Explore Ecuador - Escape to Exotic Ecuador - Luxury overland Trip

Accommodation

8 nights in quality tourist class hotels & guesthouses & traditional haciendas(generally 3* +) with private facilities & great guest services.
3 nights Amazon Jungle Lodge.

Kitty Notes

Local Payment is paid in cash to your tour leader on the first day of your tour in South America. It is part of your overall tour cost and is the easiest and most economical way for us to get hard currency to South America to help run your trip. It goes toward a variety of day to day local costs which cannot be pre-paid such as locally organised activities and meals at restaurants. Paying this money locally ensures tour leaders have a supply of money, as access to banking facilities can, at times be limited.

Itineraries (Quito - Quito)

Day 1 - 4
Our tour begins in the beautifully preserved colonial capital of Quito, located in the Andean highlands and surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. We visit the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the 5897 metre Cotopaxi volcano and spend the evening in a beautiful countryside hacienda. Next we descend to the popular tourist town of Banos. Famous for its hot baths and wide range of great activities available Banos’ surroundings are green and attractive. We will visit the mighty Pylon del Diablo waterfall and take a walk or horse ride along some of the many scenic paths in the area.

Day 5 – 8
We follow the Rio Pestanza canyon as it drops steadily from Banos and head down into the tropical Amazon basin. Arriving to our wonderful jungle lodge located on the shores of the Napo River we will enjoy a three night stay. Take walks through the primary jungle and canoe down the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River. We visit an animal rescue project and a local indigenous community where you will learn about their traditional methods of survival and ways of life. Climbing up out of the Amazon basin, enjoy enchanting views of beautiful cloud forest arriving at the thermal village of Papallacta. Relax in the natural outdoor thermal pools while enjoying views of Antisana Volcano, located just 15 kilometres to the south.

Day 9 -12
We arrive into Otavalo in time for its famous Saturday Market. Dating back to pre-Incan times this lively and colourful market is alive with friendly local crafts-people selling their fare. Crossing the equator we visit Mitad del Mundo – the middle of the world and then pass on to Mindo, an area of western forest alive with exotic birdlife and a rich natural history. Hummingbirds buzz around from tree to tree and colourful butterfly’s fly overhead in this pretty, less visited little town. Arriving back into Quito we will look down on the city from the hilltop Panecillo Monument and enjoy a last meal together to reflect on a wonderful and exhilarating Ecuadorian experience.