2 / 4 / 6 guests – 10 days / 9 nights (2020)

Ecuador Essentials Experience the most infamous market in Latin America and meet the indigenous artisans themselves in Otavalo. Walk through the hearts of colonial cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites Quito and Cuenca. Get off the grid and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. Commemorate your adventure with first-hand photographs of the impressive waterfalls and humbling volcanoes of the Andes. Zigzag through the highlands aboard railroad named the “Devil’s Nose” while you discover mysterious and intriguing Incan ruins.

+ Colonial cities + Indigenous markets + Amazon experiences + Incan ruins

Program created by:

Katie McKeown

Ecuador Emotions

Roca E6-06 y Reina Victoria - Quito - Ecuador · Oficina 101

Tlf: +593 2 2548 258 / +001 646 937 9662

voyages@ecuadoremotions.com · www.ecuadoremotions.com

This itinerary is 100% adjustable according to you preferences and budget. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. I am here to help plan the vacation of your dreams.

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Itinerary

# AGENDA

1

Tababela / Otavalo

Arrive at airport in Tababela

Travel to Lake Region

2

Otavalo / Quito

AM: Indigenous Market of Otavalo and villages Peguche, Agato and Iluman

PM: Visit Cotacachi and Lake Cuicocha

3

Quito

AM: City tour of Quito

PM: Visit the “Mitad del Mundo”

“4

Quito / Amazon

AM: Arrive at lodge on the edge of Amazon

PM: Relaxation at the lodge

5 Amazon

Activities to choose from on-site

6

Amazon / Riobamba

AM: Depart for “highway of waterfalls” and “El Pailón del Diablo”

PM: Cable car ride to “El Manto de la Novia” waterfall

7

Riobamba / Cuenca

AM: “Devil’s Nose” railroad

PM: Ingapirca Ruins

8

Cuenca

AM: City tour of Cuenca and Panama hat mill

PM: Museum of Aboriginal Culture

9

Cuenca / Guayaquil

AM: Pumapungo Ruins and Cajas National Park

PM: Visit Guayaquil

10 Guayaquil

Shuttle to Guayaquil airport

Day 1: Arrive in Lake Region ................................................................................................................3

Day 2: Walk Through Otavalo Market and Around Lake Cuicocha ..........................................................4

Day 3: Discovery of Quito’s Historic Center and Equator Line .................................................................5

Day 4: Escape to the Edge of the Amazon .............................................................................................6

Day 5: Activities to Choose From ..........................................................................................................7

Day 6: Stop in Baños Along Highway of Waterfalls ................................................................................8

Day 7: Zigzag Aboard the “Devil’s Nose” and Visit Ingapirca Ruins .........................................................9

Day 8: Explore Colonial City of Cuenca ................................................................................................ 10

Day 9: Travel Through Pumapungo Archeological Park and Cajas National Park ................................... 11

Day 10: Free Time to Enjoy Guayaquil ................................................................................................ 12

Accommodations .............................................................................................................................. 13

Rates ............................................................................................................................................... 14

Terms and Conditions........................................................................................................................ 15

Day 1: Arrive in Lake Region

You will land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela, just east of Ecuador’s capital city where your driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel.

Along the way, take in the postcard worthy views of the volcanoes, lakes, and valleys that comprise Ecuador’s Northern Sierra. This region is home to more than six volcanoes, the most prominent of them being Cayambe (18,996 ft), Cotacachi (16,220 ft), and Imbabura (15,121 ft). These forces of nature make great landscape for lakes big and small to form in their craters, and thus the region is named as such.

You will lodge on the enchanting shores of one of the more well-known lakes of the highlands, San Pablo Lake.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: None Travel: Airport – Hotel in Otavalo: 1h 15 min – 50 miles Accommodations: Cabañas del Lago***

http://www.cabanasdellago.com.ec/

Day 2: Walk Through Otavalo Market and Around Lake Cuicocha

You will begin your day at the Otavalo market—the most famous indigenous market in South America, where Andean traditions thrive in the form of colorful textiles and handmade jewelry. Here, you’ll be able to admire the work of master weavers and expert leather craftsmen from the surrounding villages of Peguche, Agato, Iluman, and Cotacachi. The perfect place to buy your souvenirs!

In the afternoon, you will explore Lake Cuicocha and its two islets. These natural wonders find themselves in Cotacachi-Cayapas Natural Reserve, the perfect site to take in the fresh air and beautiful terrain.

You are required to hire a local guide at the entrance of the national reserve (price ref. $40).

Before arriving in Quito, you’ll stop in Calderón to learn of the residents’ 80-year tradition of crafting figurines out of “mazapán”.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Otavalo – Cotacachi: 20 min – 8 miles Cotacachi – Cuicocha: 25 min – 8 miles

Cuicocha – Quito: 2h 30 min – 78 miles Hikes: Peguche: 20 min – 1 mile (easy)

Cuicocha: 30 min – 1.2 miles (easy) Accommodations: Embassy***

http://www.hoteles-embassy.com/embassy/es/index.php

Day 3: Discovery of Quito’s Historic Center and Equator Line

In the morning, walk the streets of the largest and best well-kept historic center in Latin America.

Start in the Plaza de la Independencia. There encompassing the plaza are some of the most beautiful churches and convents of the capital. You will have the chance to visit, among others, La Compañia de Jesús whose interior is covered entirely in gold, and the Plaza San Francisco which was built out of volcanic rock.

Higher up, you will have the chance to appreciate the grandeur of the world’s second highest capital city from the Panecillo. Here, at almost 10,000 feet, stands the statue of the Virgin of Quito whose placement is said to unite the North and South of the city. From here you will head off to the Mitad del Mundo. Don’t leave without a picture of yourself in two hemispheres at once!

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Quito – Mitad del Mundo: 45 min. – 19 miles Accommodations: Embassy***

http://www.hoteles-embassy.com/embassy/es/index.php

Day 4: Escape to the Edge of the Amazon

On the drive from Quito to Tena you’ll be able to observe the fascinating change in ecosystems between the highlands and the orient.

First you’ll pass through the village of Papallacta at over 13,400 feet where, should you so desire, you can stop to soak in the natural hot springs known for their tremendous healing powers.

You will traverse some of the most biodiverse forests of Ecuador to finally reach the plains of the Amazon and arrive at Casa del Suizo.

After dinner you will coordinate your activities for the following day with the lodge staff.

Guidance: Local guide Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Travel: Quito – Tena: 4h – 130 miles Accommodations: Casa del Suizo***

http://www.casadelsuizo.com/es/

Day 5: Activities to Choose From

Listed below are the activities that you have to choose from (to be scheduled with the discretion of the local guide depending on the availability of activities, physical condition of the participants, and weather permitting):

- Cosano / AmaZoonico: Cosano is located 20 minutes away by boat and from there you can choose from a selection of hikes varying in duration and difficulty level on which your guide will inform you of the different flora and fauna you will find along the way. You will return to Casa del Suizo in a boat known as a ‘boya’. Upon your return you can also visit the animal sanctuary ‘AmaZoonico’.

- Misicocha: Start off with a boat ride and finish on foot as you traverse the natural reserve. Throughout the tour your local guide will keep you informed about the plants you come across as well as their medicinal uses.

- Chicha, traditional pipes, pottery and boatbuilding: Learn about the natural surroundings and the role they play in local culture from a Quichua family. They will show you how to make ‘chicha’ (a typical drink), different variations of traditional pipes and pottery, hunt, and build a typical wooden boat.

- Island Exploring: In this activity you will learn about local agriculture and observe the different insects and birds of the region.

- Butterfly Haven: Here, wander around a greenhouse with 20 different species of butterflies that are born and raised in the haven itself.

Option: For the more adventurous, rafting is also available for this day (level 3).

Guidance: Shared local guide Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodations: Casa del Suizo***

Day 6: Stop in Baños Along Highway of Waterfalls

You will make a short stop in Puyo where you’ll visit an artisanal balsa wood workshop and a rum distillery before arriving in Baños, the mountain town at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. You won’t want to leave town without trying some regional sweets made from cane sugar.

Between Puyo and Baños you will take the “highway of waterfalls” to reach the “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall and take a cable car ride over the Pastaza River to the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall. Keep an eye out for other falls along the way!

You will spend the night in Riobamba comforted by views of the tallest mountain on Earth, the awe-inspiring Chimborazo (20,560 ft). Chimborazo has long been an important symbol of Ecuador and is thus included in its coat of arms.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Tena – Puyo: 1h 20 min – 50 miles

Puyo – Pailón del Diablo: 55 min – 30 miles Pailón del Diablo – Riobamba: 1h 35 min – 50 miles

Hike: Pailón del Diablo: 1h – 1 mile (easy) Accommodations: Casa Real***

http://www.hotelspacasareal.com/

Day 7: Zigzag Aboard the “Devil’s Nose” and Visit Ingapirca Ruins

Upon your arrival in Alausi, you’ll board the train on the “Devil’s Nose” railroad. Indulge in beautiful Andean landscapes all while enjoying a unique and extraordinary feat of engineering famous for its zigzagged route.

In the afternoon, you will discover the archeological ruins of Ingapirca. Ingapirca is paramount evidence of Incan presence in Ecuador as well as their construction practices and precise solar calculations. From here you will walk toward the “Face of the Inca,” a giant nature-made human face on the side of a steep cliff near the temple ruins.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Riobamba – Alausi: 1h 45 min – 60 miles Alausi – Ingapirca: 1h 55 min – 55 miles Ingapirca – Cuenca: 1h 30 min – 47 miles Accommodations: Hotel de las Culturas***

http://www.hoteldelasculturas.com/

Day 8: Explore Colonial City of Cuenca

Explore the heart of Ecuador’s most beautiful city: Cuenca.

You will come to be enchanted by Cuenca’s churches, parks, plazas and flower market. Visit the Plaza San Francisco, where they market the fabric made in the North, and enjoy the amazing view from El Turi hilltop.

While in Cuenca, you will also witness the meticulous work of the Panama hat makers. These Ecuadorian straw hats have been named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

In the afternoon, dive into the various and diverse pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador in the Museum of Aboriginal Culture quaintly located in the center of a remodeled colonial home.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Accommodations: Hotel de las Culturas***

http://www.hoteldelasculturas.com/

Day 9: Travel Through Pumapungo Archeological Park and Cajas National Park

To start the day, you’ll take a drive through Pumapungo Archeological Park wherein lies the physical traces of the rich mixture of Cañari and Inca cultures. You will pass through Cajas National Park at the altitudes you have come to know well in order to descend to the coastal region and its banana, rice, cacao, and coffee plantations.

You will then reach Guayaquil, the country’s biggest city nicknamed “the pearl of the Pacific.”

Soak up the sun in Parque Seminario alongside the iguanas and walk along the Malecón 2000 until you reach Las Peñas. From there climb the stairs to Cerro Santa Ana for a breathtaking view of the city and the Guayas River.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Cuenca – Guayaquil: 3h 25 min – 120 miles Accommodations: Continental***

http://www.hotelcontinental.com.ec/

Day 10: Free Time to Enjoy Guayaquil

You will have today to explore the city on your own, go souvenir shopping, or enjoy the fresh regional seafood while you still can.

You will be taken to the airport in Guayaquil three hours before your international return flight.

Guidance: Driver Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Hotel – Airport: 15 min – 4 miles

http://www.quito.com.ec/ http://www.ecuador.travel/ http://www.turismo.gob.ec/

http://www.quito.com.ec/http://www.ecuador.travel/http://www.ecuador.travel/http://www.turismo.gob.ec/http://www.quito.com.ec/http://www.ecuador.travel/http://www.ecuador.travel/http://www.turismo.gob.ec/

Accommodations

The accommodations included in this itinerary are the following*:

Otavalo Cabañas del Lago***

Quito Embassy***

Amazonia Casa del Suizo***

Riobamba Casa Real***

Cuenca Hotel de las Culturas***

Guayaquil Continental***

* Limited availability. In the case that this option is not available, accommodations of the same level of quality will be recommended.

** Hotel categories according to local standards

http://www.cabanasdellago.com.ec/http://www.hoteles-embassy.com/embassy/es/index.phphttp://www.casadelsuizo.com/es/http://www.hotelspacasareal.com/http://www.hoteldelasculturas.com/http://www.hotelcontinental.com.ec/

Rates

Tour 10 days / 9 nights 2 guests 4 quests 6 guests

Double Room $1,635/person $1,150/person $1,040/person

Additional rate for single room $225/person

Included

Lodging in the aforementioned establishments

Private transportation to and from excursion sites

A local, shared guide/naturalist at Casa del Suizo

The following meals: o Breakfast days 2-10 o Lunch day 5 o Dinner days 4 and 5

“Devil’s Nose” train ticket

Our assistance throughout the course of your trip

NOT Included

International flights

Baggage assistance in hotels and airports

Meals not specified as included

Drinks

Guide at the entrance to Cotacachi-Cayapas National Reserve (price ref. 40 USD)

Entrance fees to aforementioned excursion sites and museums (to be payed on-site).

Insurance

Tips, extra costs, and anything not specified as included in the program

Terms and Conditions

Ecuador Emotions will always make a conscious effort to adhere to the programmed itinerary. However, the order of events may be modified and/or certain visits eliminated due to circumstances beyond our control (weather and sea conditions, strikes, public authority decisions, road conditions, and the discretion of local tour operators).

Ecuador Emotions will not be held responsible for extra costs due to late or cancelled transportation for whatever reason.

It is also the responsibility of the client to abide by the baggage restrictions enforced by the airlines (overweight baggage fees will be paid by the passenger directly). Moreover, flight rates are subject to change without notice.

Ecuador Emotions recommends that their clients make sure their passports are valid during the programmed dates of travel as well as find out if a visa is required for them to enter the country.

Ecuador Emotions suggests that their clients consult their doctor before traveling, especially to ensure that their health will not be at risk at altitude. Certain excursions may be changed due to the physical condition of our clients if said excursions are determined unsafe or harmful. Thank you for informing us of any health problem or allergy in advance.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to avoid any additional charge that may come with any last minute change of your flight itinerary.

The client must inform us of any problems as soon as they arise during the program to the following email: ventas@ecuadoremotions.com

Terms of Payment

With the confirmation of our services, an initial payment of 30% the total amount must be processed within 10 days of the reservation.

The total amount must be paid no later than 45 days before the start of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 45 days before the start of the tour: penalty equivalent to the amount of initial payment.

Between 44 and 31 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 60% the total amount.*

Between 30 and 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 80% the total amount.*

Less than 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 100% the total amount.

*A credit memo equivalent to the amount already payed (penalty not included) will be issued.

Quito, March 31, 2020

mailto:ventas@ecuadoremotions.com