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Updated on: 22/Jul/09

BUSPASS DESCRIPTION ECUADOR

WHAT IS THE BUSPASS? Lead's BUSPASS is a Hopon Hopoff package with two different routes that gives you the chance to travel around the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador (Coast, Andes and Amazon). You don’t have to worry about reserving seats on buses or getting traveling advice. All that will be done for you!

WHY CHOOSE THE BUSPASS? For four main reasons: travel independently, pick your own dates, do not worry about reserving bus tickets and have onsite staff to give you travel advice!

HOW DOES IT WORK? Purchase you Lead Adventures BUSPASS, pick the route you want to travel and enjoy Ecuador! Your starting point will be Quito. From Quito you can travel to different destinations. At each destination there will be a partner tour operator that will recommend hostels, tours and more for you to do on that town! At each tour operator you will pick up the bus ticket for your next stop. Travel carefree! WHAT ARE THE BUSPASS’ ROUTES? There are two routes: 1. VOLCANOE PEAKS AND AMAZON JUNGLE 2. SUN AND BEACH

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VOLCANOE PEAKS AND AMAZON JUNGLE ROUTE START POINT: QUITO DESCRIPTION

This route starts in Quito, flanked by the Andes mountain range and located in the western slopes of the Volcano Guagua Pichincha standing at a colossal 4,790 m with canyons on the eastern side the city sits inside a lengthy narrow basin valley forming a setting unparalleled by most cities in South America. On clear days you may also view other snowcapped volcanoes such as Cotopaxi in the far distance adding to this truly unforgettable, impressionable ambiance of a large Ecuadorian city, which combines a modern area in the north side, which includes the airport as well as the main embassies, businesses, banking services, restaurants and more! The colonial area includes museums, churches, galleries, cathedrals, colonial buildings, balcony furbished homes and outdoor markets within narrow cobbled streets. Quito is a UNESCO’s world cultural heritage site. BUSPASS

On arrival to Quito you will check in at our partner hostel. The next day our staff will meet you at the hostel and take you to our office where you will attend a comprehensive orientation on Ecuador, Quito and more. During your time in Quito a city tour will be organized for you! Recommended stay: 5-6 days Included: *One night shared accommodation at hostel on arrival

*One activity (city tour)

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STOP 1: NATIONAL PARK COTOPAXI DESCRIPTION

An hour and a half south of Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, lays the dominant image on the Ecuadorian national psyche: the perfectly conical Cotopaxi volcano (altitude 5,897 m, 19,350 ft), claiming to be the world's highest active volcano. Even novice climbers can summit the glacier-topped peak with the help of a good guide, glacier climbing equipment and a hardy jacket. The views from the top on a clear day are incredible. A week in Quito or any other Andean town should be sufficient for proper acclimatization for the altitude. BUSPASS

During your time in Quito you have the option to travel to the Cotopaxi for a one-day tour. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this tour. The tour will give you the chance to be at and learn about the Cotopaxi National Park, walk from the bottom of the volcano to the first refuge stop and on the way back mountain bike downhill. This is an experience you can’t miss! It is an all day tour. After the tour, you will return back to Quito to rest and prepare for your next stop! Recommended stay: 1 day Included: *Cotopaxi one-day tour *Private transportation Quito-Cotopaxi-Quito STOP 2: BAÑOS DESCRIPTION With its friendly people, lush surroundings and ideal location, Baños de Agua Santa is one of the nation’s most popular destinations and gateways to the Amazon. Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Baños is the departure point for trips to jungle destinations such as Puyo, Misahuallí, and the waterfalls of Agoyán, Inés María and the famous Pailón del Diablo, as well as to the Andean peaks of Tungurahua and El Altar. Offering endless opportunities, Baños is a center for various adventure sports such as kayaking, trekking, and mountain biking. Other attractions include the Virgen de Agua Santa Sanctuary and the various thermal hot springs in the area. BUSPASS

During your time in Baños you have the option to do a scenic bike ride. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. The variety of trails and terrain that exist in Baños offers something for every level of mountain biker. There are easy routes for those who would simply like to explore the town by bicycle, enjoying the fresh air and surrounding nature, to more challenging routes for those who are experts in cycling and adventure sports, stopping at water falls, rivers and more! Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *One day bicycle rental and advice on routes *Bus ticket Quito-Baños

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STOP 3: PUYO DESCRIPTION Puyo is Pastaza’s capital. The Cathedral and Parque Central are meeting points for its hard working townsfolk. Puyo’s most important monuments is the Macahua, a symbol of the region’s handicraft production. In Puyo you can visit the monkey refugee, different waterfalls, a native Indian community, travel on a traditional canoe and more! BUSPASS

During your time in Puyo you have the option to take a tour to the jungle. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. For 1-2 people a half-day city and nearby surroundings tour is included. For 3+ people- a one day trip ins included, in this trip you will have the opportunity to learn about the native fruits and plans with a local guide and more! Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *1-2 people – Half-day tour of city and its surroundings

*3+ people – One-day tour, native plants, fruits and more! *Bus ticket Baños-Puyo STOP 4: TENA (LAST STOP) DESCRIPTION The most active volcanoes in Ecuador - Sumaco (3900m), Reventador, and Sangay - can be seen from the Parque Central in Napo’s capital city of Tena. Located at the confluence of the Tena and Pano rivers, Tena offers great bathing spots such as Rancho Alegre, Cocha del Cementerio, and Dos Ríos, amongst others. There is also a botanical garden in the center of the town called “Amazonian Park”, which is ideal for ecologists. Tours into more isolated parts of the jungle depart from here. BUSPASS

During your time in Tena you have the option to be part of a rafting/jungle tour. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *Rafting tour/Jungle tour (participant’s choice) *Bus ticket Puyo-Tena *Bus ticket Tena-Quito

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RECCOMENDED ADDITIONAL STOP: PAPALLACTA DESCRIPTION Set high in the Ecuadorian Andes and surrounded by towering peaks, Papallacta is one of the prettiest places in South America to take a dip in thermal waters. Moreover, due to the mineral content and high temperature (between 35 and 64 degrees centigrade) of Papallacta’s water, the hot springs have medicinal properties and healing powers. You can either camp on the shores of nearby lakes, such as Ninalviro and Paltacocha, or stay in one of the local hotels. BUSPASS

On your way back from Tena to Quito you must stop at Papallacta. You can stay there for an entire day and return to Quito for the night or stay at a hotel in Papallacta for a longer and more relaxing experience. The BUSPASS includes the bus ticket from Tena to Quito. Papallacta is on the way from Tena to Quito. You can use this ticket to stay in Papallacta and purchase one from Papallacta to Quito. Recommended stay: 1-2 days Included: *The ticket from Tena to Quito is included, you can use this

ticket and stay in Papallacta (its one the way). From Papallacta to Quito the bus ticket is not included- you will have to purchase on your own this ticket.

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SUN AND BEACH ROUTE

START POINT: QUITO Please refer to the above details given for Quito, for the Andes-Amazon route.

STOP 1: PUERTO LOPEZ DESCRIPTION Puerto López is the ecological capital of the Ecuadorean coast. It is a region dedicated to tourism and the environment and a perfect launching point for discovering the natural marvels of Machalilla National Park. Puerto López itself is a small town of about 10,000 people on the coast of Ecuador. The Machalilla National Park is home of Isla de La Plata. At Isla de la Plata you can watch the abundant bird life including seabirds, blue and red footed boobies, pelicans, frigate birds and more! BUSPASS

During your time in Puerto Lopez you have the option to be part of a Isla de la Plata. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. This tour includes snorkeling and a marvelous opportunity to see all the wildlife that this island has! Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *Isla de la Plata tour and snorkeling *Bus ticket Quito-Puerto Lopez

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STOP 2: MONTAÑITA DESCRIPTION Montañita is a lively beach town with a reputation for its plethora of parties, surfers and hippies. About three and a half hours north of Guayaquil along the Ruta del Sol, Montañita is one of the few Ecuadorian beach towns with a great selection of international restaurants and hostels for all budgets. Central Montañita is about ten minutes south (walking) of the best surfing spot, La Punta. There are hostels and restaurants in both places. La Punta tends to be much more quiet at night when parties are raging in the center of town. BUSPASS

During your time in Montañita you have the option to take a surfing lesson. This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. Learn how to enjoy Ecuadorian waves, Montañita style! Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *Surfing Lesson *Bus ticket Puerto Lopez-Montañita STOP 3: GUAYAQUIL (LAST STOP) DESCRIPTION Guayaquil, the "Pearl of the Pacific", known as the industrial and economic center of Ecuador, due to its untiring commercial activity which has been the leading force of its progress since the beginning of the century. Guayaquil offers travelers a surprising number of sights and activities. It boasts museums, historic neighborhoods, sprawling parks and the renovated waterfront strip, Malecón 2000. Some places to visit that you cant miss are: El Palacio Municipal, Las Peñas Neighborhood, Mercado Artesanal, Parque Seminario and more! BUSPASS

During your time in Guayaquil you have the option to be part boat/bird watching tour. Watch blue footed bobbies, pelicans and dolphins! (Tour only available on Tuesday and Thursday) This is included in your BUSPASS package! Our onsite partner tour operator will organize this for you. Recommended stay: 2-3 days Included: *Boat/Bird watching tour *Bus ticket Puerto Montañita-Guayaquil *Bus ticket Puerto Guayaquil-Quito

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ORIENTATION SESSION A comprehensive orientation session on the BUSPASS will take place on your first day in Quito. This orientation will cover information on Ecuador, accommodation, the use of the BUSSPASS, security and safety and more!

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS The accommodation provided by the BUSPASS is one night in Quito in a welcoming hostel with basic services in a central location. The accommodation includes shared bedrooms and breakfast. Lead Adventures along with their partner tour operators will recommend hostels at all your stops. BUSPASS COST: You must book your BUSPASS with no less than 48 hours. Overseas Booking 1 person $390