Discover Age-Old Rituals on a New Ecuadorian Tour

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - April 7, 2015 - PRLog -- Even with countless innovations in the healthcare industry over the last century, many developing countries still use traditional medical practices for prevention and treatment. In Ecuador, many traditional healing methods originated from civilizations deep in the rainforest and, today, are still often the preferred method of treatment; indigenous people and community yachacs (medicine men) promote unique healing rituals that restore and maintain health. Myths and Mountains’ new Ecuador: Natural Healing at the Equator (http://mythsandmountains.com/component/trips/explore/MM-ECU-Natural/148) itinerary will show you what locals feel conventional rituals provide that modern therapies cannot.

A small country with big appeal, Ecuador has it all: easy-going people, diverse indigenous cultures, lively markets, lovely colonial cities, towering Andean volcanoes and unspoiled rainforests. Begin your journey at the Quitsato Sundial to find out about recent astro-archaeological discoveries at the Equator. Visit the Condor Huasi Project to see these large endangered birds up close and learn about local efforts to conserve and reintroduce them back into the wild. Then watch how to prepare a delicate Andean dish before testing your own skills and enjoying the fruits of your labor. Participate in a healing ritual in Iluman, famous for having a significant number of “medicine men”. During the ritual, you may have your palms read, sit and sip a homemade concoction or even have a hamster rubbed on your head!

Continue on to Cotopaxi National Park to hike around Limpiopungo Lake, which sits at nearly 12,500 feet, then take a short but challenging climb to nearly 16,000 feet for a high altitude hike to the shelter climbers use before summiting the volcano. Enjoy the thrilling “Nariz del Diablo” (the Devil’s Nose) train ride, said to be the most difficult railway journey in the world. Hike through the tropical rainforest toward the Mantle of the Bride waterfall near Tungurahua Volcano, while expert guides identify local flora and fauna along the way.

Enjoy exploring the Amazon Basin, searching for colorful parrots and macaws while learning about how the Achuar ethnic group has adapted in this remote environment. Canoe to investigate more wildlife at the nearby lake then test your skills hitting a target with a blow dart gun. Take an evening safari walk and boat ride to see and hear creatures of the night. Try fishing for piranhas or get up early to go bird watching. Before leaving this beautiful area, you will visit with the Achuar tribe and drink a “Guayusa” beverage, a type of tea made from dried leaves known for its stimulating effect.

Throughout your tour, you will stay in quintessential haciendas, interact with local communities, learn about rituals and customs, witness wonderful skills in making handcrafts and tasty dishes, wander through indigenous markets and much more.

For more information on this Ecuador Natural Healing (http://mythsandmountains.com/component/trips/explore/MM-E...) tour and other Myths and Mountains tours, check out the itineraries at www.mythsandmountains.com or contact the home office at travel@mythsandmountains.com or 1-800-670-MYTH.

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About Myths and Mountains

Founded in 1988 by veteran adventurer Toni Neubauer, Myths and Mountains fosters intimate cross-cultural experiences. The company’s tours are designed to take travelers to the very heart of the places they are visiting. These efforts have established a solid place for Myths and Mountains in the adventure travel industry; the company was chosen as one of National Geographic Adventure’s Best Adventure Travel Companies in 2009 and won Travel + Leisure’s 2010 Global Vision Award. They were also named as Trusted Travel Experts on the 2015 Wendy Perrin WOW List; Allie Almario is the WOW expert for Ecuador and the Galapagos, while Dr. Neubauer is the WOW expert for Bhutan and Nepal. Dr. Neubauer has also been chosen as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler four times.