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South American Secrets—Presents Afro Ecuadorian Secret Tours. Next Trip: August 15th—24th
 Imagine yourself walking through a small town in the Andes browsing through a village were you find the most exquisite textiles and handicrafts, finish the evening listening to live Andean music while enjoying traditional spirits and cuisine. The following day your adventure continues to the coast were you will rest on the beach, drink, cocktails and prepare yourself for the following next few days that will take you up a river into the tropics were some of the most beautiful people in the world call home. These communities are not used to visitors, but love to share their community and culture to all those that would make the trip. Much of the communities don’t have electricity, running water, or even roads for that matter. About 99.9% of transportation is done by canoe. These Afro-Ecuadorian communities are extremely marginalized, if you ask most Ecuadorians, even they will not have heard of the villages let alone have traveled to them. This trip will be the one you recount to your children and grand children. This trip will remind you how beautiful the world is and why we are so lucky to be alive.
South American Secrets highly encourages you to join us in Ecuador for your next vacation. This vacation will not only be adventure of a lifetime with opportunities to travel places very few people get to see, but will educate the would be traveler to social, political, and anthropological norms that are far different from our own all while having proceeds support the communities they are visiting. Let South American Secrets guide you through these forgotten territories.
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Example of a Trip Itinerary
Thursday, Day 1
Arrival to Quito, Ecuador's bustling capital
Day at Leisure
Friday, Day 2
Leave for Otavalo by shuttle - approximately 1 hour 45 minute trip on a paved multilane highway
"Otavalo has been an Andean crossroads since pre-Inca times, when jungle traders would journey here on foot. Today's market is a hyperbolic version of the same tradition: buses arrive from Quito delivering droves of visitors from around the globe."
Dinner in Otavalo
Saturday, Day 3
Saturday is Otavalo's principal market day—you will have the morning at leisure to
explore the market at your own pace.
Meet at 2pm for a 3 hour bus ride into the Esmeraldas region of Ecuador. Arrive at San Javier, the first Afro-Ecuadorian community we will be visiting. Evening activities include a walk along the river and around the community; enjoying freshly baked bread; welcome dinner and dance with African style music called "Arrullos".
Sunday, Day 4
Day Trip to Urbina, the second Afro-Ecuadorian community we'll be visiting. Approximately 1 hour long leisurely walk along an abandoned railroad track. Day pack advisable.
Lunch in Urbina. Visit with the locals, swim with the locals. Leisurely walk back to San Javier. Relaxed afternoon - play soccer with kids, enjoy local music, speak to community leaders about environmental issues including deforestation and the petroleum companies moving into the communities, play "cuarenta" - Ecuador's national card game. Finish the evening with dinner and dancing to the Afro-Ecuadorian beats.
Monday, Day 5
8:00AM departure for Borbón - a 2 hour journey by private shuttle. Borbón is the launching
point for reaching the communities on further along the river.
10am departure for a 3 hour canoe trip to San Francisco, another Afro-Ecuadorian community.
Lunch in San Francisco, followed by a tour of the community.
After lunch we take a 1.5 hour canoe trip to Sancudo - home for two evenings. Tour Sancudo, watch a local soccer match (soccer is BIG in Sancudo), finish the evening with dinner & dancing.
Tuesday, Day 6
Spend a leisurely day in Sancudo. Take a half hour canoe ride to visit a local "finca" (farm). Return to Sancudo for lunch to spend the afternoon with the community. Dinner and dancing.
Wednesday, Day 7
8:00AM departure for a 3 hour canoe trip to Borbón.
At Borbón we'll board a larger boat to visit the Manglares de Majagual
the tallest mangrove forest in the world.
Continue on to Limones, an island lumber town, for a late lunch.
Make a quick picture taking stop in a very traditional fishing town called Canchemalero.
Take a 45 minute boat trip and private shuttle trip to Las Peñas.
Overnight at hotel in Las Peñas.
Thursday, Day 8
Full Day at the Beach!
Friday, Day 9
Light Breakfast (we'll be crossing the mountains on a long bus ride to Quito so a
heavy breakfast is not recommended!)
Approximately 6 hour bus ride to Quito
Overnight at Quito hotel of your choice
End of Services
PACKING LIST
Long pair of breathable pants
Shorts (2 pairs?)
Tennis shoes
Flip flops
T-shirts
Long sleeve shirt
Hat
Day Pack
Towel (lightweight)
Insect Repellent (containing 30% Deet)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Flashlight
Camera / Memory cards / Batteries
Medication
Trip Itinerary may be altered to best fit travelers style of traveling. Trip may be
shortened or lengthened according travelers wishes. Also travelers should note
time moves slower in South America and should be understood patients is recommended.
Please check with your doctor for the shots you may need for traveling in Ecuador.
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