BEST OF ECUADOR
Quito – Otavalo – Papallacta - Cotopaxi – Riobamba – Cuenca – Guayaquil
*Galapagos Cruise extension possible with Legend (on request)
*Galapagos Cruise extension possible with Isabela II (on request)
*extension possible with M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer (on request)
Day 01 – Saturday Quito / Approx. 36 km
- Transfer airport – hotel
Upon arrival at the international airport of Quito transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Quito is known for its treasures of colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. For that reason, in 1978 the city was declared by UNESCO “Patrimony of Mankind”. Altogether the city offers 86 churches and monasteries of the 16th and 17th century. Due to its beautiful churches and monasteries, Quito is called and known as the “Convent of America”. This attractive city is located only 22km away from the “Middle of the World”, the Equatorial Line.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel NH Collection Quito 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Swissôtel 5* (local category 5*) or similar (standard room)
Day 02 – Sunday Quito / Approx. 66 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Half day city tour incl. Equatorial monument (5h, 30min)
Enjoy a city tour of Quito which takes you through its historical and cultural diversity.
Pass the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured interior façade. Then Independence Square, featuring the Government Palace and the church of San Francisco.
Afterwards visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office. Visit the monument and the Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures from Ecuador.
Return to the hotel.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel NH Collection Quito 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Swissôtel 5* (local category 5*) or similar (standard room)
Day 03 – Monday Quito – Otavalo / Approx. 98 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit to a school project in Peguche
- Visit the handicraft market in Otavalo.
In the morning, drive from Quito to Otavalo and visit a school project in Peguche. This is a centre for local children, which offers a kinder garden and elementary school.
During the visit to the school, you will get an insight into the different activities of the “Casa de Niño”. You will also be given an understanding of the Ecuadorian education and have the opportunity to make contact with the children.
**Remark: There are no children at the school during the summer holidays in July, August, and September and on weekends or public holidays. During these days we can only visit the building.
As part of our tour, we will also discover the Indian handcraft market of Otavalo. The town itself consists of quite functional buildings with the Plaza de los Ponchos at the centre. The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity because of their skills in weaving. They have a variety of designs, belts, tapestries, ponchos, and other items of clothing on offer. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles at this colourful market and its very likely you will bring something back with you.
Overnight in Otavalo.
Standard:
Overnight at Las Palmeras Inn 3* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Otavalo by Arthotels 4-5* (local category 4-5*) or similar
Day 04 – Tuesday Otavalo – Papallacta / Approx. 134 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit to Cuicocha Lagoon and Cotacachi town.
- Transfer to Papallacta
Laguna Cuicocha is a crater lake located at approximately 3,000m (9,842ft.) above sea level. Appreciate the stunning views, unique vegetation, and the volcanic islands surrounded by totora reeds. Take a boat ride on the lake and get closer to the islands to observe their unique flora and fauna. Afterwards, continue your tour to Cotacachi, Ecuador’s leatherwork center. Stroll around the small streets and admire the artisan shops filled with handmade leather objects.
From Otavalo, drive to the small Andean village of Papallacta to relax in the hot spring and overnight.
The Papallacta hot springs are considered the cleanest and most beautiful hot springs in Ecuador. Several hotels have pools that are filled with the warm thermal waters from the mountain. Soak in these pools, relax and admire the stunning landscapes the Andes have to offer.
Standard:
Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Lodge 3* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Lodge 3* (local category 3*) or similar (Suite with Jacuzzi)
Day 05 – Wednesday Papallacta – Cotopaxi / Approx. 132 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer Papallacta – Cotopaxi
- Visit of the Cotopaxi National Park and of a flower plantation
After breakfast you will drive to “Cotopaxi National Park”. The highland zone, protected since 1975 and covering an area of 33,000 hectares, is one of the most attractive ecological reserves within the country. On a walk near the shallow lake, “Laguna de Limpiopungo” at an altitude of almost 4.000 m, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo” and gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi (5897m) lying in the background. It is the highest volcano in the world and to take a picture here makes a photographers’ hearts beat faster!
Today you will also visit a beautiful flower plantation where the friendly staff will explain to you everything about their work. The plantation grows a great variety of flowers.
Standard:
Overnight at Hacienda El Porvenir 2-3* (local category 3*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hacienda Santa Ana 3* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Day 06 – Thursday Cotopaxi – Riobamba / Approx. 279 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit of an Indian market and the volcanic lake of Quilotoa
- Transfer Cotopaxi – Riobamba
After breakfast visit a colourful and original Indian market.
Latter drive about 14 km to Quilotoa, a well-known volcanic lake with beautiful views. In the late afternoon continue to Riobamba, which is the capital of the province of Chimborazo, where a great number of indigenous communities live. Close to Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric Hosterías this region offers.
Standard:
Overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo 3* (local category 3-4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo 3* (local category 3-4*) or similar (suite)
Day 07 – Friday Riobamba – Cuenca / Approx. 360 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunchbox
- Visit of the Market in Tzalaron
- Transfer to Cuenca incl. visit of Ingapirca
Today’s journey starts with a visit to the market in Tzalaron, which is located 45 minutes (25 km) from the city of Riobamba at 3,500 meters above sea level. Here the local population have the custom of exchanging agricultural products with each other and this can be from vegetables to livestock. The market is open on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Afterwards begin our journey to the City of Cuenca, which will take approximately 5.5 hours.
On the way stop at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, which is pre-Spanish and considered to be the most important site in Ecuador. These ruins are located on a grass-covered hill at an altitude of about 3.100 m. Exploring this site we will learn about the Incas, the history, their way of life, rituals, and beliefs. As we walk, we will be able to observe their living and ceremonial areas and shapes such as the puma.
On arrival to Cuenca, transfer to your hotel.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel San Juan 3-4* (local category 3-4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Cruz del Vado 4* (local category 3-4*) or similar (standard room)
Day 08 – Saturday Cuenca / Approx. 10 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Half day city tour
After breakfast, we will visit the sights of Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. Cuenca, was founded in 1557 in a valley and built over an Inca settlement, feel history and the story of Ecuador. In November 1999, the 19th century architecture at Cuenca was declared by Unesco as, “Cultural Patromony of mankind “, it is so atmospheric when you stroll around. Furthermore, for most of the Ecuadorian inhabitants – and travellers – the art, its ceramics, its Panama hats as well as its silver and gold, are regarded as the most beautiful in Ecuador.
During the city tour, you will see the historical buildings located along the Tomebamba River, the ruins of “Todos los Santos”, the flower market, and the main square with the old and new Cathedral. Visit one of the Panama hat factories and return to your hotel.
The afternoon will be at your leisure. Take the opportunity to explore on your own the narrow cobble stoned streets, with their whitewashed houses and noble façades. Overnight.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel San Juan 3-4* (local category 3-4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Cruz del Vado 4* (local category 3-4*) or similar (standard room)
Day 09 – Sunday Cuenca – Guayaquil / Approx. 196 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overland transfer to Guayaquil (approx. 5h) including visit of a cacao project enroute.
- Short city tour
This day we will travel to Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil, which is the industrial and commercial centre of the country. It lies on the western banks of the Río Guayas, about 56 km from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. Around the coastal area the road loses height, and the land is more intensively farmed. The Guayas lowlands are characterized by mangroves and ever-increasing banana plantations.
Enroute visit a cacao project. During a guided tour through the cacao plantations learn everything about the cultivation of the cacao fruit, the process of harvesting and the bean treatment. The Ecuadorian cacao is famous and popular for its very high quality.
Upon arrival to Guayaquil, short sightseeing tour of the city. Overnight.
Standard:
Overnight at Hotel Unipark 4* (local category 4*) or similar (standard room)
Superior:
Overnight at Hotel Oro Verde 5* (local category 5*) or similar (standard room)
Day 10 – Monday Guayaquil – Departure / Approx. 7 km
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer hotel – airport
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extension flight to the Galápagos Islands.
End of our Services
For a more intense travel experience TRAVEL PERU offers individual extensions to different regions. Please request program and price information.
General Conditions
for land program without Galapagos
- Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 04 participants. The operation of the Ecuador land program can only be guaranteed by the end of cancellation deadline 35 days prior departure (release date).
- The transfers on arrival and departure day are included in the roundtrip rate from 02 persons on; in case 01 pax arrives/departs separately, surcharges for extra transfers will apply.
- All transfers and excursions are on TRAVEL PERU-seat-in-service and include local English-speaking guide (changing in each area).
Transfers and excursions are provided together for passengers of both hotel categories: standard and superior.
- The small group guarantee of max. 12 participants cannot be ensured for services on regular seat-in-basis (non-TRAVEL PERU-exclusive services).
- Full payment for program 60 days prior to arrival and any internal flights to be paid in full once confirmed/ reserved.
- Cancellation Policy:
- Until 35 days prior departure no cancellation fee.
- From 34 until 20 days prior departure maximum 50% cancellation fee.
- From 19 days until 1-day prior departure maximum 80% cancellation fee.
- Cancellation on arrival day 95% cancellation fee.
Cancellation fees for flights are subject to separate cancellation conditions depending on airline.
- Covid19:
TRAVEL PERU is not responsible for any Health Protocols and other requirements inflicted for both entry and departure ex/to any country within South America. Guests shall contact the corresponding embassies in their countries to check about any limitations or required Health controls when entering or departing each destination.
In case your booking is suffering changes due to protocols implemented by the government, your TRAVEL PERU contact will advise you latest at the time of reconfirmation of the booking.
In case a guest tests positive while traveling in South America, he/she will be obliged to follow each country's and hotel's protocol regarding quarantine and follow-up testing. As some hotels refuse to host guests who tested positive for Covid19, hotel changes might be necessary. Any extra costs resulting from Covid19 related quarantine or re-routing of the guest need to be paid directly by the guest or her/his insurance. TRAVEL PERU will assist throughout the stay.
In the unlikely event that traveling will be made impossible due to government regulations such as closed borders in either the country of origin of the guest or the destination, TRAVEL PERU will be refunding the cost of the trip.
In case a guest tests positive for Covid19 before traveling to South America and provides a copy of the positive test results, TRAVEL PERU will be refunding the cost of the trip.
Exceptions might apply for air tickets issued through TRAVEL PERU, which are subject to the Airline Policies with regard to cancelations.
Refunds will be done once suppliers refunded any advance payments to our bank account.
We strongly suggest all guests planning to come to South America purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering Covid19 related costs.
- TRAVEL PERU is not responsible for any belongings of the passengers carried during any services rendered by TRAVEL PERU, such as transfers or tours.
- In case of early transfers breakfast at the hotel cannot be guaranteed. If a dinner is included in the program, it cannot be guaranteed in case of unforeseen late arrivals.
- The mentioned kilometers do not include the distances covered by airplane, boat or on trekking excursions.
- In case of a Galápagos extension, TRAVEL PERU will book the flights GYE/GPS/UIO. The cost of flight tickets will then be charged to you by TRAVEL PERU. The issuing of these tickets will be delivered to you locally.
- Our prices include taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels based on one piece per passenger. Meals are included as and when mentioned in our programme (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Our prices do not include airport taxes, airfares, personal expenses, extras in the hotels, tips to guides and drivers and beverages.
- TRAVEL PERU has the right to sell this tour to other clients without any exception.
- The above-mentioned rates for pre- and post-nights at the group hotels are subject to availability and valid for max. 3 nights. From the 4th night on, a higher rate could apply.
- Optional tours can only be booked through our local TRAVEL PERU-office or TRAVEL PERU-guides. TRAVEL PERU cannot be held responsible for tours booked via any other supplier. Tours have to be paid on the spot. Payment by credit card is not always accepted.
- 8 weeks prior to arrival a complete passenger list including names, passport number, nationality and date of birth is required.
- Flights not booked via TRAVEL PERU can only be reconfirmed by TRAVEL PERU with the correct flight information.
- For group flight reservations in general, no seat assignments can be made in advance so that preferred seating cannot be guaranteed. Groups are checked in at the airport and this is when the seats are distributed by the airline
- Please inquire at the competent authorities about the actual entry permit, validity of passports and the vaccination regulations.
- TRAVEL PERU liability will be limited to the reimbursement of services supplied for failure of services contracted by us. TRAVEL PERU cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity occasioned by air-carriers or third-party suppliers and by natural phenomena, sickness, war, quarantine, strike, or any other kind of force major or by attendance to Federal Police, customs and Health Authorities regulations.
- All room categories mentioned in our offers are based on the hotel specific naming which do not necessarily comply with international standard denominations. Please contact us for more information on room standards in the offered hotels.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
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