AAVE Trip BLOG » EG#1 - Camper Impressions
July 8, 2009
EG#1 - Camper Impressions
Posted by AAVE Leader in : Ecuador & Galapagos, General AAVE Trip BLOG , trackback
Things have been going really well and we have just finished the first section of our trip in the Mountains! We are now in the town of Banos de Agua Santa on the Eastern slope of the Andes half way between the highlands above and the Amazon basin below. Technically a “low-land cloud forest” the climate here is much warmer and more humid as we are now entering the tropical part of our journey. Our first week was full of fun visiting Quito, mountain biking on Volcano Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in Ecuador, hiking to the magnificent crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa, and helping install a water cistern for the incredibly hospitable Quichua speaking community of Santa Anita near the tallest peak in the country, Volcano Chimborazo. Tomorrow morning we will begin the second chapter of our trip with two days of river rafting in the headwaters of the largest river on earth followed by a stay at a beautiful eco-lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest complete with waterfall hikes, nature walks, rare animal sightings, and an introduction to the life of the indigenous people of Ecuador’s Amazon.
All the campers are having a great time and it is wonderful to see so many new friendships spouting up within the group. But don’t take it from me. Here are some highlights in their own words 
The trip has been amazing so far! Every day is packed full of adventure and excitement. There is so much to look at and to do, wherever we go. The air is much easier to breathe now that we have descended from the Andes. I can’t wait for the Galapagos! -Dylan
Ecuador is a beautiful country and I am so happy that I am here. Biking down valcanoes and going under magnificent waterfalls has made this an amazing experience. This has truly been an epic adventure! -Max Kepes
Ecuador is an amazing county and i am ecstatic to be hear. The highlights including mountain biking, hiking, and sight seeing. The trip thus far has been incredible and a great experience. Can’t wait for the galapagos islands. -George
Ecuador has been an amazing experience so far and I have really enjoyed my time here. The beautiful nature of the country has been epic. Representin’ Chappaqua. -Erik Cooney
This trip has been amazing so far. Everyday we do lots of exciting new things such as mountain biking, hiking to a waterfall, and touring the cities. Everyone can’t wait for the Galapagos! -Phoebe Deards
This trip is going great, tommorow we go whitewater rafting. -Matt Carrigan
This trip has been so much fun and has been filled with many new and exciting experiences. We spent our first day working with street children, which was my highlight of the trip so far. I had so much fun teaching them how to use a camera and learning some new Spanish phrases. Our group has also mountain biked down the tallest, active volcano in Ecuador, and hiked up and down Laguna Quilotoa. I can’t wait to visit the Galapagos! -Amanda
The entire experience has been incredible as we are in a beautiful country with many activities. -Jason
The trip has been a blast. I have done so many things that I would never thought I would be able to do. The group and counselors are so nice. Everyone has a positive attitude and I think that is a reflection of what we have been doing and how AAVE runs their trips. I have gained alot of confidence as well. I can’t wait for the rest of the trip and the Galapagos! - Zach Pleeter
There you have it! Ecuador is spectacular! All the kids have been so enthusiastic and willing to participate and try new things. I am truly proud of their energy and the leadership they have been showing. The trip is going by way too quickly!! We begin our rafting adventure tomorrow and we can’t wait!!
- Katie and Andy
EG#1 Trip Leaders
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