Amazon to Andes Ecuador Tour
Available in 3*, 4* & 5* deluxe versions
(
14 days, 13 nights
)
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Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Quito
After breakfast, a half day visit of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978.
A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia; as the President still conducts business here, access to the inside may be limited. It is also the home of the tomb of Sucre and houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings.
A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar.
The Plaza de San Francisco which was constructed by the Spanish in 1553 has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches, which although damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior.
If time, we will visit some of the markets including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El Panecillo and the Ipiales market. These are best visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main market days.
A visit to the middle of the world monument concludes the day. Return to your hotel.
Day 3: Quito - Amazon
After breakfast, private transfer to the jungle lodge, located close to Misahualli, Napo Province, over 200 km from Quito. On the way, you will pass through some wonderful Andean scenery, the highest point situated at over 4000m. From here you will descend through the subtropical cloud forest to the jungle. The Lodge is surrounded by 330 acres of protected rainforest. Following lunch, a walk on a suspended bridge over the Misahualli River where you will visit the Quichua Comunity "Del Alto Pununo". Here you can learn about the Quichua culture and their customs.
Day 4: Amazon
After breakfast, a hike through the primary rainforest. You may see toucan, oropendulos, parrots and monkeys. You will also see native houses and learn more about the native people. After the hike a lunch in a typical Indian hut, after which you will board the canoe for a ride upstream to visit the village of Misahualli and see several monkey species along the way. Learn about the life cycle of butterflies at the butterfly farm. Visit the local witch-doctor and learn about the medicinal plants, see a "cleaning ceremony" and experience the blow pipe, a traditional form of hunting. Return to the Lodge by canoe.
Day 5: Amazon
Today you will visit the silicone mine, where you can see
the oldest geological formations in the region. Return to
the Lodge.
Day 6: Amazon - Riobamba
After breakfast, we travel through Puyo at the border of the jungle and then head west towards Baños. We will go through the valley of the Rio Pastaza, with many waterfalls and arrive at the fabulous small town of Baños, at the base of Tungurahua volcano. Relax in the hot springs before continuing to Riobamba, and transfer to your hosteria.
Day 7: Riobamba - Cuenca
After breakfast transfer to the train station in Riobamba, for a spectacular journey through the beautiful high country to Chanchan and along through the famous "devil's nose ride" journey, with the giant Chimborazo 6,310m ever present. Continue the journey to Cuenca and to the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the most important and the finest preserved Inca ruins of Ecuador. Visit to a local nearby museum. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 8: Cuenca
Today, a sightseeing tour through colonial Cuenca, the most beautiful city in Ecuador. With many beautiful churches and handicraft stalls as well as the famous flower market, Cuenca is also the cultural and arts centre of Ecuador. Home to many beautiful buildings with fabulous façades and splendid balconies, enjoy walking through this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 9: Cuenca - Quito
From Cuenca, we travel to the Cajas National Park, site of many lagoons which are remnants of the last ice age. After a short hike through the park, we return to Cuenca in the afternoon before transferring to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 10: Quito - Otavalo - Cotocachi
After breakfast, a visit to the colourful Indian market town of Otavalo, a short distance from Quito. With its wide range arts and crafts, the market is particularly famous for its weaving products. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. The journey continues onto Cotocachi, the leather capital of Ecuador. Here you will have ample opportunity to purchase fine leather products. Overnight stay in Cotocachi.
Day 11: Otavalo - Reserva Ecologica El Angel - Cotocachi
Today we continue the journey to the Valle del Chota before arriving at the protected Reserva Ecologica El Angel. With many lagoons, this wet forest landscape is the home of the Frailejones Gigantes, endemic plants which cover large areas of this reserve. After a small hike through this unique landscape, we return back to Cotocachi.
Day 12: Cotocachi - Cotopaxi
After breakfast, we head south through the avenue of the volcanoes and on towards Cotopaxi National Park. During the drive, we shall see several dormant and active volcanoes, including Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey.
Arrival to Lasso and lunch at the wonderful colonial Cienega Hacienda. After lunch, we shall make a visit to the fabulous San Agustin de Callo Hacienda, at the very foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. The Hacienda was first written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. This temple or palace was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Cápac, and to this day the remaining rooms prevail as a magnificent sample of the unique style of Inca construction. The site is currently being investigated by Dr. David Brown of the University of Texas, the funding of which was provided by the National Geographic Society. Previously unknown portions of Inca walls and foundations have been discovered throughout the restoration process of the house.
Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home of the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. After the visit, a small hike or horse ride in the beautiful countryside in the foothills of Cotopaxi Volcano. Accommodation in the area.
Day 13: Cotopaxi - Quito
After breakfast, a visit to one of the many indigenous markets in the areas such as Saquisili and Puquilli.
Return to Quito for your final night’s accommodation.
Day 14: Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport
for your return flight home.
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Price upon request
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For current availability contact us at info@amazingperu.com and we will send you the relevant trip dossier along with a 90 day fixed quote, terms and conditions.
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