Ecuador Expedition

Ecuador Expedition: October 11 - 15, 2010

Above dates reflect the actual work week of the expedition.
Individual itineraries may vary depending on additional tours.
$1499 USD + Airfare + Any Desired Cultural Tour (See Below)*

ECUADOR
Imagine a realm the size of Nevada that somehow contained tropical beaches, towering snowcapped peaks, 6,000 species of butterflies, some of the world’s most active volcanoes, lush rainforest (covering untold crude oil reserves), high alpine tundra, the headwaters of the Amazon, and remnants of ancient civilizations dating back as far as 3500 B.C. You just imagined Ecuador. With a populace and culture equally as complex as its ecosystems, this country is a gem, sure to inspire any visitor as it has inspired native inhabitants for centuries. Taking into account significant strides made recently to empower indigenous communities, increase access to healthcare and education and involve marginalized groups in the political process, much work still remains to be done. Recent studies indicate that 35% of Ecuadorians are living in poverty and that infant mortality rates are high: 21 deaths for every 1,000 live births.

WHAT IS ASCEND DOING IN ECUADOR?
Ascend's regional offices work closely with people facing hardships in marginalized urban and rural zones on the outskirts of Riobamba and Cuenca. Through sustainable programs in our four project areas, with projects such as school and community center constructions, Ascend Business Training courses, health campaigns and gardens/greenhouses, we are combating poverty, fostering community strength in the area and providing opportunity to those in need. Ascend is tackling these issues head-on through our sustainable community development programs in these two regional offices:

Riobamba: an agricultural hub that lies in the shadows of the ominous Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador’s heartland. Local staff and interns oversee life-changing projects in 16 remote, marginalized communities that pertain to the Guamote Municipality. A current project highlight is our “Health Promoting Schools Program,” a multi-faceted approach to improving health and nutrition in communities that incorporates hygiene, nutrition and healthcare into school curriculums and provides parents and community leaders with more nourishing crops, preparation techniques and medical attention in order to reduce malnourishment and anemia among local children.

Cuenca: a magnificent colonial city that undulates across a river basin in Ecuador’s southern Andean highlands. Our satellite office has been focused for years in the marginalized urban Quingeo province, where we’ve worked with community residents to construct schools, cafeterias, community centers, greenhouses and clinics, all the while promoting a sense of unity and a real chance at a better quality of life. A current program will hybridize Ascend Business and Entrepreneurial Training and Simple Technology programs to teach 10 families to raise rabbits and bring them to market, a viable local industry.

THE EXPEDITION - WHAT WILL I DO?
Ascend has plenty of projects in progress in Ecuador; participants will have the opportunity to work in school construction, community gardens that provide much-needed nutrition in disadvantaged communities, medical campaigns conducted by local and visiting physicians to service marginalized areas, and more. People of all skill sets are needed.

On the fun side of things, participants have the opportunity to travel to the Galapagos Islands, the famed volcanic islands of the equator with its popular hundred year old turtles and diverse wildlife. This is a great opportunity to experience the beautiful, lush environment of Ecuador and experience the culture. This experience will also give you the opportunity to get to know the locals and Ascend's Ecuadorian operation at the same time.

You'll need to jump to July 3rd and change to week view. There you can see detail and links about our planned expedition activities. The calendar is not fully updated, as we are still in the process of finalizing projects, but it does offer a rough idea of the itinerary and links to the attractions featured in the cultural tours.

IS IT DANGEROUS?
This is not a yes or no question. All of the same travel risks that exist in the United States exist in Ecuador; there is an assumption of risk involved with signing up for an expedition.

BUT: With our great experience and track record and the support of Ascend's local Ecuadorian staff, plus international health/evacuation insurance included with the expedition, you can rest assured that you will be the beneficiary of top-quality planning and execution.

Bottom line: Taking a risk is part of the adventure, but you will not be in danger on this expedition.

For additional security concerns, please contact Caleb Braley: 801.478.0059 or caleb@ascendalliance.org. He has extensive land travel and residence experience throughout Latin America, including Ecuador. He will be happy to address your concerns.

CAN I DRINK THE WATER? WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW SPANISH?
No, you can't drink the water, but the Ascend expedition will take care of your meals and beverages throughout the expedition. If you do venture out to dine apart from the group in Riobamba or Cuenca, Ascend Staff will recommend reputable restaurants for your selection. Our experienced expedition staff will take steps to ensure your health and safety during the trip.

Spanish fluency is not a requirement. Sure, it would be helpful, but we'll have an expedition leader, guides, in country staff and Spanish-speaking participants on call 24/7 to interpret. Attempting to bridge the language barrier will be one of the most exciting parts of your expedition!

WHERE ARE WE STAYING?
Hotels with disability access are still pending confirmation and we are always willing to consider participant's personal needs when finalizing accommodations. If you would like to make other stay arrangements we are willing to work with you to secure those.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$1499 USD + Airfare + Any Desired Cultural Tour (See Below)

Price Breakdown:

Donate/Support: Our expeditions have a base price of $599.00 USD.  This amount includes contributions to the projects you'll work on, our domestic and foreign operations, and the Youth Development Network (Interns!). Without your participation non of this would be possible!

Work/Play: This expedition has a $956 USD Itinerary Package Price (required).  This portion covers on-the-ground costs during the expedition: Lodging, Food, Domestic Travel, Meals, Mini-Excursions, Taxis, Events, Etc.  This price varies based on the expedition.  

Explore/Learn: Expedition Participants have the option to add a Cultural Tour Package.  These are all-inclusive.  For this expedition, we have two initial options:  Galapagos Island Tours and Cruises $250.00-$499.00 USD, Tours of Colonial Cuenca or Riobamaba $105.00 USD. These prices are approximate. Please contact Caleb for exact rates and further details: 801.478.0059 or caleb@ascendalliance.org.

WHAT ABOUT BOOKING AIRFARE?
Bottom line: Ascend will book it for you at no additional cost. Please contact Caleb Braley at HQ, 801.478.0059.

This week 6.11.10, tickets from Salt Lake City to Quito, Ecuador are going for about $1000.00 USD. We highly suggest that participants book through us, as soon as possible in order to obtain optimal flights and prices. The dates of travel are October 9-17. Actual travel dates may vary pending tour arrangements.

CAN I TRAVEL AFTERWARDS?
Yes, please! We have three tour options pre-arranged for you. And I'm sure you've heard of the famed Galapagos Islands! These packages are all inclusive and the amount is added onto your expedition package price. The prices and descriptions are included here; for more detailed information about the itineraries, please call Caleb at Ascend HQ: 801.478.0059 or caleb@ascendalliance.org.

DO I NEED A VISA? HOW DO I GET IT?
No, you don't need one. You can stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days on a free tourist visa that you'll obtain at the airport upon arrival.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE?
*We will accept late applications. Contact Caleb Braley at 801.478.0059 or caleb@ascendalliance.org.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please call Caleb Braley at Ascend HQ with any questions: 801.478.0059 or caleb@ascendalliance.org.

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