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19 Days - Highlights of Ecuador

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Nicolas Goronflot

Terra Andina Ecuador

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19 Days - Highlights of Ecuador

from

USD

3,549

/ person
  • 19 Days

19 Days - Highlights of Ecuador

Sierra, Coast, Amazon, Galapagos, this quartet of Ecuador regions make you the promise of a symphony of unforgettable souvenirs... The best cocktail of Ecuadorian flavors!

Arrival at Quito

Private transfer with a spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. Reception at the airport by an English-speaking guide (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). You will spend the night at Casa El Eden in the historical center of Quito. Included: private transport, arrival transfer, arrival transfer with English-speaking guide, room & breakfast Read more

Casa El Eden

Quito- Mitad del Mundo- Otavalo

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Quito, Ecuador's capital, is a real treasure between the volcanoes of Pichincha, Cayambe and Antisana. At an elevation of 2830 meters, it is the second highest capital in the world.. It was the first city classified by the UNESCO in 1978 and its historic centre is the biggest and best maintained in Latin America. Departure at 8:30am: to get a good idea of the city, we will firstly go to the Panecillo, a small hill over the city with a statue of the Quito' Virginp, with a splendid 360º view. You will then have a visit of Quito's colonial centre: the church of the Compañia de Jesus; the church of San Francisco; the Grand Place where are located the Presidential Palace (Carondelet) and Quito's Cathedral. You will take the road to Mitad del Mundo. You will visit the site of the "Mitad del Mundo" where you can put one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the Northern hemisphere! The different buildings corresponds to different aspects of Ecuador, with the French pavilion being dedicated to the Condamine expedition which determinated the site of this imaginary line in 1736. The Inti Nan etnographic museum, near the site of the Mitad del mundo, shows the country's different ethnies with their traditions and clothing. You will have the chance to realise various experiences such as water flowing and eggs balancing, which results are different on the equatorial line than in other places. Trip to Otavalo, known for its handcratfs. You will spend the night at Las Palmeras hotel close to Otavalo. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , entrance fees mentioned in the program , park conservation fee (vehicle) , room & breakfast Read more

Las Palmeras

Cuicocha Lake- Otavalo- San Clemente

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Visit of the Cuicocha lake in the ecologic reserve of "Cotacahi - Cayapas" , one of the most beautiful in Ecuador with a shiny blue water. At the centre of a former crater at 3064 meters, the nature lovers will enjoy a very various vegetation (orchids, "elephants ears"...) with more than 400 species identified there. Half an hour boat tour on the lake. You will see two vegetation covered island at the centre of this former crater, which had been formed by successive volcanic eruptions. You will learn more about the legends around them. Visit in the morning of the famous Otavalo's Indigenous market, the most significant in the Ecuador's Andes, where you can meet the "Otavaleños" with their espadrilles, their brown felt hat and blue ponchos. They are the wealthiest indians in Ecuador and excellent sellers. The main market is on Saturdays with the cattle market just outside town. On other days the market is also hold on the Los Ponchos square. You will spend the morning with your hosting family and discover their lifestyle, their culture and traditions. During a hike in the community with your hosts you will learn about San Clemente, its population, its craftmen, field workers, the medicinal plants they largely use, the guinea pigs husbandry, and many other things. You will get to San Clemente autochthonous community, down the Imbabura volcano, where you will spend the night. A family will welcome you and invite you to share not only their house and food, but their customs and way of living. Many surprises await you, as the live-stock farming of guinea pigs or lamas, and the medicinal plants path maintained by their own users. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , boat ticket , dinner (no drinks) , local spanish-speaking guide , lunch (no drinks) , room & breakfast Read more

San Clemente

San Clemente - Peguche - Cotopaxi

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). You can accompany and assist the people of the communities in their work with animals or in the preparation breakfast. Departure from the community for a hike in the paramo on the Imbabura's slopes. Superb views over the valleys and the volcanoes around. We will adapt this trek to the group's fitness and motivation. You will visit the village of Peguche, with its sacred fall and its Andean music instrument fabrication workshops. You may see a local music session and the weaving process, an art well established in the area. You will take the route towards Lasso, along the Avenue of Volcanoes. You will spend the night at Papagayo hotel in Cotopaxi. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , entrance fees mentioned in the program , room & breakfast Read more

Papagayo hotel

Cotopaxi Park - Chugchilan

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Transfer from Lasso to get to the Cotopaxi National Park. Today visit of the Cotopaxi national park with Ecuador's second highest summit at 5897 meters. It is also the highest active volcano in the world although it mainly shows a few fumaroles from its ice covered crater. But sometimes it launches a huge column smoke and ashes right upon its center. Afterward, you will walk around the Limpiapungo laggon with stunning view on the Cotopaxi. You will appreciate the flora and some fauna, typical of the "paramo", those wide plains swept by the cold winds of the Andes. After driving up to the car park at 4600 meters you will continue by foot to the José Rivas hut 200 meters higher. The most motivated can also go and reach the snowline. Due to the eruptive process of the volcano Cotopaxi initiated on August 14th, 2015, this information can be reviewed at any time, in accordance with the safety requirements of the Ecuadorian Coordination Ministry of National Security and our agency.  A spectacular although seldom used roas will take you in the mountains and steep valleys where the wilderness and the beauty of the landscape will make you forget about the travelling difficulties. Feel at the heart of the Andean culture in the village of Sigchos and Chugchilan. You will spend the night and have dinner at Mama Hilda hotel in Chugchilan. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , entrance fees mentioned in the program , dinner (no drinks) , room & breakfast Read more

Mama Hilda

Quilotoa- Riobamba

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). The road to Quilotoa follows the Rio Toachi's canyon to the small Andean village of Quilotoa. The emerald colored Quilotoa lake (3854m) lays in a still active volcano, its color being due to the presence of sulfur. According to a legend, the Inca Atahualpa had hidden his treasure in the lake... If you wish, you can take a walk until the laguna or simply enjoy the view from the top of the crater. (You can rent a mule to ride up for 10 USD, fee to pay on site) Estimated duration to get down and back up : 1:30 to 2:30 hours - Slopes: +470 m/-470m - Max altitude : 3870 m. On the way to Riobamba you will stop in the area of Tigua which specialty is the colored painting on sheep leather representing the life in the Andes. Arrival in Riobamba, a peaceful Andean town totally rebuilt after the 1797 earthquake. You will spend the night at Bella Casona hotel in Riobamba. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , entrance fees mentioned in the program , room & breakfast Read more

Bella Casona

Nariz del Diablo- Alausi- Ingapirca- Cue

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Trip to the village of Alausi, the departure town for the train to the Nariz del Diablo. On the way you will pass the Colta lake and visit the Balbanera church, the first one in Ecuador, built in 1534. A journey in the Andes train from the Alausi station to Sibambe. The train is more modern than the former old micheline and the trip is very safe. You will pass by the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's nose) with successive Andean landscapes well worth the trip: highlands, forests, deep gorges, locals in their activities... You will be provided breefing about the railway history in Ecuador and the associated adventures. Return to Alausi and to your vehicle. Back on the road to travel to Ingapirca. Ingapirca means "inca stone wall" in the canari language, and indeed a site where the rock is full of legends and history. Ingapirca was founded by the Inca Huayna Capac in the XVth century. The impressive fortress used to contain a temple, sheds and an observatory with amazing exemple of mortar free stone constructions. It was though to be a tambo (relay) along the Inca way from Quito to Cuenca. The locals also see a puma's shape in the ruins. After a visit of the site you will find the Inganahui after walking a bit away. This Inca face rock sculpted by the wind and the rain may had inspired the Incas to found Ingapirca there. After returning to the main site, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to this place discovered by the french scientist La Condamine. You will travel to the beautiful city of Cuenca by vehicle, following a scenic road in the middle of the Andes with views over the colored fields and the mountains around. Night at the Hotel de las Culturas. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , train ticket , entrance fees mentioned in the program , room & breakfast Read more

Hotel de las Culturas

Cuenca

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). The city of Cuenca (2 550 m) is undoubtedly as charming as its former name of Guapondelic reveals: "the valley as great as the sky". This colorful and lively city with superb historic buildings was classified as a World Heritage by the UNESCO since 1999. The best way to feel the warm colors of Cuenca is to walk around its paved streets, along the white houses with roman tiled roofs and flourishing wrought iron balconies. Colonial art treasures can also be discovered in Cuenca in the churches and convents from the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries. The visit of the cathedral, the El Turi viewing platform, the flouring spaces, the churches and the covered market will gradually take you closer to the local life. Visit of a Panama hats workshop (except on Sundays) established in Cuenca for more than 60 years where you can observe the different stage of its fabrication, an Ecuador's specialty. Night at the Hotel de las Culturas. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , room & breakfast Read more

Hotel de las Culturas

Cuenca- Guayaquil

English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Journey to the West and the Pacific Ocean to get to Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city and economical capital. You will follow up the Western cordillera and cross the Cajas park where you will enjoy stunning views over the many lakes of this protected area. Back down from the mountains you will then pass by fertile lowlands with huge orchards and banana plantations before arriving to Guayaquil. In Guayaquil you will firstly visit the main streets, the neo gothic cathedral and the Simon Bolivar Park next to it, where you can find a hundred of green iguanas freely wandering around the park, some being a meter long. We will continue the visit to the Malecon 2000 and then reach the colonial area of Las Peñas, to admire there the architecture and the many art galleries. From the Santa Ana fort you will enjoy a scenic view over Guayaquil and the Guayas River. You will spend the night at hotel Palace in Guayaquil. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , room & breakfast Read more

Hotel Palace

Guayaquil Airport- Baltra- Los Gemelos-

Day 10:Saturday, Guayaquil Airport- Baltra- Los Gemelos- Puerto Ayora English-speaking guide in a private transport (if you are from 1 to 3 persons, your guide will also be your driver). Private transfer with your guide to Guayaquil airport. Domestic flight Guayaquil - Baltra. Private transfer from Baltra airport to your hotel, and visit of the "Parte Alta" and Gemelos with an english-speaking guide driver. The "Parte Alta" or the highlands present diverse attractions. First, the Hill Crocker. It is a hill with a spectacular sight of the island. Located in the high part, the hill Crocker is the point mas highly of Santa Cruz and this one located in the zone of pampas, from this hill it is possible to observe landscapes of the extinct covered volcanoes of endemic vegetation, the same ones that are the habitat of birds as the bewitching bird, pumphandles, petrel stuck leg and night birds. The site is caracterized for observing bewitching birds, petrels of Tortoises and pumphandles. Also pódran to visit The Puntudo, a hill with a spectacular sight of the island. The Puntudo is a cone of volcanic dross, type splash, this type of cone they are formed when the lava liquidates it is expelled by great force spreading for the surroundings You will also go to the farm of Manzanillo to observe the huge tortoises evolving freely. Have a walk in the middle of these impressionantes caparaces is a rather unique experience. "Los Gemelos", unique volcanic formation results from a collapse due to the volcanic eruptions and goshawk of which you can appreciate the unique forest of Scalesia, endemic plant of this region, and see the bird "wizard". Night in Deja Vu hotel in Santa Cruz island. Included: private transport , local english-speaking guide , guide expenses , departure transfer , domestic flight , arrival transfer , room & breakfast Read more

Deja Vu hotel

Puerto Ayora- Puerto Villamil

After walking around 2 hours (the 2 ways), you will enjoy the Tortuga Bay which is one of the most beautiful beaches of the islands. Along the path you can observe the mangroves with its specific fauna and have a perfect moment to relax once reached the beach. Marine birds, iguanas, turtles during their period of eggs, including sharks at the distance. At the Charles Darwin Station, you can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts on these Enchanted Islands. The Research Station rears endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas, and giant Galapagos Tortoises for educational, scientific and conservation purposes. You will have a private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from hotel to el muelle. You will travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela aboard a public speedboat. At the arrival in Isabela, you will need to take another taxi-boat (maximum $us 1 per person) to disembark on the island. You willl also need to pay the local tax ($us 10) at Isabela harbour. You will spend the night at Wooden House hotel in Isabela Included: local english-speaking guide , private transport , navigation , shared transport , room & breakfast Read more

Wooden House

Puerto Villamil- Rose Cape

You will be picked up at your hotels on the island Isabela to bring you to Port Villamil, where we will board a shared boat that will take us to the Tuneles. Los Tuneles is one of the best places to practice diving since it offers calm, transparent and shallow waters. In addition, it is unique because it has geological formations made up of lava, which over time formed a large number of arches and tunnels inside and out of the water. Here you can practice diving, and this is the best way to get to know the species of marine life that take refuge in this place, such as giant rays and sea turtles. After finishing the course, we will return to Port Villamil where your expedition will end. You will spend the night at Wooden House hotel in Isabela Included: box lunch , local english-speaking guide , snorkeling equipment , shared transport , room & breakfast Read more

Wooden House

Tintoreras Rock- Puerto Villamil

The "Tintoreras" are small volcanic rocks islands that are in front of Puerto Villamil. They are so named because the shark population "tintorera" is abundant in the turquoise waters bordering these islands. To reach these islands, from Puerto Villamil, you will take a shared boat, and after 10 minutes of navigation, you will arrive on the "Tintoreras". You can then enjoy the incredible presence of marine life on site to perform various activities: diving, photography, observation with explanations of a naturalist guide, or simply stroll with colonies of sea lions, turtles, iguanas, sharks, penguins, and a myriad of other species of flora and the endemic fauna of the Galapagos. You will spend the night at Wooden House hotel in Isabela Included: box lunch , local english-speaking guide , snorkeling equipment , shared transport , room & breakfast Read more

Wooden House

Puerto Villamil- Puerto Ayora- Baltra- Q

You will have a private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from hotel to el muelle. You will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz aboard a public speedboat. Transportation by a english-speaking driver from your hotel to Baltra airport. You will take a flight of about 2 hours from Baltra to Quito. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. Reception at Quito airport by your spanish-speaking driver. You will spend the night at Posada Mirolindo in Tababela, close to the airport. Included: private transport , navigation , shared transport , departure transfer , domestic flight , arrival transfer , room & breakfast Read more

Posada Mirolindo

Quito Airport- Lago Agrio- Jamu Lodge

Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver to Quito airport. Domestic flight Quito - Lago Agrio. Upon arrival in Lago Agrio, you will go by private bus to the entrance of Cuyabeno River (less than 2 hours), where we will have a box lunch. At this point the visitors have to register in the Reserve’s office and pay the entrance fee (2$). Our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the 2 to 3 hours navigation on the Cuyabeno River to reach Jamu Lodge in the afternoon. At that time you will be shown to your rooms and you can relax a little. After a siesta, we will leave the camp for a swim in the lagoon and to watch a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. Included: private transport , departure transfer , domestic flight , dinner (no drinks) , excursion (shared) , local english-speaking guide , lunch (no drinks) , room & breakfast Read more

Jamu Lodge

Jamu Lodge

After breakfast we will take a trek in the primary forest for 3 to 4 hours where your guide will explain how this complex tropical ecosystem works. You will learn about medicinal plants and might be able to see some exotic birds or monkeys. We will then return to the camp for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, we will have a swim in the lagoon and watch the sunset. With a little luck you can observe the pink river dolphins or an anaconda sunbathing in a tree. You will return to the camp for dinner, and then take a night canoe ride to look for caimans. Included: dinner (no drinks) , excursion (shared) , local english-speaking guide , lunch (no drinks) , room & breakfast Read more

Jamu Lodge

Jamu Lodge

After breakfast, we depart to head to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve (aditional cost of 6$ to give to the community). During this tour you will learn their customs, traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates are the principal food of the community). A visit to the Shaman is also included. He will explain some more about life in the jungle. The trip takes 1 hour navigation downstream to get there, on the way it will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community. After that we return to the lodge to go for a nocturnal hike through the primary forest in search of insects, spiders, geckos or scorpions, and listen to the night sounds of the jungle. Included: dinner (no drinks) , excursion (shared) , local english-speaking guide , lunch (no drinks) , room & breakfast Read more

Jamu Lodge

Jamu Lodge- Lago Agrio- Quito Airport- Q

Early in the morning before breakfast a bird-watching excursion is optional. Back at the lodge we have breakfast and you will start the journey back upstream on the Cuyabeno River. Lunch (lunch box) at the bridge. The bus will take you to Lago Agrio. Domestic flight Lago Agrio - Quito of around 40 minutes. If some time before your taking off, go to the Central Park at 5 minutes from the airport, where you will see aligators and anaconda... A small cafeteria in the center of the park is awaiting for you with air conditionning for a nice resting time. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. Reception at Quito airport by your spanish-speaking driver. You will spend the night at Vieja Cuba hotel in Quito. Included: box lunch , breakfast , excursion (shared) , local english-speaking guide , domestic flight , private transport , arrival transfer , room & breakfast Read more

Vieja Cuba

Departure from Quito

Suggestions for visits: If you have already visited the Quito Historical Center, this discovery will complement your knowledge of the city. The choices are multiple: Museums: we recommend 2 museums: Mindalae: collection of crafts from all over the country (district of La Mariscal). Guayasamin: Colonial house dedicated to the work of the most famous modern Ecuadorian painter (one of his works adorns the walls of Unesco in Paris), and archaeological objects that he collected during his life (Bellavista district ). Artisanal Market: A Handicraft Sample for Last-Minute Gifts (La Mariscal-Amazonas District) Cable car: a last climb to the edge of the volcano Pichincha for a last view of Quito and its surroundings. La Floresta: bohemian neighborhood with bars and terraces, designers and organic shops, to catch a last glass of craft beer or feel the atmosphere of this trendy neighborhood. Guápulo: small village backing the city with its church dedicated to the Virgin of the Clouds. Note: the entries of the sites and museums are not included. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver to Quito airport. Free connection for your international flight from Quito. According to your flight schedule, you will dispose of more or less free time. Included: private transport , departure transfer Read more

ACCOMMODATIONS

Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day 2
Location Otavalo
Hotel Las Palmeras
Day 3
Location Ibarra
Day 4
Location Machachi
Day 5
Location Chugchilan
Day 6
Location Riobamba
Hotel Bella Casona
Day 7
Location Cuenca
Day 9
Location Guayaquil
Hotel Hotel Palace
Day 10
Location Puerto Ayora
Hotel Deja Vu
Day 11
Location Puerto Villamil
Day 14
Location Tababela
Day 15
Location Lago Agrio
Hotel Jamu Lodge
Day 18
Location Quito
Hotel Vieja Cuba

TRIP PACKAGE

Package includes

  • • Hotel and touristic services taxes
  • • English speaking assistance 24h/24 during the trip
  • • Guide, private transportation, entrance fees and the excursions indicated as "included" in each day
  • • All breakfasts (not guaranteed if leaving early the hotel)
  • • Lunch and dinner indicated as « included» in each day
  • • Nights in indicated hotels or equivalent in twin or matrimonial room.

Package excludes

  • • International flight
  • • Domestic flight (except if mentionned in this proposal)
  • • Hospitalization / medical repatriation insurance (mandatory)
  • • Lunch and dinner not mentionned (around 8 to 16 $US / person / meal)
  • • Tips (restaurants, guides and drivers)
  • • For a journey to Galapagos, price per person: entrance tax to the Galapagos national park (100 $US), likely to increase any time without previous notice, migration card (20 $US), any embarkment tax (ex.: Isabela (10 $US), taxi-boats in harbour, transfer bus between airport and Itabaca channel (Santa Cruz) (5 $US).

More information

  • • Hotels are subject to availability at the moment of the reservation / confirmation of your trip.
  • • In case of unavailability at one of the indicated hotels, another option in the same category will be proposed.

REVIEWS

4 Reviews

Mireille, France

Le pays est merveilleux avec des paysages à couper le souffle sans arrêt. Les gens sont d'une gentillesse extraordinaire sans agressivité aucune. Il faut prévoir un traitement contre le mal des montagnes! Finir le voyage aux Galápagos est également un enchantement qui poursuit ce voyage de rêve . Par ailleurs l'agence Terra Andina était parfaite ! aucune mauvaise surprise. Tout s'est déroulé sans anicroche et correspondait à ce que nous attendions. Read more

Robert Patrick, France

Quito & Iles Galapagos: J'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à faire ce voyage. L'organisation de Terra Andina a été très bonne. Je regrette seulement de ne pas avoir disposé d'un guide pour découvrir Quito, je pense que j'aurais perdu moins de temps dans une ville que je ne connaissais pas. Aux Galapagos, le jour de l'excursion sur un volcan, j'aurais aimé pouvoir en découvrir un 2e. En début d'après-midi, j'étais déjà de retour à l'hôtel. Read more

Christine S., France

Découverte des Galapagos : j'ai eu de très bons contacts avec Clara, notre déléguée à l'agence et le travail qu'elle a réalisée pour nous était sans faille, tant au niveau organisation que relationnel.

MORE REVIEWS

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