South American Travel

07 Days / 06 Nights

$1,398.00

 

 

 

 

 

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Day 1 TRANSFER TO HOTEL IN QUITO CAPITAL OF EQUATOR
Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city at 2,800 meters, nestled into a valley in the shadow of the Pichincha Volcano. Its historic centre is the largest in the Americas and ranks among the most beautiful. For this reason, UNESCO nominated it a World Heritage Site, the first city to receive the honour.
The historic centre has been renovated and transformed over the last five years, boasting new bars, cafés, galleries and theatres, as well as added security.
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL.

Day 2 COLONIAL CITY TOUR QUITO + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
After Breakfast explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, visiting some of its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage.
A large part of their interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, are gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Some of their museums hold valuable collections of paintings and sculptures belonging to the artistic genre, which has come to been known as the Quito School.
We begin the tour at the quirky Guápulo quarter, towards the Congress building, before heading to the Old Town. We finish our visit to colonial history at the “Panecillo” hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains.
After lunch, we visit the Middle of the World monument located at latitude 0º 0º 0º, and provides an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Also you can visit, the Ethnographic Museum, which provides a fine overview of Ecuador’s varied peoples and geography. Late in the Afternoon return to Quito for overnight rest at the Hotel. Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL.

Day 3 QUITO – OTAVALO
After a delicious breakfast, begin your journey to Imbabura Province. Visit to Otavalo. The town of 26.000 inhabitants is known for its most colourful market, which occurs on Saturdays and should not be missed. It is famous for its traditional and colourful Otavalo woollens as well as other local handicrafts. We will have lunch in a cosy, typical restaurant. We are continuing our trip with a short drive to a beautiful lake district, home to the Otavaleños. We visit San Antonio de Ibarra, renowned for its artisans who carve beautiful wood figures.
Before continuing, enjoy lunch at a typical hacienda.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ilumán, an indigenous community dedicated to felt hat production and famous for its traditional healers, shamans and Peguche, a small famous town for its wonderful textiles, where we visit weavers at their looms and admire local handicrafts. Finally, we head to Ibarra, the handsome capital of Imbabura Province. Accommodation at Hacienda Pinsaquí base DBL.

Day 4 OTAVALO - PAPALLACTA
After a delicious breakfast immediately head towards to Cotacachi, city dedicated to leather manufacture, where you will find amazing quality at an interesting price. Then head up to Cuicocha, a beautiful lake located in a crater, with two small islands in the middle – a spectacular setting. After a day of shopping, enjoy lunch at a nice colonial hacienda of the region. Drive to Papallacta Thermal Springs complex, located in the high moorlands of the last range of mountains before the descent down to the Amazon Region. Accommodation at Hotel Termas de Papallacta base DBL.

Day 5 PAPALLACTA - QUITO
After breakfast. Enjoy the thermal swimming pools and baths, which are believed to have healing power. After your bath you can take advantage of a relaxing massage in our spa. You have the opportunities to walk, observe birds, horseback ride or simply enjoy the landscape, characterized by the trees of Polylepis ("paper bark tree") with its unusually-textured crust. These trees grow to greater heights in the Andes of Ecuador. Late return drive to Quito and accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL.Day 6 QUITO - MINDO - QUITO
We will enjoy a delicious breakfast, then we will drive to Mindo is a wonderful place for discovering the cloud forest and its magical diversity of bird and plant life. Take part of an unforgettable bird watching excursion where you will have the opportunity to spot over 300 species. Mindo’s primary cloud forest boasts incredible views of the Pichincha Volcano (4.794m). After you return from the excursions of your choice, enjoy a traditional lunch – including locally-reared delicious trout. We will discover the wonderful cloud forest in Mindo. While walking, we’ll be able to spot birds and butterflies, as well hundreds of species of orchids and magnificent waterfalls. Return to Quito. Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL.Day 7 Quito - Return flight home
After a last day in Guayaquil, you will have the breakfast and we accompany you to the airport and say goodbye. But only until our next meeting!.

 

---------------------------------------- PRICE ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- INCLUDED ----------------------------------------

Rates include:
* Accommodation in double occupancy as per request including daily buffet or American breakfast
* Transfers & visits with private transportation and English-speaking guide
* Noted meals
* Entrance fees

Not included:
- Any meal or services not described
- International air tickets
- International departure tax US$41.00 net per person from Quito (Subject to change)
- Tips & personal expenses

HOTELS
QUITO: HOTEL MERCURE ALAMEDA
OTAVALO: Accommodation at Hacienda Pinsaquí
PAPALLACTA: Accommodation at Hotel Termas de Papallacta

NOTE: Other Hotels Upon request.