Leucan HUMA Challenge (Adventure in Ecuador)
From September 25 to October 9, 2010
FAQ
How can I register for the Leucan HUMA Challenge?
Complete the registration form and return it to the HUMA Challenge office making sure to include your non-refundable deposit ($300). Please note that this payment does not cover the travel expenses: it simply confirms your wish to raise the minimum donations. Download the registration form from the Leucan HUMA Challenge website.
Who will take care of me?
If you have any questions regarding the trip before leaving, contact HUMA Challenge. For questions on Leucan and your fundraising challenge, contact Suzie Mailloux of Leucan.
While in Ecuador, local guides and a representative from Leucan will take care of you.
How many people will be in the group?
Leucan would like to form a group of 10 to 25 people maximum.
When do I have to pay my travel expenses and hand over the donations to Leucan?
$6,690* may seem to be a large amount to raise, but you’ll see that it is easier than you think. Do not hesitate to start raising the donations when you register and to communicate with Leucan’s representative. The important deadlines are:
|
May 15, 2010 |
$500 per person – travel expenses deposit |
|
June 15, 2010 |
$500 minimum in donation for Leucan |
|
July 15, 2010 |
$3,190 per person – travel expenses balance |
|
August 15, 2010 |
$500 minimum in donation for Leucan |
*The trip costs can differ according to the number of participant (20 to 25 persons: $3,390; 15 to 19 persons: $3,490; 10 to 14 persons: $3,690; 6 to 9 persons: $4,090). Reduction applies at the final payment in July.
How can I raise the amounts needed?
You will have two amounts to supply to Leucan: the travel expenses and the donations. For the travel expenses, you can pay personally the amount or get sponsored by companies in your area. However, it is important to specify clearly to your sponsors that the money is for your travel expenses and not for Leucan. They won’t be able to have a tax receipt. For the donations, you can use the following methods: personal donations, donations collected from family and friends, and fundraising activities. After your registration, in your participant kit, you will receive a document with plenty of fundraising activities suggestions which will help you to vary your collect. You can be sure to have great and fun memories for a long time!
You can also use the online donation page on the Leucan HUMA challenge web site. You can invite your donors to make an online donation (payment by credit card: Visa or MasterCard). You only need to let them know that they must write your name in the “I support the campaign of” box.
The check must be payable to whom?
Payable to Leucan (except the non refundable deposit of $300 that you must send to HUMA Challenge with your registration form).
Can donors expect tax receipts for donations below $20?
Yes, but only upon request.
Can I place a donation box at my office? Can donors who place money into the box receive tax receipts?
Leucan can provide you with donation boxes, as long as the boxes are placed in a secure and supervised area. You must supply Leucan with a list of all the areas where you have left a box (with the complete address). Donors who drop money into the box will not be issued tax receipts.
What about insurance and the healthcare system in Ecuador?
Prior to leaving, all participants must purchase travel insurance covering all-risks coverage: trip cancellation or interruption insurance, hospital and emergency care for Canadians. In Ecuador, each emergency vehicle will have on board a medical kit and local guides with first aid qualifications. For more serious situations, World Expeditions’ policy consists in accompanying the injured person to the nearest medical centre or hospital. If the injury is severe, insurances will pay for repatriation by helicopter.
Is water drinkable in Ecuador?
Drinking tap water is not recommended; you'll have to buy bottled water. We recommend that you bring a bottle with you since it is essential to drink a minimum of two litters of water per day to avoid dehydration. We also recommend bringing pastilles or drops to purify water. We will supply water during the trek, rafting and cycling days.
What kind of equipment is required? May I bring my own bicycle?
All participants must bring a backpack/travelling bag (about 60-70 litters) as well as a daypack (min. 35 litters). You will also need a sleeping bag for temperature as low as 0 ºC and a matt (“thermarest” type). Hiking boots are essentials but it’s your choice to bring walking sticks, bike shorts or gloves.
Participants are not allowed to bring their own bicycles. Bicycles used for this trip are 21-speed mountain bikes with a stainless steel frame, equipped with a bottle support (maximum capacity of 1litre). Helmets will be supplied to everyone.
Will I have to carry my luggage?
A bus will carry everyone’s luggage. Participants may bring a daypack for useful daily items (camera, sunscreen, etc.). During the trek, mules will transport the luggage.
What will the accommodation be in Ecuador?
You will have 10 nights in hotel, hacienda and lodge as well as three nights in camping. A hacienda is a charming ancestral farm transformed into a shelter. Accommodation will be as such:
| Day 1 | Quito = hotel |
| Day 2 | Quito = hotel |
| Day 3 | Cotopaxi = hacienda |
| Day 4 | Riobamba = hotel |
| Day 5 | Releche = hacienda |
| Day 6 | trek = camping |
| Day 7 | trek = camping |
| Day 8 | Banos = hotel |
| Day 9 | Puyo = camping |
| Day 10 | Misahualli (native) = lodge |
| Day 11 | Misahualli (native) = lodge |
| Day 12 | Quito = hotel |
| Day 13 | Quito = hotel |
| Day 14 | plane in the evening |
Can I have the acute mountain sickness?
The itinerary has been prepared to minimize the effect of heights. You start to acclimatise when you arrive in Quito (at 2850m) and continue during the entire trip. Also, we will not spend plenty of time in height and will sleep in lower altitudes. However, it is possible that you encounter some ill-being effects. Your guide is formed to recognise the symptoms which are: headache, nausea and, in more severe situations, loss of coordination as well as shortness of breath at rest. Headaches and shortness of breath are frequent in heights but combined with the severe symptoms, you will have to descend.
What will the weather be like in Ecuador?
The climate of Ecuador varies according to the altitude. The coastal plains and the Amazon are warm and humid. The temperature in the lowlands is around 30°C. In the Andes, plateaus have a continuous spring climate and a temperature oscillating around 15-20°C in daytime and 6-9 °C at night. The temperature tends to drop in higher altitude; the snow covers the peaks at more than 4 880m.
Is the travel insurance compulsory?
Yes, HUMA Challenge/World Expeditions will take care of your travel insurance with your first deposit to Leucan (May 15, 2010), even if you have personal coverage. This insurance policy will cover the participant and the funds raised for Leucan in case of cancellation, sickness, injury, delayed flights or lost luggage.