30 Years of Award winning service
Independent on Sunday - 1993-1999
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15 March 2010
Ecuador in style
8 Days/7 Nights
Gateway: Quito
Tour from £1399pp
Valid 2009
Day 1: Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time. Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.
The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town.
Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking.
Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the summit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.
Day 2: Otavalo / Cotacachi
Welcome to the bustling town of Otavalo, famous for its handicrafts and local markets, dating back to pre-Inca times. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy the markets before settling into our unique resort accommodations built on the grounds of a 200 year old hacienda, in the nearby town of Cotacachi.
One of the most evident features of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.
Includes breakfast and dinner
Day 3: San Pablo
Take a morning guided tour of the Cotacachi community, famous for leather wares before arriving to the idyllic shores of San Pablo Lake, a picturesque spot in wonderful surroundings. Spend the night in elegant, luxury chalets. Choose from a range of optional activities or simply curl up by the fire with a book and soak in the atmosphere. Includes breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Cuenca
Head back to Quito with a quick stop at the equator line. Enjoy a city tour of the historic capital before boarding a flight south to the cobblestone lined streets of Cuenca in the afternoon. In true colonial style, relax in a beautifully restored 19th century house for the night.
Considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, Cuenca has had an eventful history. Barely half a century before the arrival of the Spaniards, the powerful Inca Tupac Yupanqui was undertaking the difficult conquest of the local Cañari people, who struggled bravely to stem the expansion of the Inca Empire. After several years of bitter fighting, Tupac Yupanqui's forces prevailed.
Explore the city’s sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas and museums. The villagers in the surrounding areas are expert milliners, creating beautiful Panama hats (which should perhaps more accurately be called Ecuador hats).
Includes breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Cuenca
Enjoy a full day tour of the colonial city of Cuenca and its surroundings. Steeped in history and natural beauty, this area will leave lasting memories.
Another nearby attraction is Area Nacional de Recreacion Cajas, a protected area of 28,000 ha, about 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the city of Cuenca. The terrain is quite stark, mostly above 4000m (13120 ft) in the páramo (grassy highlands), with many clear lakes and a great variety of bird life, beautiful scenery and good hiking possibilities.
Includes breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Baños
Starting early, we head out by private transport to explore the Inca ruins and ancient city of Ingapirca. Enjoy a tour of this captivating site before moving on to the city of Baños, famous for its abundance of natural hot springs and lush mountain scenery. Relax at a unique adventure spa hotel for the evening. Baños is one of the most popular and important tourist spots in the country and you will find many Ecuadorian families vacationing here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Surprisingly, it is pleasant and unspoiled. Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn sun creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point. Includes breakfast and dinner
Day 7: Quito
Enjoy a free morning in Baños to choose from a plethera of optional activities, such as hiking, biking and rafting to name just a few. After lunch we will return to Quito for one final night on the town. Includes breakfast
Day 8: Depart Quito
Includes breakfast
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