Depart:
Escorted or Private Tour-Land Only
9 Days/ 8 Nights
2019 Departures:
January 27
February 10
March 10 and 31
May 5
June 2, 16 and 30
July 7
October 20
November 17
December 1
Geographically Ecuador is a small country yet uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, the traveler can move in a matter of hours from jungle-rain forest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature. En route, through Ecuador’s wonderful world of nature, you will be able to follow the courses of rivers broad and narrow; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the pacific, the Galapagos Islands. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador’s fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Price per Person:
In a double room using tourist class hotels $1779
Single supplement $459
In a double room using first class hotels $2199
Single supplement $699
This tour can be taken on a private basis any day for the following prices:
In a double room using tourist class hotels $2399
In a double room using first class hotels $2699
This tour is guaranteed with 4 passengers
Package Includes:
8 nights accommodation all with private facilities-Tourist class hotels Quito: Hotel Alameda Mercure (standard room), Cotopaxi: Hacienda La Cienega (standard room), Riobamba: Hosteria Abraspungo (standard room), Cuenca: Hotel San Juan (standard room), Guayaquil: Hotel Unipark (standard room), First class Hotels:Quito: Hotel Hilton Colon (deluxe room) Cotopaxi: Hacienda La Cienega (suite), Riobamba: Hosteria Abraspungo (suite), Cuenca: Hotel Mansion Alcazar (standard room), Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde (standard room)
Round trip airport transfers
Breakfast each morning
1 lunchbox
English speaking tour guide
Transport between cities
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Hotel taxes and service charges
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to adjust to the altitude and begin your exploration of the charming Quito. Overnight in Quito
Day 2 Quito
Enjoy a sightseeing-tour of the city of Quito which leads you through the historical center of Quito for a walk through the culturally diverse history of this city. You will pass the church of La Compania, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral including a visit. Afterwords, we will visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”. Then proceed to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographic Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Quito
Day 3 Quito-Otavalo-Quito
After breakfast full day at leisure or you can enjoy an optional tour to the famous Otavalo Market. The town consists of rather functional buildings with the Plaza de los Ponchos as the center. The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Here you will enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles that offer this giant colorful market and certainly, you will be able to carry some new souvenirs with you. Drive back to Quito for overnight
Day 4 Quito-Cotopaxi
After breakfast you will drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Highland Zone, protected since 1975, belongs to one of the most attractive ecological reserves of the country. On a walk near the shallow Lake Laguna de Limpiopungo at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation of the so called Paramo and will gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi in the background. Overnight in Cotopaxi.
Day 5 Cotopaxi-Riobamba
After breakfast you will visit a colorful and original Indian market. Continue about 14 km on to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with beautiful views. In the late afternoon you will continue on to Riobamba, which is the capital of the province of Chimborazo, where a great number of indigenous communities live. Close to Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric Hosterias this region offers.
Day 6 Riobamba-Cuenca
After an early breakfast you will be taken to the train station in Alausi to board the train for the famous Devil’s Nose ride. Enjoy the fascinating landscape of the Andes. This is for sure a very special way to know the country! Lunchbox is included Please Note: Due to weather conditions or technical problems of the train, this excursion is subject to reconfirmation. Later you will start the approximately 2 hours drive to the City of Cuenca. On your way you will stop at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador. The ruins are located on a grass, covered hill at an altitude of about 3.100 m. On a walk through the former place where the Incas lived and hold their ceremonies, you will learn about their beliefs and rituals as well as about the way they constructed this ordination place, which has the shape of a puma. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 7 Cuenca
After breakfast, you will visit the sights of Cuenca, the third largest city of Ecuador. In Cuenca, founded in 1557 on an Inca settlement valley, you still breathe the colonial air of Ecuadorian history. For most Ecuadorian inhabitants, and also for travelers this center of art, ceramic, panama hats as well as products of silver and gold is the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Due to the special atmosphere and early 19th century architecture Cuenca was declared “Cultural Patrimony of Mankind” in November 1999. During the city tour you will see the historical buildings, located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, the flowers market and the main square with the old and new Cathedral. Furthermore, you will be led to a Panama hat factory. The afternoon will be at leisure. You may walk around the narrow cobble stoned streets with the whitewashed houses and noble facades to explore the beauty of this town on your own. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 8 Cuenca-Guayaquil
This day you will travel on to Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil, which is the industrial and commercial center of the country. It lies on the western banks of the Rio Guayas, about 56 km from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. Towards the coastal area the road loses height and the land is more intensively farmed. The Guayas lowlands are characterized by mangroves and ever increasing banana plantations. En route visit to a cacao project. During a guided tour through the cacao plantations you will learn everything about the cultivation of the cacao fruit, the process of harvesting and the cacao bean treatment. The Ecuadorian cacao is famous and popular for its very high quality. Upon arrival in Guayaquil you will enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Day 9 Guayaquil-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport. You can take a 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos cruise or extend your stay in Ecuador or continue to Peru.
Additional nights in Quito and/or Guayaquil available
Galapagos Islands cruise available
