A week kitesurfing in uninterrupted wind on the Pacific coast, followed by a week exploring the highlights of Ecuador

Overview
Kiting uninterrupted

The Ecuadorian resort of Santa Marianita, just to the south of Manta, is a little known and yet undiscovered gem of undisturbed beaches for miles. Couple this with near guaranteed uninterrupted wind from the Pacific ocean, it makes for a perfect location for the kitesurfer – beginner or experienced.

The team will be basing ourselves at the Villa Kite Resort, an exclusive 16 room hotel with bar, restaurant, swimming pool and a 30 second walk to the beach! With a maximum ratio of 3 learners to each instructor, (2:1 for beginners), and a full range of equipment at your disposal, you can take full advantage of the excellent conditions.

With an early morning crossfit session on the beach every day, and options to paddleboard and surf on the rare days when the wind may not be 100%, there will never be a dull moment!

Downwind day

For those who have mastered the skill (which will hopefully be all of you), we are aiming for a unique “downwind day” – a 20 km journey accompanied by a support boat along the Ecuadorian coastline!

Exploring Ecuador

Moving on from the coast, we will also be visiting some of the highlights of this marvelous country on our second week. Sundays in Quito see the closure of most of the main roads, giving you the chance to take part in the “ciclopaseo” a bike ride across the city without the madness of the traffic. An adventure in the cloud forests of Santa Lucia and a visit to the indigenous community of Otavalo.

Cotopaxi Volcano Summit

For those of you who haven’t had enough by then (!), there is the option to extend and include an attempt to summit the snow capped volcano Cotopaxi. At 5,800m it really will take your breath away!

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Itinerary


Time Location Activities
Day 1 Quito, Ecuador Fly to Quito, overnight in a hotel close to the airport
Day 2 Manta, Manabi Short flight to Manta on the coast, followed by a 20 minute drive to the Villa Kite Resort in Santa Marianita. First kite session.
Days 3-7 Santa Marianita Daily kitesurfing, building up to the 20km downwind adventure. Possible rest day to visit the Isla de la Plata marine reserve.
Day 8 Manta-Quito Final morning of kitesurfing, afternoon flight to Quito. Transfer to hotel in the colonial old town.
Day 9 Quito Full day to explore Quito, on foot or bicycle.
Days 10-11 Santa Lucia cloud forest Drive out to the tropical cloud forest for an active adventure in the jungle.
Day 12 Santa Lucia-Otavalo Depart the cloud forest and drive across the equator until we reach the market town of Otavalo.
Day 13 Otavalo A full day to explore the market town of Otavalo, one of the largest artesanal markets on the continent.
Day 14 Fly home/Cuicocha trek Transfer to Quito airport for those flying home. Acclimatisation trek around the Cuicocha crater for those staying on.
Day 15 Pichincha Further acclimatisation trek to 4,700m on Ruca Pichincha. Return to Quito.
Day 16 Quito Rest day in Quito, preparing for our climb
Day 17 Cotopaxi Drive out to Cotopaxi National park. Trek 1 hour to the base of the glacier and practise skills on the ice. Sleep in the mountain refuge.
Day 18 Cotopaxi summit Summit attempt of Cotopaxi. Return to base camp and transfer to a lodge in the Cotopaxi national park
Day 19 Cotopaxi national park Day to explore the park on horseback (or possible reserve summit day in case of bad weather)
Day 20 Quito Transfer to Quito airport for flight home.
Dates and Costs

 

Team Name Start date End Date Quest Overseas Payment Quest4Change Contribution
Ecuador Kitesurfing Adventure 2019 12th October 2019 26th October 2017 £2,450 N/A
Ecuador Kitesurfing Adventure 2017 (inc. Cotopaxi climb) 12th October 2019 1st November 2017 £3,050 N/A

 

Costs include all activities, accommodation, transport in Ecuador (including internal flights) and meals while on the beach.

Not included are international flights, insurance and meals while in cities.

Who is this trip for?

This adventure is open to all levels of kitesurfing, from beginner to advanced