pina, we walked past a local family where a couple of children were playing. We stopped to ask if they knew of a place with a view of the ocean, which they said did, but they didn’t want us to go there. It turned out they had a restaurant called Sol that had an outdoor patio.
