Quito & Beyond Surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes Quito is the charming capital, the Avenue of the Volcanoes are a spectacle of Andean landscapes, and the roaring ‘Devils Cauldron’ waterfall is a force of nature that needs to be seen to believed. The Amazon region offers some unique wildlife and nature experiences.
OTAVALO DAY TRIP
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Departures & Duration: 8 hours, Daily from Quito A full-day hands-on experience of the northern Andes, a verdant land of rolling hills, towering volcanoes, strong cultural identity and skilful craftspeople. Enjoy the added twist of an encounter with the colours and flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class.
Departures & Duration: 8 hours, Daily from Quito Visit the Cotopaxi National Park exploring the evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands. Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. $10 per person National Park tax payable locally.
Prices from: £139 per person, including lunch.
Prices from: £117 per person
3 day Essential Quito
4 day Spirit of the Andes
2019 Departures: Daily
2019 Departures: Monday
Day 1: Arrive Quito
Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi - Patate
Upon arrival in Ecuador’s capital you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Standard: Dann Carlton ; Superior: Hilton Colon (2 nights)
From Quito, drive along the dramatic ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ and enjoy the everchanging scenery and breathtaking views of the Andes. Lunch at the foot of the Cotopaxi Volcano and spend the night at a 300-year-old hacienda. (LD)
Day 2: Quito City Sightseeing & The Middle of the Earth Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, explore this fascinating city on a guided tour. Start with the main square, La Plaza de la Independencia, and marvel at the impressive colonial buildings. Visit the temple of La Compañia de Jesus and its amazing gilded interior. Continue through the cobbled streets of the old town to the Monastery of San Francisco. Then you’ll head out to the Equatorial Monument which marks the middle of the Earth. Have your photograph taken with one foot in each hemisphere.
Day 3: Depart Quito
Day 3: Riobamba - Devils’ Nose - Cuenca Pass Indian villages en route to Alausí and board a restored 100-year-old train to set off down the famous ‘Devil’s Nose’. Visit the local museum before returning to Cuenca. (BLD)
Day 4: Depart Cuenca
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Enjoy a tour of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting plazas, an artisan’s market and museum. Transfer to the airport. (BL)
PRICES INCLUDE • 2 nights’ accommodation in named hotels or similar • Transfers & shared sightseeing as per itinerary
PRICES INCLUDE • 3 nights’ accommodation in selected hotels • Meals as specified: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners • Shared transfers & touring with English-speaking guide as per itinerary
Prices are per person based on twin share
Standard from Superior from Single supplements available upon request
128
Day 2: Patate - Baños - Riobamba A spectacular journey to Baños along the ‘Route of the Cascades’ to see the impressive El Pailón del Diablo waterfall. Continue to Riobamba, a historical city at the foot of the impressive Chimborazo volcano. (BLD)
Prices are per person based on twin share
£379 £399
Standard from Single supplements available upon request
£1429