Exotic Ecuador

Discover the wonders of Ecuador, a remarkable collection of landscapes, people, cultures, animals, plants, and
more. Our Exotic Ecuador tour package covers the highlights of this incredibly diverse country. You'll visit the
capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Center of Quito, the colorful and bustling Otavalo market, the natural
springs in Baos, the volcanic peaks of Cotopaxi National Park, and the world's most biologically diverse
rainforestthe Amazon. Our package includes roundtrip flights from Miami, great hotels, most meals and a
comprehensive, fully-guided touring program, all for unbeatable prices. With prices like this, our Exotic
Ecuador adventure is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your space soon!

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:USA/Quito.
Your exciting tour to Ecuador begins today as you depart for Quito, Ecuador's capital city. Your guide will meet
you upon arrival and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2:Quito & Otavalo.
Arguably among the loveliest of South American cities, Quito enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by
mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. The origins of the city
date back to the first millennium, when the Quitu tribe occupied the area.

Convent of San Francisco, Quito

After breakfast, begin a panoramic tour of the city. In the modern city, visit the Legislative Palace and Alameda
Park, containing the oldest observatory in South America. Continue on to Quito's beautiful and charming Old
Town. Here you'll find blocks of colonial architecture dating to the early 1500's when the Spanish founded the
city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vintage facades line the streets and large open plazas are surrounded
by cathedrals and stately public buildings. Even more breathtaking than the exteriors are the interiors of some of
the buildings, particularly the churches, many of which gleam with real gold leaf. Visit the Monastery of San
Francisco, Quito's oldest church. Built in the 16th century, the monastery is an exact replica of the Escorial
Palace of Madrid.

Equatorial monument, Quito

Conclude your tour with a stop at the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"),
commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, where you can
stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere. Later today, depart for Otavalo.
Day 3:Otavalo Excursion & Papallacta.

Otavalo marketplace
Today you'll experience Otavalo, whose beauty lies in its people, the Otavaleo Indians, and their market,
undoubtedly one of the best in all of Latin America. Unlike other indigenous people who have given up their
traditional dress for jeans and t-shirts, Otavaleos are still easily identified by their distinctive dress: women
wear intricately embroidered blouses and a wealth of beaded necklaces, while men have long, braided hair and
wear calf-length white trousers, ponchos and sandals.
The market takes place in the main plaza, but don't hesitate to wander into the side streets, where the goods on
display diversify and the prices are lower. Enjoy the cacophony of sounds as Andean pipe music mixes with
Spanish and native Quechua voices, complemented by an explosion of color from the many fabric, fruit and
other stalls.

Dancers, Cotacachi Photo by Chris Feser

Later this afternoon, continue to explore other nearby villages: Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork, and
Peguche, known for its traditional weavings.
Travel along the Andes Mountain range to Papallacta, a small town tucked away in a high Andean valley at the
entrance to the Amazon jungle. Enjoy a relaxing stay at your spa-resort, located around hot thermal springs.
Day 4:Papallacta & Amazon.
The Amazonian segment of your tour begins after breakfast today as you set out along a scenic stretch of road
overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls.

Arrive at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the north bank of the Napo River, where piraguas (canoes) await
you for a short ride downstream to your lodge. After check-in, sip a refreshing welcome cocktail as you watch
the sunset.
Day 5:Amazon.

Casa del Suizo lodge, view of river and pool

Enjoy a full day exploring the wonders of the Napo River area. Your tour guide will present two options after
your walk through the jungle to help you maximize your stay. The first option, for wildlife aficionados, is a tour
to Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. You'll be able to observe
coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around
freely! The second option, for adventure seekers, is an ultimate rafting experience on the Napo River. Not only
will you have the chance to enjoy a refreshing ride down this Amazonian tributary, you'll actually learn how to
make your own raft by tying balsa logs together. You will decide, together with your group members which
program the group will take.

Quechua girl
Later in the day, enjoy a unique opportunity to visit a local Quechua family who will explain various aspects of
their traditional culture, including a special lesson on making chicha, a beverage typical of the region.
Or, if you are in the mood for a more laid-back afternoon, we recommend a stroll through the artisan village of
Ahuano, where you can watch traditional Quechua ceramics being created. (Excursions are provided on a group
basis only.)
Day 6:Baos & Patate.

El Pailin del Diablo waterfall

After breakfast, set out in canoes again to return to La Punta. Continue by coach to Puyo, the most important
city in Ecuador's Oriente region. En route, you'll visit the spectacular Rio Verde falls, better known as El Pailn
del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Then head to nearby Baos, nestled in a lush valley at the foot of the Tungurahua volacano, famous for the hot
springs that give it its name (baths).
The mild climate, verdant landscape, and mineral-rich natural springs in and around Baos make it an oasis of
tranquility and relaxation. Sparkling waterfalls, rolling hills, and scenic bridges complete this picturesque
setting. Be sure to sample some of the town's trademark taffy, called melcocha.

Landscape around Banos

The final stop on today's tour is Patate, known for its picturesque location on the Patate River, its excellent
grape cultivation, and the production of some of the best "aguardiente" liquor in the highlands.
Day 7:Cotopaxi & Quito.
Today's excursion takes you to another one of Ecuador's treasures, Cotopaxi National Park, home to several
volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world (19,500 feet above sea level). Spanning
an impressive 84,000 acres, this natural reserve protects a diverse array of flora and fauna, including llamas,
deer, wild horses, as well as many rare species endemic to the region. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your
cameras ready for a lucky sighting of the mythical Andean condor.

Plaza de la Independencia, Quito

This afternoon, begin the return journey to Quito and later tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel
companions at a local restaurant.
Day 8:Depart Quito.
Today bid adios to Ecuador as you transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA. Depending on
your flight schedule, optional tours may be available for purchase locally. Late check-out is also available for a
supplement for flights departing Quito this evening. (See Dates & Prices.)