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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Family adventure Trip

2 weeks: Quito to Quito (IMT-FLCE08)

Intro

Colourful Ecuador is the jewel of Latin America, a small country packed full of sights, where the Andes meet the Amazon, and home to an awesome collection of natural and cultural wonders. The highlands of the Andes host superb local markets where you can shop for crafts and meet friendly Indian traders, and cities such as Quito and Cuenca boast a magnificent colonial heritage, crammed full of exquisite architecture. But the real highlight of Ecuador has to be its natural beauty - enormous volcanoes, lofty peaks and the mighty Amazon rainforest which is home to a large proportion of our planets wildlife. This is a compelling and enchanting country, perfect for an active family holiday.

Group Size

Max 20

Activities

Amazon jungle excursions, hiking in Cajas NP, optional hiking, biking and horse-riding in Banos

Accommodation

11 nights tourist hotels, 2 nights jungle lodge, 1 night spa

Transport

Private bus, boat, train, plane

Flight

Cuenca to Quito

Airport Transfer

To hotel on day 1

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of a local guide in the jungle

Meals

As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary

Itineraries

Day 1, QUITO

Arrive in Quito.

Day 2, QUITO

Quito is one of Latin Americas most historically important cities with a wealth of architectural gems and the dramatic backdrop of the Pichincha volcano. The day is free to explore or relax. (B)

Day 3, QUITO OTAVALO

We set off by bus to Otavalo, a traditional Andean town with one of South Americas best markets. The afternoon is free to explore the town. (B)

Day 4, OTAVALO

Saturday is market day in Otavalo and the streets throng with stalls selling a multitude of herbal remedies, fruits, crafts, souvenirs and the brightly coloured textiles for which the region is famous. (B)

Day 5, OTAVALO - PAPALLACTA

In the morning we drive to Termas de Papallacta Spa, a resort perched on a high Andean valley on the entrance route to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. Relax taking the waters at the 9 natural thermal springs or the 3 cold pools, while enjoying the beautiful Andean landscape. For the active family there is the chance to explore the Rancho del Cañón (Canyon Ranch) at the entrance of Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. (BD)

Day 6, PAPALLACTA AMAZON

Head through spectacular Andean scenery into the Amazon. We spend 2 nights in a secluded jungle lodge in the worlds greatest ecosystem. (BLD)

Day 7, AMAZON

We have a full day in the Amazon to fully appreciate the diversity, enormity and beauty of this unique wilderness area. We explore on foot and by canoe, accompanied by a native guide. (BLD)

Day 8, AMAZON - BANOS

We take a morning bus to Banos, a lovely town situated in an idyllic location on the slopes of the roaring Tungurahua volcano. (B)

Days 9-10, BANOS

Two full days to explore Banos and the surrounding area; there are a range of different options including hiking, taking a horse-trek into the mountains, exploring by mountain bike and relaxing in the hot pools for which the town is famous. (B)

Day 11, BANOS CHIMBORAZO RIOBAMBA

Morning bus journey to Riobamba at the foot of the Chimborazo Alps. On the way we stop to explore the surroundings of the Chimborazo Volcano. (B)

Day 12, RIOBAMBA CUENCA

Early in morning we board the famous Devils Nose railway for the spectacular journey across steep sided ravines and rocky gorges to Alausi. We then continue by bus to the old colonial town of Cuenca, after one last stop on the way at Ingapirca, Ecuadors finest Inca ruins. (Note: if the train is not running we will travel by bus instead). (B)

Day 13, CUENCA

Morning walking tour of this beautiful city, with a World Heritage Trust status since 1999. Its cobblestone streets, flowering plazas and whitewashed buildings with old wooden doors and ironwork balconies make it a pleasure to explore. (B)

Day 14, CUENCA-CAJAS NATIONAL PARK QUITO

Located 29 km west of Cuenca, its over 250 lakes separated by rocky ridges make Cajas NP one of the most beautiful natural spots in Ecuador. 125 species of birds have been identified here including the majestic condor and many hummingbirds. We spend the morning touring the park by bus and on foot. In the afternoon we return to Cuenca in time for our flight back to Quito. (BL)

Day 15, QUITO

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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Last updated: 8th June 2008