Midland College Travel Course to Ecuador
A tour led by archaeologist Dr. Ed Barnhart for the students of Dr. Margaret Wade at Midland College, Midland, Texas.
This one week journey to Ecuador is designed for the students of Midland College to learn about the country, its fascinating political history, and why its one of only seventeen countries in the world classified as biologically "mega-diverse". In a single week the course will visit volcanoes, the Amazon Basin, and the world's equator on the day of equinox! The course is also timed to the final festivals of Pawkar Raymi, "The Blossoming Ritual" celebrated by indigenous villages all across the country during the days leading up to the March equinox.
Ecuador - Volcanoes, the Amazon Basin and Equinox at the Equator | |||
Price | $1800 per participant (based on double lodging) ($300 extra for single lodging) $300 deposit due upon registration Half the balance due December 15th Remaining balance due February 15th |
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Date | March 16 - 22, 2014 | ||
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March 16, Sunday: Arrival to Quito Flights to Quito, evening arrival Taxi to a hotel near the airport Overnight in Quito |
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March 17, Monday: Volcanoes 7:00-8:00 am Breakfast and check out 8:00-9:30 pm Transport to Cotopaxi 10:00-12:00 pm Cotopaxi Museum, Limpicpungo Lagoon, 15,000 ft 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch break at Cotopaxi 1:00-4:00 pm Travel to Banos Overnight in Banos at Hotel Volcano |
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March 18, Tuesday: The Amazon 7:00-8:00 am Breakfast at hotel 8:00-12:00 pm Transport into the Amazon Basin and Pailon de Diablo Waterfalls 12:00-2:00 pm Lodge check in and lunch 2:00-5:00 pm Jungle hike, waterfalls swim Evening: Shaman's house in the jungle Overnight in the Amazon at the Altos de Pastaza Lodge |
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March 19, Wednesday: Quichua Tribe 8:00-9:00 am Breakfast at lodge 9:00-11:00 am The Quichua Indian tribe 11:00-12:00 pm Canoe the Puyo River 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch and lodge check out 1:00-5:00 pm Animal Rescue Center and transport back to Banos Overnight in Banos at the Volcano Hotel |
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March 20, Thursday: Pelileo 8:00-9:00 am Breakfast and check out 10:00-11:00 pm Indigenous Culture Museum in Pelileo 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch break 1:00-3:00 pm Travel to Quito Evening: Free time in Quito Overnight in Quito at Casa Joaquin |
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March 21, Friday: The Equator 7:00-9:00 am Breakfast and check out 10:00-12:00 pm Equator museums 12:00pm Equinox at the equator 12:30-2:00 pm Lunch break 2:00-3:00 pm Transport to Otavalo Overnight in Otavalo at Hacienda Pinsaqui |
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March 22, Saturday: Otavalo 7:00-8:00 am Breakfast at hotel 9:00-12:00 pm Market day in Otavalo 12:00-1:00pm Lunch and hotel check out 1:00-3:00 pm Transport to Quito 3:00-6:00 pm Tour of Quito's Old Town 6:00-8:00pm Final Dinner in Old Town 8:00-9:30pm Transport to airport for flights out |
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LODGING
Quito: Casa Joaquin Hotel services include cable TV, phones, internet, and on-site restaurant for breakfast.
Banos: Hotel Volcano
Hotel services include cable TV, phones, internet, and on-site restaurant.
Amazon: Altos de Pastaza Lodge
Hotel services include private rooms, a pool and on-site restaurant (no internet or cell service)
Otavalo: Hacienda Pinsaqui
Hotel services include private rooms, phones, internet and on-site restaurant
PRICE INCLUDES
- Lodging- Private ground transportation
- Breakfasts
- All meals in the Amazon
- Wellington rain boots for the Amazon treks
- All Entrance fees
- Local site guides
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Airfare to Quito- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips for Service Providers (drivers, maids, etc..)
Proceeds from MEC Travel courses and tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.