Ecuador
About Campus Adventures
Campus Adventures is a specialized adventure tour operator in Ecuador , established since 1999. Trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, as well as cultural tours, community tourism and Galapagos programs are their main products.
The company is an exclusive “travel -on-foot” specialist in outdoor activities at a high quality level. Travel-on foot means all kind of activities wherever your feet take you. It is a real joy of travelling where you connect deeper with the local culture and nature as you will be able to visit the most remote sites. Travelling on foot is both energizing and refreshing.
Avoiding plastics, compensate carbon emissions and being committed to local communities are some of the ways that Campus Adventures contributes to a more sustainable and responsible way of travelling.
The company is a Tour Operator and DMC with more than 23 years of experience. Their mission is to inspire, enhance and operate tours in all four regions of Ecuador for those who love new discoveries.
Campus Adventures creates unique and tailored travel experiences where value is placed on safety, personal care, local knowledge and a trained team including their guides who have a sincere commitment to the well-being of their clients.
Tourist destination highlights
• Immerse yourself in the life of the colonial town and stroll Quito as a local.
• Observe the Andean condor’s flight in Antisana National Park.
• Get up at dawn and watch the incredible Cock of the rock.
• Enjoy the local food, slow down and trek around the Chimborazo volcano.
• Take your time and observe the unique wildlife of Galapagos.
• Let your nature guide explain the diversity of the plants and birds on your hike in the cloud forest.
• Meet a local indigenous family and share daily activities with them.
• Rent a bike and cycle along the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano.
Campus Adventures
CONTACT INFO
Marjolein Rientjes
Joaquina Vargas OE3-324 y Abdon Calderon
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Tel: +593 22340 601
www.campus-adventures.com
Products & Services
• Tailor made, safe & responsible travel
• Private FIT departures
• Small Groups
• Walking & Hiking
• Trekking & Cycling
• Mountain Climbing
• Trail Running
• Nature, Wildlife & Cultural Tours
• Photography & Art
• Galapagos Packages
• Family Friendly Tours
Selected Tours
• Nature and Wildlife
• Snowcapped Volcanoes and Evergreen Rainforest
• Andean Highlands to Coastal Guayaquil
• Cultural Experience Northern Highlands
More Info
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Ecuador
Destination Overview
Ecuador is the smallest Andean country in Latin America. Located between Colombia and Peru, where the equator line crosses all 4 regions of the country: The unique Galapagos Archipelago, the undiscovered Pacific coast, the high scenery Andean highlands and the pristine Amazon basin. This friendly country is mega-diverse and absolutely worth a visit.
It is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country defined by a majority of mestizos but also indigenous, a small group of Afro-Ecuadorian, and white people. The country has a population of approx. 18 million habitants.
The climate varies a lot and is mostly determined by altitude but also by its region. It is recommended to bring clothing you can wear in layers.
Most Ecuadoreans practice catholicism, followed by protestants, Jehova`s and other religions. Celebrations and folkloric festivals are very popular in the country such as Carnival, Inti Raymi, Mama Negra and New Year’s Eve.
In all parts of the country, the local gastronomy is excellent with authentic dishes varying from potato soup, ceviche’s, seafood, and all kind of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cotopaxi National Park – Just 1.5 hours south of Quito is the most visited National Park on Ecuador’s mainland: Cotopaxi. The perfect cone of this snow-covered volcano and the wildlife is a great tourist attraction. You can walk around Limpiopungo lake and observe many birds, hike and experience the glaciers within a grasp or bike to a pre-Inka site and meet wild horses. Cotopaxi National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and active people at altitudes between 3500 and 5000 meters. This area offers full-day or multiple-day trips in great surroundings and views.
The Coast – The coastal region receives relatively few foreign visitors, which is surprising, as it offers so much more than only natural beauty. Quiet beaches along the “La Ruta del Spondylus”, local fishermen who offer the catch of the day, mangrove forests, National Parks and chocolate production are just a glimpse. The Pacific lowland is very green and fertile and is home to huge banana and cocoa plantations, rice and sugar cane fields, exceptionally good cuisine and characteristic lodgings.
Quito – The city of Quito, also known as ‘Carita de Dios’, was declared World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978 and is famous for its historic center, which is one of the largest and best preserved in all Latin America. Located at 2,850m of altitude, the city is flanked by Pichincha volcano to the west and enjoys a spectacular natural setting. Immerse yourself in the historic oldtown with its ancient colonial houses, plazas, narrow streets and dozens of churches. Explore the old convents and museums full of history and learn more about the unique art and architecture of the city. The cable car takes you up to Pichincha volcano where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and surrounding snow-capped volcanos like Cotopaxi. Quito is the perfect spot for planning day tours to the north of the country, the cloud forest or Cotopaxi volcano.
Galapagos – The Enchanted Islands feature one of the world’s most unique and endemic wildlife species. The archipelago is located about 1000km off the Ecuadorian coast and in 1979, UNESCO declared the islands ‘Natural Patrimony of Humanity’, due to their unique endemic species that inspired Charles Darwin in his Evolution Theory. The islands are of volcanic origin and were formed through thousands of years with volcanic eruptions, continuing to this very day. Tourists can visit the archipelago by cruise or on land-based programs to encounter the famous giant Galapagos tortoises, land iguanas and Darwin finches in their natural habitat. The colorful underwater world with its numerous species is also highly recommended and will you leave breathless.
Northern Ecuador – A visit to the unknown north of Ecuador is a very authentic journey. You will experience remote Andean villages, agriculture and a traditional lifestyle. Visit an Afro-Ecuadorian village and learn about its culture, enjoy a hike to see the giant Frailejones plants in Angel Reserve and end the day with a soak in hot springs. Northern Ecuador has not yet been discovered well in terms of tourism, but you will have an authentic experience of the realistic Ecuador. Last but not least – spend a few days in one of the area’s great and traditional country inns.
Cloud Forest Mindo – The small, ecofriendly town of Mindo is nestled in the lush cloud forest and only a 2h drive away from Quito. Here, two of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocoan Lowlands and the Tropical Andes, making it famous for mountain forests, waterfalls and a unique cloud forest biodiversity. About 350 bird species are native to this forest, making it a must-visit on the bucket list for bird lovers: Cock-of-the-Rock, Yellow-Throated Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Giant Antpitta and numerous species of hummingbirds – to name just a few – are calling these woods their home. The small town also offers excellent options for outdoor activities, like hiking, and stunning waterfalls with its unique flora and fauna can be explored.
Cuenca – Colonial Cuenca, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, never ceases to amaze. Stroll through the well-preserved town, visit the daily flower market and walk along the Tomebamba river. Visit the historic and the new cathedral located at the main square and have a drink in one of the traditional coffee houses. A visit to a Panama hat factory as well as a visit to the viewpoint should not be missed. Enjoy a good dinner in one of the local and well-kept restaurants and stay in a charming hotel in the colonial part of Cuenca. Culture lovers will be amazed about Cuenca.
Otavalo – Otavalo, Ecuador’s textile capital, is two hours north of Quito. Immerse yourself in the lively and colorful Saturday and Wednesday market and interact with the locals. Bargaining is part of the local culture and you will experience the indigenous culture closely. Compared with other areas of Ecuador, the clothing and language of the Otavaleños is one of the best cultivated in Ecuador. When visiting workshops, you will understand the difference between natural and synthetic fibers which are used for handmade artisans. Otavalo is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs.
Amazon – The Amazon is home to the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest and considered one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. It is also home to several indigenous tribes, each one with its own language, culture and cosmovision. It occupies about 2% of Ecuador and offers great opportunities for experiencing the jungle in its raw and pristine state. Tourists can explore the rainforest with its unique flora and fauna by hiking, canoe or rafting trips. Experience the diverse wildlife the rainforest has to offer and open up to new cultural experiences visiting a native community – learning about a new culture and ancestral way of life. On every corner, a new experience awaits you, with an infinity of plants, insects, birds, mammals and reptiles to be discovered.