Located on the Equator (hence its name), Ecuador straddles the Andes and offers a whirlwind of options. Go birding in the Amazon, hike to waterfalls, wander through small villages by horseback or explore the Andean plateaus and volcanoes that form the backbone of Ecuador. Weavers welcome you to workshops and overnights include lovely haciendas where families welcome you home. And at the Equator, you’ll learn about “The Middle Of The World.”

Those who seek adventure in Ecuador will find different environments. Around Quito, the Andean mountains and volcanoes are full of high altitude options, from hot springs to cloud forest. Sail through the jungle on an open car cable ride, look for hummingbirds or climb to the top of a canopy tower.

AN EXQUISITE ECUADOR ESCAPE – 8 days

Expect the unexpected when you explore one of South America’s most biodiverse countries while staying at upscale lodgings with first-class service. At Mashpi Lodge, elegance and superb wildlife viewing make for a true adventure. At Hacienda Zuleta, you’ll be treated like family at a working colonial farm.

• DAY 1:
  Arrive Quito, private transfer to Old Town hotel.
  Hotel: Patio Andaluz
• DAY 2:
  Private Quito city tour in morning with lunch with cable car ride over city.
  Hotel: Patio Andaluz – B, L, D.
• DAY 3:
  Private transfer to Mashpi Lodge to begin 4 day / 3 night stay.
  Hotel: Mashpi Lodge – B, L, D.
• DAYS 4 – 5:
  Guided explorations of private forest reserve.
  Hotel: Mashpi – B, L, D.
• DAY 6:
  Private transfer from Mashpi to Hacienda Zuleta with lunch en route.
  Hotel: Hacienda Zuleta – B, L, D.
• DAY 7:
  Day at leisure with guide at disposal to explore the hacienda.
  Hotel: Hacienda Zuleta – B, L, D.
• DAY 8:
  Full day private guided tour of Otavalo’s women’s textile coop, El Condor Parque. Dinner en route to airport for late night departure.
  B, L, D.

LAND COST FROM:

• $4775 per person sharing

DEPARTURES: Daily
* International and domestic airfare available upon request.

VOLCANOES, HIKING AND HACIENDAS – 9 Days

• DAY 1:
  Arrive Quito late in the evening. Private transfer to hotel in city.
  Hotel: Patio Andaluz
• DAY 2:
  Private Quito city tour, continue south on Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi for hike to Incan ruins (up to 5 miles).
  Hotel: San Augustin de Callo – B, L, D.
• DAY 3:
  Hike from Leito to see Tungurahua Volcano, Pastaza River and Patate River Valley. Overnight at Banos.
  Hotel: Luna Runtun – B, L, D.
• DAY 4:
  Hike among volcanoes including Chimborazo, closest point to the sun from the center of earth, to hacienda.
  Hotel: La Andaluza – B, L, D.
• DAY 5:
  Private transfer to Alausi train station to board Nariz Del Diablo (daily except Monday). Continue drive to Cuenca (3 hrs).
  Hotel: Mansion del Alcanzar – B, L, D.
• DAY 6:
  Private Cuenca city tour and shared cooking class.
  Hotel: Mansion del Alcanzar – B, L, D.
• DAY 7:
  Countryside horseback riding (optional) and light hiking in El Cajas National Park.
  Hotel: Hacienda La Danesa – B, L D.
• DAY 8:
  Day at hacienda. Choose from learning about Montubio culture and dancing, visiting cacao plantation, milking cows, cooking classes or river tubing.
  Hotel: Hacienda La Danesa – B, L, D.
• DAY 9:
  Morning at leisure at hacienda. Departure after lunch to drive to Guayaquil (1 hr). Private Guayaquil city tour and dinner before transfer to airport for late night departure to USA.
  B, L, D.

LAND COST FROM:

• $4490 per person sharing

DEPARTURES: Daily
* International and domestic airfare available upon request.

THE ANDES AND THE AMAZON – 7 Days

• DAY 1:
  Arrive Quitolate this evening, private transfer hotel in Old City.
  Hotel: Patio Andaluz
• DAY 2:
  Private Quito city tour in morning with lunch and visit to Equator.
  Hotel: Wyndham Gran Cond – B, L.
• DAY 3:
  Transfer to airport for short flight to Coca, then transfer to Amazon lodge for 5 day / 4 night stay.
  Hotel: La Selva or Napo – B, L, D.
• DAYS 4 – 6:
  Explore the Amazon.
  Hotel: La Selva or Napo – B, L, D.
• DAY 7:
  Amazon lodge stay ends. Fly back to Quito. Transfer to dayroom at hotel until late night departure to USA.
  Hotel: Wyndham Gran Cond – B.

LAND COST FROM:

• $2616 per person sharing including domestic flight

DEPARTURES: Daily
* International airfare available upon request.

Valid 01 Oct 2017 – 15 Dec 2018