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This tour offers you the very best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, it shows you that even though it is one of the smallest South American countries it is by far one of the most beautiful and diverse in the world.
Travel from the lively colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca, to the rich foliage of the deep rainforest and the many animals that live there. Along the way enjoy the spectacular views of the amazing volcanoes in Ecuador, like Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world and the breathtaking lagoons at El Angel Park and Quilotoa. Interact with the marvellously diverse wildlife of the beautiful Galapagos Islands and straddle the hemispheres with your feet on either side of the Equator line at Mitad del Mundo!
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Ecuador's Capital Quito - City tour
Arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, which lies at 2.800m above sea level. We pick you up from the airport and take you to the first class hotel Dann Carlton in the modern centre of the city. After a short break you get to explore this big city and learn something about its turbulent history. You will get to experience the new section of the city in the north with its many parks and tall modern buildings, the Avenida Amazonas, the Plazas Santo Domingo, Independencia and San Francisco which are in the colonial section in the south of the city. Due to its many historical architectural monuments, UNESCO declared the old part of town a world heritage site in 1978. From the Panecillo hill in the south of the old part of town, where the high monument of the Virgen of Quito stands at 43m tall, you have an impressive view over the red clay tile roofs of the old part of town, the skyline of Quito in the north, as well as the surrounding Andean cordilleras range with its outstanding snow-covered mountain giants. While enjoying a cocktail in the hotel bar in the evening, we will go over the plans for the journey.
Day 02: Equator monument and Pululahua Crater
Today our tour takes us North of Quito to a place called Mitad del Mundo. Here the 30m tall equator monument will tell us of the French-Spanish geodetic expedition of 1736-1744, which determined the position of the equator under the direction of Charles de la Condamine. Here you can stand with one leg in the northern and with the other leg in the southern hemisphere of the earth and then visit the ethnographical museum inside of the monument. Furthermore you visit the Museo de Sol, where you will learn about the culture of the country and its history dating back to the Incas. You are then driven to the nearby-protected area Geobotanic Reserve of Pululahua, located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the endemic plant world and the abundant hummingbirds and butterflies. In the evening we return to Quito. B/L/-
Day 03: Indigenous market in Otavalo
Today we take a trip to the Indigenous market of Otavalo, which is famous for its collection of richly coloured textiles. After exploring the vibrant market area for arts and crafts and all kinds of souvenirs we eat in a typical restaurant in Otavalo at midday. Additionally we make a short stop at a beautiful lake, which is the homeland of the Otavaleños. We visit the Cuicocha Lake, which is in an extinct volcano that rises high above the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork. We will stay overnight at the Hosteria Chorlavi, where we will also have dinner. B/L/D
Day 04: El Angel Nature Reserve
The trip continues north on the Pan-American highway passing through the Chota valley . You will see a fascinating mixture of tropical fruit plantations and wild terrain during the journey and before arriving at El Angel Nature Reserve. This lagoon-abundant high mountain landscape is the homeland of the metre-high endemic plant Frailejones Gigantes. The plant, which covers large surfaces of the area, means "the Giant Monk". After visiting this wonderful landscape we return to the Hosteria Chorlavi in the afternoon. B/L/D
Day 05: Chorlavi - Papallacta hot springs
A visit to the lagoons of Mojanda at approximately 3.500m. Here there are three crystal-clear lagoons (Mojanda Grande, Negra and Chiquita) situated in the crater of the extinct volcano Mojanda. From here we drive south via the village of Cayambe and later on to Papallacta. This village is located at 3.700m in the midst of an evergreen Páramo landscape. The area is renowned for its natural hot springs. Relax in the scenic pools and see if you can spot the ice-capped volcano Antisana (5.758m). We will stay overnight at the SPA Resort Termas de Papallacta. B/L/D
Day 06: Cotopaxi National Park - Albergue Cuello de Luna
Heading south along the "Volcano Avenue" will bring us to Cotopaxi National Park. We will make a stop at the centre Campamento Mariscal Sucre to visit the natural history museum. After that we drive to the lagoon Limpiopungo. Here we have a spectacular view of the gigantic volcanic cone shape of Cotopaxi. In the afternoon we cross the Pan-American highway to the nearby Albergue Cuello de Luna, which is located at 3.300 m at the foot of the Cotopaxi. The rooms of this small farm are colourful and cosy with fireplaces. Here we will enjoy a typical dinner and stay overnight. B/L/D
Day 07: Crater lake Quilotoa - Albergue Cuello de Luna
Today you will travel into the area of Chugchilán; a 6-hour round trip, which is geographically the most impressive location in Ecuador. First you will drive south to Zumbuahua, a small colourful village inhabited by 70 native families. The crater lagoon of Quilotoa is only about 10 km away. This lake is one of the most beautiful volcanic chilled water lakes of the Ecuadorian Andes. From the crater edge one can see different snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. After a short walk, you return to Chugchilán then Sigchos and then to the Alberge. On this Tour we will have the oportunity to observe original villages and the wonderful landscape, as well as the large variety of native plants and birds residing in the area. Overnight accommodation in the Albergue Cuello de Luna. B/L/D
Day 08: Pasochoa - Albergue Cuello de Luna
A tour into the protected Pasochoa Reserve about 50km south of Quito leads us into the Ecuadorian timber forest. The park enterance is at approx. 2.700m. Here you can observe the giant bromeliads, the rare orchids and ascend to a height of 3.500m. Reaching the peak of Pasochoa we are at a height of 4.200m. More than 120 species of birds live here. This is the perfect opportunity to observe hummingbirds and the rare Condor. In the evening you return to the Alberge for dinner and overnight. B/L/D
Day 09: Albergue Cuello de Luna - Jungle Eco lodge Las Cascadas
Drive from the Albergue south via Latacunga,Ambato and passing the small Indian village of Salazaca. The Salazaca Indians live off the land using traditional agricultural methods and making hand-made woven articles. After a tour through the small village you continue your journey to Baños. Past the dam Agoyan it follows a dusty road through the valley of the Rio Pastaza past many waterfalls. After a visit to the zoological Park Fatima in Puyo,we will drive east approximately 40 kilometres to the Las Cascadas Lodge. Overnight accommodation and dinner in the lodge. B/L/D
Day 10: Las Cascadas Jungle exploration
You begin the day with a good breakfast which includes alot of the local fruit. After that you will start your adventure to the charming waterfalls of Las Cascadas accompanied by a native guide and naturalist tour leader. On your way you will get the chance to learn about the regional flora and fauna hopefully seeing some hummingbirds, parrots, armadillos and monkeys along the way. Back from the trip into the jungle you can relax in a hammock on the veranda of the lodge and enjoy a tropical cocktail. We end the day around a campfire!. B/L/D
Day 11: Las Cascadas Jungle exploration
Today there is the opportunity to explore the tropical rainforest at your leisure. With giant buttressed trees, lianas, bromeliads and helicons and beautiful rare orchids. This is an area that attracts a lot of birds and butterflies. Around the lodge you are able to see birds, hummingbirds, pepper birds and even the odd curious monkey! Back at the lodge there will be a traditional Ecuadorian barbecue. In the late evening there is a walk in the rain forest around the lodge to observe the nocturnal inhabitants of the jungle. B/L/D
Day 12: Las Cascadas Jungle Lodge - Baños
Before we leave the jungle, we tate a tour to an orchid farm just outside Puyo. Here you can see over 400 different orchid species and many other exotic rain forest plants like bromeliads, helicons and anturiums. After lunch in Puyo we continue our drive to the village of Rio Verde, named after the river that runs through it. Here we will visit the well-known waterfall 'Pailon de Diablo'. In the afternoon we will arrive in the charming town of Baños at the foot of Volcano Tungurahua, which is still active and the source of the hot springs for which Baños is famous. Overnight accommodation in the Hosteria Monte Selva. B/L/-
Day 13: Relaxing day in Baños - Hosteria Abraspungo
Today you can explore Baños at your own pace. Visit the unique sugar market, go to the hot springs for some relaxation in the warm waters or just enjoy the laid back friendly atmosphere in the plazas and many local art and craft shops that line the bustling streets. Do not forget to visit the famous church of the Virgen de Agua Santa! In the late afternoon we drive to Riobamba, where we will stay overnight at the Hosteria Abraspungo. B/-/D
Day 14: Travel on the spectacular Andes train - Cuenca
After a good breakfast we go to the train station in Riobamba for the breathtaking tour through the mountains to Chanchan. The line was completed in 1902 and is the steepest railroad in the world, a true technical masterpiece! The train weaves down the track along the stretch known as 'Nariz del Diablo' (the Devil's Nose) 300m, at a walking pace. The station of Chanchan is the last stop for us. From here we travel to the beautiful city of Cuenca by private transport. On the way we stop at the famous 'Ingapirca' (Quechua for "wall rocks of the Inca") the most important and well preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador where you can wander around the beautiful site and visit the museum. The last stage to Cuenca takes 2 hours and leads us to the comfortable Hostal Inca Real. B/L/-
Day 15: Cuenca City Tour
This morning we will explore the colonial part of the city where you will find churches, many art and craft shops and a flower market. All this is located amongst beautiful old houses in an area that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Cuenca is considered the cultural metropolis, arts and crafts centre of Ecuador. The city itself and the surrounding countryside is a fantastic place to buy ceramics, embroidery, leather goods, panama hats and baskets. At midday we will eat in a typical restaurant in Cuenca. B/L/-
Day 16: Cajas National Park - Guayaquil
We drive 15km west of Cuenca to Cajas National Park. Here you will find around 200 lagoons left over from the ice age, today forming an extensive recreation area at a height of 3.150m to 4.450m. Small rivers connect the series of lakes and these eventually flow into both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. After a short trekking through the highlands we travel to the coast of Guayaquil. Overnight accommodation in the Hotel Hampton Inn. B/L/-
Day 17: Flight Guayaquil - Baltra; beginning the Galapagos Cruise
After breakfast we will take you to the airport in Guayaquil to catch your flight to Baltra. Transfer from the airport to the harbour, where your cruise begins the tour of the amazing archipelago Galápagos. On a tourist class yacht, first class yacht or luxury class yacht, you will travel to the small island of Bartolomé, which has an interesting collection of lava formations, tunnels and a cinder cone. From the highest point of Bartolomé one has a marvellous view over the island of San Salvador and Pinnacle Rock, which has a quite bizarre formation. The island also offers very beautiful sandy beaches. B/L/D
Day 18: Fernandina Island
After sailing around Isabela Island, we reach the third biggest island whick is also furthest west and called Fernandina Island. It is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago. The main attractions of Fernandina are the numerous sea lion colonies, penguins, the famous Cormorant and the huge marine iguana colonies (the largest of the Galápagos). B/L/D
Day 19: Sailing arround Isabela Island
Today Isabela, which consists of five active volcanoes, is the focus of your iItinerary, . First you visit Urbina Bay where you can admire extra large marine inguanas, cormorants and even the rare mangrove finch. In the afternoon we explore the mangroves at Elizabeth Bay. Here live Mangrove sharks, water turtles and golden rays. B/L/D
Day 20: Sailing arround Isabela Island
You will visit Puerto Villamil, which is on the south coast of the island. Here you find the flamingo lagoon and a wonderful fine sandy beach, which is surrounded by coconut palms trees. B/L/D
Day 21: Sailing to Santa Cruz Island
Travel to Santa Cruz island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is a special highlight of the journey. At the station you become acquainted with Lonesome George, the only survivor of a particular species of giant tortoises. Subsequently, you move to an endemic forest of full fig and Kandelabercactee, hairy Muyuyo trees, poisonous Manzanillo trees and many other plants that thrive on the Galápagos. Here you will also visit the volcanic crater of Los Gemelos. From here we go back to Baltra. Later in the day we will fly back to Quito. B/L/-
Day 22: Quito - Return flight home
After a last day in Quito we accompany you to the airport and say goodbye. But only until our next meeting! B/-/-
B= breakfast; L= Lunch; D= Dinner
Prices 2008:
USD 5.555.- per Person
Minimum 2 People.
Included in the price :
All transfers in private transportation, excursions and overland tours as mentioned above, Accommodation based on double rooms at first class hotels and haciendas, flights Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito, meals according to the itinerary description (B: breakfast, L: Lunch; D: Dinner), National Park entrance fees (GALAPAGOS EXCLUDED). English speaking guide and native guide in the jungle, rubber boots, rain poncho. A tourist class yacht in Galapagos with accommodation in double cabins and private bathroom, English speaking naturalist guide on Galapagos.
Not included in the price:
Beverages, extra charge for single rooms, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park USD 100.- International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person) personal items, tips, travel insurance and luggage.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
