Home > Destinations > Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands > Images of Equador
IMAGES OF ECUADOR
Day 1 London Heathrow to Quito
via Madrid
Fly from London with Iberia Airlines via Madrid to Quito. On your arrival
you will be met and transferred by car to either the Swissôtel or Patio
Andaluz Hotel.
Day 2 Quito (2,820m)
Today tour this stately capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting your
day with a visit to La Compania with its awe-inspiring gold-leaf interior
and fine collections of colonial art. Also visit the baroque-style San Francisco
Convent – the first great religious building in South America dating
from 1535 – and the Equatorial Monument before finishing the day at
Panecillo Hill. Topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’
there are spectacular views of both the surrounding mountains and city below.
(B)
Day 3 Quito to Cotacachi – 130kms
Leave Quito and drive north from through dramatic the mountain landscape.
The journey to Cotacachi passes tiny villages, white churches and sparkling
lakes and on your arrival stay for two nights at the La Mirage Hotel &
Spa. (B/D)
Day 4 Cotacachi
Today explore the local market villages around Cotacachi which are noted for
their traditional handicrafts. (B/D)
Day 5 Cotacachi to Quito – 130kms
via Otavalo
This morning visit the colourful market town of Otavalo which is one of the
most famous in the area and has been trading since pre-Incan times. Afterwards
take lunch at a local hacienda and later return to either the Swissôtel
or Patio Andaluz Hotel in Quito for your overnight stay. (B/D)
Day 6 Quito to Cotopaxi – 70kms
Leave Quito for a second time and travel south through the ‘Avenue of
the Volcanoes’ to Cotopaxi, at 2,930 metres, to discover the flora and
fauna of this beautiful region. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda before continuing
on to the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo for your overnight stay. (B/D)
Day 7 Cotopaxi to Riobamba – 106kms
Today drive through stunning scenery to Banos, a small market town situated
in a beautiful valley known for its waterfalls and hot springs. After lunch
continue to Riobamba at 2,750 metres to take in the wonderful views of five
volcanic peaks – Chimborazo, Altar, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo and, on
a clear day, Sangay. Stay overnight at Albergue Abraspungu a comfortable country
inn close to Riobamba. (B/D)
Day 8 Riobamba to Cuenca – 254kms
Today, if possible, join the train for the spectacular ride to Alausí
before continuing via the Devil’s Nose to Huigra. Travel by car onto
the country’s most renowned Inca site at Ingapirca and end the day at
Cuenca for your two night stay at Mansión Alcazar. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Cuenca (2,535m)
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cuenca, considered to be one of Ecuador’s
most beautiful Spanish colonial cities and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cuenca is also an important handicrafts centre and is famous for its ikat
shawls, Panama hats, ceramics and jewellery. Your afternoon will be at leisure
to further explore the cobbled streets of the old city at your own pace. (B)
Day 10 Cuenca to Quito – by air
In the afternoon leave your hotel and transfer to Cuenca Airport for your
flight to Quito. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to either
the Swissôtel or Patio Andaluz Hotel. (B)
Day 11 Quito to London
via Madrid
This afternoon return to Quito Airport and depart on the Iberia Airlines flight
via Madrid to London. (B)
Day 12 Arrive London
Arrive into London Heathrow in the evening.
High Altitude: In many places of this Ecuador itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay in Ecuador and visit the famous Galapagos Islands. From Cuenca drive, via El Cajas National Park, to Guayaquil and the Hilton Colon Hotel. The following day fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos island of Baltra and join the seven night Galapagos Explorer cruise – further details are available on request.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – IMAGES OF ECUADOR
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,140. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.