11 Days: Quito - Amazon jungle - Otavalo - Cotopaxi - Riobamba - Cuenca
Activities: colonial towns, Amazon jungle, indigenous communities, birding and wildlife, markets, hiking, volcanoes, Devil's Nose train, Inca ruins
Days 1-2: Arrive in Quito and start your Ecuador experience with a two night stay in the capital. We can take you on an optional city tour in the afternoon of the first day or on the second day upon request, but the rest of the time is yours to explore this beautiful colonial city. (B)
Day 3: Fly into the Amazon and transfer by boat to Napo Wildlife Centre for an authentic experience of the deep jungle and Kichwa community. Check into your guest lodge, which is about as close to luxury as you can get in the Amazon! (B/D)
Days 4-5: Free days to explore the Amazon jungle on foot or by canoe and take part in some of the activities run by the Centre, such as piranha fishing and night walks. Activities at the lodge will be on a shared basis. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Today you fly back to Quito and continue north to visit the colourful town of Otavalo. Its famous market is a fantastic place to find souvenirs and meet some of Otavalo’s strong indigenous community. (B/D)
Day 7: Your route now turns south as you drive to the wide open spaces of Cotopaxi National Park, filled with tropical flowers, beautiful mountain lakes and, of course, the stunning conical volcano. Once you reach your lodge you can relax and stroll among the beautiful scenery, or we can arrange hikes or horse riding for you. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Continue your exploration of the high Andes as you drive to the town of Riobamba. Situated at the base of the mighty Chimborazo Volcano, the highest peak in Ecuador, Riobamba is a lovely town in which to spend the afternoon, meandering through the old colonial streets. (B/L)
Day 9: Today is another real treat for those who love slow travel and dramatic landscapes! Spend the day on the astounding Devil's Nose Train as it traverses an almost sheer cliff, in one of the greatest feats of train engineering in the world. Afterwards continue south by road to Ingapirca for the night, where you can take an optional tour of the ancient Inca ruins. (B/L)
Day 10: This morning you will visit Cajas National Park, before heading to the picturesque colonial town of Cuenca. The scenery of Cajas is one of major attractions of the area and includes hundreds of crystal blue lakes that pierce the alpine tundra vegetation, providing spectacular hiking opportunities through remote areas. Cuenca is a wonderful town to explore on foot in the afternoon, with its well preserved network of beautiful old colonial buildings and streets. (B)
Day 11: After breakfast you will be taken to Guayaquil to catch your flight home, or continue your exploration of Ecuador with a flight to Quito or the Galapagos Islands. If you have time you can visit the old port of Ecuador’s second city before boarding your plane. (B)
Prices from: £1995 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!
