Maya Exploration Center: Education Through Exploration
STUDY
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
Date March 16 - 22, 2014
REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE LINK TO PAYMENT PAGE


March 16, Sunday: Arrival to Quito
Flights to Quito, evening arrival
Taxi to a hotel near the airport
Overnight in Quito
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 


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.

Other Tours
» March 2024 - Olmec Tour

» July 2024 - Oaxaca Tour

» September 2024 - Machu Picchu Tour

» October 2024 - Peten Maya Tour

» Build Your Own


This collection of books is designed to give visitors, tourists and students a better understanding of the ancient Maya.


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Payment & Refund Information
Suggested reading books can be bought at Amazon.com JungleCasts with Dr. Barnhart