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From the Andes to the Pacific

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After a night in Quito, your Ecuador holiday begins with a visit to the small town of Otavalo in the highlands of northern Ecuador which is famous for its craft market. Then explore the luxuriant cloud forest vegetation of the Tandayapa Valley before heading south via the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park and the highest active volcano in the world.

Take the Devil's Nose train which zigzags its way the steep inclines, visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca and overnight in Cuenca, one of Ecuador's most beautiful cities.

Spend the last few days of your Ecuador holiday on the Pacific coast close to Puerto Lopez. This is an excellent place to wind down at the end of a trip to Ecuador because here the atmosphere is relaxed, the beaches white and sandy and the coastal scenery stunning. An added bonus is Humback Whale watching from June to September. 

Trip highlights

  1. Otavalo market and the surrounding indian towns
  2. Exploring the luxuriant cloud forest of the Tandayapa Valley
  3. Cotopaxi National Park
  4. An exhilarating rooftop train ride through the Devil's Nose
  5. Relaxing in the colonial splendour of Cuenca
  6. Exploring Ecuador's Pacific coast

Itinerary

  1. Day 1:  Arrive in Quito. Transfer to hotel.
  2. Day 2:  Transfer to Otavalo and visit market. (B, D)
  3. Day 3:  Free day based in Otavalo. (B, D)
  4. Day 4:  Transfer to Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. (FB)
  5. Day 5:  Explore the cloud forest. (FB)
  6. Day 6:  Transfer to Cotopaxi. Afternoon free. (FB)
  7. Day 7:  Visit Cotopaxi National Park and transfer to Riobamba. (FB)
  8. Day 8:  If possible, take Devil's Nose train ride. Explore Ingapirca then end in Cuenca. (B, L)
  9. Day 9:  Tour Cuenca and surrounding countryside. (B, L)
  10. Day 10:  Transfer to Guayaquil via Cajas National Park. (B)
  11. Day 11:  Drive along the 'Ruta del Sol' to Puerto Lopez. (B)
  12. Day 12:  Day trip to Isla de la Plata. (B, L)
  13. Day 13:  Visit Las Frailes Beach and Aguas Blancas, then fly to Quito. (B, L)
  14. Day 14:  Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)

Price

Our trips are tailor made for you and prices vary according to the accommodation used and time of year. The prices below can be taken as a guide price, using mid-range, twinshare accommodation. 2009: From £2110 per person. These prices do not include international flights.

Call us for single supplement details

Duration and details

14 days

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip.

Best times to go

The driest season for the Andean regions is from about late May to early October. The whale watching season at Puerto Lopez is from June to September.

View Ecuador climate chart

Included

Transfers in private vehicle, local guides at Bellavista and Isla de la Plata, private guides on days 2, 7-11 and 13, all domestic flights.

Getting there

You will need international flights to/from Quito. Prices from the UK start from around £675.

View flight information

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