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Ecuador Highlights

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$2095

$315 single supplement

Starts and Ends in Quito, Ecuador

I think the colors were so bright I was smiling!|^|Kerry Wohlstein

A couple of old cronies climbing down Quilatoa crater|^|wayne ng

Pichincha Volcano Biking|^|Brian Vargish

Travel Highlights

Bellavista Cloud Forest
Otavalo Market
Cuicocha Lake
Cotopaxi Volcano
Quilotoa
Ba�os
Pailon del Diablo

Enjoy some of the best Ecuador travel sites on this nine day tour. Head deep into the cloud forest where hummingbirds flourish and clouds linger in the air. Test your bargaining skills at Otavalo Market, the most famous in the region. Travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes stopping to visit beautiful lakes and lagoons along the way. Enjoy relaxation time in Ba�os, the land of orchids and waterfalls. A great Ecuador tour highlights package!

Day 1 Arrive Quito
Day 2 Quito to Bellavista Cloud Forest
Day 3 Bellavista to Otavalo
Day 4 Otavalo Market
Day 5 Cotopaxi National Park
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8 Return to Quito
Day 9 Return Home

Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive in the Colonial City of Quito on the flight of your choice today. Overnight.

Day 2 Quito to Bellavista Cloud Forest (B,L,D)

Today, you will head out early for Bellavista Cloud Forest. Along the way, stop at Puluhua Volcano for a glimpse into the crater of this extinct volcano. Descend the scenic mountain road through the Avenue of Volcanoes. Stop briefly at Pahuma Reserve for a quick hike to a rushing waterfall and a visit to the colorful orchid displays. Arrive at Bellavista just in time for a gourmet lunch. After lunch, you can enjoy the flurry of hummingbirds or take a guided walk to learn about the fascinating birdlife and complex vegetation of the cloudforest or enjoy the trails on your own. Hike to Discovery Falls or visit the geodesic dome for a 360 degree view of the cloudforest. Spend the evening on a night walk in search of nocturnal creatures.

Day 3 Bellavista to Otavalo (B)

Spend the morning relaxing near the lodge or on an adventurous hike to a waterfall hidden deep in the forest. From here, you will head to the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui. The hacienda is nestled in the Otavalo valley in the shadow of Imbabura Volcano. The 200-year old hacienda with its gardens and old textile shops is yours to explore. From here you can visit the white city of Ibarra or the leather shops of Cotacachi.

Day 4 Otavalo Market (B)

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. 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.

For the rest of the day you can relax on the lovely grounds of Hacienda Pinsaqui and enjoy the many options of recreation. Enjoy the gardens, hike, or take horses to explore Cuicocha Lake.

Day 5 Cotopaxi National Park (B)

Mid-morning, say goodbye to your gracious hosts and head south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. See breathtaking high plains as you head towards 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), you'll ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point there is an optional hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m) and the nearest glacier.

Tonight you'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 the founder of modern geography, Alexander von Humboldt.

Day 6 (B)

After breakfast this morning continue on your journey to Baños, one of the most charming towns of Ecuador. Considered the gateway to the Amazon river basin, Baños is a land of orchids and waterfalls at the base of the Tungurahua volcano, and its hot therapeutic springs are famous throughout the country. Overnight in Baños.

Day 7 (B)

Head out from Baños today to visit Pailong del Diablo, a stunning waterfall located a short drive from the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the numerous options that Baños has to offer. Your guide is available to help you select optional activities that include white water rafting, bike riding, horseback riding, rock-climbing and more! You can also choose to simply relax in this charming Ecuadorian town and enjoy a slower paced day. Overnight in Baños.

Day 8 Return to Quito (B)

Today, visit the "Salasacas", a native community that specializes in textiles and tapestries. Continue to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. Visit Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. You'll meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before Incan times. Return to Quito to enjoy your final night in Ecuador.