Ecuador offers visitors some of the most stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity on the continent. Wander the cobblestone streets of colonial Cuenca, bargaining with local vendors and tasting new foods. Spend three nights discovering the diversity of the rainforest from our jungle lodge and river raft to the Amazon port town of Tena. Conclude your trip with a night at Ecuador's finest hacienda in the shadow of Imbabura Volcano--a journey of discovery fit for everyone.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Quito.
Days 2-3: Cuenca
This morning you'll fly south to the delightful city of Cuenca to begin your Ecuador adventure. Considered the most colonial city in all of the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city of Cuenca and baroque churches stand on the corners. The time is yours to explore however you like. There's Cajas National Park, which offers a great day trip of hiking. You might visit the city's markets and grand churches or head to the charming villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg.
Day 4: Ingapirca and Cañar Province
Ecuador's most famous Inca ruin, Ingapirca, lies two hours north of Cuenca. Following old dirt roads into the countryside, you'll pass a checkerboard of small farms growing corn, beans, potatoes and other Andean staples.
The indigenous people of this area, Cañaris, are well known for their textiles, and you'll hope for an invitation into the homes of some local weavers. You'll spend the day exploring the ancient citadel and the surrounding area of Cañar. This evening you'll overnight at a 17th Century hacienda to enjoy an evening of old world charm.
Day 5: Avenue of Volcanoes/Baños Free Day
Today you'll head north through the Avenue of Volcanoes to continue your Ecuador travels. This is a fairly long trip with spectacular scenery along the way. Arrive to the subtropical town of Baños by mid-afternoon.
Day 6: Baños Free Day
Baños is a favorite destination for Ecuadorians and foreigners. Bicycle downhill towards the Amazon, relax in the town's thermal baths or rent horses for a tour of the lush cloudforest or the high páramo of Sangay National Park.
For those looking to explore Andean culture, your guide can help introduce you to the indigenous people of Salasaca and their colorful markets. Baños is also famous for it's fun nightlife, so hit the town this Friday.
Days 7-9: Rainforest Lodge (2B,3L,3D)
Descend into the Amazon basin to begin a jungle adventure! Your cabañas are located along the Napo River and offer a tremendous panorama of the surrounding jungle and three nearby volcanoes.
During your jungle stay at Casa del Suizo, you'll hike through the shadowed jungle canopy learning about the medical uses of various plants, or visit the celebrated animal shelter, AmaZoonico, where you can get better acquainted with the local exotic wildlife. Your time in the rainforest can also include a float down the peaceful Rio Arajuno. At night, relax on the private terrace, or take a cool swim in the lodge's pool.
For the culturally curious, a homestay with a local Quichua family can be arranged where you can toast your adventure with a glass of the regional drink, Chicha.
Day 10: River Rafting in the Amazon (B,L)
You'll head upriver to a higher elevation on the green slopes of the Andes. You'll pass the day on continuous Class III rapids of the Jatunyacu River, moving through the stunning scenery of the upper Amazon basin. This evening, enjoy the raucous nightlife of the jungle town of Tena to complete your Amazon tour adventures
Day 11: Papallacta Hot Springs
In the morning, you'll catch a bus to climb into the Andes to the hot springs of Papallacta. Surrounded by steep mountains covered in lush green forest, you'll overnight in thatched roofed cabañas and soak in the thermal baths. For the adventurous, this area offers excellent short hikes into the high páramo.
Day 12: Colonial Quito
A short ride over the Eastern Cordillera brings you back to Quito for the afternoon. If the weather is clear, you'll be treated to views of glacier-covered Cayambe and Antisana Volcanoes. This afternoon, explore colonial Quito’s narrow streets, baroque churches, and busy plazas and markets with your Adventure Life tour leader.
Day 13: Hacienda Pinsaqui
In the shadow of Imbabura Volcano, the 200 year-old Hacienda Pinsaqui was a favorite haunt of the revolutionary General Simon Bolívar. From the hacienda, visit the white city of Ibarra and the leather shops of Cotacachi, go mountain biking in the countryside, or take horses around Cuicocha Lake. Pinsaqui, with its gardens and old textile shops, is yours to explore.
Day 14: Otavalo Market
Finish your Ecuador travels at the Otavalo market, South America’s most famous market. The Otavaleños are the most friendly and business savvy Indians on the continent. Saturday is the day that Indians from the surrounding mountains descend into Otavalo to trade goods and socialize with friends and family from around the valley. After a day of testing your wits against the local vendors for tapestries, paintings, scarves and sweaters, its time to head to Quito for a final farewell to your newfound friends.
Day 15:
Return Home.
Accommodations: 9 nights comfortable/simple hotels, 3 nights jungle lodge, 2 nights historic haciendas
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Local flight, public bus, jeep, canoe, raft.
Discover the mystery and beauty of the Amazon from our rainforest lodge and explore the best of Andean culture and its colonial past. This trip is comfortably paced with one long travel day.
Start Dates 2008: May 18, Jun 15, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 7, Oct 5, Nov 2, Nov 30, Dec 28
Start Dates 2009: Jan 10, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 14, Jul 12, Aug 9, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Nov 29, Dec 27
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$335
Note: Internal flight Quito-Cuenca not included. Please add US$65 (flight cost subject to change).
Personal budgeting: Allow US$165 for meals, US$41 international departure tax, US$75 optional excursions, and money for souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$75
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US $50 each, 2 or more people US $25 each.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Rainforest
Cultural Journey
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