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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
12 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Guided Amazon adventure
  • Guided colonial Quito tour
  • Otavalo Valley-cultural centre
  • Famed 'Avenue of Volcanos'
  • Overnight at historic hacienda
  • Chimborazo Forest Reserve
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Amazon, Walking Tour
Other: canoe, Historical Sites, museum, Volcanoes, Wildlife, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, World Heritage Sites, Local Markets, national parks, flight, Local Culture
$2490USD
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TRIP MAP
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Ecuador's Rural & Urban Adventure

Our 12 days of adventure are well-spent on this thrill-ride of a tour, as we explore the rural and urban charms of one of South America's most rewarding destinations; Ecuador.
Our 12 days of adventure are well-spent on this thrill-ride of a tour, as we explore the rural and urban charms of one of South America's most rewarding destinations; Ecuador. From the frenetic pace and man-made aesthetic beauty of the capital city of Quito, we make headway for the tranquility and natural splendour of one of the world's few remaining untouched wilderness regions; the Amazon rainforest. We keep a vigilant eye for colourful flora and teeming fauna as we explore the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle and see things from a different perspective when we embark on a short canoe-trip to explore inaccessible areas. Along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', a striking passage that snugly rests between the major cordillera ranges, we admire the contrast between the equatorial lushness in the valley and the snow-crested peaks of the surrounding mountains and we get our fill of historic sites of interest when we visit the colonial "White City" of Ibarra and the UNESCO-designated urban centres of Quito. Our browsing in local marketplaces gives us valuable insight to the country's contemporary culture and the lifestyles of its people.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.
Day 2: Quito - Amazon
Today we fly to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Sani Lodge, our preferred accommodation.*

Sani Lodge: We are met by an English speaking, naturalist guide and shuttled from the airport to a waiting motorized boat at the edge of the Napo River, where they will be given a light lunch. The Napo is the largest river in Ecuador and is a major tributary of the Amazon River. We motor comfortably down this river for about 3 hours before arriving to a small stream called Challuayacu where we will transfer to dugout canoes which are paddled into a lake for us, the Challuacocha, and right up to Sani Amazon Lodge a short distance away (about 30 min in the canoes). Between the massive Cuyabeno Reserve and the vast Yasuni National Park is a corridor of untouched rainforest where our lodge is
located.

The lodge consists of thatch-roofed cabanas, each with a modern bathroom and shower (luke-warm water -- refreshing in the jungle heat!). The cabanas are spaciously designed for double occupancy, and have screened in windows to guard against insects while you sleep. Electric lights at the lodge run from ecologically friendly solar energy instead of a noisy generator so the night sounds will be pure and natural. Oil lamps are also provided for those who appreciate that rustic feel.

Please note that groups of fewer than 8 participants will not be accompanied by an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader for this Amazon portion (you will be very capably looked after by Sani Lodge staff & guides).

*This Tour has changed since the printing of our general catalogue which featured an Amazon cruise. This section of the tour is now land-based.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 3: Amazon
You will experience a pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 beautiful butterflies. Guides with extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity can give guests the true experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. All of our jungle adventures will be guided by a bilingual, naturalist, as well as a knowledgeable native guide.

Today we sneak up on birds, amphibians and other Amazon wildlife from a stealthy canoe paddled by an expert native guide and notice the difference in rainforest vegetation which grows along and overtop of the river.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 4: Amazon
Today we enjoy a walk on the Golden Mantled Tamarin Trail. This trail is located on the south side of the Rio Napo and is a great way to appreciate the local variation in distribution and abundance in the Amazon rainforest. On this side of the Napo you will hike into the terra firma forest, and maybe get a chance to see unique ant bird species. Also, you might see 4 species of monkeys, which cannot be found to the north of the Napo including the magnificent monkey for which the trail is named.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 5: Amazon - Quito
Today we fly back to Quito. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Quito - Otavalo Valley - Ibarra
Today we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region.

In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics. Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy.

Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m / 7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed.

Overnight in Ibarra. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Ibarra - Otavalo Market - Avenue of Volcanoes - La Cienega
This morning we visit Otavalo to experience the market. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music, and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square across the town.

We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (202 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures.

The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Lodging Hosteria La Cienega
Description "Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. "
Day 8: La Cienega - Banos
Today we continue our journey to Banos. This small town's elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. En route we have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl.

The word Banos means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passion-fruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Banos area.

Overnight in Banos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Banos - Riobamba
After lunch in Banos we travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes. On arrival in Riobamba we will have a walking tour including the cathedral and the restored 1920's era Post Office, with free time for independent wanderings.

Overnight in Riobamba. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - Quito
We depart Riobamba and head for Chimborazo Reserve for a scenic drive around the base of this almost perfectly-conical dormant volcano. Chimborazo (6310m / 20,833 ft), the highest summit in Ecuador, is the gem of the reserve along with the neighboring Carihuairazo Volcano. In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt made an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world. This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. The Reserve of Chimborazo was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region.

We will make several photo stops on our drive, and enjoy this starkly beautiful volcanic landscape. We have a chance to see a vicuna, an endangered species. Vicuna are the smallest of the Camelid family standing at just 2ft 8"-3ft 7" at the shoulder. They are extremely refined and delicate to look at, cinnamon in colour with an apron of long white hair on their chest. The vicuna produces one of the finest fibres of any animal in the world. We also visit an interesting indigenous community at the foot of the mountain where they have been successful in creating a responsible travel and tourism industry.

We continue north to Quito.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Quito: City Tour
Today we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church, whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.

Please Note: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Departure
Departure from Quito. 

Buen Viaje! Meal plan: Breakfast.
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants); lunches in Amazon.
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
  • Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Tour Leader gratuity, most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).
  • Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
  • Optional trip cancellation insurance.
  • Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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