This itinerary includes the famous Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, The Northern Highlands and the Avenue of Volcanoes. It commences on Monday, in order to tie-in with the timing of local markets and attractions.
- Quito: 2 nights
- Mindo Cloud Forest: 1 night
- Imbabura: 2 nights
- Cotopaxi: 1 night
- Riobamba: 1 night
- Cuenca: 2 nights
The itinerary is based around the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes, the backbone of Ecuador. Our tour will give a comprehensive insight into a country steeped in traditions and culture. Living in the shadows of the volcanoes – many of which are still active – are the indigenous people of the highlands, many still wearing traditional dress and communicating in the ancient language of the Incas.
Please note that these holidays run with a minimum of 6 people. Any clients wishing to extend their stay by a visit to The Galápagos or the Amazonian jungle may do so at a supplement.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrive at Quito International Airport where met by your guide. Transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz, in the colonial old part of the city twenty-five minutes from the airport, and check-in for overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Visit the colonial 'Old City' including Indendence Square, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, churches of La Compania and El Sagrario and the Monastery of San Francisco. Drive to the Mitad del Mundo where you will visit both the Equatorial Line Monument and the Inti-Nan Museum, where you will have the opportunity to partake in experiments relating to the equator. Lunch included. Drive to Mindo Cloud Forest and check-in to Septimo Paraiso for overnight stay on half board basis.
Day 3 (Wednesday) Opportunity of an early start bird watching to see the 'cock-of-the-rock's' noisy early morning ritual, followed by breakfast. Visit the surrounding cloud forest, famous for its diverse birdlife, and the local butterfly farm. Lunch (included) at Septimo Paraiso. Drive to the volcano and lake region of Imbabura. Check-in for two night stay at Hacienda Cusin on a half board basis.
Day 4 (Thursday) Visit the Cuicocha Lake (in a crater of the volcano Cotacachi), Cotacachi the village famous for its leather and the colourful Otavalo market. Lunch included. Overnight at Hacienda Cusin.
Day 5 (Friday) Visit Peguche one of the weaving villages in the area, also famous for producing Ecuadorian panpipes. Drive south towards the snow-capped volcano Cotopaxi. Opportunity to visit a rose farm (if open). Lunch included. Check-in to Hosteria La Cienega for overnight stay on half board basis.
Day 6 (Saturday) Drive to Cotopaxi National Park. Opportunity to walk to a refuge before the start of the glacier, or beside a local lake. Continue drive south to Riobamba stopping in Banos where spectacular views of the volcano Tungurahua. Lunch included. Check-in to Hosteria Abraspungo for overnight stay on half board basis.
Day 7 (Sunday) Early start for the Devil's Nose Railway. (Alternative excursion to Chimborazo will be added if train not running). In the afternoon continue drive south to Cuenca visiting Ingapirca, the most important Inca site in Ecuador en route. Lunch included. Check-in to Santa Lucia for a two night stay on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 8 (Monday) City tour of Cuenca, visiting the Cathedral, colonial buildings, cobbled streets, colourful markets and a local museum. Lunch included. Afternoon visit to the famous Homero Ortega Panama Hat factory for a guided tour and demonstration as to how these hats are made. Overnight at Santa Lucia.
Day 9 (Tuesday) Morning visit to Cajas National Park, famous for its many beautiful lakes and birdlife. Lunch not included. Depart Cuenca for late afternoon flight to Quito. Transfer to Patio Andaluz in Quito. Check-in to Patio Andaluz for overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis. Farewell dinner at local restaurant included.
Day 10 (Wednesday) Transfer to airport for international flight or to chosen extension.
Prices
Prices per person (based on 2 sharing twin / double)
2008 departure dates
|
Monday 3 March
single supplement |
£1,630
£187 |
|
Monday 3 November
single supplement |
£1,591
£187 |
| Price includes |
Not included |
|
Return economy airfares with British Airways/American Airlines between London Heathrow and Quito (via Miami).
Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
All transfers and travel by mini-bus throughout
Entrance fees to parks mentioned in the itinerary (unless specified otherwise)
Services of a guide throughout the duration of the tour |
Personal Travel Insurance
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Departure airport tax from Quito of US $40 per person
Supplements for other airlines and airports are available on request
Tips
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Galápagos Extensions Please note that a variety of Galápagos cruises, of different lengths on a variety of boats can be taken before or after this 9 night tour. Please contact us on 020 8758 4774 for further details and prices.
Jungle Extension – 3 nights
Quito airport transfers. Return flights from Quito to Coca. Transfer by motorised and dugout canoe to lodge. 3 nights at Napo Wildlife Centre including full board and jungle excursions. (Extra nights in Quito not included).
£547 per person (based on 2 sharing)
£93 Single supplement
