The Ecuador Experience

Day 1 Arrive Quito

There are no activities planned today, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries, and in many ways it is the easiest and most pleasant to travel in. Colonial Quito, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Hemisphere, has an astonishing location more than a kilometre and a half above sea level and almost directly on the equator, nestled in the Andes beneath the sparkling snow cone of Pichincha Volcano. Our exploration takes us from the Amazon lowlands, where we experience life with a Quichua community, to the heights of the Andes near mighty Chimborazo Volcano. At the end of our journey we also visit the coast for a completely different feel. Ecuador is a country of great diversity and beauty. There are approximately 1,200,000 inhabitants in an area of 283,520 square km (177200 miles), similar in size to New Zealand. The country consists of three main regions: the coastal lowlands, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern Amazonian jungle, all of which we discover on this journey. Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need warm clothing. It's best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off. When you arrive in Quito, you will likely feel the effects of the altitude. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply your body's way of coping with the altitude. It may take a little time to acclimatize, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Take it easy for the first day or two, and reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day. Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. It is in a valley flanked by mountains, and on a clear day, several snow-capped volcanoes are visible. As well as its beautiful location, it is rich in history and much of the Colonial Old Town is well preserved. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of interesting historical buildings and many churches. Some of the more interesting ones include the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). The small, rounded hill that dominates the old town is called El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf', and is a major Quito landmark. Marvellous panoramic views of the entire city, as well as views of the surrounding volcanoes stretch out at your feet. You can take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab to the Old Town from the New Town. Quito has a large population of foreigners and is a popular destination for travellers, resulting in a varied and vibrant nightlife where salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking.

Day 2 Tena

Today we travel by bus from Quito to the Amazon jungle region. Notice the scenery and climate change dramatically as we leave the mountains and enter the lush tropical rainforest. Optional activities include visiting an animal rescue centre, caving and white water rafting. In the Ecuadorian jungle layers of exotic vegetation block the sky, and brown waters sweep beneath gargantuan foliage as hundreds of species of exotic birds and equally brilliant butterflies provide constant bursts of colour. Discover why this tropical rainforest is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world. Approximate Distance: 189km Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours

Day 7 Alausí

Travel via Riobamba by bus to Alausí for free time to explore the town. Sooner or later every traveller to Ecuador passes through Riobamba, as it lies at the centre of the country's road network. It is the capital of Chimborazo Province and on clear days you can see all of the local Andean giants, Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, and Tunguragua.

Day 8 Devil's Nose Train / Guayaquil

In the morning we will board the train for Ecuador's most spectacular train journey. This is the famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) ride, which descends to the coast in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. The railway winds its way around curves and tunnels over a distance of only 26 km (16 miles), but the drop in elevation is a significant, well over a thousand metres (3280 ft)! The train manages the descent through a series of switchbacks before returning to Alausí. After disembarking the train we will take a bus journey south to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador with a population of approximately 2 million. Located at the mouth of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is also Ecuador's most important port. We have the evening to explore the city's highlights including Bolivar Park, the Old South Market and Barrio de las Penas. Also take some time to stroll along the Malecon 2000, a 2.5 kilometre boardwalk along the Guayas River dotted with shopping, restaurants, galleries and museums. We will have the opportunity to take an optional boat ride down the Guayas River.

Day 9-12 Puerto Lopez / Machalilla National Park

Our home for the next couple of days will be the beach town of Puerto Lopez. Some optional activities include a trip to Isla de la Plata (also known as the Poor Man's Galapagos), hiking in Machalilla National Park, a visit to an archaeological site, diving, and snorkeling. Or just hit the hammock and chill! Machalilla National Park, Ecuador's only coastal National Park, contains the country's only coral formations just off the mainland, and covers over 40 000 hectares of tropical dry forest and cloud forest, as well as 20 000 hectares of Pacific Ocean. Weather is hot and sunny from December to June, with daily rainstorms. July to November tend to be cooler months, with more cloud cover. Other optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting Blue-footed Boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving, snorkeling and horseback riding are also popular activities in the area. On the night of day 12 board a night bus bound for Quito. Approximate Distance: 390km Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours

Day 13 Quito

Free day in Quito for an optional city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano or relax in one of the city's many cafes and restaurants.

Day 16 Otavalo (B)

Transfer to Otavalo by public bus. Optional activities include a visit to Peguche waterfall, Cotacachi leather market or hike around Cuicocha Lake.

Day 17 Otavalo / Quito

Today we explore the largest handicrafts market in South America before returning to Quito. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits and vegetables. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people. There are three main market plazas in town, with the overflow spilling out onto the streets linking them. The Plaza de Ponchos is where you will find most handicraft items. You will find colourful woollen goods such as ponchos, gloves, hats, blankets, scarves and sweaters, as well as fine tapestries and a variety of embroidered blouses and shirts, shawls, string bags, and rope sandals. This market gets underway at dawn and continues until early afternoon. Remember, bargaining is expected for every purchase! If you're good you should be able to get at least 20% off of the starting price. The food market sells produce and household goods for the locals, and there is an animal market beginning in the predawn hours on the outskirts of town. Although these are not designed for visitors, they are cultural experiences to see and are definitely worth a visit. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life. Return to Quito for our farewell evening.

Day 18 Quito

Depart at any time.