Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes

Discover this colourful nation’s rich tapestry of history and culture on an incredible journey along the legendary Avenue of Volcanoes, exploring Inca cities, traditional villages and enigmatic landscapes. Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity, wealth of colonial treasures and fusion of different cultures offer a truly unique and authentic experience.

OVERVIEW OF TOUR
•   City tour of Quito
•   Browse Otavalo Market's colourful handicraft stalls
•   Explore stunning Cotopaxi National Park
•   View the thundering falls at the Devil's Cauldron
•   Enjoy a thrilling train journey down the Devil's Nose
•   Visit an Inca Fortress
•   Explore the cobbled streets of Cuenca
•   Discover the art of crafting a traditional Panama hat
•   Visit the main sights of the Port of Guayaquil

Guide

•   This tour is escorted by local English-speaking guides.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include:
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch on Days 3-7
•   Dinner on Days 4-6.

ACCOMMODATION
•   The hotels featured are all of a four star standard.

NB
•   Quito is situated at approx. 9,350 feet above sea level, therefore a healthy constitution is recommended.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO QUITO
Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Madrid, then LAN Airlines to Quito. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel Patio Andaluz, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city for three nights.

DAY 2 - QUITO
Enjoy a morning tour of the historic capital which lies in the shadow of the mighty Andean peaks, the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit historic landmarks including Independence Plaza and the temple of La Compañía de Jesús which is regarded as a colonial baroque masterpiece and features a grand facade, intricate carvings and lavish gilded interiors.

The Monastery of San Francisco was Quito’s first monastery and convent and displays Moorish influences and an impressive altar. These sights all reflect the ‘Baroque school of Quito’ which blends European and indigenous art and architectural styles.

DAY 3 - OTAVALO
Travel north through beautiful mountain scenery to this colourful market town (approx. 2 hours) which boasts the most famous Indian market along the Panamerican Highway. Renowned for its exquisite handicrafts and hand-woven textiles Otavalo is brimming with authentic souvenirs. Barter with traders at the famous ‘silent market’ where bargaining takes place in a peaceful environment without the usual shouting and loud haggling found in markets. Choose from hand-woven woollen clothing, ponchos, wall hangings, embroidered dresses, pre-Columbian style jewellery, handicrafts and the famous Panama hat which, despite its name, is originally from Ecuador.

Continue to the small village of Peguche where you can observe local artisans weaving traditional textiles and learn about their culture. Enjoy lunch at a charming country inn or hacienda.

DAY 4 - QUITO TO PATATE
Traverse emerald valleys and craggy peaks as you pass through breathtaking scenery with the Andes providing a spectacular backdrop on the way to Cotopaxi National Park. The snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano dominates the park, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and is a truly spectacular sight to behold.

Discover the untamed beauty of the paramo habitat and look out for unique flora and fauna and high altitude birds which can be found close to the placid waters of Limpiopungo Lagoon, such as the mighty Andean condor which soar majestically over the mountain peaks. Enjoy lunch at the foot of the volcano in a charming hacienda which features perfectly preserved Inca walls, roaming llamas and a beautifully fragrant rose plantation.

Make your descent to the town of Patate and stay overnight at the 300-year old Leito Hacienda which is sequestered in the Llanganatis mountains where – according to legend – the Incas hid a wealth of treasures and gold.

DAY 5 - PATATE TO RIOBAMBA
After breakfast follow the gorge of the Pastaza River through cloud forest canyons to the town of Baños (Baths) which is set at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano and is renowned for its thermal springs. Follow the Route of the Cascades which is lined with enchanting waterfalls, subtropical vegetation and wild orchids.

Arrive at El Pailón Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) where adventurous visitors can descend to marvel at the power and beauty of this roaring waterfall close up. There is also an option to view the fall from a look-out point. After lunch at a local hacienda stroll around Baños before ascending the mountain path to the traditional city of Riobamba. Overnight at the Hacienda Abrasprungo.

DAY 6 - RIOBAMBA TO CUENCA
Set off on a thrilling winding route along ravines and gorges, and through tiny Indian villages (approx. 2 hours) to the small town of Alausí. Board the train that will whisk you on the famous 2,630 feet vertiginous descent down the Devil’s Nose. On arrival in Sibambe Station visit the Condor Puñuna museum to see the local Nizag community’s displays of handicrafts. Return to Alausí by train and then drive south to Cuenca, stopping en route to visit the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca. Spend one night at Hotel Santa Lucia.

DAY 7 - CUENCA TO GUAYAQUIL
Fly from Cuenca to Guayaquil and spend one night at the Hilton Colón Guayaquil (5*).

DAY 8 - GUAYAQUIL TO LONDON
Visit the main sights of the Port of Guayaquil, starting at the Centennial Plaza which commemorates the city’s independence heroes, before continuing to the famous Moorish Clock Tower which was once used to warn the town of imminent pirate attacks. Next stop is Bolívar Park which is named after South America’s liberator Simón Bolivar and is also famous for the large number of iguanas that roam there.

Continue to the southern end of Malecón 2000, Guayaquil’s famous boardwalk which stretches 1½ miles along the waterfront and is lined with a combination of historic and modern buildings including the Crystal Palace – a former market place which is now an architectural treasure, Integration Square and La Rotunda. Next, visit one of Guayaquil’s oldest neighbourhoods, Barrio Las Peñas, which sits at the foot of Santa Ana hill and features beautifully restored colourful wooden houses, many of which have been transformed into galleries.

Pass by the city’s cemetery where ornate marble sculptures watch over the countless tombs that are stacked upon one another. Continue to the airport and fly LAN Airlines to Madrid and onwards with British Airways to Heathrow, arriving the following day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

AMAZON (PRE TOUR)
DAY 1 - LONDON TO QUITO
Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Madrid, then onwards with LAN Airways to Quito. Stay overnight at the Hilton Colón.
DAY 2 - QUITO TO AMAZON
Transfer to Sacha Lodge for an incredible three night stay in the Ecuadorean Amazon.
DAY 5 - AMAZON TO QUITO
Return to Quito to join the tour on Day 1.

MINDO CLOUD FOREST (PRE TOUR)
DAY 1 - LONDON TO QUITO
Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Madrid, then onwards with LAN Airways to Quito. Stay overnight at the Hilton Colón.

DAY 2 - QUITO TO MINDO CLOUD FOREST
Transfer to Mashpi Lodge, an enchanting jungle hideaway, for three nights.
DAY 5 - MINDO CLOUD FOREST TO QUITO
Return to Quito and join the tour on Day 1.

GALAPAGOS
DAY 8 - GUAYAQUIL TO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Fly from Guyaquil to the small island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Board the Yacht Isabela II and embark on a magical four night cruise around the unique Galapagos Islands. Explore these remarkable volcanic islands and observe a plethora of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas and bird colonies.
DAY 12 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS TO GUAYAQUIL
Disembark and take a return flight to Guayaquil for one final night at the Hilton Colón.
DAY 13 - GUAYAQUIL TO LONDON
Overnight flight with LAN Airways via Madrid to Heathrow.

PERU
DAY 8 - GUAYAQUIL TO LIMA
Fly from Guayaquil to Lima and transfer to the Casa Andina Private Collection for one night.
DAY 9 - LIMA TO SACRED VALLEY
Fly to Cuzco and transfer to the beautiful Sacred Valley for two nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection which is set amid eight acres and enjoys stunning mountain views.
DAY 11 - SACRED VALLEY TO CUZCO
Transfer to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incas, for two nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection.
DAY 13 - CUZCO TO LIMA
Fly to Lima and spend one night in the capital at the Casa Andina Private Collection.
DAY 14 - LIMA TO LONDON
Overnight flight with LAN Airways via Madrid to Heathrow.