|
Ecuador Odyssey – 8 Days
If you are enthusiastic about the rich culture and diverse customs of Ecuador, and revel in spending time in the outdoors, this adventure is ideal - it ventures from the capital of Ecuador to the lowlands of the steamy Amazon jungle, taking in altitudes of more than 3,000 metres!
Age Range
This tour is designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are aged from 25 to 55, every year we get people both above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 55 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness.
Ecuador
Ecuador, often referred to as “the land of eternal spring”, is one of our most popular destinations. It is a fantastic country, ripe for adventure and full of cultural diversity and stunning scenery. The smallest of the Andean nations, Ecuador also maintains a unique contact with its ancestral indigenous cultures and is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. The Andes mountains divide the country and are bounded to the east by the virtually impenetrable Amazon jungle and to the west by Coastal lowlands and exotic Pacific beaches.
Climate
You can tour year-round in the Andes; each season offers distinct benefits and drawbacks. Andean winter (North American summer) is the peak season, when there are many more trekkers and ordinary tourists than at other times of the year. The South American summer (December to March) is a time of intense sun, intermittent rain showers, relatively mild nights, and muddy trails. Summertime mountainsides are a vivid green, with wildflowers and orchids in bloom.
From June to August, the Andean winter promises generally clear, sunny conditions, very cold nights, and dry trails. Spring and autumn are transitions between these extremes. In the winter you see more of the mountains, but fewer wildflowers and less agricultural activity. Andean farmers plant their fields from September through November, and harvest in April and May.
Due to the region’s relationship with the Equator, temperatures vary far more with altitude than with seasonal changes. Cusco, Quito and La Paz are warm and sunny during the days (mid-60's, warmer in direct sun and cooler inside buildings). Temperatures descend at night to near freezing in the Andean winter months.
At any time of the year, the weather can change dramatically and abruptly, so the prudent traveller always keeps handy an extra layer of clothing, including rain gear.
Tour Information
The Ecuador Odyssey commences with a walking tour along the old town of Quito with its cobbled streets and historic churches. You will visit the Plaza de la Independencia before a drive up to El Panecillo hill for a classic view of the capital city. A short journey takes us to the Ethnographic museum at Mitad del Mundo, “Middle of the World,” where you will visit the Equator Monument and enjoy a unique opportunity to stand on “both sides of the world”. You will continue north and stay overnight in the city of Otavalo.
The next morning we will begin the day by exploring the Otavalo markets. After seeing the local farmers’ best animals at the animal market we then visit the indigenous market - an ideal place to do all of your holiday shopping! Bargain for hand-woven sweaters, textiles and other hand-made local fare. Moving on to Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods. You can continue your day of bargaining by browsing through the leather jackets, gloves and cowboy boots!
The journey continues eastward towards the Papallacta highlands, offering great views of the Andean highlands and rugged landscape. Arriving at the Papallacta thermal springs we will stay overnight near Baeza.
We pass the eastern part of the Cordillera de los Andes and reach the Amazon tributary, the Napo River, where we transfer onto local canoes and travel downstream to the Yacuma Jungle Lodge. Two nights are spent in the jungle and your experienced indigenous guide will teach you about the plantation’s medicinal properties, as well as accompany your hiking through the jungle and your observations of the wild monkeys and parrots. There will be a chance to visit the local school and meet with the indigenous Quechua families.
We return upriver from the Amazon, briefly stopping at San Pedro village before making our way to the charming mountain spa town of Banos. Along the way we will stop at the Devil’s Cauldron and its thundering waterfall. A short hike will take you close to the falls before arriving in Banos. Once settled into this idyllic location, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the surroundings - delicious restaurants, the local spa and thermal pools, canyoneering tour, mountain biking, horseback riding or white water rafting.
As the tour draws to a conclusion we drive along the highlands to the 6,310m peak of Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain. We will hike up to observe its glaciers and enjoy the spectacular views from the mountain. The following day another mountain trek awaits you at Cotopaxi, before taking your return transport to Quito.
Accommodation & Meals
On this tour, all en route accommodation nights (HP) are INCLUDED in the tour cost. During the tour accommodation will encompass a mix of hotels and jungle lodges. Accommodation may vary, depending on location and availability. En-suite twin-share will be offered at hotels, but due to unforeseen variables triple-share may be required on occasion and the jungle lodge may be dormitory-style.
Stops
Day 1: Otavalo (HP)
Day 2: Papallacta Region (HP)
Day 3: Amazon Jungle Lodge (HP)
Day 4: Amazon Jungle Lodge (HP)
Day 5: Banos (HP)
Day 6: Banos (HP)
Day 7: Chimborazo (HP)
Day 8: Quito
Optional Activities
Here are some examples of additional excursions that may be available to you after the tour:
- Canyoning (abseiling)
- Rafting tour (lunch included in price)
- Biking Tour (lunch included in price)
- Horseback Riding
- Penguin Rookery (seasonal)
Included in price
- Services of English/Spanish-speaking tour leader
- Transportation by adventure vehicle
- Daily breakfasts, all meals at Amazon jungle lodge
- Five hotel nights and two jungle lodge night
- Guided walks at Chimborazo and Cotopaxi National Parks
- Native guided trekking in Amazon
- Mitad del Mundo
- Papallacta hot springs
- Admission to all National Parks and archaeology sites as per the itinerary
- Quito city and Otavalo market tour
Not Included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Spending Money
- All meals not described above
Dates and Prices
27 May
15 July
12 August
16 September
28 October
11 November
2 December
2009
13 January
31 March |
£384
£479
£479
£479
£479
£479
£479
£479
£479 |
|
