Open Doors

Cycle Off the Beaten Path!

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Trip Agenda

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CYCLE ECUADOR 2008 – OPEN DOORS

Trip Agenda:
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito

Day 2 – Old Quito Colonial Tour
· Explore beautiful buildings of the Quito “old town.”

Day 3 – Ascend by jeep to the high pass "Paso de la Virgen" at 4200 meters (13300 ft). From our start point, high in the Andes we begin our decent to the rainforest.
We trek to San Rafael Falls is the highest waterfall in Ecuador

Day 4 - Cycling in the morning
· Spend time enjoying the beautiful Papallacta Hot Springs, soothing in the natural thermal pools.

Day 5 – Visit the Mitad Del Mundo (the Middle of the Earth) where we “Straddle the Equator”
· Time to learn about Artifacts as well as the Equatorial line.

Day 6- Experience beautiful drive to Otavalo, the famous South America market in the Andes for its Indian market. Pass numerous Rose farms along the way as well as the beautiful Andes.
· Cycle journey around Lake San Pablo

Day 7 – Cycle to Ibarra
· This is the beautiful provincial capital with colonial atmosphere.
· Visit wood crave market in San Antonio.

Day 8 -Final Breakfast provided with group at the hotel.
· Say goodbye to the friends you have met and your guide.

" I want to thank you for such a fantastic tour. It was one of the best

experiences in travel that I have ever had. And what a fantastic group

as well! So much fun. I didn't want it to end"

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Combine Culture & Cycling!

Push the Limits! & Have Fun!

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"It was without a doubt one of the most enjoyable weeks of traveling I’ve had! The scenery was breathtaking and you definitely felt a lot more connected with the country and the culture being out on a bike, visiting the markets and riding through the small towns. Our guides were very informative and professional and I always felt safe and comfortable"

Cycle from the Ecuador Tundra to the Rainforest in one day!

"Straddle the Equator" " Fun - "Expect the Unexpected"

Full Van Support - Luggage, Bikes and Travellers

Benefits of Combining Travel and Cycling

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•Year round training goal
•Sense of accomplishment on your vacation
•THE BEST WAY TO SEE A NEW PLACE!
•You are closer to: natural environment, animals, flora and fauna, people, food & smells
GET TO KNOW - QUITO ECUADOR:

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9000 feet. The city is literally surrounded by volcanoes -- some of these, like Mt. Pichincha, very much active. Quito is considered to be one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. The historic center of Quito, known as the "Old City" is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and open squares. The buildings that line the streets reflect Spanish colonial influence with their balconies, red-tile roofs, thick columns and central patios.

The importance of the colonial remnants found in the Old City prompted UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) to declare Quito a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1979. Old TownThe Old City of Quito lies over the ruins of the pre-Incan city of Kitu, principle city of the Shyris (12th Century).

Historic Quito is the oldest and best preserved colonial sector in South America. The famous Escuela de Arte de Quito flourished in the old city and is well known for its unique baroque style. This style is reflected in the rich and profuse decorations of the interiors of many of the Quito's churches. These European influences were combined with the inspiration of indigenous art to create a unique Quiteño style. For its artwork, Quito has been termed the "Florence of America."

About OPEN DOORS

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opendoorscycling@gmail.com

We strive to take people to places which they could not experience on their own. Traveling with Open Doors will provide you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture and reveal the true meaning of travel.

Cycling off the beaten path, is only possible with strong contacts in the destination country, and guides which take care of all the details! Our guides attitudes and love for life is contagious!

... while you book your trip based on the destination information and agenda, it is all the details which we can't and don't publish which will keep you talking about your trip when you return!
Open the Doors to new places and possibilities!

HOW DO I BOOK?

1) Contact Open Doors by sending an email to : opendoorscycling@gmail.com or call 905 580 4883 ( Canada )

2) Send in your deposit of $500.00 CAD to outside of 90 days till your trip departure:

Open Doors C/O Meredith Luksha
1270 Maple Crosssing Blvd. Unit 1904
Burlington, Ontario
L7S 2J3
Canada
*the balance is due 90days before your departure

3) After your deposit has been made, you will be sent a Trip Planner and all other important information and forms so that you can fully prepare for your trip

Traveller Pre- Departure Checklist for Open Doors:

Have you done all of this?

Sent in Waiver to Open Doors

Medical Insurance has been Purchased - copy to Open Doors

Passenger Information Form has been sent in to Open Doors complete with flight or pre trip hotel information

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:

Notice received more than 90days prior to your trip departure; you will receive 100% of your deposit. Notice of cancellation given between 60-90days before your trip departure you will receive 50% of your final payment. Notice received between 30-60days till your trip departure you will receive 25% of your final payment. Notice received between 0-30 days before your trip departure date, this is no refund.

Please Note: Open Doors reserves the right to cancel your trip departure at amy time, purchasing cancelation insurance on your flight and other arrangements is reccomended.

Colonial Quito

The Equator