| ITINERARY |
| Day |
Activities |
Meals |
| 1 |
Arrival Quito - our driver will meet you in airport arrivals and transport you to Hotel Sierra Madre - a charming colonial-style hotel close to the newtown part of the city. Free time to relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. |
- |
| 2 |
Quito citytour
- a full day to acquaint yourselves with the best
sites of the city of Quito. In the morning enjoy
the Happy Gringo reality tour with wonderful views
from the Ichimbia park, a colourful local market,
fair trade chocolate/coffee project and interesting local
art gallery. After lunch a trip north to the
equator - stand literally in the middle of the
world! We also visit the unique Inti Ñan
museum where you can prove (or disprove) various
scientific phenomena that only hold true at the
equator. Overnight in Quito. |
B |
| 3 |
Cotopaxi National Park - a spectacular day visiting one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. In the morning we visit the surrounding parkland and have time to explore the pictoresque Limpiopungo Lake. In the afternoon we go up to the snowline volcano refuge and visit the glaciers. Overnight at one of the oldest and most elegant colonial haciendas in the country. |
BL |
| 4 |
Quilotoa craterlake - Quilotoa is a real highlight of the tour that will literally take your breath away! An emerald green laguna inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs and views straight down the entire valley of volcanoes. It is possible to trek into the crater to the lake shore (with optional mule ride out for those with tired limbs), and there are also many other fine trekking opportunities in the local area sometimes refered to as the Grand Canyon of Ecuador, as well as a chance to buy local handicrafts. Overnight at Baños. |
BD |
| 5 |
Baños: valley of the waterfalls - a morning transfer to the lush green mountains of Baños, followed by an afternoon exploring the pretty valley of the waterfalls. The Pailon del diablo (Devil's cauldron) is the largest and most spectacular but other smaller ones are also impressive. Overnight at Posada del arte in Baños. |
B |
| 6 |
Baños: free - Ecuador's premier resort town has a whole array of potential activities to enjoy ...relaxing hotsprings, trekking, biking, canyoning and horse-riding to name but a few. You have a freeday to enjoy and explore at your own pace. Overnight at Baños. |
B |
| 7 |
Ingapirca ruins - an unforgettable visit to the most impressive inca ruins within Ecuador: Ingapirca was built in the 15th century on a strategic hilltop with excellent views over the surrounding countryside. A local guide will explain all about the origin and purpose of the ruins as well as a full lowdown on inca history in Ecuador. Overnight at Cuenca. |
B |
| 8 |
Cuenca - a full day amidst the white-washed buildings and cobbled streets of Cuenca. An introductory tour to the colonial highlights of the city including its handsome plazas and domed churches, followed by freetime to explore the city by yourselves. Overnight at Cuenca. |
B |
| 9 |
Transfer Otavalo - an early morning flight takes you back up the Andes to Quito with great aeriel volcano views on a clear day. You will be met at the airport by our driver and transported north to Otavalo where there is freetime to relax at the pleasant Hotel. |
B |
| 10 |
Otavalo market and surrounds
- a full day around Otavlo begins with time to
shop at the indian market of Otavalo, famous
across the Americas for it's fine handicrafts
and colourful locals. In the afternoon visits
to the sacred Peguche waterfall, a local weaving
workshop, and other local sites. Overnight at
Otavalo. |
B |
| 11 |
Papallacta hotsprings - after the non-stop action of the past 10 days of travel today is time to put your feet up and relax at the stunning mountain setting of Papallacta. Bathe in the rejuvenating waters of the crystal clear natural hotsprings and there is also an excellent spa available (note - spa activities are not included in the tour). Overnight at Quito. |
B |
| 12 |
Tour end - after breakfast our driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight out. |
B |
