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10 Days Tour Cost
Middle Class hotels
AUD$1551 pp t/s
AUD$414 SRS Comfort Class hotels
AUD$2093 pp t/s
AUD$645 SRS Guaranteed Departures
2011: 31 Oct, 28 Nov 2012: 11/25 Jan, 08/22 Feb, 21 Mar, 18 Apr, 30 May, 11 Jul, 08 Aug, 05 Sep, 03/31 Oct, 14/28 Nov
Daily private departures on request Although Ecuador is the smallest of the South American countries it is distinguished by its geographical diversity. It is located across the Equator with Quito, the capital, at 2850 metres above sea level. With charming Spanish-period architecture and a largely indigenous population, Quito is a city well worth visiting. To the north, the country slopes down to the Amazon Basin, a delightful region with lagoons, dense forest and wildlife. To the west you’ll find the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and glorious sunshine. And 1000km off the coast are the Galapagos Islands which can only be described as a ‘window into the distant past’.
Includes: All airport transfers days 1-8, nine nights’ accommodation, meals as indicated, entry fees to includes sites, touring by A/C coach, train and inter-city coach, local English speaking guides. Not included: Airfares from/to Australia, arrival and exit taxes, visas, optional activities, other meals, personal expenses, tips, optional activities.
Our hotels in Ecuador
City Middle Class Comfort Class
Quito Hotel Grand Mercure
Hotel Hilton Colon
Otavalo Hacienda Pinsaqui Hacienda La Mirage
Papallacta Hotel Thermas Papallacta Hotel Thermas Papallacta
Cotopaxi Hacienda La Cienega Hacienda Hato Verde
Riobamba Hosteria Abraspungo Hosteria Abraspungo
Cuenca Hotel Crespo Hotel Carvallo
Guayaquil Hotel Unipark Hotel Oro Verde
ITINERARY
Day 1: Quito
You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Day 2: Quito [B]
A half-day tour includes the historical centre of the city, the Equatorial Line monument (prepare to be surprised) and the Ethnographic Museum. Day 3: Papallacta [B]
Morning visit to the Pakakuna Gardens. Afternoon transfer to papallacta, famous for its thermal springs. Our spa-hotel is located at 3220m above sea level.
Day 4: Otavalo [B]
Transfer to Otavalo and visit the Indian market and Plaza de los Ponchos. Indian crafts include tapestries, ponchos, weaving and leather. Afternoon visit a Crater Lake and the town of Cotacachi.
Day 5: Cotopaxi [B]
We drive to the Cotopaxi Nat. Park and stroll through the spectacular landscape of lakes and mountains. Day 6: Riombamba [B]
We visit the very traditional Indian market of Zumbahua before departing for Riobamba, capital of the province and home to a number of indigenous communities. Overnight at a Hosteria Day 7: Cuenca [BL]
With lunchbox in hand we board the train for the ‘Devil’s Nose’, then descend to the coastal plain- a spectacular journey! Day 8: Cuenca [B]
A morning tour visits the sites of Cuenca, founded in 1557, where one can still ‘breathe’ the colonial atmosphere. Day 9: Guayaquil [B]
An overland transfer to Ecuador’s largest city. The route descends the highlands and passes through rich agricultural land, banana plantations and mangrove before we reach Guayaquil. Join a short orientation tour on arrival, and overnight. Day 10: Departure [B]
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Option: Transfer and flight to the Galapagos Islands. |