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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: $2,395/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, regarding the details and costs.
Ecuador Highlights Tour Itinerary
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Day 1 QUITO
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Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Upon early arrival, we can arrange optional tours of the city and surrounding sites.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 QUITO - OTAVALO
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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)
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Day 3 OTAVALO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
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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)
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Day 4 COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - BAÑOS
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After breakfast, travel from Cotopaxi National Park to the village of Baños, a colorful colonial town nestled within the cloud forest on the foothills of the fuming Tunguragua Volcano. Spend the day exploring the town with the afternoon open to relax or we can hike though the stunning landscape. Spend the night in a cozy hacienda outside Baños. (B,L,D)
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Day 5 BAÑOS - RIOBAMBA
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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)
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Day 6 RIOBAMBA - DEVILS NOSE - INGAPIRCA RUINES - CUENCA
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Ingapirca, the most impressive Inca ruins of Ecuador
After an early breakfast, take a scenic drive to Alausí. Next, board the train at Devil's Nose, where the tracks wind through the countryside in a 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)
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Day 7 EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
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El Cajas National Park, an impressive area of seventy-two thousand acres
Today you'll be exploring El Cajas National Park, an impressive area of seventy-two thousand acres located about twenty miles west of Cuenca. Wildlife will be the focus on this comfortable hiking terrain. You may spot all types of Ecuadorian creatures, and bird life guarantees to be abundant. You will enjoy a lunch in route and transfer back to Cuenca. (B,L,D)
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Day 8 CUENCA - QUITO
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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)
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Day 9 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)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
KEY TO MAP
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2012 WEEKLY DEPARTURES
2 person minimum
Private Departures can be arranged. Please 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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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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Airfare: $75 (Cuenca/Quito) airfare is subject to change
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Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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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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Ecuador Highlights:
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5 nights hotels
3 nights haciendas
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 $
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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 3.5% cash discount
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)
