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Ecuador Tours and Travel

Exclusive Ecuador Highlands and Haciendas Tours

Note: The itineraries below are just suggested ones. They can be modified to include more or less nights in each place or to include nights in other areas. See videos of the participating haciendas and hotels.

Great tours featuring a private guide and stays at exclusive haciendas with most meals included. When you book through us:

* The owner of the hotel personally welcomes the guests.
* You receive an automatic upgrade to suites when available.
* Bottle of wine, fruits and flowers in the room on arrival.

Northern Highlands and Haciendas Tour

Day 1 Arrive Quito
Private guided transfer in from flight to Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. Lunch on own
In the afternoon explore the historical centre of Quito. First stop is Itchimbia Park which offers fantastic views across Quito´s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue on to visit the neo-gothic Basilica, Independence Square where you find the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, La Compañia de Jesus church famous for its gold leafed interiors and San Francisco Square and church. Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura with breakfast included. (D)

Day 2 Quito - Mindo
In the morning after breakfast, head north towards the Mitad del Mundo, where the equator line crosses Ecuador. Walk the equator line, get photographed on both sides of the world at the same time, or jump from one side of the world to the other! There is an interesting museum here showing artifacts and giving information about the many different indigenous groups that Ecuador boasts. Lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the nearby Pululahua Volcanic Crater
Continue the journey in the afternoon onto the luscious world of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. Before arriving at Mindo make a stop off at Tulipe, a Yumbo archaeological site (open Wednesday to Sunday). The Yumbos were a Pre-Incan civilization. At Tulipe you find the little-known archaeological remains of the Yumbo civilization. Dinner and overnight at Septimo Paraiso with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Mindo
After breakfast enjoy a morning hike in the Septimo Paraiso Cloud Forest Reserve where there are over 300 species of birds recorded, or for those who prefer relax poolside at the lodge, before visiting the butterfly house in Mindo. Return to Septimo Paraiso for lunch
In the afternoon visit Tony's House or the Bellavista Reserva to see the wonderful hummingbirds. Dinner and overnight at Septimo Paraiso with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Mindo - Otavalo
In the morning leave the cloud forest behind and travel to the lake region of Otavalo Lunch included overlooking the tranquil San Pablo Lake
In the afternoon visit the nearby village of Peguche, where you will get the opportunity to visit the home and workshop of a master tapestry weaver and learn more about this local craft. Peguche is also famous for the elaboration of musical instruments, such as rondadores (pan pipes) - visit a local workshop and discover more about the many musical instruments that originate from the Andes. Dinner and overnight at the colonial Hacienda Pinsaqui with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Otavalo
After a leisurely breakfast at Hacienda Pinsaqui, head out to the nearby Crater Lake at Cuicocha. Enjoy a moderate guided hike around this stunning volcanic lagoon tucked away in the Ecuadorian Andes. Lunch included in a local restaurant.
After lunch explore the streets of Cotacachi, a small market town famous for its leather wear, before returning to Hacienda Pinsaqui. Take advantage of the rest of the afternoon to explore the beautiful gardens or sit back and relax in front of one of the hacienda's huge fireplaces.
Dinner and overnight in the colonial Hacienda Pinsaqui with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 6 Otavalo
After breakfast it is time to visit the colourful, world-renowned indigenous market at Otavalo, where all kinds of marvellous handicrafts are on offer. You can find products here representing all the main indigenous groups of Ecuador. Lunch included in a local restaurant
In the afternoon return to the hacienda and from here you will begin a 2/3 hour horse back ride, through local villages, towards the Imbabura Volcano, arriving at a wonderful view point. This horse back ride is suitable for beginners through to advanced riders. Dinner and overnight in the colonial Hacienda Pinsaqui with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 7 Otavalo - Machachi
After breakfast begin the journey south to the wonderful Hacienda Umbria. Lunch on arrival at the Hacienda
In the afternoon undertake a trip around this beautiful hacienda on tractor, visit the horse pastures and milking sheds. On returning to the main house, take part in a coffee tasting session led by the hacienda's owner, Alvaro Samper. Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Umbria with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 8 Machachi
After breakfast set off towards Cotopaxi for a morning visit to the National Park, which includes a stop off at the Limpiopungo Lake where a moderate hike can be enjoyed. Please note that there is USD$10 per person National Park entrance fee not included in the final price. Box lunch or a late lunch included on return to the hacienda
In the afternoon take part in an Ecuadorian chocolate tasting session at the hacienda, led by the owner Alvaro Samper. Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Umbria with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 9 Machachi - Quito
After breakfast visit a local Flower Farm, where you can learn more about one of Ecuador's most important export industries. Lunch at the hacienda
In the afternoon return to Quito. Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 10 Quito - home
Private transfer out to the airport to catch your international flight home

2011 Price: USD$3760 for 1 person, $2294 per person double occupancy for 2 people, $1969 per person for 3 people in triple occupancy, $1857 per person for 4 people in double occupancy. Single supplement = $466.

Includes: Private transportation with English speaking guide, accommodation and meals as specified (B,L,D), activities specified including city tour and entrance fees to visitors sights

Not Included: Meals on own, soft and alcoholic drinks, entrance fee to Cotopaxi NP, extra activities at haciendas, tips and personal expenses.

Southern Highlands and Haciendas Tour

Day 1 Arrive Quito
Private guided transfer in from flight to Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. Lunch on own In the afternoon explore the historical centre of Quito. First stop is Itchimbia Park which offers fantastic views across Quito´s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue on to visit the neo-gothic Basilica, Independence Square where you find the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, La Compañia de Jesus church famous for its gold leafed interiors and San Francisco Square and church. Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura with breakfast included. (D)

Day 2 Quito - Cotopaxi
After breakfast begin the journey south towards the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes and enjoy a visit to the wonderful world of the Ecuadorian Paramo that is Cotopaxi National Park. The majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world. Please note that there is USD$10 per person National Park Entrance fee to be paid on arrival at Cotopaxi (not included in final price) Lunch included at a local hacienda within the National Park. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde including breakfast. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Cotopaxi
After breakfast set off for a full day tour to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, with a stop off at the village of Tigua on the way to see the colorful paintings which are produced by the local indigenous artists. Box lunch provided On arrival at Quilotoa enjoy a hike down to the beautiful blue/green waters of the crater lake. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde including breakfast. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Cotopaxi - Baños
In the morning visit the village of Salasaca which is well known for the weaving of tapestries. The people here have a unique style of dress with black woven ponchos and wide-brimmed, white felt hats. After strolling around the market, visit the home of a master weaver, and learn all about the ancestral technique of backstrap weaving. Lunch on arrival at Hacienda Manteles In the afternoon hike to the local Payacucho Waterfall which is located within the hacienda's privately protected 200 hectare cloud forest reserve. This hike is suitable for all levels of fitness and takes around 1 and a half hours. The hacienda provides welly boots since the trail crosses small streams before arriving at the waterfall. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Manteles with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Baños
After breakfast head off towards Baños and from there follow the course of the Pastaza River towards Puyo, a stunning road trip which passes a number of beautiful waterfalls including the Manto de la Novia and the Pailon del Diablo. Return to the mountain spa town of Baños for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a stroll around the main square and nearby streets, sample the local 'melcocha', a handmade toffee which is prepared on every street corner. Take a dip in the local hot springs. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Manteles with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Baños - Riobamba
Enjoy a morning hiking or relaxing at Hacienda Manteles After lunch at the hacienda continue your journey onto the city of Riobamba located at the foot of the Chimborazo Volcano. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo with breakfast included (B,L,D)

Day 7 Riobamba - Cuenca
After an early breakfast at the hacienda, continue you journey south along a breathtaking stretch of the Andes. Lunch included at a local hostería next to the Ingapirca ruins. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the magical Inca ruins at Ingapirca. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Caballo Campana with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Cuenca
In the morning enjoy a tour of the city of Cuenca including visits to the main churches, the flower market, a stroll along the river, the Turi lookout and local Panama hat factory. Lunch at a local top restaurant. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city some more or visit a museum of your choice.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Caballo Campana with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Cuenca - Quito
After breakfast, set off to visit some of the surrounding market towns such as Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon catch your return flight to Quito. Private transfer in on arrival in Quito airport. Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura with breakfast included. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Quito - home
Private transfer out to the airport to catch your international flight (B)

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2011 Price: USD$3634 for 1 person, $2231 per person double occupancy for 2 people, $1771 per person for 3 people in triple occupancy, $1748 per person for 4 people in double occupancy. Single supplement = $506

Includes: Private transportation with English speaking guide, accommodation and meals as specified (B,L,D), activities specified including city tours and entrance fees to visitors sights specified, flights Cuenca - Quito

Not Included: Meals on own, soft and alcoholic drinks, entrance fee to the Cotopaxi NP, extra activities at haciendas, tips and personal expenses.

Add On Hotel Palmazul - Three days / Two nights

Day 1 Quito - San Clemente
Private transfer to the airport to catch the short (30 minute) flight from Quito to Manta. Private pick up in Manta and transfer to Hotel Palmazul
In the afternoon enjoy a long and relaxing stroll along the deserted beach, often pods of dolphins can be spotted. From June to September it is possible to see the amazing humpback whales passing through these waters. Overnight in Hotel Palmazul with breakfast included.

Day 2 San Clemente
After breakfast, an early start to watch the fisherman at work on the beach as they haul in their morning catch, using traditional net fishing techniques. Guests are welcome to join in. Enjoy a full day relaxing at the beach or poolside. The hotel has a wonderful spa which offers a whole range of different treatments (at an extra cost). A late afternoon leisurely walk along the beach is a must. Overnight in Hotel Palmazul with breakfast included.

Day 3 San Clemente - Quito
After another relaxing morning at the Hotel Spa Palmazul, a private transfer will take you back to Manta to catch your afternoon flight back to Quito. Private transfer to your hotel.

2011 Price: USD$596 for 1 person, $437 per person double occupancy for 2 people, $380 per person for 3 people in triple occupancy, $420 per person for 4 people in double occupancy. Single supplement = $230.

Included:
Private airport transfers in Quito hotel - Quito airport - Quito hotel
Private airprot transfers Manta Airport - Palmazul - Manta Airport
Flight Quito - Manta - Quito
2 nights at Hotel Spa Palmazul w. bfast included

Not Included:
Meals (except brekafasts specified)
Spa activities at Palmazul
Tips and other personal expenses

Trip must be paid for at least 35 days ahead of arrival.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If the trip is cancelled we reserve the right to charge:
A) A 13% non-refundable deposit. This covers administration costs.
B) 30 - 7 days before trip we charge 50% of price to cover non refundable accommodation payments.
C) 6 days or less we charge 100% of price