Ecuador - 9 Night Escorted Tour

ITINERARY DAYS

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.
Not of a guide throughout the duration of the tour

• Quito 2 nights (total)
• 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, often wearing traditional dress and communicating in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas.

Please note that these holidays run with a minimum of 4 people. Clients wishing to extend their stay with a visit to The Galápagos or the Amazonian jungle, may do so at a supplement price.

Day 1 (Monday).- Arrive at Quito International Airport where you will be met by your guide. Transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz, in the colonial old part of Quito, twenty-five minutes from the airport, and meet the rest of your group. Check-in for an overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 (Tuesday).- Guided tour of the colonial 'Old City' including Independence Square, Cathedral, Presidential Palace, church of La Compania, Monastery of San Augustin and El Panecillo, from where the Virgin of Quito looks down over the city. Transfer to Mindo Cloud Forest visiting Intinan Museum at the equator en route. Delicious lunch included in a local restaurant. Arrival at Septimo Paraiso for overnight stay on full board basis.

Day 3 (Wednesday).- Opportunity of early start birdwatching to see the 'cock-of-the-rock's' noisy early morning ritual, followed by breakfast. Guided tour of Septimo Paraiso trails and surrounding cloud forest, famous for its diverse birdlife. Visit the local butterfly farm. After lunch (included) transfer 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).- Guided tour of the Northern Highlands including a visit to Cuicocha Lake (a crater of volcano Cotacachi), Cotacachi town famous for its leather products, the colorful Otavalo market and Peguche where musical instruments and woven rugs are produced. Lunch can be taken at a local restaurant (not included). Overnight at Hacienda Cusin.

Day 5 (Friday).- Transfer south to Cotopaxi region visiting Cayambe town and the Quitzato Project, where the equator and its affects on Ecuadorian culture is studied. Lunch can be taken en route (not included) before visiting Cotopaxi National Park. Check-in to Hosteria La Cienega for overnight staying on half board basis.

Day 6 (Saturday).- Visit Latacunga food market. Transfer to Riobamba via Banos with (weather permitting) a spectacular view of Tungurahua volcano. Lunch and visit to local waterfalls included. Check-in to Hosteria Abraspungo for overnight staying 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). Packed lunch provided. In the afternoon continue drive south to Cuenca visiting Ingapirca, the most important Inca (and pre-Inca site) in Ecuador en route. Check-in to Santa Lucia for a two nights bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8 (Monday).- Guided tour of Cuenca, visiting the Cathedral, colonial buildings, cobbled streets, colourful markets and the local ethnographic museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, guided tour of the famous Homero Ortega Panama Hat factory with a demonstration of how they are made. Overnight at Santa Lucia.

Day 9 (Tuesday).- Morning guided visit to Cajas National Park, famous for its beautiful lakes and birdlife. After lunch (not included) transfer to Cuenca airport for late afternoon flight to Quito. Transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz for overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis. Farewell dinner at local restaurant could be included.

Day 10 (Wednesday).- Transfer to airport for international flight or to chosen extension.

Galapagos Extensions and Jungle experinece please contact us