Day 1 - QUITO
Arrival and transfer to your base of operations during your stay in Ecuador - the home of Jenny Chavez and Patricio Gaybor. Here you'll get an orientation concerning your upcoming excursions and a chance to relax and soak away the jet lag in your hosts' wonderful home! You'll love this place!

Day 2 - TRAVEL TO DURENO
Travel by minivan to village of Dureno in Ecuador's far northeast corner. This is about an eight-hour drive, traveling through increasingly remote country. Dureno is an interesting Cofan village which is divided into two parts - one part accessible by road and "developed" and the other part across the Rio Aguarico and much more traditional. You'll hail a dugout canoe upon your arrival in the latter and shuttle across to another world... Overnight in a traditional Cofan hut.

Day 3 - TRAVEL TO ZABALO
Travel by motorized canoe down the Rio Aguarico to the community of Zabalo. This is about a 6-7 hour boat ride, so bring a book and some sunscreen! Lots of photo opportunities as we pass fisherman and traveling families in dugout canoes and the occasional village community on the banks of this fairly large river. Upon arrival in Zabalo, you'll be installed in your own little "cabaña" and given time to freshen up before a short introductory walk around the village and an orientation to the variety of activities available in Zabalo.

Day 4-6 - ZABALO
Take your choice of long or short treks, including overnights camping in the rainforest. The farther you get from inhabited areas, the more wildlife you will probably see. Although the Cofan are actively involved in projects to protect their native wildlife, they still hunt for subsistence and this, together with the human activity inherent in any village, makes wildlife scarcer near the community. During your stay in Zabalo you will learn of their history in dealing with the oil company and other incursions on their lands, their traditional methods of hunting, fishing, and living in the village, and the ways they propose to cope with the ever-growing pressures on their way if life. There is much to see and do here and you'll probably wish you had another day or two!

Day 7 - TRAVEL TO DURENO
About 8-9 hours (you'll be going upstream this time!)

Day 8 - TRAVEL TO OTAVALO
About 8 hours again to the town of Cotocachi, near Otavalo, another traditional stronghold in Ecuador, but very different from it's counterpart in the Amazon. This visit will give you a first-hand look at Andean life as the Quichua people of Otavalo and surrounding areas live it.

Day 9-10 - RUNA TUPARI INDIGENOUS FAMILY HOME-STAY
While at your home-stay, you'll be treated as a member of the family - feel free to jump in and help cook or work in the garden or field. Many of our host families are weavers and they'll delight in showing you the basics of their craft. Learn about local customs, agriculture, and religion. There are also various treks and hikes that you can take to nearby volcanoes and volcanic lakes, accompanied by trained local Quichua guides to help you understand the ecology of the areas you'll visit.

Day 11 - QUITO
Back to base camp today and last minute shopping and relaxing before our flight back home tonight.

Tour operators offering this tour:

Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com