Physical Requirements
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Moderate
Group Size
- This adventure has a maximum group size of 16 travelers with two local Trip Experience Leaders exclusive to O.A.T.
Pacing
- 5 locations in 16 days, with 7 nights aboard a Galápagos small ship.
- Some international flights arrive or depart from Ecuador around midnight, and internal flights are scheduled very early
Physical Requirements
- Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
- You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted in hot, humid weather and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day
- We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience
- You may encounter animals on this trip. We make every effort to keep these encounters safe, however animals may behave unpredictably or dangerously at times. Please use caution when interacting with animals on this trip: Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and respect the animals
Altitude
- 4 full days at altitudes of 9,000-10,000 feet
Climate
- Daytime temperatures range from 60-90°F
- The Amazon Basin has an extreme tropical climate with humidity in the 90% range and frequent rain year-round
- Quito has a mountain climate with a large drop in day to night temperature
Terrain & Transportation
- Hike on uneven, rocky trails that can be slippery; make wet landings; go on several snorkeling excursions; and you may encounter rough seas while cruising (especially July-October)
- Agility and balance are required for embarking small motor dinghies and walking in the Amazon rain forest
- We recommend bringing a walking stick for hiking over surface roots and on muddy, steep terrain
- Travel by 20-passenger minibus, canoe, 16-passenger small ship, and motorized dinghies
- Drives lasting 4-6 hours and 4 internal flights of 1-4 hours each on the main trip
Flight Information
- Travel time will be 4-11 hours and will most likely have two connections
Accommodations & Facilities
- Hotel rooms are smaller than in the U.S. and offer simple amenities
- Small ship cabins are comfortable but small compared to large cruise ships
- All accommodations feature private baths
- Lodges in the Amazon do not have air conditioning, only fans