Above the Equator—Caracas to Quito
A 23-Day G Adventures tour starting from $3,049
Tour Overview
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| Tour Category: | yolo | ||
| Tour Operator: | G Adventures | ||
| Tour Code: | GAP-JCQ-2012 |
- Dates & Prices
- Highlights
- Itinerary
- What's Included/Accommodations
- Details & Specials
- Reviews & Ratings
Countries Visited
Ecuador, South AmericaCities Visited
See DescriptionWhile it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 10.
Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Highlights
Hiking in Tayrona and near Choroní, soaking in a mud volcano, discovering colonial cities and Caribbean beaches, exploring Quito and the Otavalo handicraft market.
A rare chance to traverse the lesser-visited areas of the continent. From the beaches of Venezuela to the markets of Ecuador, experience the best of the cultural and natural highlights of this vibrant region.
- Book 3 or more tours - Get an extra 5% off
- Book a group 8 people pay, 9th person is free.
| Start Date | End Date | Brochure price | Our Price | Quote |
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Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. |
Arrive at any time.
Day 2-4 Choroní
The 400-year-old charming town of Choroní is located on the Caribbean coast within the boundaries of the Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela's oldest. The area offers a relaxed atmosphere with lots of outdoor opportunities: hiking, bird watching, swimming, boating. Visit the village of Chuao, famous for its cacao plantations.
Day 5-6 Chichiriviche
We travel along the coast to the town of Chichiriviche, the northern gateway to Morrocoy National Park. Take a day motorized boat ride to explore the dozen of neighbouring cayes, islands and islets with their beautiful white sand beaches. Snorkeling is a great option. Keep an eye for flamingos, ibis and other sea birds along the causeway on the way to town.
Day 7-9 Coro
Our final point of interest in Venezuela is the colonial city of Coro, Unesco´s World Heritage city. Wandering around the cobblestone streets of this charming city visiting the different museums, churches, mansions is a real journey to the past. From Coro we can explore the arid Peninsula de Paraguana, hike to the top of Cerro Santa Ana, or visit the lush, mountainous Sierra de San Luis, renowned for its waterfalls and caves. A walk across the sand dunes of the Medanos de Coro National Park is also an option. Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.
Day 10-13 Santa Marta/Taganga-Tayrona National Park (1B,1L,1D)
Travelling along the coast we arrive in Colombia´s oldest city, Santa Marta. We use the small fishing town of Taganga as our base to explore the surrounding beaches, villages and the Tayrona National Park, renowned for its unique combination of coral formations and jungle vegetation. We will visit the pre-Hispanic village of Pueblito while hiking trough forests, waterfalls, and lookouts with great views of the Sierra Nevada. Scuba diving is a great option. Make sure to try the great seafood. Enjoy a chance to sleep in hammocks while in the National Park (mosquito nets are provided). Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.
Day 14-16 Cartagena
Experience the Caribbean charm and beauty of this beatiful city while learning about its fabled past. Explore the town by foot or take a “Chiva” ride at night to get a feeling of this vibrant colombian city. You can visit the Islas del Rosario National Park with its stunning beaches or soak in the crater of the Totumo mud volcano.
Day 17 Quito
From Cartagena, we fly to Ecuador's capital over the spectacular Andes. Enjoy Quito's vibrant nightlife.
Day 18 Otavalo
Visit beautiful Otavalo and its famous handicraft market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods, livestock, fruits and vegetables. Accommodation for these nights may be multishare.
Day 19-20 Cotacachi
We will be transferred from Otavalo to the community of Cotacachi where we will spend two nights with a local family. There are many optional activities such as horseback-riding, biking to the local hot springs or visiting the local textile cooperative. The best part is this is all community-based and helps to support the community directly.
Day 21 Papallacta
Sit back and relax with a glass of wine in the mineral hot pools of Papallacta.
Day 22 Quito
We have more time in Ecuador´s World Heritage capital, famous for its rich colonial past. Options here include: visit to the nearby Equator line, a city tour, Cotopaxi volcano mountain bike ride or just wandering in the streets of the Old Town.
Day 23 Quito
Depart any time.
1 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Transport
Public transport, plane, taxis, pickup truck
Local Flights
The Cartagena-Quito flight and airport tax are included in the price of the tour.
Accommodation
Simple hotels/guest houses (21 nts), lodge with hammocks (1 nt). Note: accommodation can be quite basic/multi-share at times.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Important Notes
1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, though be prepared for rain and thunder storms in the wet season, especially in the Amazon. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A large daypack is also essential.
Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off. This is especially true during the cooler months on the Inca Trail (May to Sept), at which time warmer clothing is essential.
Checklist
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and BSF for Venezuela
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Flashlight
- Concealable money belt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Purification tablets or filter
- Pocket knife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
Departure Tax
USD $40.80
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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