Bellavista Cloud Forest
Baños
Chimborazo volcano
Cotopaxi - Quilatoa Lagoon
Otavalo Market
Mantaraya Lodge
Papallacta Hot Springs
Sacha Lodge
Zumbahua Páramo - Quilotoa Lagoon
Cuenca
Highlands
Bellavista protects 1800 acres of endangered cloud forest on the western
slopes of the Andes. Bordering the Choco bio-region, the forest is part
of something that scientists refer to as a biodiversity "hotspot"
- a place of extreme biodiversity in danger of extinction. Explore the
miles of trails in Bellavista, passing by waterfalls, steep ravines,
and thick gardens of hanging epiphytes in search of some of the 320
bird species recorded here. You'll learn more about the area's complex
ecology, what Bellavista is doing to protect it, and about the endangered
mammals such as the spectacled bear, mountain lion, Andean coati, and
others that take refuge here.
Day-by-day Itinerary
US$360/ person : 1 traveler
US$330/ person : 2 travelers or more
US$200/ child (12 years and under)
US$285/ person : 1 traveler
US$240/ person : 2 travelers or more
US$145/ child (12 years and under)
Spend three or four nights in Ecuador's premier rainforest lodge with professional naturalists and indigenous guides. Sacha Lodge is among the best places in the Amazon to explore the jungle without leaving behind your creature comforts.
5 day/ 4 night : US$960 + US$130 flight Quito-Sacha
4 day/ 3 night : US$785 + US$130 flight Quito-Sacha
Spend two to four nights at the lovely Mediterranean-style Mantaraya Lodge along the exotic coast of Ecuador. Your days will be spent exploring the flora and fauna of nearby Machalilla National Park, snorkeling and swimming off Isla de la Plata, and visiting other places of interest such as the Ayampe River rain forest, Salango Beach, and the Museum of Agua Blanca.
5D/4N: US $770 + US $140 flight Quito-Manta-Quito
4D/3N: US $615 + US $140 flight Quito-Manta-Quito
3D/2N: US $455 + US $140 flight Quito-Manta-Quito
The morning after arriving in Quito, we drive north to historic Hacienda Pinsaqui. The hacienda is nestled in the Otavalo valley in the shadow of Imbabura Volcano. From here we visit the white city of Ibarra, the leather shops of Cotacachi, or take horses around Cuicocha Lake. The 200-year old hacienda with its gardens and old textile shops is yours to explore.
Saturday is the largest market day in Otavalo, and indigenous people from the mountains descend into the valley to sell their crafts, textiles, cows, and goats in the tiny town of Otavalo. This is the most famous Indian market on the continent, and the good-hearted Otavaleños are certain to win your heart. Arrive early to the animal market for a riotous time of literal horse trading, and spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine sweaters, tapestries, and woodwork.
US$615/ person : 1 travelers or more*
US$325/ person : 2 travelers or more*
Single Supplement: US$35
Extended version of the 2 day/1 night trip that gives travelers one
full day and one extra night at the Hacienda Pinsaqui. Enjoy the gardens,
hike, or go horseback riding at this beautiful historic hacienda.
US$1025/ person : 1 travelers or more*
US$550/ person : 2 travelers or more*
Single Supplement: US$70
* Train enthusiasts or travelers interested in seeing more of the region
around Ibarra can add an additional night at the Hacienda Pinsaqui to
take the Chaski Antawa train the following day. The train descends down
to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui, going through sugar cane plantations,
magical landscapes, and tunnels and crossing bridges that span large
canyons and gullies. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges from 2,200 down
to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about
2 hours. Arrive in Salinas and enjoy lunch composed of delicious, local
dishes before visiting the village of Otavalo with its famous indigenous
craft market that is the largest in South America. Return to Quito in
the late afternoon. (L)
Add US$270 per person (for 2 travelers or more; $440 for one traveler)
to the rates listed above.
Geographical and cultural tour
Drive south to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which
is sheltered by two parallel ranges of high mountains, many of which
are volcanoes. From here we'll take the old road to Zumbahua - one of
Ecuador's most beautiful mountain panoramas. After lunch we'll continue
towards magnificent Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded
by several snow-capped volcanoes.
US$465/ person: 1 traveler
US$255/ person: 2 travelers or more
Drive east towards the Oriente, viewing the spectacular and breathtaking
high plains. Arrive in Papallacta, a small village located in the central
highlands (10491ft/3200m) known for its natural hot springs where we'll
be able to swim. Overnight in Papallacta. On the second day, after breakfast,
we´ll do a short walk around the Papallacta lagoon and observe
the flora and fauna. Box lunch, in the afternoon return to Papallacta
and down to Quito.
US$775/ person : 1 traveler
US$395/ person : 2 travelers or more
Single supplement: US$90
*$18 entrance fee not included
Masterpiece of volcanic creation. Its summit is the farthest point
from the centre of the earth.
Drive south along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", viewing the
spectacular and breathtaking high plains. On the way we´ll visit
the village of Guano, a well-known rug and tapestry center. We´ll
continue towards Riobamba and then to the Chimborazo refuge lodge (4800m).
Chimborazo volcano is the highest peak of the Equatorial Andes. Stay
overnight in Riobamba. Early morning drive to the Indian Village of
Alausí, from where we'll do a thrilling train ride over the Naríz
del Diablo ( Devil´s Nose) to Sibambe and back to Alausí
and on to Guamote. Drive back from Guamote to Quito.
US$610/ person : 1 traveler
US$335/ person : 2 travelers or more
Single Supplement: US$20
Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park
Head south, along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", viewing the
breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi
- the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides
excellent opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. After lunch in the
Limpiopungo valley (12540ft/3800m), we'll ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m).
From this point we'll hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's
refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m). A short walk from here will take us to
the nearest glacier. Tonight we'll overnight in one of Ecuador's most
famous haciendas, the 400 year old Hacienda
La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has
hosted many of Ecuador's former presidents as well as Alexander von
Humboldt, founder of modern geography.
Day 2: Quilatoa Lagoon
Continue south to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which
is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. We'll visit Quilotoa,
a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes.
After lunch, we'll meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings
of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before
Incan times. This evening return to Quito.
US$715/ person : 1 traveler
US$385/ person : 2 travelers or more
Single Supplement: US$25
Drive south along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to Baños,
which is considered the most charming town of Ecuador and its hot therapeutic
springs are famous throughout the country. It is the gateway to the
Amazon river basin, a land of orchids and waterfalls at the base of
the Tungurahua volcano. We'll also visit the "Salasacas",
a native community that specializes in textiles and tapestries. Optional
bike and horse rides.
While the Tungurahua volcano is erupting it´s not possible to
visit Baños
US$1040/ person : 1 traveler
US$560/ person : 2 travelers or more
Single Supplement: US$35
Fly south to the delightful city of Cuenca. Considered the most colonial
city in all the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city
and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. This time in Cuenca
is yours to explore however you like. You might visit the city's markets
and grand churches or head to the charming villages of Gualaceo and
Chordeleg. There's also Cajas National Park, which makes a great day
trip of hiking. Includes: Lodging, airport transfers, breakfasts.
US$360/ person : 1 traveler*
US$250/ person : 2 travelers or more*
Single Supplement : US$90
Add $140/person flights Quito-Cuenca-Quito
TC1 - City tour Cuenca
(3h. - daily)
Cuenca is one of Ecuador's charming colonial centers, rich in history
and with a strong flavour of the colonial past. We'll visit the Tomebamba
River, the old and new Cathedral and other major places of interest.
US$50/ person - 1 traveler
US$50/ person - 2 travelers or more
The biggest Ecuadorian Lake complex
"El Cajas", a 28808 ha national recreation area which
lies about 30 Km. northwest of Cuenca and is famous for its many beautiful
lakes (over 250 lakes) at 3.400 mts. During a walk of approximately
three hours we'll admire the spectacular Andean panoramas.
US$50/ person - 1 traveler
US$50/ person - 2 travelers or more
Drive north towards the fortress of Ingapirca - a major pre-colonial
Inca site which dates back to the 15th century, being the first Inca
City in Ecuador. We'll also visit the chapel of "La Virgen del
Rocio" in Biblian.
US$50/ person - 1 traveler
US$50/ person - 2 travelers or more
Day 1: Fly to Cuenca where your guide will meet you at the airport to explore one of Ecuador's charming colonial centers, rich in history and with a strong flavor of the colonial past.
Day 2: Visiting major places of interest such as the Tomebamba River and the old and new Cathedral in this lovely city.
Day 3: Drive north towards the fortress of Ingapirca, a major pre-colonial Inca site that dates back to the 15th century, the first Inca City in Ecuador. We'll also visit the chapel of "La Virgen del Rocio" in Biblian. Continue on to the city of Riobamba.
Day 4: This morning, we'll do a thrilling train ride over the Naríz del Diablo (Devil´s Nose) to Sibambe and back to Alausí and on to Guamote. After the train ride, drive north toward the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi - the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). Overnight at Hacienda La Cienega, one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas. Situated near the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its National Park, this mansion has been the scene of important happenings in the scientific and social history of the country.
Day 5: Visit Cotopaxi National Park to try and catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor. After lunch in the Limpiopungo valley, we'll ascend to El Parqueadero. From this point we'll hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge. A short walk from here will take us to the nearest glacier. Return to Quito late in the afternoon.
US$2190/ person : 1 traveler
US$1210/ person : 2 travelers or more
Single Supplement : US $100
*Add $80pp flights Quito-Cuenca