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Welcome Package & Trip Plan

Indigenous Roots of : Culture in Important information to help prepare for an amazing experience!

Locations: Andean and Amazon Regions of Ecuador

Starting Date: April 19th, 2020 @ San Francisco de Hotel - Quito Ecuador Ending Date: April 30th, 2020 @ International Airport - Quito (if you need a ride from the hotel to the airport, please contact us to arrange pick up time. Extra cost of $50.00)

Contact: Maria Jose Obando (+1 639 317 6811) [email protected] Preparing for a Successful Experience

This welcome package will help make your planning as stress-free as possible for one of the most amazing adventures you will ever have. This document contains everything you need to know, but if you have any further questions, please give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Culture in Food:

Food is one of the few things that can unite people from We don’t limit ourselves to one specific geographical all across the world. No matter where we come from, area. Like you, we want to see the world, and experience food represents something profound about each of our it in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious way. cultures and our ways of life, and we often want to share So when Majo, an Ecuadorian mestiza woman (from that with the people we meet. Ecuadorian food is no Indigenous and Spanish roots) joined our team, it was different. A blended that has been influenced by only a matter of time before we set our sights on Indigenous people, the Spanish, and peoples of Ecuador. Majo’s dream is to positively contribute to the neighbouring countries, Ecuadorian food flaunts preservation and growth of Indigenous peoples’ culture, colourful and diverse traditional dishes all are sure to language, knowledge, traditions, and lands; and that’s enjoy. This cultural mixture, combined with the richness what this is all about. Through her enthusiasm of the Ecuadorian environment has changed and and our passion for the outdoors, we are able to offer a developed traditional dishes over time, telling countless different way of doing tourism. Experiencing and stories of a country abundant in culture and history, enjoying some of the incredible destinations Ecuador waiting to share it all with those who visit.Be ready to has to offer, while contributing to Indigenous experience one of the most diverse and unique community tourism and volunteering programs in a in the world! sustainable way - benefiting everyone involved. Ecuador is one of the most diverse nations on the planet Why Ecuador? in terms of geography, species of flora and fauna, and culture. It is also committed to the conservation of its At Fireside Adventures, we’ve always strived to be so environmental wealth through sustainable tourism. Its much more than a summer camp or tourism company. visitors can easily tour each of the four regions of We offer unique, worldly experiences to people across Ecuador: the Galapagos, the Pacific Coast, the Andes and the globe, aiming to connect our participants with the Amazon, all accessible within a few hours of each nature and eco-tourism. other.

Itinerary

DAY 1: QUITO

We recommend arriving at least one day prior to the adventure to start to acclimatize. (Information: April 27th at 2:00 pm, 2020). You will be transferred to your accommodation in Quito. Meet at San Francisco de Quito Hotel. Be welcomed by Equator Face's staff. Visit the historical center of Quito - capital of the sun, where we will witness colonial works in the best-preserved historical center of Latin America. We will have a traditional Ecuadorian welcoming dinner to celebrate your arrival.

Accommodation: San Francisco de Quito Hotel. (not included) (not included) Dinner (included)

DAY 2: QUITO’S HISTORIC CENTER – YAMBOS COMMUNITY

Visit the Middle of the World City and Rumiñahui Museum. Learn about how Incas thanked their Sun God for their crops. After lunch, we will go to the TULIPE MUSEUM, which shows the cultural evidences of the Yumbo people. The museum is divided into two parts: the museum, and the ceremonial. We will enjoy a half day walking tour while also practicing some basic Spanish.

Accommodation: Molino San Juan Hacienda Breakfast (included) Lunch (included) Dinner (included)

DAY 3: MOLINO SAN JUAN

Visit San Juan Windmill, a heritage construction built in 1890. Visit Santa Marianita de Jesús chapel Participate in the reparation of Tortillas de Tiesto (Ancestral recipe). Visit artisan roses plantation in the Santo Domingo de Guzmán community. Visit corporate rose plantation located in Tabacundo 7km from the hacienda. . Accommodation: Molino San Juan Hacienda Breakfast (included) Lunch (included) Dinner (included) DAY 4: PROYECTO CONDORES – OTAVALO

Head off to Cayambe and the Cochasquí archaeological ruins. Be welcomed by our hosts in the Karanqui community, who will provide us with a delicious dinner. The community leader will talk about the impact of western culture on their traditions, knowledge, language and Indigenous identity. He will also share his knowledge about the interpretation of dreams and the position of the stars.

Accommodation: Karanqui Families Breakfast (included) Lunch (included) Dinner (included)

DAY 5: TREN DE LA LIBERTAD – OTAVALO COMMUNITY – MOROCHOS COMMUNITY.

Take the Libertad train to the town of Salinas - Ibarra. Salinas is populated by Afro-Ecuadorian communities, who will welcome us with a traditional dance and delicious . Visit the museum of the Afro - Ecuadorian people. In the afternoon, we will return to our accommodation with Otavalo families.

Accommodation: Families in Otavalo Breakfast (included) Lunch (included) Dinner (included)

DAY 6: PAPALLACTA – SAN RAFAEL – SHAYARI

Start the journey to the Amazon of Ecuador, making short stops in Papallacta and the waterfall of San Rafael (the highest in the country). Visit the Kichwa Sayari community. Have a talk with the community where they will share their knowledge on medicinal plants with us. Cultural night with the community

Accommodation: Families of the Shayari Community Breakfast: (included) Lunch: (included) Dinner: (included) DAY 7 - 8: SHAYARI

Walk along the paths to the Moretecocha lagoon while observing and learning about endemic wildlife. Canoe ride through the lagoon. Visit the Shayari interpretation center and demonstration of handicrafts (mud, seeds and toquilla straw fibers). Participate in traditional games with the community. Walk along the paths of the Shaman and Supay waterfalls. Nocturnal hike Head off to the Natural Jatun Yaku Huasi.

Accommodation: Jatun Yaki Huasi Breakfast (included) Lunch (included) Dinner (included)

DAY 9-11: JATUN YAKU

Adventure down the rapids of the Jatun Yaku river. Learn about plants in danger of extinction in the Amazon rainforest like the spiritual vine of the Ayahuasca or Yage. On the Jatun Yaku hiking trails you can identify edible and medicinal plants. Visit Indigenous communities located near the Jatun Yaku River.

Accommodation: Jatun Yaku Huasi Lodge Breakfast (included) Lunch (not included) Dinner (included)

DAY 12: COTOPAXI

Visit the Panzaleos Indigenous community. Stop in the "Boliche National Park" place where we will have an amazing view of the "Cotopaxi Volcano" . Transportation to the International Airport of Quito.

Breakfast (included) Lunch (included)

TRANSPORTATION ON COURSE:

24/7 Transportation service. Participants will have a group van where they will be transported to all places included in this program Fireside has taken a pledge to reduce our carbon footprint. This means that performing some activities, participants will take self-propelled methods like hiking, paddling and walking. Information about Ecuador

Geographic location:

Ecuador is located in South America, about 7,120 km from Vancouver. Ecuador borders to the north, to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. If you want to know more about Ecuador's geography, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E Population:

Ecuador has a population of 16,144,363 inhabitants (71.9% , 7% Indigenous, 6.1% White and 7.2% Afro-Ecuadorians). To know more about Ecuador’s population, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E Capital City:

Quito, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is located at 2,850 meters above sea level in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is the second highest capital in the world. The Historic Center of Quito is one of the largest and best preserved in Latin America. Its history is reflected in its churches, museums and cultural centres. To learn more about Quito, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E Time Zone:

ECT – Ecuador Time – UTC -5

Water:

Although water in Ecuador is potable, we suggest drinking bottled water throughout the duration of your adventure. We will assist you with access to drinking water.

Issue 27 | 234 Language:

The Ecuadorian constitution recognizes Spanish as the official language. Additionally, 14 more ancestral languages are widely spoken by different Indigenous populations. Quichua is spoken the most with 1,161,800 speakers, followed by (42,300), Cha’palaachi (5,870), (3,520), Awapit (2,100), Wao Terero (1,650) and Tsáfiqui (1,870). There are many other Indigenous languages at risk of disappearing, such as Cofan (640), Siona (260), Redwood (85), Emberá (52) and Zaparo (3). The most spoken immigrant languages are German, Chinese, French, Portuguese and English. For more information on languages, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E Climate:

Ecuador has two seasons: the wet season, from December to May, which is hot and rainy; and the dry season, from June to November, which has cooler temperatures. The average temperature in the Andean Region is between 13 ºC and 21 ºC. The Amazon Region is hot and humid with abundant rainfall from March to November, and dry from December to February. The average temperature is between 25-31 °C If you want to know more about Ecuadorian climate, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E

Government:

The Republic of Ecuador is defined as a constitutional state of rights and justice. It is democratic, sovereign, independent, unitary, intercultural, pluri-national and secular. Ecuador’s government is decentralized and it is currently administrated by the President Lenin Moreno.

Electricity:

110 V. Please click on the following link for more information.

C L I C K H E R E

Issue 27 | 234 GENERAL To know more about vaccines, please click on the RECOMENDATIONS following link:

For Emergencies: C L I C K H E R E Health: When traveling with a Smartphone, you can install the free application ‘ECU 911’ of the Integrated Security Ecuador has some of the best health services in Latin- Service to be attended immediately. Dial 911 and report America. Visitors have free access to public health any emergency or illegal act. establishments. We will assist you should you need a Health Center during our journey. To fully enjoy your trip, keep these recommendations in mind: If you suffer 911 Emergencies: from any illness, it’s necessary that you carry a double 131 Red Cross: does of your medication as a backup in case of loss. The National Police: 101 Public Health Network in the country is activated. In Firemen: 102 case of an emergency or if you need personalized Blood Bank: +593 2582482 attention, you can go to the nearest health center. Wear protective clothing with sleeves and long pants, Civil Defense: +593 2469009 especially at dawn and dusk to avoid stings. In high density mosquito zones, use mosquito nets or screens Currency and ATMs: in the windows. Use mosquito repellent according to your skin type. Use sunscreen. Since 1999, Ecuador’s official currency is the American Dollar (USD). If you need to exchange money you must Altitude Sickness: do it exclusively in banks and exchange houses. Where possible, carry out transactions in a bank branch that is Altitude Sickness is the combination of physiological inside a Shopping Center. We can assist you when you reactions caused by the lack of oxygen when we visit the bank. Use ATMs in well-lit public places. Do not ascend rapidly to altitudes higher than 2400 meters accept the help or company of strangers. above sea level. Some of the symptoms are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, physical exhaustion and agitation. There is also the "zombie sensation", which is Wi-Fi and Phone Cards: characterized by a lack of concentration, hunger and energy. Sleep disorders, digestive disorders, nausea or You will have Wi-Fi access during your stay in most of vomiting may also occur. our accommodations, as well as in some restaurants If you have a chronic illness or medical condition, and public spaces we will visit. In case you want to check with your doctor before traveling. purchase a phone card, Ecuador has some good SIM The acclimatization time should be gradual. card deals for South America and you can buy 1GB of Drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are data for as little as CAD4.30. For more information, hungry, warm up before you are cold and rest before exhaustion. please C L I C K H E R E Move at a slow pace.

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes. We recommend you download Duolingo in order to get Dress in layers to protect your body temperature. familiar with Spanish. Use sunblock, a hat and glasses.

Vaccines: Flight to Ecuador:

For your safety, you need to have the As is the case everywhere in the world, the sooner you vaccine. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for book your flight the cheaper it will be. It is about a 15 travellers going to countries considered endemic, hour journey from Vancouver. There is not a direct flight where there is a risk of transmission of this disease, from Vancouver to Quito, but you can find very good such as Venezuela, , Bolivia, Panama or deals with one stop either in the or Colombia and some African nations. Other vaccines . Flights typically range from $850 to $1500 that are recommended for traveling to Ecuador are return. typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and B and Tetanus- Diphtheria. Food:

Important: If you have food allergies and/or a special diet, please mention it in your registration form. We will accommodate your diet.

Ecuadorian cuisine is known as "comida criolla". It is diverse, varying with altitude, and associated agricultural conditions. This diversity is partly because Ecuador has four geographical regions. The variety of ‘typical dishes’ around Ecuador is as diverse as its regions. In every town, every corner and in every house we can enjoy endless flavours, prepared with the love and seasoning that only Ecuadorians have. Whether they are soups, snacks or main dishes, each one carries the essence of the place and the person who has prepared it .Ecuadorian people’s diet mainly consists of , yucca, potatoes, beans, corn, , chicken, , plantain and delicious sweets like peanuts with honey or corn flour. Some of the most popular ingredients in the preparation of traditional Ecuadorian dishes include: Seafood: sea bass, albacore, tuna, dorado, camotillo, crabs, , black shells, oysters, lobster, squid, octopus, and more. Meats: beef, pork, chicken, goat, duck, , sheep, guanta, frog, chontacuros, chonta. and legumes : , , corn, mote, quinoa, , squash, sambo, , sweet potato, melloco, , barley, peanut, palm kernel, peas, white carrot, oka, zarandaja, chochos, cabbage, achogchas, avocado, tomato, onions, and beans. : naranjilla, passion , papaya, coconut, babaco, badea, mango, , cocoa, coffee, tomato, apple, guava, guabas, pomarosas, currants, sweet lemon, tangerines, taxo, granadilla, claudia, pineapple, zapote, tumbo, Pitaya, cucumber, grape, pear, blackberries, watermelon, melon, capulí.

Documentation required entering to Ecuador:

Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa to enter Ecuador. To enter Ecuador, you will need a valid passport that will not expire 6 months upon arrival. We recommend you also bring copies of your passport, driver’s license and medical insurance which will be placed in safe keeping. To know more about the Canadian Embassy in Ecuador, please click on the following link:

C L I C K H E R E

Issue 27 | 234 WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

See below for a complete packing list. It is important to pack the appropriate gear for an optimal experience. It is recommended to start collecting gear ASAP and not trying to pack last minute. If you have any gear questions, please email or call for more information!

Below are some tips to help make packing easier:

Engaging with nature and participating in outdoor activities are an integral part of the experience! Therefore, please pack clothing that can get dirty. Choose functionality over fashion. Do not bring anything to the course that you are not willing to lose – things happen! Cotton is a poor material as it stays wet and cold for a long time. Please make sure to pack some polyester blend clothing. It is lightweight and dries quickly. Recommended equipment includes: Fireside Adventures PO BOX 56011 1st Avenue RPO Vancouver BC, V5L 5E2 | https://www.firesideadventures.ca | [email protected] 604.762.7163

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