Compare Cultural Ecuador: Mountains to the Sea by Audley Travel vs Ecuador in 13 days - Tropical Discovery & Galapagos Dreams - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 5,694 | $ 2,599 |
| Price Per Day | $ 518 | $ 200 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 12 Breakfasts and 2 lunches. |
| Description |
Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to holiday in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-made Ecuador itinerary. |
Travel to Ecuador and discover Quito, the oldest capital in South America, the waterfalls of Banos, the volcanos of Riobamba and the charm of Cuenca. Explore the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO and enjoy its spectacular flora and fauna on the islands of Santa Cruz & San Cristobal. Relax on the paradise beaches and look out for the giant Galapagos tortoise. |
Day 1 : Quito
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Quito. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to Casona de la Ronda, where you'll stay for two nights. In the afternoon you'll stretch your legs with a private walking tour of Quito's historic colonial center.
Day 2 : Quito
Today you'll drive north with your guide for a visit to Otavalo where you'll visit the indigenous market as well as several nearby towns famous for their exceptional artisans.
Day 3 : Riobamba
From Quito your guide will drive you south, following the beautiful scenery of the Andes and visiting a local market along the way. In Riobamba you'll spend two nights at Hosteria Abraspungo.
Day 4 : Riobamba
Today you'll visit San Rafael, an indigenous community high in the mountains, where you'll see the Alpaca project, which introduces a sustainable source of income to this remote community.
Day 5 : Cuenca
You'll continue by car and then by train through the Volcano route of Ecuador to Cuenca where you'll stay three nights at Mansion Alcazar.
Day 6 : Cuenca
Your guide will give you a private tour of charming Cuenca, including stops at Plaza San Sebastian and El Carmen de la Asuncion.
Day 7 : Cuenca
Today's tour will focus on the numerous handicrafts made in Cuenca and the surrounding villages with visits to their workshops and galleries.
Day 8 : Hacienda La Danesa
From Cuenca you'll be driven to Hacienda La Danesa, where you'll relax at this authentic farmhouse in the countryside, enjoying activities at the property.
Day 9 : Hacienda La Danesa
Excursions from the hacienda can include horseback riding, bicycling, tubing and demonstrations of farm work, while you'll enjoy delicious meals made from ingredients sourced on site.
Day 10 : International return flight
You'll have the morning to relax before heading to the airport in Guayaquil for your flight home.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - Quito
Arrive at your departure airport to board a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its rich Inca heritage. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 2: Quito
After breakfast, meet with a local guide and embark on a fascinating guided tour of Quito to discover its most emblematic sights. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site and filled with charming colonial-era architecture. Get a taste of local life at the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 3: Quito - Quilotoa - Baños
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Banos, a subtropical area close to the Amazon basin, known for its beautiful hot springs. On route, pass through the Cotopaxi National Park on a panoramic tour, where you can see a wonderful panoramic view of the active Cotopaxi volcano. Next, make a stop at the impressive volcanic lake of Quilotoa. The water in the crater lake is an amazing green colour due to the high mineral content of the volcanic terrain. After Quilotoa, head to the small artisan town of Tigua to visit an artists workshop where you can discover an array of intricate and colourful artworks, typical to this region. Continue to Baños, arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax at your leisure. Overnight stay in Baños.
Day 4: Baños
Head into the spectacular landscapes of Baños today as you set off on a waterfall excursion onboard a traditional Chiva! A Chiva is a traditional form of transport in Ecuador, an open-sided vehicle from which you can enjoy captivating views of your surroundings and feel more connected to nature! Explore the region's abundant landscapes as your journey along the waterfall route, culminating at the thundering Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, with a height of around 265 feet!* Return to Baños and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, perhaps indulging in some downtime at the city's hot springs! Overnight stay in Baños. *Please note: Entrance is not included and must be paid at the destination.
Day 5: Baños - Chimborazo - Riobamba
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Baños this morning as you journey through the province of Chimborazo on route to El Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador standing at 6,310 meters. It was estimated that the last eruption was around 550 A.D. and therefore it is a dormant volcano. Enjoy the beautiful views of the volcano, the surrounding landscape and lush vegetation. Stop at the interesting "Palacio Real" community, a complex at the foot of the volcano, before arriving at the city of Riobamba, famed for its authentic indigenous culture. Stop for lunch before getting settled at the hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not get out and explore the city's excellent museums or go shopping for authentic handmade souvenirs? Overnight stay in Riobamba.
Day 6: Riobamba - Guamote - Alausi - Inca Pirca - Cuenca
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a visit to the charming towns of Guamote and Alausi, before heading for the fascinating ruins of Ingapirca, the largest and most well preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador.* Discover this ancient city and wonder at the history behind the ruins. Afterwards, continue to Cuenca, considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, discovering the beautiful waterfront and old colonial-era plazas. Overnight stay in Cuenca. *Please note: The ruins of Ingapirca are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If your visit to Ingapirca falls on either of these days, the visit will be replaced with an excursion to a traditional hat factory* in Cuenca tomorrow (day 7).
Day 7: Cuenca - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning exploring Cuenca at your leisure. In the afternoon depart to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, located on the Pacific coast. On the way, stop in the impressive Cajas National Park, known for its glistening lakes and home to the mighty Andean Condor. Pay a visit to a local cocoa-growing community to discover how chocolate is made from the humble cacao tree. Witness the process of chocolate-making, from the cacao tree to the finished product and enjoy a chocolate tasting session. Depart towards Guayaquil, transfer to the hotel and get settled. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 8: Guayaquil - Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the incredible Galapagos Islands! From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on board a local ferry. On arrival, pay a visit to the beautiful Santa Cruz highlands, a lush, green natural habitat, home of the famous Galapagos giant tortoises. Visit a private ranch to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, take a tour of the area and walk among the trees to look for giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an incredible introduction to the Galapagos Islands! Transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 9: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
Breakfast at the hotel. Take the day at your leisure to discover the delights of the Galapagos. Head to the beach, take a snorkelling trip or get to know the local way of life in Puerto Ayora, the island's capital. We recommend an optional excursion to an uninhabited island to discover more of the incredible Galapagos wildlife! Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Day 10: Galapagos (Santa Cruz - San Cristobal)
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning by exploring the beautiful island of Santa Cruz at your leisure. In the afternoon take the public speedboat to the island of San Cristobal, passing the island of Santa Fe on the way. The journey time is approximately 2-3 hours. Arrive on the island of San Cristobal and transfer to your hotel. San Cristobal is the most easterly of the Galapagos Islands and is famed for its beautiful white beaches and abundant wildlife. Spend the remainder of the day exploring its dramatic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere at your own pace. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 11: Galapagos (San Cristobal)
Breakfast at the hotel. There's nothing planned for today, so enjoy a day to explore at your leisure. Why not visit some of San Cristobal's most important natural sights, such as its Giant Tortoise Sanctuary or the incredible highland lagoon of El Junco. Alternatively, for a great overview of the island and its biodiversity, pay a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 12: Galapagos (San Cristobal) - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to head back to the mainland. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Quito. Arrive in Quito, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure, shopping for souvenirs, soaking up the city's atmosphere or indulging in the flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 13: Quito - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US. Night on board.* *Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.
Day 14: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
