IntiJourneys
Q: Is there access to the internet and phones?
A: General internet access may be found at any of a number of very inexpensive
internet cafes in Quito and Otavalo. In Pimampiro there are five internet café's
with decent access. The town square now offers wi-fi for evening hours. The
local Mountains of Hope office has a dedicated broad-band line if needed.
There are several telephone booth cafes in Pimampiro where clear
international calls can be made at a nominal cost.
Q: Will I need a converter for electrical devices
A: Ecuador operates on 120-volt system, the same as in the United
States and Canada - the two-prong plug.
Q: Does Mountains of Hope have local staff?
A: Yes. We have active board members of our foundation, Montanas de
Esperanza, and collaborative partners in communities, schools and
affiliated organizations. The combination of local and international staff
helps to make Mountains of Hope so successful. Our Pimampiro staff
has practical understanding of cultural nuances and local customs based
on respect for the land and peoples.
Q: Are Visas or Passports necessary?
A: A current valid passport is required for entry into Ecuador. Travelers
from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a
visa to enter. Care needs to be taken to properly safeguard the passport.
A lost passport is a difficulty. A photocopy of the passport and a separate
set of wallet-sized photos are a good idea to have along.
Q: What are the political and safety situations like in Ecuador?
A: Ecuador is in a state of relative stability, especially the region we
are working in, which is peaceful, agrarian and community based. Recently
Ecuador was rated very favorably as a place to safely retire. Deluxe bus
transportation, an abundance of fresh food, an environmentally healthy
region, a well organized tour program, and people who care, all create a
supportive and user friendly experience.
Q: What is the health care like?
A: The quality of medical treatment is good in Pimampiro and in the
neighboring principle city of Ibarra. There is a community clinic in
Pimampiro staffed by three doctors, and two hospitals in Ibarra provide
quality care for any major medical issue. There are no special shots
required for travel to the Andes of Ecuador.
Q: Where does our money go?
A: Mountains of Hope has established excellent relationships with the
people of Pimampiro and surrounding communities due to our ongoing
presence and the sustainable vitality of our projects. Part of the total
cost for the IntiJourney covers community planning, research and
orientation, materials and communication, and valuable contributions to
partner organizations, communities and schools for project support;
in essence creating the infrastructure that enables you to make a meaningful difference.

Q: What if I have any other questions?
A: Feel free to e-mail us at intijourney@allmail.net, fill out the IntiJourneys Form
or call 610-9676292 in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Mountains of Hope work in Pimampiro, Ecuador?
 A: Mountains of Hope works in close partnership with local schools, social
agencies, the Pimampiro Municipality, community leaders and
compassionate individuals to develop and deliver beneficial programs. A
key aspect of how we work is to involve the local people in all phases of the
project to give them responsibility, training, empowerment and to assure
sustainable results. We strive to preserve local traditions, support cultural
expression and respect the environment.
Q: Does the community have a say in the projects?
A: Community-driven projects are key to sustainable development. We work
directly with communities to assess their needs, evaluate the communities'
proposals and organize the resources needed to complete the projects. The
community naturally contributes work in "mingas" or group effort. They
highly appreciate our support and interest in improving their lives.
Q: What is the town like where I will be living?
A: Pimampiro is a town of 4500 residents and is the county seat for
Pimampiro Canton, pop.14,500, which incorporates fourty four rural
communities. The area is a key agricultural region of Ecuador featuring
mostly small family farms. The varied elevation in the region, from 2500' to
11,000', enables farmers to grow a variety of crops, from "papayas to
potatoes". The town has cobblestone streets, full water and electric
services, parks, the central farmers market, soccer games, serious
volleyball, gorgeous views and peaceful evenings when folks mingle and
visit.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: "Eternal Spring"!! The climate is mild and pleasant. Although three hours
north of the equatorial line, we are in the mountains which means clean
crisp air rather than muggy, buggy and humid. Days are warm and sunny
with an average high temperature of 73°F. Nights are cooler with an average
low of 56°F with temperatures generally 5° cooler in the higher elevations.
The rainy season runs from November to March. The dry season runs from
April to October. During the rainy season short afternoon showers are
common and the rest of the day is pleasant.
Q: Are activities included in the program fee?
A: All sponsored activities in Ecuador are included in tour fees. Costs for
day-trips, special cultural activities, transportation, lodging and three meals
a day are fully covered. You are responsible for out-of pocket expenses such
as buying gifts, snacks, phone calls, internet access and personal items.
The costs for these extra items vary for each individual and could range from
$30 - $100 per week. In addition to daily spending money, bring $100 as
back up and for incidental expenses.
Q: What happens at the airport?
A: Passage through customs is quite efficient and easy-going. Round-trip
transportation to the hotel in Quito is arranged and ready. Note: to leave
Ecuador there is an airport exit tax of around $42 paid in cash after check-in.
Q: How should I bring my money?
A: The currency in Ecuador is US dollars. It is advisable to have some cash
on-hand in bills no larger than $20. If available, a credit card is a good idea
for back-up. Money can be withdrawn in US dollars from ATM's and you
should advise your lending source that funds will be withdrawn in a foreign
country or they may block the transaction for security reasons. There is no
ATM in Pimampiro yet, but we will have access to ATM's in Quito, Ibarra and
Otavalo.
Q: What type of clothes should I bring?
A: We recommend thinking "layers" for Spring-like weather and wearing long
pants. Most of the community projects and cultural activities involve hands-on
work and we recommend bringing suitable clothes. A wide brimmed hat or at
least a practical hat is a good idea because the Andean sun is so direct.
Supportive shoes, light parka, long-sleeved T's and cotton shirts, water bottle,
sunblock, and day-pack are all helpful.
Q: What is the food like during our IntiJourney?
A: Delicious! You can expect substantial and traditionally prepared meals.
Pimampiro is known for its excellent soups, chicken, corn, potatoes, quinoa
and vegetables. Mountains of Hope arranges for our sponsored family organic
farm to supply clean, fresh fruits and vegetables. Quality catering for the group
is arranged for most meals. Please advise of any special dietary needs.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: The tap water is relatively safe to drink on most program sites due to the
source of fresh mountain springs. Nevertheless, bottled water is readily
available at local restaurants, corner stores, gas stations, etc. We supply and
replenish a five-gallon cooler of bottled pure water at the motel for the group.
Let's co-create a personalized and fulfilling experience.