Explore Ecuador, an exhilarating Ecuador tour exploring Cotopaxi, Baños and the Amazon Jungle
Cotopaxi, is the world's highest active volcano and a highlight of this Ecuador tour
Duration: 9 days
4-8 Travelers: $1595/Person
2-3 Travelers: $1895/Person
On this exhilarating Ecuador tour, explore the expansive Cotopaxi National Park, camping in the shadow of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. Spend two days hiking, bicycling and seeing the sights of Baños, a charming town filled with waterfalls and panoramic views of high Andean peaks and volcanoes. Your adventure Ecuador eco-vacation continues with rafting on the exciting Jatunyacu, one of the major tributaries of the Amazon. The trip culminates in a fascinating hike through the Amazon rainforest accompanied by an indigenous guide for a truly authentic experience in Ecuador adventure travel.
If you would be interested in a private departure for our Explore Ecuador trip, please contact us for details and costs.
Itinerary for Explore Ecuador Tour
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Day 1 (Sat) QUITO
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Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours of the city and surrounding sites.
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Day 2 (Sat) QUITO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
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In the morning, travel to Cotopaxi National Park where you'll hike with magnificent views of snow-capped Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 19,225 feet. You'll observe diverse flora and fauna, including perhaps a majestic condor. Visit the sparkling Andean lake Limpiopungo and some of the small villages nearby, before making camp for the night and enjoying a rewarding dinner. (B,L,D)
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Day 3 (Mon) COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - BAÑOS
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After breakfast, travel to the colorful colonial village of Baños, nestled within a cloud forest. By bicycle, explore the town and surrounding mountains, stopping for a refreshing dip in the thermal baths and a waterfall along the way. Dinner and accommodations will be provided at a cozy hotel in the area. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 (Tue) BAÑOS - El PUYO
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Travel on a beautiful winding road out of Baños to reach El Pailon del Diablo. Called the gateway to the Amazon, this road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Continue to Puyo and then onto a rehabilitation center for animals of the Amazon such as capybaras, sahino boars, tapirs, water turtles, caimans, boas and parrots. You'll become familiar with Amazon wildlife and be supporting the Center's work. The night will be spent in a relaxing hotel in the Amazon town of Puyo. (B, L, D)
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Day 5 (Wed) PUYO - TENA
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Travel early in the morning to Tena, the starting point of our day's adventure. Today, you'll hike through the Amazon with a knowledgeable local guide who will explain the many medicinal plants, insects and exotic jungle flowers you see in the area. Lunch will be under the waterfall of a beautiful blue lagoon followed later in the afternoon with a refreshing swim before the hike back. A hearty dinner awaits you at the comfortable jungle cabins that are your accommodations for the night. (B, L, D)
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Day 6 (Thu) TENA
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Today offers a simultaneously challenging and rewarding adventure. Begin with a short hike to the river pools of the Llangantes National Park, where you'll relax and enjoy the warmth of the Amazon sun. After a short safety briefing, raft one of Ecuador's best whitewater rivers, the Jatunyacu. On this exciting excursion, you'll encounter the class III rapids of Pimpilala, Boulder Garden, and Guides Revenge. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a riverbank before returning to the Amazon cabins. (B, L, D)
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Day 7 (Fri) TENA - PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS
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Early in the morning, meet the indigenous Quechua guide who will lead you through primary and secondary rainforests, explaining the fascinating surroundings. Rushing waterfalls, interesting wildlife and vibrant flora provide added excitement on this captivating Amazon trek. Along the way, speak with local citizens, learning more about what it takes to survive in the Amazon. After lunch, travel to Papallacta to relax in one of Ecuador's most picturesque hot springs. These springs are renowned for their rich mineral content and the Inca legends surrounding them. Stay overnight at this mystical spot. (B, L, D)
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Day 8 (Sat) PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS - QUITO
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The morning begins with a soak in the invigorating hot springs cabanas, amidst views of the striking Antisana Volcano. In late morning, hike the surrounding trails to explore more of this impressive area. After lunch, return to Quito for the night. (B, L)
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Day 9 (Sun) QUITO - RETURN HOME
Transfer to the airport for your international departure home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. Galapagos adventures, trip extensions to other regions, or extra days in Quito can also be arranged. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Itinerary Map
CONTACT A BOOKING AGENT
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
August
9 - 17
September
20 - 28
October
11 - 19
November
22 - 30
December
20 - 28
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Meals as indicated
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- Camping equipment, rafting equipment, bicycling gear
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- All airport/hotel transfers
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours
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- Park and archaeological sites
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- English speaking certified guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services.
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Ecuador
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- Airport taxes
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Moderate
ECUADOR ACCOMMODATION
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Explore Ecuador:
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5 nights hotels
2 nights Amazon cabins
1 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Travel documents:
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- You need a valid passport. No advance Visa is required for US citizens.
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Vaccinations:
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- 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.
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Weather:
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- 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
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Additional $195
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- 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.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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After breakfast, travel to the colorful colonial village of Baños, nestled within a cloud forest. By bicycle, explore the town and surrounding mountains, stopping for a refreshing dip in the thermal baths and a waterfall along the way. Dinner and accommodations will be provided at a cozy hotel in the area. (B,L,D)
)
Today offers a simultaneously challenging and rewarding adventure. Begin with a short hike to the river pools of the Llangantes National Park, where you'll relax and enjoy the warmth of the Amazon sun. After a short safety briefing, raft one of Ecuador's best whitewater rivers, the Jatunyacu. On this exciting excursion, you'll encounter the class III rapids of Pimpilala, Boulder Garden, and Guides Revenge. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a riverbank before returning to the Amazon cabins. (B, L, D)
