This 10 day tour includes an overland trip south from Quito along the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes, with stays at some of the country´s best haciendas and incorporates a 4 day / 3 night Amazon Adventure in Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve, finishing inthe city of Guayaquil in the south of the country.
Weds Day 1 Arrive Quito - Machachi
Private transfer in from airport to Hacienda Umbria. Overnight in Hacienda Umbria with breakfast included.
Thursday Day 2 Machachi - Cotopaxi
After breakfast travel south along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes and enjoy a visit to the wonderful world of the Ecuadorian Paramo that is Cotopaxi National Park. The majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world. Lunch included at a local hacienda within the National Park. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde including breakfast. (B,L,D)
Friday Day 3 Cotopaxi – Shell – Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve
After an early breakfast travel overland to Shell. Fly from Shell into Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve for a 4 day, 3 night Amazon adventure. At Kapawi you have choices. Once you arrive at the Ecolodge, you and your guides will be able to organize a set of experiences that most suits your individual interests and desired level of activity. Almost all itineraries will include some combination of visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, kayaking in rivers and streams and bird watching. Overnight in Kapawi Lodge with all meals and activities included. (B,L,D)
Saturday Day 4 Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve
Full day of activities at Kapawi Lodge with all meals and lodging included. (B,L,D)
Sunday Day 5 Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve
Full day of activities at Kapawi Lodge with all meals and lodging included. (B,L,D)
Monday Day 6 Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve – Baños
Fly from Kapawi to Shell, then travel overland through Puyo to Baños, following the course of the Pastaza River, a stunning road trip which passes a number of beautiful waterfalls including the Manto de la Novia and the Pailon del Diablo. Lunch included in a local restaurant in the mountain town of Baños.
In the afternoon enjoy a stroll around the main square and nearby streets, sample the local ‘melcocha’, a handmade toffee which is prepared on every street corner. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Manteles with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Tuesday Day 7 Baños – Riobamba
In the morning hike to the local Payacucho Waterfall which is located within the hacienda’s privately protected 200 hectare cloud forest reserve. This hike is suitable for all levels of fitness and takes around 1 and a half hours. The hacienda provides welly boots since the trail crosses small streams before arriving at the waterfall. Lunch included at Hacienda Manteles. In the afternoon travel onto the city of Riobamba, situated at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo with breakfast included (B,L,D)
Weds Day 8 Riobamba – Cuenca
After an early breakfast continue your journey south to Alausi, from where you will embark on your journey by train along the famous Devil’s Nose route which dramatically zigzags down the Andes, one of the most exhilarating train rides in the world! The train then returns to Alausi, the trip takes around 2 and a half hours in total. Lunch included at a local hostería next to the Ingapirca ruins. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the Inca ruins at Ingapirca before continuing your journey south onto the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Caballo Campana, overlooking the city of Cuenca. (B,L,D)
Thursday Day 9 Cuenca – Guayaquil
In the morning enjoy a tour of the city of Cuenca including visits to the main churches, the flower market, a stroll along the river, the Turi lookout and local Panama hat factory. Lunch at a local top restaurant. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore the city some more before catching your evening flight to Guayaquil. Transfer in on arrival in Guayaquil from the airport to Boutique Hotel Mansion del Rio. Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Mansion del Rio. (B,L,D)
Fri Day 10 Guayaquil – onwards
Private transfer out to the airport to catch your onward flight. (B)
Included: All airport transfers, private transportation, English speaking guide, accommodation and meals as specified (B,L,D), activities and visits specified, entrance fees to visitors sites specified, flights Shell – Kapawi – Shell, 4 day 3 night package in Kapawi Ecolodge, Achuar community contribution, train tickets, flight Cuenca - Guayaquil.
Not Included: International flight, any meals not specified, soft and alcoholic drinks, any extra activities undertaken at haciendas, tips and personal expenses.
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