Ecuador Cities, Andes and Galapagos - 11 Days
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Day 1: Arrival Day
Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains, and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito. Included: Transportation, English speaking guide, and accommodation Day 2: Quito Colonial Center Tour (4 Hours) The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito: a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city´s many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito a World Cultural Heritage site. Morning visit to colonial Quito. We will walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery which was started 5 days after the founding of the city in 1534. Then we will visit the city’s famous La Ronda street, where we will learn about traditional work in Colonial Quito. For our last stop, we will also be visiting the ‘Panecillo’, the hill that dominates the South of the city, and where we will be able to admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and enjoy spectacular views of Quito. Overnight stay in Quito. Included: Breakfast, transportation, English speaking guide, excursion, entrance fees and accommodation Day 3: Quito-Leisure Day Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying one of our excursions. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Today we’ll visit the Quilotoa volcano crater, where we will be able to appreciate the crater’s serene mysterious green lake. We’ll have the option of a short walk of about 1.7 kilometers / 1.1 mile along the crater's rim. On the way back, we will stop to visit an art gallery in the community of Tigua, where we will be able to appreciate paintings representative of the folklore of this part of the Andes. The brightly colored style of the area’s artists, currently the third generation, has transcended local boundaries and is now internationally renowned. * Optional Mindo Excursion: Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, we stop at the Pululahua volcanic crater (optional) for a peek into the crater with its patchwork fields far below on the crater floor. When we reach the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve we will climb to the top of the mountain, once again with fabulous views, enjoy the flurry of the hummingbirds, or take a hike into the forest on the reserve’s variety of trails. An incredible one hundred and seventy species of birds have been recorded at Bellavista, and the list continues to grow: Tanager - finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and the White-face Nunbird can all be found here, while everybody enthuses over the brightly colored Tanagers and the Platebilled Mountain-Toucan. * Optional Cotopaxi National Park Excursion: We will visit Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. We will also visit the Interpretation center to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano’s major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. We will then visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you feel like a longer walk, a 2 hour hike will take us to Mt. Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks. Note: You only can book one of these excursions, lunch not included Overnight stay in Quito. Included: breakfast and accommodation Day 4: Quito -Otavalo - Full day Otavalo Indian HuesThe Indian market in Otavalo is famous for its craft work, and is a must for all visitors to the northern Andes of Ecuador. Here, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Mount Imbabura, visitors will find the quiet and harmony typical of this primarily Quichua speaking region. We depart early in the morning, heading north on the Pan-American highway to Otavalo market one of the most well known throughout the Andes. Our first stop is at the Intiñan Museum, a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo. We continue our trip until we arrive to Otavalo. The town´s famous craft market is one of the most visited sites in Ecuador, and with good reason. The market is filled with interesting colourful and sometimes rare objects and crafts. Do remember to bargain, but only if you´re interested. The market is held every day on one of the town squares at the foot of the majestic Mt. Imbabura. And to help you navigate the market your hosts will present you with a short explanation of the market´s and provide a map of the area. Overnight stay in Otavalo. Included: Breakfast, transportation, entrance fees, English speaking guide and accommodation. Day 5: Otavalo Spend the day at your leisure in Otavalo, relaxing at your own pace or exploring the surrounding highlands and volcanic walking trails. Overnight stay in Otavalo Included: breakfast and accommodation Day 6: Otavalo-Galapagos (Santa Cruz) Early morning transfer from Otavalo to the airport for a flight to Galapagos Islands Excursion Highlands Pto Ayora The guide will pick you at the airport to start the visit to the highlands. You will visit shelters for the giant tortoises, lava tunnels and the twins that are geological formations formed by collapse over time. One of our visit is El Chato that provides the opportunity to marvel at the celebrated Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat. You will have the option to visit geological formations like a natural lava tunnel or twin pit craters "The Gemelos" or both, depending on your energy level! The "Gemelos" or Twin Pit Craters, located in the Scalezia zone of the island, are a great place for bird watching. Look out for Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves and Cattle egret. Charles Darwin Research Station The Charles Darwin Research Center is the matrix of all the scientific researches in the Galapagos Islands. It is from these headquarters from where all the most sensitive conservation projects are being directed. The conservation and preservation of giant tortoises, marine iguanas among others are some of the examples of the Center labor. We can walk along the core of the Research Center where we can find the corrals where the giant tortoises are being breed as well as the corrals where the land iguanas are being studied. The Research Center offers a brand new Interpretation Center with some of the most important samples of the Center Collection. Overnight stay on Santa Cruz. Included: Breakfast, transportation, English speaking guide, excursion and accommodation Day 7: Galapagos (Santa Cruz) Leisure day- Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife *Optional Tour: Navigable Tour to neighbor islands Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide as you experience the remote islands in comfort and style. Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. We can visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay. Along the way, we might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Island visited may vary according to National Park regulations Overnight stay on Santa Cruz. Included: Breakfast, and accommodation Day 8: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)Delight in a stunning view of this colorful town from a different perspective. Depart from Puerto Ayora main pier and ride around the bay, enjoy the vibrant feeling of this particular nautical lifestyle while searching for the perfect spot to relish a wonderful sunset surrounded by the intriguing wildlife. Overnight stay on Santa Cruz. Included: Breakfast, local guide, transportation, and accommodation Day 9: Galapagos (Santa Cruz) Leisure day- Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife *Optional Tour: Navigable Tour to neighbor islands Embark our motor yacht and enjoy of a daily excursion with a welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide as you experience the remote islands in comfort and style. Our daily excursions will take you to experience the Galapagos Islands in a safe and comfortable manner. We can visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay. Along the way, we might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Island visited may vary according to National Park regulations Overnight stay on Santa Cruz. Included:Breakfast, and accommodation Day 10: Santa Cruz- Guayaquil Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from Baltra. Arrive in Guayaquil. Guayaquil City tour Quito is Ecuador’s colonial and political capital, but Guayaquil is the country’s largest city and busiest port. Situated on the impressive, slow moving, River Guayas, this bustling city has an endearing, tropical atmosphere. There is plenty to see, and this is an important stop on every Ecuadorian tour. On this day tour we will visit several of the city’s highlights, such as the Malecon 2000 . Overnight stay in Guayaquil. Included: Breakfast, transportation and accommodation Day 11:Departure Day Transfer to Guayaquil airport with English Speaking Assistance Included: Breakfast, transportation and english guide |
2023 Price per person in double room in superior tourist hotels: with 1 person = $2232 with 2 people = $1541 with 3 people = $1360 with 4-6 people = $1264 single supplement = $156 2024 Price per person in double room in superior tourist hotels: with 1 person = $2232 with 2 people = $1541 with 3 people = $1360 with 4-6 people = $1264 single supplement = $156 can quote with higher class hotels Included:
Not Included:
Sample Hotels in all classes
Quito: Hotel Mama Cuchara by Arthotels Located in the Historic Center of Quito - Ecuador's political capital - Mama Cuchara represents the nexus between a patrimonial Spanish colonial house and the new trends in comfort and elegance of a 5 star property. Part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Mama Cuchara is a short distance from the major attractions of the historical center. Hostal Real Audiencia Hotel Real Audiencia is a comfortable and elegant 31-room hotel located in the historic center of Quito. The hotel, which was built in 1950, is surrounded by a number of beautiful 17th-century colonial buildings. Otovalo El Indio inn The hotel is within walking distance of Otavalo's famous artisan market. The hotel has 33 comfortable rooms, as well as a stylish cafe/restaurant with both international and national dishes, a games room, billiards room, conference room, and WiFi. Hotel Las Palmeras Inn (Otavalo) It is a 150 year old hacienda in which the architecture represents the traditional Andean house with its imposing palm trees and cabins with chimneys, it is hidden in a lush mountain valley less than two hours north of Quito, Ecuador. From such tranquility, it is a brief descent to the bustling indigenous markets of Otavalo. The earth walls with a tile roof contain an ever-blooming perennial garden with hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, cholan, eucalyptus, etc., which attract an abundant variety of birds including hummingbirds, robins, vermilions, etc. Hacienda Cusin Hacienda Cusin Hacienda Cusin is a restored, 17th-century estate at 8.500ft/2.600m in the Ecuadorian sierra. This very personal hotel and its 38 attentive staff and famous gardens is 70 mins. north of Quito’s new International airport, via the Equatorial line, 2 hours north of Spanish Colonial Quito and 20 mins. south of Otavalo markets. Property, events, celebrations, etc. Guest rooms garden cottages, suites and salons, furnished with antiques and select Andean craft, most with log-burning fireplaces & beamed-ceilings, overlook several acres of landscaped perennial gardens, ancient trees, and often snow-capped mountains. Youtube property tour Guest rooms Sierra, Suites and Garden Cottages For a room number, place pointer on a guest room photograph. Galapagos: Deja Vu Deja Vu Galapagos offers a place of peace and comfort, located in the neighborhood residencial "Eden" in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a ten minute walk to the Tortoise Breeding Center Terrestrial "Fausto Llerena" and Charles Darwin Research Station and 100 meters from the sea. It has 10 rooms including single, double and triple, conditioned and equipped with private bathroom, hot water, cable TV, air conditioning, private lockers, to provide the best stay while enjoying this beautiful paradise like the Galapagos Islands. The care they provide their owners has been characterized by having a cordial and friendly, making you feel truly like I was at home Mainao Making the most of its strategic location, the Mainao offers a comfortable stay, away from the downtown’s hustle and bustle. Little by little, it has grown to 19 rooms with an Arabic-Moroccan construction, with peaceful gardens and patios, making it the ideal place for resting and relaxing. Ikala Galapagos Hotel Surrounded by beautiful trees and ample garden space, The Ikala Hotel seems to rise from the Canopy….The Ikala Hotel features 4 comfortable standard rooms, 17 ample and comfortable suites, and a large duplex (2 floors) with separate living and kitchen area in the lower floor and the bedroom in the second floor. One of the suites is equipped to receive guests with physical disabilities. Guayaquil: Hotel Ramada HOTEL DEL MALECÓN, a traditional hotel in Guayaquil with the best service, gastronomy and strategic location in the city center and with a personal commitment to hospitality and good service. They have 75 rooms in Single, Double, Triple occupations, functionally equipped with everything you need to make your visit pleasant. Enjoy their services with a swimming pool, sauna, exercise center with elliptical machines and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Hotel Unipark Located in front of Parque Seminario known as Iguanas’ Park and cornered to Guayaquil’s Cathedral, Unipark Hotel is a referent of Hospitality and Gastronomy on the Touristic and Financial center of Guayaquil, a few steps away from major attractions such as Malecon 2000, City Hall, Barrio Las Peñas, and a 15 minutes car ride to International Airport Jose Joaquin de Olmedo and Convention Center. Unipark Hotel offers 140 comfortable rooms and suites distributed in three categories: Standard, Business and Signature, recently renewed and equipped with necessary services for Leisure and Business travelers. Two restaurants, Unicafe and Sushi Bar where you will enjoy specialties of Ecuadorian, Japanese and International cuisine. Our recently renovated Meeting Rooms will give you perfect space for social and corporate events, with professional and personalized service. Wyndham Guayaquil Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, as well as mere minutes to the impressive Malecon 2000 and near Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Boasting easy access to all of Guayaquil’s many delights and a host of thoughtful amenities, guests at this non-smoking hotel in Guayaquil will also enjoy easy access to Las Peñas Neighborhood, the World Trade Center Guayaquil and Simon Bolivar Convention Center. Among Guayaquil hotels near airport (GYE), our Wyndham hotel will welcome you to Ecuador with the best of service and convenience. Guests to this Guayaquil hotel can stay fit at the state-of-art-fitness center or relax with a swim in the heated outdoor pool, which proffers glorious views of the city from the 9th floor terrace. Free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the hotel ensures productivity, while a business center, free airport shuttle service, 24-hour concierge service and same-day dry cleaning service are convenient extras for business travelers. The onsite Restaurante Rio Grande serves up bountiful buffets for breakfast and lunch, and a selection of exquisitely prepared local and international à la carte dishes for dinner. After a day of exploring this glorious city, the Numa Bar is the ideal spot to relax with a cocktail, and for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their guest room and savor stunning river views, this Guayaquil hotel also offers 24-hour room service. Each of the 179 over-sized guest rooms includes thoughtful amenities like plush pillow top bedding, down pillows, mini-bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobe, digital safe and 43-inch flat screen satellite TV. Guests upgrading to a Junior Suite will also enjoy a hot tub, while the Presidential Suite boasts a kitchen, dining room and living room. |
