This tour of Ecuador will be a great introduction to one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world.
Though the country is not large in area, it is as diverse as any you will find in its varying natural ecosystems and traditional cultures. We will spend six days hiking and biking through the central highlands (Avenue of the Volcanoes) and the remaining five days will be spent hiking and kayaking through the Galapagos Islands. For anyone interested in extending his or her stay a 3-4 day trip to the Amazon is planned.

DAY 1
Depart USA for Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival transfer to hotel and balance of the day at leisure.

DAY 2
Breakfast and full day City tour of Quito and Mitad del mundo followed by a Welcome dinner.
Few cities have a setting to match that of Quito, (9,405ft.) the second highest capital in Latin America. It sits on a long narrow shelf running north to south, wedged between the slopes of the volcano Pichincha (15,820ft) to the west and a low ridge to the east.

Quito is named after the Quitus, a tribe that inhabited the region in pre-Inca times. By the beginning of the 16th century, the Incas conquered the northern highlands of Ecuador and Quito became the capital of the northern half of the empire under the rule of Huayna Capac and later his son Atahualpa. As the Spanish conquest approcched, Ruminahui, Atahualpans general, razed the city to prevent if from falling into the invaders hands.

The Colonial city of Quito was founded by Sebastian de Benalcazar, in 1534 It was built at the foot of Panecillo on the ruins of the ancient city, using the rubble as construction material and today you can still find examples of the Inca stonework in the facades and floor of some colonial buildings. The city changed gradually over time.

Today, the city of Quito has many faces. The Old city, UNESCO World Heritage Trust site, is the colonial center, where pastel-collared houses and ornate churches line the steep and narrow streets. The New city extends north of the colonial city and is altogether different place. Its broad avenues are lined with fine private residences, parks, embassies and villas. Quito’s main tourist and business are here. The working class neighborhoods stretch to south of the Old city; suburban sprawl fills the valleys to the east.

DAY 3
Breakfast and departure to Otavalo. Arrival at the hacienda Pinsaqui a family own Hotel for 300 years, lunch on own. Afternoon bicycle tour of the area and visit artisan homes to see the weavings looms process. Otavalo lay at foothill of the Imbabura volcano covered with corn crops next to San Pablo lake a breathtaking view. Tourist don't come here for the beauty of the city and it's architecture they come to see one of South America 's most important centers of ethno-tourism and it's enormous Saturday market, featuring a dazzling array of textiles and crafts. This should absolutely not be missed. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4
Early breakfast and then to the market where you can find the largest variety of handcrafts from allover the country. Time for lunch on your own and then we start our second bicycle tour of the area visiting Peguchi, sacred waterfall for the Indians, and the San Pablo lake. Tonight dinner will be host in a private home.

DAY 5
One more bike tour through the lake district, cycling from the lake crater of Cuicocha to Cotacachi Cayapas National reserve. Back to the hotel before we drive back to Quito . Arrival and check in at the hotel. Short walk to a restaurant for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Departure for Galapagos Islands to San Cristobal. The islands are world renowned for their fearless wildlife but no amount of hype can prepare the visitor for such a close encounter with nature. Here you can snorkel with penguins and sea lions, watch giant 200lb tortoises Lumbering through cactus forest and enjoy the courtship display of the blue footed-booby and firebird, all in starling close-up. Upon arrival check in at the hotel and after lunch our guide will explain the wildlife of this paradise. We visit the sea lion colony, the marine iguana and the shorebirds. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 7
This morning after a short bus ride we will walk to see the unique sweet water lagoon in the Galapagos Islands and have time for bird watching; then visit of Galaguera giant tortoises in the semi wild area about one and half hour walk. Box lunch time to relax, by the beach, swim or do some water activity. Return to the hotel and dinner.

DAY 8
Today we sail on a yacht to the Lobos island, walk for 30 minutes and watch the Fregata birds and sea lions. Sailing around the Sleeping Sea Lion Rock, watching masked boobies, blue footed boobies birds and have time for snorkeling. Lunch and more sailing to Cerro Brujo and return to the hotel. Dinner.

DAY 9
This morning after breakfast we will visit the center of Natural History and Conservations of Galapagos Islands, then we continue to the airport. Arrival in Quito in the afternoon, balance of the day at leisure, Dinner in a restaurant.

DAY 10
Full day at leisure for relaxing, visit museums or do to the near hot springs of Papallacta. Tonight is our farewell dinner.

DAY 11
Transfer to the airport and back to USA or extend and explore the Amazon world.

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES

• 7 nights first class hotel accommodations in Quito and Otavalo
• Private transportation during the program
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Bilingual guide throughout the program
• 3 Bicycle excursion with guide
• Bicycle rental
• Sightseeing tour in Quito
• 4 days tour of Galapagos Islands with private Naturalist guide
• Accommodation and all meals in Galapagos Islands
• Dinner in a private home
• Round trip air faire to Galapagos Islands

WHAT THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Airline ticket to Ecuador
• Lunches in the mainland
• Drinks with your meals
• Entrance fee to Galapagos Islands
• Departure airport tax
• Personal expense
• Laundry
• Telephone calls
• Everything not mentioned in “what the tour includes
• Tips for driver, guides and airport porters.

Cost per person in a double occupancy $ 2,780

*First deposit of $ 500 at the moment of your reservation
*Second deposit 60 days prior your departure
*Balance 30 days prior your departure

For more information or reservation please call Clara Salvoni-Young
719-360-0825 cell
719-266-0397 office
Small groups, limited space available

DEPARTURE DATES:
March 4th – 18th
April 1st - 15th – 29th
May 13th -
Oct. 7th – 21st
Nov. 4th – 18th
Dec. 2nd – 16th