From the Andes to the Amazon Jungle 07 Days tour:
Itinerary:
Day 01.- Arrival in Quito – City Tour
Arrive in Quito. Assistance and transfer from the airport to the hotel Patio Andaluz. The four star Hotel Patio Andaluz is a national treasure that holds history within its walls. Situated in the heart of the historic Old City of Quito, which was declared the first cultural heritage of the world by UNESCO in 1978, the hotel is surrounded by churches, museums, and national monuments. It is a marvellous colonial building dating back to the foundation of Quito, and has been beautifully and meticulously restored. Enjoy the enchantment of this elegant, 31-room boutique hotel, with wide corridors, expansive stairways, large arches, balconies, and towering atrium-style patios, which lend to the feeling of a long-ago Quito. Welcome cocktail, briefing and accommodations at the hotel. -/L/D
Day 02.- Cotopaxi National park – Hacienda La Cienega
Rising majestically from the eastern cordillera of the Andes, Cotopaxi is Ecuador's most famous volcano. Edward Whymper, the first to ascend Cotopaxi, claimed its 19,342 ft symmetrical cone made it the most perfectly shaped mountain in the world. Climbing it has now become a prerequisite for any mountaineer aspiring to higher peaks. Technically it is not a difficult mountain but, due to its cloud-piercing height, it is essential that climbers are well acclimatised, as well as physically and mentally prepared. Ice- climbing gear is also required. From its summit Cotopaxi offers a spectacular panorama; on a clear Day all of Ecuador's other snow-capped peaks can be seen, as well the Amazon basin. The gas-emitting crater, almost 800m in diameter, will certainly remind climbers that they are standing on an active volcano-one that is long overdue to erupt!
Today we drive from Quito to the South along the Pan-American Highway in the direction to the Cotopaxi volcano. We will make a stop at the visitor 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 of Cotopaxi. According to the weather conditions you will decide if you walk on the bottom of the Volcano or if you go the refuge. In the afternoon we will drive to the hacienda La Cienega that is our acclimatisation centre at the foot of the Cotopaxi. B/L/D
Day 03.- Baños – Puyo – Las Cascadas Jungle Eco-Lodge
We continue driving to the south pasing Latacunga, Ambato and Baños. From here to turn to the east through the waterfalls Avenue, on a dusty road you will follow the Rio Pastaza on its way through the valley of the same name. In the village Rio Verde besides the river of the same name you will stop in order to visit the well-known waterfall El Pailon del Diablo. Then you continue your journey passing a number of waterfalls until you reach Puyo. Here we stop for lunch and afterwards we visit an Botanic Garden were you will find over 400 different spices of Orchids and many exotic flowers and plants. Afterwards you will drive another 40 kilometres to the east to the Las Cascadas Jungle Lodge, where you will have dinner and stay the night. B/L/D
Day 04.- Las Cascadas Jungle Excursion
You will start the day with a huge tasty breakfast. The big variety of local fruits you will be served underlines the exotic character of your surroundings. Afterwards you will do a hike to the beautiful waterfalls of Las Cascadas. The local guide who will accompany you will give you a lot of information on the plants as well as on the wildlife of the untouched nature of this region. If you are lucky you can see colibries, parrots, armadillo and sloths. After a bath in the natural pools below the waterfalls you will have your lunch in this unique place. Back from your hike through the rainforest you can relax in a hammock on the veranda enjoying a tropical cocktail. In the evening you will end the day with a romantic campfire. B/L/D
Day 05.- Las Cascadas Lodge – Canoe Tour Rio Napo – Papallacta – Quito
After a 2-hours drive we will reach the Napo River. Here, we will make a canoe tour in the romantic river, where we can admire several animals and plants. On our way, we will visit an animal farm, in which ill animals are cured to get back to life in jungle. At midday we will have a pick nick at the river, where you can also take a bath. Afterwards, we will continue your journey to the west back towards the Andes. Passing the little village of Baeza you leave the jungle and gaining height again reach the slopes of the eastern Andes. In the village of Papallacta you stop in order to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Afterwards we follow the transoceanic highway west and return to the Andean highlands and reach Quito in the evening. Transfer to the Hotel Patio Andaluz. B/L/D
Day 06: Otavalo Indio Market and surroundings
 The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back strap and shuttle looms. Otavalo is South America’s most famous Indian fair. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. You will have time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indians wearing blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Stop for lunch at one of the charming area country inns or Haciendas. In the afternoon, visit the leather shops in Cotacachi. Further on your journey you drive back to Quito to the Hotel Patio Andaluz where we spent our last night in this wonderful country. Farewell dinner. B/L/D
Day 07: Quito – Transfer out
While going for a last walk through Quito, you can remember all the impressions you’ve collected, before going back home. Transfer to the airport and return flight! B/-/-
B= Breakfast L= Lunch/Box lunch D= Dinner
Prices 2008:
USD 1.670.-per Person
Single supplement USD 400.-
Minimum 2 People
Included:
All transfers in Private transportation, accommodation based on double rooms at the above-described hotels, all meals according described above B= Breakfast L= Lunch/Box lunch D= Dinner, National Park entrance fees, English speaking Naturalist guide, native guide in the rainforest, rubber boots, rain poncho, visits according to the itinerary.
Not included:
International flights, single accommodation, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal items and travel insurance, International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person).
If you need any additional information please write us:
Ecuador South 9 Days - Discovering the Ecuadorian Andes 8 Days
Ecuador & Galapagos for Incentive 8 Days - The Romantic Haciendas in the Andes 8 Day
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South America 
