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Explore Ecuador Amazon Kayak Adventure Ecuador Highlights Andes to Coast Journey Ecuador

AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGES

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Sacha Lodge Kapawi Ecolodge Napo Wildlife Center

GALAPAGOS + ECUADOR TOURS

Amazon & Galapagos Galapagos Hiking Adventure Multisport Adventure Galapagos Kayaking Adventure Galapagos & Haciendas Galapagos & Machu Picchu

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISES

TOURIST SUPERIOR CRUISES FIRST CLASS CRUISES LUXURY GALAPAGOS CRUISES GALAPAGOS CRUISE SHIPS

ECUADOR TOUR EXTENSIONS

Day Ecuador Tour Extensions Multi-Day Ecuador Extensions Amazon Rainforest Lodge Tours

TRIPS BY ACTIVITY

HIKING TOURS AMAZON ECOTOURS RAINFOREST ECOLODGES MULTISPORT ADVENTURES GALAPAGOS SCUBA DIVING GALAPAGOS SEA KAYAKING GALAPAGOS SAILING CRUISES HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU FAMILY ADVENTURES SELF-GUIDED TOURS LUXURY TOURS RAFTING / KAYAKING TOURS CAMPING ADVENTURES PATAGONIA HIKING

CURRENT LOCAL WEATHER

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KEY TO MAP

Ecuador Highlights Tour, perfect for the adventure traveler who wants to experience it all

The colorful people and market of Otovalo help make this the 'Ecuador Highlights' tour

Duration: 9 days
Cost: $2090/Person
Perfect for the adventure traveler who wants to experience it all, this comprehensive Ecuador tour offers many opportunities to explore the country's history, culture, wildlife and stunning landscapes. From informative hikes in Ecuador nature reserves to the streets and markets of its colorful cities, this Ecuador adventure travel is a dream trip.
If you would be interested in a private departure, contact us regarding the details and costs.

ABOUT ECUADOR TRAVELING TO ECUADOR ECUADOR WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT ECUADOR
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

MAP OF ECUADOR RECOMMENDED READING

Ecuador Highlights Tour Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri) QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Upon early arrival, we can arrange optional tours of the city and surrounding sites.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Day 2 (Sat) QUITO - OTAVALO View Otavalo accommodations picture gallery The journey begins in the Imbabura Province. The first stop is the village of Calderon, known for its handmade bread dough figures. Continue traveling north, passing through Guayllabamba valley to visit South America's most renowned Indian market in the village of Otavalo. A tasty lunch will be served at one of the area's haciendas. In the afternoon, visit Cotacachi famous for its handmade leather articles by local craftsmen. End the day with a stop at the deep crater lake of the Cuicocha Volcano surrounded by striking mountain peaks. Spend the night in Otavalo. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Sun) OTAVALO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK View Cotopaxi accommodations picture gallery Travel to Cotopaxi National Park for a hike offering impressive views of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 19,225 feet. Explore this diverse park from the highland plateaus, seeing Andean flora and fauna, along with wild horses, gulls, ducks and possibly a majestic condor. Visit Limpiopungo Lake and some of the nearby villages. Enjoy a marvelous dinner and spend the night at a local hacienda. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Mon) COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - BAÑOS View Banos accommodations picture gallery In the morning, travel from Cotopaxi National Park to Baños, a colorful colonial town set in a cloud forest. Spend a pleasant morning exploring the town with the afternoon free to relax in the local hot springs, hike to surrounding waterfalls or ride horseback through the stunning landscape. Experience the local nightlife and spend the night in Baños. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Tue) BAÑOS - RIOBAMBA View Riobamba accommodations picture gallery Enjoy a leisurely morning at Baños with opportunities for last minute shopping and sightseeing. After lunch you travel through the scenic Andean countryside to the city of Riobamba and its famous museum in the old church of La Concepcion. Spend the afternoon touring this fascinating city. Have dinner and stay overnight at a hacienda. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Wed) RIOBAMBA - DEVILS NOSE - INGAPIRCA RUINES – CUENCA View Cuenca accommodations picture gallery

Ingapirca, the most impressive Inca ruins of Ecuador

After an early breakfast transfer to the train station in Riobamba to board the public train for a scenic trip to Alausí. This train ride is famous for allowing passengers to travel on top of the train, through fertile valleys and colorful countryside. At Devil's Nose, the train travels in a winding zig-zag formation, creating a travel experience like no other. After the train ride, continue the trip by bus to visit Ingapirca, the most impressive Inca ruins of Ecuador. Spend the afternoon learning about this archeological site, notable for its unique fusion of Inca and native Cañari architecture and religious beliefs. Continue on to your hotel in Cuenca, a beautiful colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
El Cajas National Park, an impressive area of seventy-two thousand acres

Day 7 (Thu) EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK View Cuenca accommodations picture gallery Today we spend our time exploring El Cajas National Park, an impressive area of seventy-two thousand acres located about twenty miles west of Cuenca. Wildlife will be our focus on this comfortable hiking terrain. We might spot all types of Ecuadorian creatures, and bird life guarantees to be abundant. We will enjoy a lunch in route and transfer back to Cuenca. (B,L,D)
Day 8 (Fri) CUENCA - QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery In the morning, a scenic tour of Cuenca allows time to explore the city's numerous sights including impressive colonial buildings, museums and markets. Transfer to the airport for an afternoon return flight to Quito where you will be taken to your comfortable hotel for the night. (B)
Day 9 (Sat) QUITO You'll be transferred to the international airport for your departure home, marking the end of Southern Explorations' services. If your schedule permits, Galapagos adventures, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Quito can also be arranged. (B) Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

Itinerary Map

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR EXTENSIONS

Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends.
GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR DAY EXTENSIONS Quito City Scenic Tour (3hrs) Quito City Tour + Museum (4hrs) Quito City Tour at Night Middle of the World (3hrs) Quito City Tour + Middle (5hrs) Papallacta Hot Springs (1D) Rafting Rio Blanco (1D) Mountain Bicycling (1D) Otavalo Market (1D) Sea Kayak Cuicocha Lake (1D) Cotopaxi National Park (1D) Bellavista Cloud Forest (1D)	GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR MULTI-DAY EXTENSIONS Otavalo Market Tour (2D) Cotopaxi Tour (2D) Haciendas, Hot Springs & Volcanoes (4D) CLOUD & RAIN FOREST LODGES Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge (2D) Sacha Lodge (4/5D) Kapawi Ecolodge (4/5D) Napo Wildlife Center (4/5D)

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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

September 5 - 13
October 17 - 25
November 7 - 15
December 19 - 27

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost: - Meals as indicated; - All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis); - All airport/hotel transfers; - Entrance fees for all scheduled tours; - Park and archaeological sites; - English speaking certified guides; - Southern Explorations pre departure services.
Excluded in tour cost: - International round - trip airfare to and from Ecuador; - Airfare: $75 (Cuenca/Quito) airfare is subject to change; - Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5); - Tips and gratuities; - Travel insurance; - Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

ECUADOR ACCOMMODATION

Ecuador Highlights:: 5 nights hotels
3 nights haciendas
(North face 3 person tents for 2)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Travel documents:: - You need a valid passport. No advance Visa is required for US citizens.
Vaccinations:: - There are no required vaccinations for travel to Ecuador, although certain vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your doctor, local Traveler's Clinic or County Health Department for the most up-to-date information on travel to Ecuador.
Weather:: - The "dry season" in the Ecuadorian Andes is June - September and a short dry season in December and January. April - May is considered the Andean spring. All other months, one can expect some rain. Daytime temperatures range from 68ºF- 72ºF in the sun. Nighttime temperatures range from 45ºF - 48ºF. Rain can happen in any season; bringing quality rain gear is the best way to stay dry.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $260: - Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.