Escape to Exotic Ecuador

Things you'll see

Day 1.   QUITO

Arrival into Quito. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture.  Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2.   QUITO

Today you will head north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America's most famous Indian fair. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life.  Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. (B,L)

Day 3 – Day 6.     AMAZON JUNGLE

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Coca, located deep in the Amazon Basin.
Napo Wildlife Center NWC Lodge - The Napo Wildlife Center, NWC Amazon Lodge, is the greatest and ultimate alternative luxury ecohotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately over 82 square miles (53,500 acres - over 21,400 hectares) of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. NWC Lodge is located by the Anangucocha Lake, into the unique ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua Community. (B,L,D daily)
Sample 4 day / 3 night Itinerary at the Napo Wildlife Center

Day 6.   QUITO

Today you will return to Coca in time for your flight back to Quito.  Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and will go to visit the Equatorial Monument in the North of Quito.  This monument marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere.  Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador's native groups. Following this you will be taken to your hotel in Quito. (B)

Day 7.   PATATE

Today you will begin a four-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture. This is a journey along the history, the spirituality, the flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the Andean Region.
After a short visit to a traditional hat making shop you will drive along valleys and mountains and arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Visit the Cotopaxi National Park before taking lunch in a charming hacienda with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries.  After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, before you descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda hidden among the mountains. (B,L,D)

Day 8.   RIOBAMBA

Take a spectacular drive through the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano.  Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil's Cauldron) –where you will descend to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids.  After lunch enjoy a short stroll through Baños.  From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountains, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high plains where vicuñas graze and scamper.  On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer's true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging.(B,L,D)

Day 9.   CUENCA

Depart by road, skirting the flanks of the Andes, an astonishing ride, twisting and turning, along bridging ravines and river gorges.  After about 2 hours arrive at the small town of Alausí. The highlight here is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the famous Devils Nose railway which zigzags along cuttings on the rock of the mountainside.  Continue by road to the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca. Lunch in the area.  Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations. (B,L,D)

Day 10.   QUITO

Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air.  Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special.  Enjoy a tour of the city followed by  lunch at one of the best restaurants in Cuenca. In the afternoon, drive for a short visit to a ceramics handcraft shop.  Then, observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw.  You will then be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 11.   DEPART

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home. (B)

What's Included?

• Accommodation and meals as described on the itinerary
  4 night at the Dann Carlton First Class Hotel in Quito
  3 nights at the Napo Wild Life Centre Jungle Lodge
  3 night in Haciendas throughout the Ecuadorian countryside
• 11 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) & 6 dinners (D)
• Transfers and excursions on shared services with local English speaking guides
• Entrance fees (except to Cotopaxi national park USD 10 pp)
• Train tickets are included in the rate. Price of train tickets are subject to change without prior notice. Please bear in mind that the train operation is handled directly by the Ecuadorian Railway Company, the operation and schedules are subject to change without notice.
• Rates valid 2012, subject to change

Important Notes:

• Departs Tuesdays & Saturdays (based on train schedule)
• Price based on minimum number of 2 passengers travelling.
• Single price available on request.
• DISCOUNTS APPLY FOR GROUPS OF 3+ PEOPLE
• Hotel upgrades Available
• Flight Cuenca to Quito is not included:  This is an additional USD $ 85 pp
• Flight Quito / Coca / Quito is not included.  This is an additional USD $ 125 pp
• Price of plane tickets are subject to change without prior notice.
• Cotopaxi entrance fee is not included: USD $10 per person
• This itinerary can be tailored or extended to suit your individual requirements.
• Rates valid 2012, subject to change
• The information regarding itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change and /or cancellation, due to weather / political and / or country instabilities and general safety / road conditions  etc. Any such changes and/or cancellations which are in our control will be decided by the crew and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible.
• COMBINE THIS TRIP WITH A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
  We offer a range of Galapagos Island Cruise and Land based packages. Contact us for more information.

Booking

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