Ecuador - DISCOVER THE HIGHLANDS OF ECUADOR (2 nts in Cuenca)

Highlights: Quito * Otavalo region * Avenue of the Volcanoes * Cuenca * 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 accommodation. (B,L)

Day 4: Quito to Riobamba
Morning departure for a two day tour south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Riobamba to Cuenca
Another full day of sightseeing. One of the highlights will be the train ride down a series of switchbacks called the "Devil's Nose". Continue south towards Cuenca. Make a stop at Ecuador's best preserved Inca Ruins at Ingapirca. Arrive in Cuenca by late afternoon. Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cuenca
Depending on the weather we will either visit Cajas National Park with its spectacular scenery and photographic opportunities or we will travel to the Gaulaceo Valley to see the varied countryside, people and markets of this lovely area. Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Cuenca to Quito
Morning city tour of colonial Cuenca. Visit the cathedral, main square, markets, drive through the residential areas of this quaint and interesting city. Transfer to the Cuenca airport for the mid-day return flight. Airfare is included. In Quito, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Hotel. (B)

Day 8: Quito to the Galapagos Islands
Transfer to the Quito airport for your outbound flight to the Galapagos Islands. Cruise is not included. (B)

Add a 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos Cruise

Day 11/12/15: Galapagos Islands to Quito
On arrival in Quito, an English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel of your choice. Hotel.

Day 12/13/16: Depart Quito
Transfer to the Quito airport for your outbound flight. (B)

Tour Code: GT-06

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), Hotel Oro Verde (Cuenca)
FIRST CLASS - Hilton Colon (Quito),Hosteria Abraspungu or similar (Riobamba), Hotel Oro Verde (Cuenca)
STANDARD - Dann Carlton (Quito),Hosteria Abraspungu or similar (Riobamba), Hotel Oro Verde (Cuenca)

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 5-nights hotel accommodation in Quito
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Riobamba
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Cuenca
- 5 airport transfers in Quito and 1 airport transfer in Cuenca
- half day city tours Quito (private) and Cuenca (seat-in-coach)
- full day tour of the Otavalo region
- full day seat-in-coach tour of the Gaulaceo Valley or Cajas National Park
- four day seat-in-coach Chiva Express to Cuenca tour along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- airfare on the routing Cuenca - Quito - Galapagos - Quito
- English speaking local guides

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- 3, 4 or 7 night Galapagos cruise
- International airfare
- US$ 100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- US$ 40.60 Ecuador exit tax
- Gratuities
- Meals and beverages (unless indicated)
- Cancellation / medical insurance

DURATION
With a 7 night cruise: 15 nights / 16 days
With a 4 night cruise: 12 nights / 13 days
With a 3 night cruise: 11nights / 12 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.