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Discover with us the diversity of Ecuador with its varied scenery and different cultures. Come see for yourself all that Ecuador has to offer.
ItineraryDay 1 (Sun): Arrival in Quito, city tour
Arrival in Quito. You will be met by your local travel guide at the airport. Transportation to your hotel in the new or old part of the town. Later on a walking tour through the colonial city center and a drive to the lookout point at Panecillo, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, are scheduled. (-/-/-)
Day 2 (Mon): Quito — Cotacachi & Artisan Villages — Cuicocha Lagoon
Ever-changing scenery accompanies you on your way to Otavalo. You have the opportunity to explore the small artisan villages around Otavalo and the village of Cotacachi, known for its leather crafts. The afternoon brings an easy hike at the idyllic Cuicocha Lagoon. (B/-/-)
Day 3 (Tue): Otavalo — El Angel
Drive to the Chota Valley and the small town of El Angel in the nature reserve of Páramo del Angel. Hike through beautiful scenery to El Voladero Lake. (B/-/-)
Day 4 (Wed): Ibarra — Otavalo market — San Pablo Lake
After breakfast you will head back to Otavalo and visit the most important indigenous market in South America. Later, you visit San Pablo Lake, at the foot of the Imbabura volcano. (B/-/-)
Day 5 (Thu): Otavalo — Papallacta
At the new equatorial monument Quitza-To, near Cayambe, you learn how the indigenous cultures of the Ecuadorian Andes had already determined the position of the equator a thousand years ago. If the weather allows, you will have the opportunity to admire the snowcapped volcano “Antisana” (5.753 m / 18,875 ft). In the evening, you reach the heights of the wonderful Papallacta thermal hot springs at 3.300 m / 10,800 ft. (B/-/-)
Day 6 (Fri): Papallacta — Pastaza Canyon — Baños/Patate
Along a route renowned for its waterfalls, you reach the Pastaza Canyon and the roaring waterfall of “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s pan). After a visit to the charming town of Baños, you reach Patate, your final destination for the day. (B/-/-)
Day 7 (Sat): Patate — Cimborazo — Riobamba
Your next adventure is a visit to Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador (6.310m / 20.700 ft). Desolate scenery and herds of shy Vicuñas are among the highlights of this region. Option to ascend to the Edward Whymper shelter at 5.000 m / 16.400 ft. (B/-/-)
Day 8 (Sun): Train ride across the Devil’s Nose — Ingapirca — Cuenca
Today’s program includes a spectacular zigzag train ride to the Devil’s Nose (Narizdel Diablo), followed by a visit to Ingapirca. You are in Cuenca in the late afternoon. (B/-/-)
Day 9 (Mon): City tour Cuenca and Panama Hat Factory
Sightseeing tour of the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca. A couple of highlights are the impressive cathedral and the daily market. At a panama hat factory, you learn about the manufacture of these outstanding straw hats. The afternoon is free for your own plans. (B/-/-)
Day 10 (Tue): Cuenca — Saraguro — Vilcabamba
Today you will drive from Cuenca to Saraguro, a small village famous for its corn cultivation and cow pattern hats. In the afternoon you will drive through Loja to the calm valley of Vilcabamba. (B/-/-)
Day 11 (Wed): Vilcabamba
Relaxation is the key for today in the Vilcabamba valley, which is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or relaxing at the spa. Vilcabamba is famous for its inhabitants’ longevity. Thanks to the pure air and the superior mineral water found in this area, people here grow older than anywhere else in the country. (B/-/-)
Day 12 (Thu): Vilcabamba — Zaruma
You drive towards the coast and the old prospecting town of Zaruma with wooden houses dating back to around 1900. The area is famous for its breathtaking views. (B/-/-)
Day 13 (Fri): Zaruma — Guayaquil
Leaving the green highlands behind you, you descend towards the Pacific Coast and visit a banana plantation near Machala. Opportunity to hike through the tropical forest of a nature reserve, which also includes a boat trip. In the evening, arrival in the vibrant port of Guayaquil. (B/-/-)
Day 14: Transportation to the Guayaquil airport and flight back home, or one of the add-on programs: “Ruta del Sol” or City Tour in Guayaquil.
Non-included services:
Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to organizational or climate factors.
Small-group tour (2-12 participants)
The Diversity of Ecuador, 14 days/13 nights
English- / Spanish-speaking guide
2 pax: 2.640
3-4 pax: 2.140
5+ pax: 1.890
single occupancy supplement upon request
All rates are in USD and per person, in double room accommodation. Valid until 31.10.2012
Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national holidays.
Small-group tour (2-12 participants)
Sun, 12.02.12 – Sat, 25.02.12
Sun, 08.04.12 – Sat, 21.04.12
Sun, 27.05.12 – Sat, 09.06.12
Sun, 22.07.12 – Sat, 04.08.12
Sun, 12.08.12 – Sat, 25.08.12
Sun, 07.10.12 – Sat, 20.10.12
Sun, 04.11.12 – Sat, 17.11.12
Sun, 23.12.12 – Sat, 05.01.13
NOTES: Private tours can be booked every Sunday.
