2. DEPOSIT & CONFIRMATION OF RESERVATION: Your reservation is confirmed by the company only after receipt of a 30% deposit payment which must be received within 1 week (7 days) of the original booking. In cases where reservation is made less than 61 days prior to trip departure then full tour payment is required within 1 week of the original booking.

3. PAYMENT: The full balance of the tour fare must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the departure date, otherwise the company may treat the booking as being cancelled by the client, and apply cancellation charges as set out in clause 5. Tickets will only be issued to a client once full payment has been received by the company.

4. BANKING CHARGES: The company reserves the right to charge clients for additional banking charges incurred during transfers over and above the standard cash handling fees that apply; in such cases the company will provide written evidence of the additional charges incurred.

5. CANCELLATION BY CLIENT: Cancellation of a booking must be made in writing and is not effective until such cancellation is received by the company.

* If the cancellation is received more than 90 days before departure the appropriate deposit shall be refunded to the client minus a $100 service charge per person.
* In the event of cancellation between 60 and 90 days prior to departure the client will lose 100% of the deposit payment as well as an additional $100 service charge per person.
* In the event of cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure the client will lose 100% of the total tour value. Where full payment has not yet been received by the company the client accepts responsibility to make this payment to the company even though they will not partake in the tour.

The above cancellation fees do not apply for the following Galapagos yachts: Darwin, Seaman, Guantanamera, Cormorant II, Diamante, Sagitta, Samba, Seacloud, Maryann, Estrella del mar, Monserrat I, Monserrat II.

6. CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY OR THIRD PARTY OPERATORS: the company and third pary operators reserve the right to cancel the tour in any circumstances of force majeure, changes in Ecuadorian law or national park regulations, or mechanical failures of yachts. In circumstances where a third party operator is unable to provide the tour booked, it is their responsibility to return to the client all monies paid or provide an alternative holiday of comparable standard.

7. ALTERATION TO ITINERARIES, ETC: The itinerary is suggested only. Both the company and third party operators reserve the right to alter or change their itinerary without prior notice and/or to change the tour for an appropriate alternative service where deemed necessary. Furthermore, compensation is not available if the company is forced to cancel or in any way change the tour due to force majeure, namely war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions or other material or external circumstances beyond the company�??s control.

8. TRANSPORTATION TO THE TOUR ASSEMBLY POINT: The client is responsible for making his or her own arrangements to arrive at the tour assembly point ( Quito airport). There are no arrangements in existence should the client be delayed at the outward or homeward points of departure.

9. LIABILITY: Clients�?? bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the possible risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours, treks or expeditions featured in the programe at their own volition.

10. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients. Before the client commences a tour he or she must arrange his or her insurance with a reputable insurer, with protection for the full duration of the tour, to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, loss of luggage and the expenses associated with cancellation or curtailment or a tour. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctor�??s fees and repatriation costs are the client�??s responsibilities and the company shall not be liable for any refund of the tour cost. By making a tour reservation the client accepts responsibility for being in sufficiently good health to partake in the tour in question.

11. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE: If the client has a problem during the tour, the client should inform OLA Adventures immediately and in writing who will endeavour to put things right wherever possible.

12. REFUNDS: The company will not be responsible for giving refunds for any circumstances on your tour arising beyond the company’s control.

13. INFORMATION: Information given in the itinerary and tour services is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication.

14. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION: It is the responsibility of the client to be in possession of a valid passport, visa permits and vaccination and other medical certificates as may be required for the whole of the tour. The company does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations for visas or any particular requirements for visas. The company cannot be held responsible for the failure of the client to obtain the necessary visas or travel documentation.

15. SPECIAL REQUESTS: Special dietary requirements must be advised in writing to the company at the time when the client makes a booking. The company will communicate the requirements to the Galapagos boat operator but do not assume responsibility for the due action any operator takes with this information.

Espero que les guste el video. Hope you enjoy the video.

Felicitaciones a la policía nacional que ha trabajado muy duro en asegurarse que el Ruccu Pichincha este libre de delincuentes, lo cual ha creado un ambiente seguro para todos los visitantes.
Congartulations to the Ecuadorian police for making sure that Ruccu Pichincha is safe for all to enjoy.

En la cumbre del Ruccu Pichincha, Ecuador, 4714m. Top of Ruccu Pichincha, Ecuador at 4714m

This short video shows some of the high points during the first 2 weeks of this family adventure here in Ecuador, I say the first 2 weeks as by the 3 week we were all running from one place to another, so not even the camera man had time to catch the action. However, to end the holiday on a more relaxing note, we made our way to Esmeraldas where we indulged in some fantastic seafood and sipped on pink cocktails whilst enjoying the coastal heat. beach house Ecuador.

A great place to stay at either the beginning or at the end of an adventure here in Ecuador due to the great surroundings and relaxing environment.

Here in Ecuador we have a lot of different Jungle lodges, anything from primary jungle out at Kapawi or close to the andes in Missahualli, where you can get a taster of the jungle. This place sums up the true diversity & beauty of Ecuador.

Both you and the young members of your family can have a great time in safe surroundings without missing out on the adventure.

But for the more hardy of us, not far from Quito you can have a go at some good mountain training, this can either be a taste of what some people spend their life training for, such as Patricio Tisalema or this could be the first stage of your training in order to climb much higher mountains, of which we have an abundance of here in Ecuador. You could even go for the highest point on the planet from the center of the earth, that being on top of Chimborazo.

Some great horse riding can be undertaken here from international show jumping events at a number of clubs to high mountain trekking , something for everyone.

Or why not go for a swim, as you have seen from other events that I have done, this is where I feel most at home, but please if you do have any questions about coming to Ecuador and would like an adventure like this one, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at OLA Adventures.

Or if this has still not sold you the idea then have a look at some of the other adventures we run or our photos of Ecuador!

This altitude certainly impedes a decent few hours sleep. We leave for the summit a little later than planned, and consequently meet a couple of other groups making their way down, having been thwarted by the adverse conditions. We battle on. The weather deteriorates. The driving snow induces a wind chill factor of -15degC. However, we finally make it. We are exhausted but amazed at our success. We later take this short video in a protected crevice 150 m below the summit. All credit due to our expert guide Patricio Tisalema Torres. This mountaineering dynamo enabled us to achieve the impossible. If you’re going to climb Cotopaxi, it helps to have an experienced solo non oxygen guide of this calibre. He helped us through every painful step.

Judith summit

My painting has come about after many years of a very intense and stressful career as a financial trader. I now run OLA-Adventures, a tourism company inside of Ecuador, which takes me to far away places where I have found I really appreciate the tranquility that nature has to offer. The paintings that I have produced are a reaction to having been in very stressful and hectic market places, I search for places devoid of stress that are as far from that old life as I can find. On recording these moments, I take a piece of this time with me until the work is finished.

Ecuador has inspired my painting immensely. Due to its location on the equator, it has the most magnificent light that one could ever imagine. Not to mention its vast diversity in terrains which are unequalled in other parts of the world, this gives me the opportunity to paint a variety of landscapes.

Please click on the link to see all paintings, if you then click on individual paintings you will be able to read about the art work painted here in Ecuador and leave a comment.
The Grid reference can be put into google and this will show the location at which the painting was painted at.
Grid reference, altitude and then height & width of art work.

Summer Breeze
-0° 9′ 29.24″, -78° 23′ 19.77″
2328m
76cm 85.5cm
read more!

Equatorial Coastline
+0° 49′ 36.71″, -79° 54′ 38.79″
101m
66cm 66cm
read more!

Studies for coast painting

Evening Light
+0° 50′ 23.67″, -79° 53′ 46.26″
10m
82cm 82cm
read more!

Isolation
2940m
-0° 10′ 47.95″, -78° 28′ 2.80″
81cm 81cm
read more!

Rural Living
-0° 8′ 52.00″, -78° 23′ 2.81″
2360m
85.5cm 86.5cm
read more!

Small holding
+0° 9′ 42.99″, -78° 22′ 49.76″
2200m
82.5cm 82.5cm
read more!

Below is a video of me painting at 4200m at Illinizas Sur, Ecuador.

Illinizas
-0° 40′ 45.96″, -78° 42′ 4.86″
4220m

Please if you have time leave a comment.

You can also read about the work by clicking & reading under each individual art work.
As always, grid reference, altitude and then height and width of painting.

Cununyacu
-0° 14′ 2.69″, -78° 26′ 11.95″
2420m
96cm 105.5cm
read more!

alt=”Cununyacu” />

Glacier Movement
-0° 15′ 6.42″, -78° 27′ 10.97
2400m
105cm 104cm
read more!

Shark Fin
-1° 33′ 6.48″, -80° 48′ 27.43″
5m
95.5cm 86cm
read more!

Field of colours
0° 11′ 49.09″, -78° 28′ 44.67″
2820m
47.5cm 82.5cm
read more!

Please if you have time leave a comment.

As you can see below, the world famous Patricio got us up to the highest active volcano in the world, from the center of the earth. Ojos_del_Salado is higher but not as active. What a fantastic experience it was to share this with someone who has so much experience. I do however have to say that this was no easy feat, you can see from past blogs that I am a fit and active person, running marathons and completing high altitude triathlons, but believe me climbing 5897m is hard and it really takes it out of you.

Well as you can see from the photo I made it up to the top and I would just like to say that this was one of the greatest moments of my life. I would also like to say, watch this spot as I feel that a lot more blogs will be going up here in the future about Ecuadors mountains and the great experiences which are waiting to be had.

Below is a great little video that I would love to share with you all, 30 seconds that I will never forget of Ecuador.

Or this clip of Cotopaxi.
seeing is believing
google earth -0.668958,-78.434044
Leave a comment.

Ecuador has a huge selection of multi day expeditions into the jungle areas, some of these on the edge and others in the depth of the virgin Jungle. Being deep in the Jungle is really a special feeling that has to be experienced. Ecuador is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to stay deep in the jungle without a lot difficulty in getting there. Join us for the thrill of being deep in the jungle, feeling life all around you . Ecuador is surrounded by such diversity that it is hard to see everything but I do suggest you try and get at least a 4 day trip into this great jungle lodge. In just one day, it is possible to get you to this most remote and beautiful place.

Below is the 4 and 5 day itinerary in the Bataburo Jungle Lodge. However, it is only with the 8 day itinerary that you get to visit the Huarani village.

4 Day Jungle Ecuador

Day 1-Transfer from Coca to the Huaorani village of Tiguino by canoe. Lunch on the Tiguino River. Welcome cocktail and dinner on arrival, explanation of program by guide.
Day 2- Early morning navigation downstream to observe birds and mammals. Breakfast. 4-6 hours jungle trek accompanied by a native guide and a translator. The chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the region, the Huaorani culture and the use of various medicinal plants. Return to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon fishing for piranhas and observation of caiman alligators. Dinner.
Day 3- Early morning excursion in search of mammals, especially monkeys. Breakfast. Jungle hike with guides explaining more about the complex ecosystem of the rainforest. Lunch at lodge. In the afternoon rowing in the dug-out canoe in the lagoon and a competition with the blowpipe. Dinner. Night walk in the forest to observe inescts and nocturnal animals.
Day 4- Early morning hike to observe birds and mammals. Breakfast. Navigation by canoe back to Coca with lunch on-route.

5Day Jungle Ecuador

Day 1-Transfer from Coca to the Huaorani village of Tuguino by canoe. Lunch on the Tiguino River. Welcome cocktail and dinner on arrival, explanation of program by guide.
Day 2- Early morning navigation downstream to observe birds and mammals. Breakfast. 4-6 hours jungle trek accompanied by a native guide and a translator. The chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the region, the Huaorani culture and the use of various medicinal plants. Return to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon fishing for piranhas and observation of caiman alligators. Dinner.
Day 3- Early morning excursion in search of mammals, especially monkeys. Breakfast. Jungle hike with guides explaining more about the complex ecosystem of the rainforest. Lunch at lodge. In the afternoon rowing in the dug-out canoe in the lagoon and a competition with the blowpipe. Dinner. Night walk in the forest to observe inescts and nocturnal animals.
Day 4- Breakfast. 4-6 hours jungle hike where amongst other things the the guide will explain about the preparation of the curare - a very strong poison that the huoarani use to hunt with the blowpipe. In the afternoon on the river for sport fishing. Dinner.
Day 5- Early morning hike to observe birds and mammals. Breakfast. Navigation by canoe back to Coca with lunch on-route.

If you are on the jungle boat tour, they follow a set route, which can be seen here on link.

Mode of Transport:
The tour starts and finishes in the town of Coca.

It is most recommended to fly directly from Quito - return fare is $122 and the flight takes 30 minutes. For the more daring it is also possible to travel by bus - a 10 to 12 hour trip costing approx $10 each way.

What�??s included?

• Accommodation in twin cabins with shared bath
• 3 meals per day & drinking water
• All activities as detailed in itinerary
• Native guide and translator
• Return transport to/from Coca and the lodge (9 hours each way)

Exclusions

• National park entrance fee ($20)
• 3 meals per day & drinking water
• Transport from Quito to/from Coca
• Private bathroom supplement ($20 per person)
• Tips / drinks from bar / other personal expenses

Cost.
Prices start at just $85 per day, per person.

If you have questions, require further information or to reserve a space please email or telephone (English spoken). To read more information about booking, click here.

jon@ola-adventures.com
www.ola-adventures.com
00-593 2 2562699

All this for no more than $45 a day per/ person, with a minimum of 4.

Additional costs are:

• Personal snacks and drinks
• Lunch and dinner - typically $5 -$10 per meal
• Boat hire and equipment $10
• Maid to cook and clean $10
• Bus from airport to Same beach $10

If you have questions, require further information or to reserve a space please email or telephone (English spoken). To see what past adventurers have to say click here.

Remember, if this itinerary does not quite fit with your plans, due to us being a small company we will be more than happy to design a tailor made itinerary just for you at no extra cost. Contact us with your ideas!
Please have a look at Enquires and Prices

jon@ola-adventures.com
www.ola-adventures.com
00-593 2 2562699

In addition to learning to mountain climb in Ecuador, you can get involved in fishing, mountain biking or for those of you with a little more energy, maybe go for the 3 biggest mountains of Ecuador in 10 days. Whatever your desires the mountains of Ecuador can fulfill them all.

Day 1
08:00 -10:00 Make our way to Rucu Pichincha
10:00 -15:00 Training at high altitude and more importantly acclimatise oneself.
15:00 - 18:30 Spend the afternoon exploring…and return to central Quito.

Day 2
08:30 Depart Quito and head for the real mountains,
09:30 Travel through the andean mountains with lots of photo opportunities.
12:00 Arrive in the province of Cotopaxi for lunch
13:30 Lets climb! with a qualified mountain guide.
18:00 Settle down in the refuge for some amazing sunset views and food.
19:00 kick back and relax before the big climb.

Day 3
04:00 A quick bite before we set of for an amazing day.
10:00 Summiting, all depends on fitness. Feel on top of the world.
11:00 Time to start descending
16:00 Arrive in time for an evening meal
18:30 Another beautiful day on the mountains.
19:30 Relax and think about what you have accomplished
Day 4
09:00 Breakfast over looking the andes
10:00 One last morning to take in the mountain scenery.
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Head back to Quito
17:00 Arrive back in Quito.

The cost for this adventure starts at only $70 per person per day, for a minimum of 3 people. There is the option to have a fully inclusive tour, please enquire for details.

This trip includes the following:

• Trained and experienced bilingual Moutain guide.
• Transport in a safe and comfortable 4×4, with plenty of space for you and your bags.
• Door to door pick up and drop-off
• Help with hiring equipment

Additional costs are:

• Personal snacks and drinks
• Meals
• Optional mountain biking ($15)
• National park entry fee ($10)
• Accommodation
• If you are interested we can send you on your adventure with one of the best mountaineers in Ecuador

Mode of Transport.
We will be traveling in a fully expedition equipped 4�?4. The vehicle is both safe and comfortable and has legendary off road capabilities. On board we carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, maps, tools, GPS. The vehicle will be driven by a trained and licensed off-road driver with many years of experience driving expeditions throughout Ecuador.

Your guide.
This adventure will be guided and driven by a Qualified mountain guide with many years of expedition experienced in Ecuador and in Latin America. We always provide off the beaten track type adventure with a high European standard of safety.

If you have questions, require further information or to reserve a space please email or telephone (English spoken).

Remember, if this itinerary does not quite fit with your plans we will be more than happy to design a tailor made itinerary just for you at no extra cost. Contact us with your ideas!

jon@ola-adventures.com
www.ola-adventures.com
00-593 2 2562699