Ecuador Bicycle Tour


	Ibike: Ecuador Exploration


	Cultural Bicycle Tours in Ecuador

	Description, Schedule and Fact Sheet The history and cultural development of Ecuador starts well before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. It was part of the civilization of the Inca. The programs visit two ethnically different parts of the country and highlight the rich cultural heritage and history, the geographical and environmental diversity, and the mosaic of economic, geological, and cultural complexity. Program participants have opportunities to see the lovely capital city of Quito (a World Heritage Site), rich in Spanish colonial Architecture, to meet Otavalo, Salasacas and other indigenous people and explore a variety of unique ecological zones. We will visit local markets, wander in historic sites and to enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the Ecuador. Most programs are timed to coincide with the traditional Inca Inty Raymi Festival, characterized by music, dancing, colorful traditional dress and merrymaking. The rich cultural history of the Ecuador is an under appreciated treasure. Specialists in cross-cultural programs guide the group. IBF sponsors educational programs for those who want to learn more about the people of the world, as well as see the beautiful sights. The primary mode of travel is bicycle. The cycling varies from program to program but is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are available for those with extra energy. Accommodations are a mix from western-style hotels to hostels and local housing. All participants receive comprehensive pre-departure materials with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for program preparation. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the world and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest rigors of bicycle touring. Post tour extensions to the Galapagos Islands are available. Fourteen-day, Ecuador Exploration program begin in June and July. The program is $1390, including accommodations, two meals a day and variety of activities along the way. The group is limited to 10 people so early registration is recommended. Ecuador Cultural Bicycle Tour handout (PDF - Print two-pages back-to-back and cut into thirds -- the text is the same on each panel.) Photo Essay: Ecuador: Andes to Amazon Photo Essay: Ecuador: Pichincha/Imbabura Ecuador Videos by Eli Baron Comments and Testimonials from Past Participants Registration Information Ecuador Bibliography Have doubts? Here is: Why you should take an Ibike Tour! FACT SHEET: Ecuador Exploration: Andes to the Amazon * Schedule: July (full schedule and status) Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1490 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50. Description: Day 1-3: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration of Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 4-8: travel the Avenue of the Volcanoes, visiting markets, schools, churches, families, development projects and ecological zones amongst the majestic Andes mountains. Day 9-11: Descend to the rain forests of the Amazon basin and visit indigenous communities. Day 13-14: return to Quito and celebrate with a grand meal. Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics, social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology. Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 400km, 250 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 75% paved roads, dirt and rock roads can be very rough, mostly rolling terrain, with sections of long hills, high elevation. Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels, traditional village and a private hacienda, no tent camping. Van Support: no support vehicle. Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Typical dinner menu: : Potato soup, fish or chicken, salad, omelet, rice, fried banana, fresh juice. Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions. Bike: Mountain bikes are strongly recommended. Bike Rental: not available. Ecuador Exploration: Pichincha/Imbabura * Schedule: June (full schedule and status) Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1490 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50. Description: Day 1-3: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration of Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 4-11: travel to the Pichincha/Imbabura region, cross the equator, pass in the shadows of volcanoes, visit markets, schools, churches, families, haciendas, development projects, historic sites and a variety of fascinating ecological zones. Day 12-14: return to Quito and celebrate. Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics, social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology. Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts Mileage Daily / Total: 30-60km, 20-40 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 400km, 250 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 50% paved roads, dirt and rock roads can be very rough, long hills (ascents and descents), high elevation. Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels and a hacienda, no tent camping. Van Support: no support vehicle. Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Typical dinner menu: : Potato soup, trout or chicken, salad, omelet, rice, fried banana, fresh juice. Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions. Bike: Mountain bikes are strongly recommended. Bike Rental: not available. Ecuador Exploration: Trans-Andean * Schedule: June (full schedule and status) Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1490 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50. Description: Day 1-2: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration of Quito's cobbled streets, flowering plazas, bustling markets and elegant cathedrals, monasteries and government buildings, and environs. Day 3-4: travel to the Paramo and cross the Andes. Day 5-7: descend 2000m into the Amazon Basin and traverse the formerly and still quite remote Napo region. Day 8-10: track the water of Rio Patanza and visit indigenous communities. Day 12-14: ride in the valleys of the highland, visit historical towns and haciendas, return to Quito and celebrate. Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics, social institutions and economics of the people of the central provinces of Ecuador. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, industry, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology. Start / Finish: Quito, Ecuador Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Experts Mileage Daily / Total: 30-100km, 20-60 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 400km, 250 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 90% paved roads, long hills (ascents and descents), high elevation. Accommodations: Small hotels, hostels and a hacienda, no tent camping. Van Support: no support vehicle. Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Typical dinner menu: : Potato soup, trout or chicken, salad, omelet, rice, fried banana, fresh juice. Other Activities: Walking, visits, discussions. Bike: Mountain bikes or sturdy touring bike are recommended. Bike Rental: not available.
	* Itineraries, fares and dates are subject to change. 20% of the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, for those registering directly with IBF. Registration: It is easiest, and saves paper, if you register online. Or, you can register by mail by downloading and printing the Registration Packet (PDF file). Or, you can begin the registration process by sending your name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $300 is a nonrefundable registration fee) to Ibike. Deposit and payment may be made by check, money order, credit card or PayPal. Upon receipt of your this information a the registration packet will be forwarded to you. It must be completed, signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check, credit card or electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the departure date is suggested. Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment has not been received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to assume withdrawal and fill the space. Withdrawals: To receive a refund if withdrawing, submit a letter of withdrawal in writing to Ibike. Our policy is as follows: (1) A $300 registration fee is forfeited for all withdrawals. (2) A fee of 50% is assessed for withdrawals within 60-30 days prior to departure. (3) The full price of the land costs is assessed for withdrawals initiated less than 30 days prior to departure. Changes in medical circumstances are not considered as exceptions to our normal refund policy. Insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption is available from several companies. Ibike Tours Registration Information


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