Ecuador - CLASSIC ECUADOR WITH GUAYAQUIL

Highlights: Quito * Otavalo region * Avenue of the Volcanoes * Guayaquil * Galapagos Islands

Day 1: Arrive in Quito
On arrival in Quito, an English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Hotel.

Day 2: Quito
Morning city tour of modern and colonial Quito. Among the highlights of this three-hour tour are: the Legislative Palace, Sala Capitular, Independence Plaza, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Church. And finally, drive up Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city before returning to town. Afternoon at leisure to visit museums, galleries or take the new cable car to the top of Pichincha Volcano. Hotel. (B)

Day 3: Full day in the Otavalo region
Early morning departure from the hotel for a full-day tour of the Otavalo region. This tour travels north of Quito where you will: cross the equator at Cayambe; stop in Calderon, famous for its bread dough figure dolls; shop in Cotacachi for leather goods; and visit the grand Otavalo market. The Otavalo Indians are one of the most prosperous groups in Ecuador and have maintained their cultural identity and traditional dress for many generations. After lunch at a country inn, you will visit San Antonio de Ibarra, a wood carving centre. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Hotel. (B,L)

Day 4: Quito to Riobamba
Morning departure for a two day tour south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes aboard the Chiva Express. Stopping in villages, visiting Andean markets and witnessing some of the most beautiful scenery in South America, this tour gives visitors a glimpse into the country and its people. Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Riobamba to Guayaquil
Another full day of sightseeing. One of the highlights will be the train ride down a series of switchbacks called the "Devil's Nose". Arrive Guayaquil in the late afternoon. Hotel. (B,L)

Day 6: Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands
Transfer to the Guayaquil airport for your outbound flight to the Galapagos Islands. (You have an option to return to Quito for the night). Cruise is not included. (B)

Add a 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos Cruise

Day 9/10/13: Galapagos Islands to Guayaquil
On arrival in Guayaquil, an English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel of your choice. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Hotel.

Day 10/11/14: Depart Guayaquil
Transfer to the Guayaquil airport for your outbound flight. (B)

Tour Code: GT-05

Departs: Daily, according to cruise start date. However, the order of this tour may be altered to accommodate the start day of the Chiva Express on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (2007) and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (2008)

Prices are subject to change until time of booking.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
DELUXE - Swissotel (Quito),Hosteria Abraspungu or similar (Riobamba), Hilton Colon (Guayaquil)
FIRST CLASS - Hilton Colon (Quito),Hosteria Abraspungu or similar (Riobamba), Hotel Oro Verde (Guayaquil)
STANDARD - Dann Carlton (Quito),Hosteria Abraspungu or similar (Riobamba), Hotel Oro Verde (Guayaquil)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Quito
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Riobamba
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Guayaquil
- 4 airport transfers
- half day city tour of modern and colonial Quito
- full day tour of the Otavalo region
- two day Chiva Express to Guayaquil along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
- Airfare on the routing Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil
- English speaking local guide

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos cruise
- International airfare
- US$ 100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- US$ 26 Ecuador exit tax
- Gratuities
- Meals and beverages (unless indicated)
- Cancellation / medical insurance

DURATION
With a 7 night cruise: 13 nights / 14 days
With a 4 night cruise: 10 nights / 11 days
With a 3 night cruise: 9 nights / 10 days

UPGRADES
- Superior rooms and Suites are available at most of the above listed hotels.
- Seat-in-coach (group) transfers and tours are available.
- Please inquire for single and triple rates
- Extend your stay in Otavalo region with our overnight option. See our hacienda options.