Best of Ecuador

General Info

Discover the unparalleled diversity of Ecuador on this trip through spectacular cloud forests, the Amazon basin and the majestic Andean highlands. Explore highland villages with colourful markets, soak in therapeutic hot springs as you gaze at the stars and sail the Napo River into the Ecuadorian Amazon. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed colonial gems of Quito and Cuenca, ride the famous Devil’s Nose and admire the towering peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes during this tour through Ecuador astonishingly diverse landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Arrival to the Capital of Ecuador (2850mts.) and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Quito

Depart this morning on a half day tour of the UNESCO Heritage listed colonial centre. Visit the beautiful Basilica, with stunning views of the city and the Plaza de la Independencia (or Plaza Grande as it is often referred to), surrounded by some of the most important buildings- the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and Municipal Palace.

The Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus is nearby and is one of the most ornate and complex churches in Quito; built between 1605 and 1765, it is perhaps the finest example of Spanish Jesuit Baroque architecture in Latin America. The monasteries of both San Francisco and Santo Domingo offer respite from the busy city streets, with their elegant inner courtyards and lovely gardens.

Continue to El Panecillo (little loaf hill), with the statue of the angel that can see from all over the city, where you can gaze out over the city and admire the unbeatable view.

We drive north out of the city to the Equatorial Monument marking the Centre of the World, where you will have the unique experience of standing simultaneously in the Northern and Southern hemispheres! Ask your guide to show you how the special gravitational pull allows you to stand an egg on its end!! Return to Quito and your hotel this afternoon. (B)

Day 3 Quito/Otavalo

Depart from Quito through the Panamericana North, we will visit the town of Calderon with its typical “masapan” handicrafts. Brief stop at Cayambe where the equatorial line crosses diving the world in two hemispheres, continuing we will arrive to Otavalo to visit its Indian market, full of Ecuador typical handicrafts. Otavalo is one of the most prosperous palaces in Ecuador. Nowadays we find their handicrafts and music all over Ecuador and the world. Otavalo is the heart of their culture and at the marketplace we will find all possible souvenirs at cheap prices. Lunch and in the afternoon we will visit the town of Cotacachi where you will find leather goods, next a visit to the Cuicocha Lake will be done. This lake is situated in an old crater of a still active volcano Dinner and accommodation in our Hotel at Otavalo. (B/D)

Day 4 Otavalo/Quito

After breakfast you will visit a musical instrument workshop where you can experience the making of andean instruments, later you will visit a flower plantation and finally the visit of an hacienda, where they make local foodstuffs like the famous “Helados de Paila” (ice cream made by hand in big & deep pots) and the traditional biscuit fingers. In the afternoon return to Quito. Overnight. (B)

Day 5 Quito/Papallacta

In the morning we depart from the hotel and drive in direction to Termas de Papallacta, one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs of Ecuador. This Resort and Spa is located between spectacular mountain forests of the Eastern Andes slopes.We could dip into the amazing hot springs or enjoy some of the optional health and beauty treatments in Termas de Papallacta. The spa and hydrotherapy area offers a variety of different sensations from streams of water, water hydro massage or hydro massage with air bubbles. Overnight at Termas de Papallcacta.(B)

Day 6 Papallacta/Cotococha Lodge

Pleasant day’s touring today, we continue to the jungle area until Arrival at the Cotococha Lodge in the afternoon. After the long drive you can relax in your bungalow. Dinner. A very special welcome drink is served while sitting around the open fireplace to coordinate and discuss next day’s activities with your crew, while having an introductory talk about the Amazon Jungle. (B/D)

Day 7 Cotococha Lodge

Early in the morning you’ll have breakfast. Afterwards you must prepare your gear for your adventure on board of a canoe. Start your journey downstream through the enchanted Amazon Jungle along the imposing Napo River.
. Visit to the Animal Rescue Centre “AmaZOOnico” where you will be able to observe a great variety of species.
Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the river shore, picnic style. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the river or just resting peacefully surrounded by a wonderful natural atmosphere.
Before returning to the lodge we will visit a Quichua family and learn about their millenary culture and traditions. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Cotococha Lodge

After breakfast you depart by canoe upstream for ten minutes, arriving to a small shore where you begin a fun and thrilling one hour walk, marveling yourselves with the jungle’s secondary forest diverse flora and fauna. After your short walk, you’ll find yourselves in a breathtaking cascade “Las Latas” where you will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters. You return to have lunch at the lodge. After lunch you put on your “wet gear” for an exciting walk in the jungle’s primary forest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle with your expert native guide. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Cotococha Lodge/Quito

In the morning we will take a taxi from the lodge to the bus station for your transfer back to Quito. (B)

Day 10 Quito/Riobamba

Depart this morning driving south to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the world’s highest active volcano of the same name and to deer, horses, rabbits, birds and colourful wild flowers. The rugged beauty of the park and the towering cone of Cotopaxi create a unique landscape.

We continue south to Riobamba; surrounded by mountains and volcanoes and sitting at the foot of Chimborazo, Riobamba is the ideal place to appreciate the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Riobamba’s street life and cultural traditions, as well as its colorful and picturesque markets, are testimony to this strong and diverse indigenous presence. (B/D)

Day 11 Riobamba/Cuenca

This morning we travel by train down the famous Devil’s Nose, descending 800m along a zig-zagging track. See the different climatic zones that we pass through and admire the incredible diversity this country boasts. Our train ride terminates in Alausi, where we have lunch & visit the Ingapirca ruins before transferring to Cuenca. Through the ride you will be to watch the weavers of the famous “Panama Huts” artisans’ typical from the area. (B/L)

Day 12 Cuenca/Guayaquil

Depart on a half day city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral The park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Cañari-Incas of all saints ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River.
In the afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guayaquil city. Transfer to our hotel. (B)

Day 13 Depart Guayaquil

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or ask us about extending your stay in South America! (B)

Prices

Description	Price
Tourist Class SIB	$3120
Tourist Class Private	$4275
First Class Private	$4500

Price per person, twin share, low season

Departs Sundays

Please note that airfares are not included- contact Contours Travel for current specials

Not included
Entrance fee to Ingapirca Complex
Other services not mentioned at the program
Personal expenses, drinks, extras & tips

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