Classic Andean Group Tours
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These group tour programs will let you visit all the amazing highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes, in the company of a small group (15 passengers maximum) and at a great price. The different natural landscapes and the beautiful colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca are waiting for you in Ecuador. The Magical Andes will let you experience indigenous villages, colorful markets, the largest Inca site in Ecuador and, of course, the majestic snow-capped volcanoes.
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Ecuador Highlights - 10 Days |
Best of Ecuador - 7 Days |
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Day 1: Quito Meet your trip leader and group at 6:00pm.
Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day. Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito. Meals: In-flight Day 2: Otavalo Market We take an early departure from Quito and drive north through the majestic Andes. On our way we will stop at a viewpoint to admire Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo. Once in Otavalo, you will have plenty of time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Otavalo Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Learn all about their daily activities, typical food and native language. Explore their famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and more at bargain prices. In the afternoon, we will drive to Cotacachi to have lunch and witness the impressive leather goods of the town and enjoy the beauty of this small village. There will be some free time for you to explore the shops or simply relax while sipping on one of the best coffees in Ecuador in the main plaza. Finally we will go to Peguche, a small village known for its waterfalls and wind instruments production Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaquí or similar. Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Day 3: Hummingbirds Sanctuary
Early in the morning, we will drive down along a curvy panoramic road towards the Amazon Rain forest; as we descend from an altitude of 3000 m to 500 m (9843 ft to 1640 ft), you will observe how the landscape and vegetation change drastically between climates. Our first stop will be the Guango reserve, where we will have the unique opportunity to see many different species of hummingbirds in the wild. These small creatures are famous for their incredible ability to flap their wings rapidly, as well as for their bright colors. Later, we also stop at the "Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout," located between Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves (low elevation cloud forest), to observe the magic blanket of clouds that covers the Amazon rain forest, until we finally arrive at the Arajuno River, where a motor canoe will take us 20 minutes up the river to the Itamandi Eco-Lodge. Accommodation: Itamandi Amazon Eco-Lodge Meals : Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Amazon Hike and Kichwa Community In the morning, we will hike to explore the Tropical Rain Forest and have an interpretation from our guide and learn about medicinal plants and we will search for wildlife. Later, we will enjoy a cultural activity where an Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Appreciate the skills of the indigenous women manufacturing handmade pottery (ceramics). This little business helps to support the indigenous people in their daily life. Today we will also have the chance to learn how to make our own chocolate from the raw fruit. Accommodation: Itamandi Amazon Eco-Lodge Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: the Road of Waterfalls
After breakfast, we will reach to Rio Verde, located in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sangay National Park. Here, we will hike down to the second highest waterfall in Ecuador, the Pailon Del Diablo, where pounding water cascades on the rocks and mesmerizes you as you watch from a suspension bridge. You may also take an optional hike behind the falls. After another quick drive, we will arrive at another incredible waterfall called El Manto de la Novia, where we will ride in a cable car traversing the canyon of the Pastaza River. In the late afternoon we will arrive to Baños, located right on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. It has some eruptions every few months which delights visitors with lava and steam displays that can be viewed from a number of safe view points in the region. Here in Baños you can also visit a spa or another place to enjoy the hot springs of the area. Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Luis or similar Meals: Breakfast. Day 6 : Tree House – free afternoon in Banos In the morning we will visit The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo, you will have some time to take the amazing picture with the stunning landscape in the front. We will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy optional activities in this incredible town. Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Luis or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 7: Chimborazo Volcano Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador with an elevation of 6310 m(20702 ft) above sea level; whose summit is also the furthest point from the center of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers. There will be a short hike for 0.9 km (0.57 mi) to reach the elevation of 5000 m(16404 ft) where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic wonderland such as the Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and the timid vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, they have been reintroduced and are now protected; this beautiful animal is related to the alpacas and llamas. Accommodation: Hacienda La Andaluza Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Day 8: Devil's Nose Train - Inca Ruins - Cuenca After an early breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to the small town of Alausí. Here, we will board the train to the Devil’s Nose, where the tracks wind through the countryside in a zigzag formation, creating a travel experience like no other. After the train ride, we will continue our visit towards Ingapirca, the most impressive Inca ruins of Ecuador. We will spend the afternoon learning about this archaeological site, notable for its unique fusion of Inca and native Cañari architecture, as well as for its religious meaning. Later, we will head up to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture. Accommodation: Hotel Carvallo Meals : Breakfast Day 9: Cuenca UNESCO City + Chordaleg + Gualeceo Starting in the morning enjoy a fantastic city tour, visiting the most important buildings and notable places in Cuenca, such as Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Barranco and El Turi lookout point. In the afternoon visit a famous Panama hat factory where we will understand the whole process of making this traditional Ecuadorian hat. In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby towns of Chordeleg and Gualaceo, unique destinations that can be enjoyed on this tour. Chordeleg is well known for his jewelry, especially his silverware. And Gualaceo is a picturesque market, where locals gather to exchange their products and crafts. Here you can find traditional Macana shawls, fabrics of fabrics with intense colors and folkloric designs. Accommodation: Hotel Carvallo Meals: Breakfast. Day 10: Free Morning - flight back to Quito You will have this free morning the enjoy the charming city of Cuenca and its surroundings. In the afternoon you will take a short 45-minute domestic flight back to Quito, where you will connect with your international flight. Today our trip will end. Meals : Breakfast Special women only departure starting on Sept. 27 for US$2196 per person, double occupancy. 2024 Prices per person, double occupancy in US$: $2059. Single supplement is $744. Departs every Friday with a minimum of 2 people, max of 15. NOTE
• Confirmed departures from 2 passengers. • Program rates based on shared groups. If private departures are required, please add the private supplement of $312 per person. Included:
NOT INCLUDED
DRIVING TIME From 2 to 3 hours driving average from place to place.
SEASON All-year (best from May to October) ACCOMODATION All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact us prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost. MEALS Traveling with us, you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure. Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy. YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES All guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation. SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living. HEALTH INFORMATION Please inform us of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice. |
Day 1: Quito Meet your trip leader and group at 6:00pm.
Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. We can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day. Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito. Meals: In-flight Day 2: Equator, Crater and Chocolate On the first day of our adventure, we will drive north of Quito to witness the equator monument complex. Visiting the middle of the world is a mandatory stop once you are in Ecuador, you’ll have the opportunity to be able to stand on both sides of the hemispheres, north and south, at the same time and feel the neutral forces of the equator. On our way, we will also stop for a view of the Pululahua crater, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world, hosting more than 400 people. After, we will reach the little town of Mindo, nestled into the cloud forest. This area is filled with a wide variety of plants and animal life – perfect for a nice introduction to the diversity of Ecuador. Mindo and its surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for hummingbirds! In the afternoon we will visit a chocolate distributor, where you can take a tour of the process of the cocoa, from harvesting the seed to the final product, like as a delicious brownie or a cup of real hot cocoa. Accommodation: Séptimo Paraíso or similar. Meals:Breakfast Day 3: Mindo Cloud Forest We will explore the pristine cloud rain forest of Mindo, crossing cable cars and hiking along waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest filled with toucans, hummingbirds and colorful birds. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to enjoy the several optional outdoor activities offered in this area. You can go whitewater rafting or "tubing" (several large inner-tubes tied together) as our steely-nerved guides steer you through thrilling rapids. Or try a canopy zip-line (sailing along one of 13 zip-lines over the beautiful canopy of the cloud forest.) One of the highlights of today is the visit to the butterfly nursery, where we watch gargantuan butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons. You can dip your fingers into a banana concoction and then be thrilled as butterflies the size of birds land on your hands for a snack. Accommodation: Séptimo Paraíso or similar. Meals: Breakfast Day 4: Otavalo Market Drive back up into the highlands and reach the Pan-American Highway heading north on the way to the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. Here, admire the endless number of handicrafts from the local people. Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, which are filled with Otavalo indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos. Visit their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and more at bargain prices. In Otavalo, there will be enough time for shopping and cultural interaction. In the afternoon, we will drive to Cotacachi to witness the impressive leather goods of the town and enjoy the beauty of this small village. There will be some free time for you to explore the shops or simply relax while sipping on one of the best coffees in Ecuador in the main plaza. Later we will arrive at the beautiful, historical hacienda of Pinsaqui where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as welcome, and learn about the history of this place. Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaquí or similar. Meals: Breakfast Day 5: Cuicocha Crater lake & Papallacta Hot Springs Today we will first visit Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breath taking scenery of the crystalline-clear waters of this active volcano and the amazing surrounding landscapes. At the end of an hour long hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, watching bubbles coming up from the center of the caldera. Later, we will head to Peguche, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, where you will live an unforgettable cultural experience, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South-American highlands. You will help the local people prepare a delicious lunch using the fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields and share precious moments of conviviality with them. In the late afternoon, we will reach the luxury volcanic hot-springs resort of Papallacta, where you will have the chance to relax at the spa resort surrounded by the view of the majestic Andean mountains. Accommodation: Papallacta Spa Resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 6: Cotopaxi - Quito After breakfast, following a last dip in the open-air hot springs, we will drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The snow-capped volcano is surrounded by the national park, home to abundant plant life, a rich fauna and Inca ruins. We will begin our visit at the interpretation center at the entrance of the park, before continuing our drive across the páramo to the Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the almost symmetrical cone of the Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards, drive back to Quito for our last dinner. Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito. Meals : Breakfast Day 7: Quito - Departure Today our trip will end and you will have your International departures. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart. Meals : Breakfast 2024 Prices per person, double occupancy in US$: $1486. Single supplement is $659. Departs every Monday, with a minimum of 2 people, max of 12. NOTE
• Confirmed departures from 2 passengers • Program rates based on shared groups. If private departures are required, please add the private supplement of $460 per person. Included:
NOT INCLUDED
PAYMENTS POLICIES: - The invoice will be sent upon booking confirmation by email, 30% deposit will be requested to confirm the booking. - 70% balance will be requested within 30 days before departure.
CANCELATION POLICIES: - Within 70 - 55 days prior to travel 35% cancellation fees. - Within 54 - 40 days prior to travel 50% cancellation fees. - Within 39 - 1 days prior to travel 100% cancellation fees. - No shows 100% cancellation fees. ALTERATIONS: - Any change of itinerary or service before and during the trip will depend on availability and subject to 100% cancellation penalties of existing services. - Leaving the trip at any day/time after arrival will apply 100% cancellation. |
