Ecuador by yourself

A trip to have a good insight of Ecuador, in complete freedom and relax.  You can see the andes from north to south with its snow-capped peaks, flooded craters, indian markets and colonial cities, as well as the exuberant amazonia on the east of the country. Travel without guide but with a professional driver.

Highlights • Private Transport and a very detailed road book. • The variety of sceneries and regions. • A diverse program • The day can be adjust to the interests of the group.

tinerary

D 1   Colonial Quito - Cuicocha

Quito lies in a long narrow plateau of Pichincha Volcano.  A city rich in colonial art and architecture.  A UNESCO world cultural heritage site is a delightful place to explore.  You visit today the main plaza, the cathedral, La Compañia church, San Francisco Plaza and Panecillo hill (a viewpoint).  You will enjoy a tour of the rich colonial heart before heading out to Cuicocha 2 1/2 hours drive from Quito.

D 2   Cuicocha - Cotacachi - Peguche - La Esperanza

This morning you will hike by a flooded volcanic crater of Cuicocha.  The trail offers you a variety of Orchids, flora and birds, you might also meet some lizards on the walk.  You have magnificent sights of the Imbabura Volcano, Otavalo and surroundings.  The highest point you reach during the trek is 3486ms (11437ft).  Most indian communities of the area are dedicated to some form of craft work.  In the afternoon and after lunch, is the opportunity for you to explore Cotacachi popular for its  leather works and Peguche for its excellent weavers and a sacred waterfall with a very easy access.  Transfer to a Family Inn in La Esperanza.

D 3   Zuleta - San Pablo - La Esperanza
A wonderful day to walk through indian rural communities.  You leave Otavalo and drive for 30 minutes to Zuleta, a traditional village popular for its embroidery.  Your hike begins here. and along the way you can enjoy the landscape of cultivated fields as well as the magnificence of mountains such as Cayambe, Imbabura and Cusin.  Return to la Esperanza.

D 4   Autoferro - Lechero - Peguche - Otavalo

Early rise to go to Ibarra city to take the railbus to Lita.  It used to be some years ago a very traditional way of travelling.  The autoferro climbs steep slopes of the andes in Ecuador.  Going down to Salinas you will be stunning by the valley of the Rio Chota and feel the seemengly boundless spirit of Ecuador.  You will be struck dumb by the inviting mountainous backdrop and endless fields of sugar cane and tropical vegetation.  On arrival at the friendly Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas you are offered an insightful window into a reality of very little material wealth but which is bursting to the seams with energy and life. After this extraordinary experience you are transferred near otavalo to have a mild hike to Lechero (a very meaningful tree for indian people) where there is a 360º view around. Visit to Peguche, a local family to share with them and see the way they live and the things they do. Return to Otavalo

D 5   Otavalo market - Lasso

Today you spend the morning browsing the busy Otavalo market.  Throughout the hiistory of the region there has been trade between regions, but the market now sells almost as many handicrafts as they produce.  Although the market is on everyday the big day is saturday and you find crafts from all over the country. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Lasso (south of Quito)

D 6   Cotopaxi refuge - Chugchilan

Today you are driven to Cotopaxi national Park where you can see vegetation of different altitudinal ranges from 3200m (10499ft) to 4800m (15748ft), bird wildlife, wild horses, lava flows and the cotopaxi itself.  After driving through the park you reach the car park at 4600m (15092ft) from where you start a trek to the refuge and also to the glaciar (of very easy access).  Depending on the time of the year you might have snow at this level.  The day finish with a visit to Limpiopungo lagoon at the foot of Rumiñahui Volcano.  You leave the park in the afternoon to be transferred to Chugchilan (about 3 hours drive).

D 7  Quilotoa - Urbina

An early rise to go to Quilotoa lake 3900m (12795ft).  A drive through stunning hills, farmed fields, indian communities, furrowed large canyons to get to this volcano. You can walk down to the bottom of the crater and by the water or, trek around on the rim.  Either way, you have a fantastic escenery and views.  In the afternoon you are transferred to Urbina, the highest railway station in Ecuador, converted into a shelter from travellers and climbers (aproximately 4 hours drive).  Urbina is located at the foot of Chimborazo and Carihuairazo mountains.

D 8   Urbina - Chimborazo - Baños

Early rise to enjoy your surroundings and be transferred to Chimborazo refuge at 4800ms (15748ft).  You have a great opportunity to have an hour walk to reach Edward Whymper refuge at 5000ms (16404ft),   The last one is reckon to be a relatively comfortable refuge.  If the weather allows and you feel like, you can go in direction to the "agujas the Whymper" (Whymper´s needles) from where you can look at the route done by climbers when going to the summit.  In the afterrnoon the driver will take you to Baños (about 2 1/2 hours), on the way you might see herds of vicuñas.    

D 9  Baños

Baños is a pleasant spa town that attracts not only foreigners but ecuadoreans, who are drawn by its balmy climate and curative waters. There is no better way to start your day than rising early for an invigorating soak (optional).  The baths are fed by thermal springs at the base of Tungurahua active volcano, and the brown water (a result of mineral content) is reputedly good for one´s health.  After breakffast you can enjoy having trek of 3 to 4 hours on one of the slopes of the fascinating mountains sorrounding Baños.  A walk through sugar cane plantations, tangerines tries and blackberries.  In the afternoon you can explore downtown with its cathedral’s miraculous Virgin which supposedly protects the inhabitants from the active volcano of Tungurahua 5023m (16,479ft) which overlooks it and shops of tagua (vegetable ivory) traditonal in the place,  If you like having a drink there are plenty of places opened in the evening and some with live music.

D 10   Baños - Amazonia

This is time then to head off. A long, downhill grind through the incredibly beautiful and waterfalldraped canyon of the Rio Pastaza brings you to the steamy Puyo and then some more hours later to the lodge in the jungle

D 11   Amazon Lodge

You spend the morning exploring part of the vast Amazonian basin on foot.  Your indigenous guide will explain the extraordinarily biodiversity of the rainforest by pointing the important plants.  With luck you may see some of the jungle bird species (kingfisher, parrots, oropendolas, hoatzin. etc,) though larger mamal are mostly dificult to see.  The activities of the afternoon will be according to the interests of the group, you can either visit the Amazoonico Rehabilitation Centre to see some of the region`s threatened wildlife species including coatimundi, tapir, capybara and several monkey species; visit an indian community,  walk to a waterfall or just bathe in the river.

D 12   Amazon Lodge - Quito

You set off early morning and climbed to the highlands.  A long steep ascend brings you to Baeza and then, Papallacta Pass 4064m (1333ft),  On one of your stops you can bathe in the thermal springs of Papallacta.  After crossing Papallacta Pass you have another steep descent that brings you to Quito. 

PRICES

	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Price per person (in US$)	1 540	1 235	1 155	1 045	960	910	855

Price includes
— Comfortable Private transport
— Price based in double rooms with private bathrooms.
— breakfasts and 5 dinners
— full board in the jungle
— Entrance fees to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Chimborazo

— A very detailed road book, program and maps for the walks

— native guide in the jungle lodge (in spanish)
Price does not include:
— International flight to Quito
— Airport exit tax $40,70 per person
— Any travel insurance
— Tips for guides and drivers
— Anything not mentioned in the tour

— Guide in the highlands

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