2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $87 $50 $37 $32 Your stay in Quito must include a visit to the Colonial sector, the old and charming city with its 400 years of Spanish heritage. The capital of Ecuador, has a setting that few cities can match. During the 13th century it was the prosperous center of the Kingdom of Quitus. Later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Today, Quito brings the past to life in its museums, convents, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of pre-Columbian treasures. Quito's artistic creativity awaits you in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.

Reservations

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $143 $82 $63 $51 First stop is in the colonial city at the Parliament Building, whose stone mural records Ecuador's history. Then a stroll downtown and visit the colonial temples and monasteries of this urban jewel, designated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, starting at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium lead to its gilt interior a Baroque influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.

Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and climbing stairs. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes.

Reservations

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $190 $136 $111 $101 Drive into the old Colonial city for a sight of the romantic plazas and past the impressive public and religious buildings.

Quito is particularly splendid in the evening when illumination adds a special drama and mystery to its baroque architecture. Then, to the hills on the west side of the city for a panorama of twinkling lights covering the valley below. Return to town for dinner at a selected restaurant of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Casual evening dress - coat is needed. This tour does not include walking, it is a drive-through. Camera and film for night.

Reservations

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $102 $55 $39 $34 Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special.

This comprehensive tour includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. The original building was the "House of Temperance" where alcoholics were once shut inside its thick walls in an effort to cure them. A stop is made at Plaza San Francisco, where the exquisitely embroidered skirts of the cholas are for sale. Next is a visit to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here, a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor's Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. Then, a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city's overhanging houses and the laundry spread out to dry on its river banks and a great view of the city from the Hill of Turi.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat) and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.

Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet)
Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.

Reservations

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $270 $162 $129 $119 Visiting the promontory that dominates the valley beneath, the fortress of Ingapirca stands a proud testimonial of past magnificence. Elliptical platforms, trapezoidal doorways and stone, mortar-less walls perfectly fit together amaze the most sophisticated. A day trip that is most fascinating. This tour features a fascinating day trip to Ingapirca, the most northern fortress-temple remaining from Inca times. Sun-worshippers built this stone center on a promontory high above the Cañar valley, about 96 Km (60 miles) northeast of Cuenca and at an altitude of 10,595 feet (3,230 meters) above sea level.

Ride through enchanting highlands, passing through the towns of Azogues and Cañar. Visit the mountain-bound sanctuary of Our Lady of Rocio in Biblian built on steep rock and a small hat workshop. Upon arrival at Ingapirca stop at the on-site museum, and admire the stone fortress with several trapezoidal doorways and stone walls perfectly fit together, without mortar, of the Inca construction. There is an elliptical platform, known as the Temple of the Sun used for religious and ceremonial purposes, the barracks, the stone "Inca Face" and the zoomorphic carvings. Lunch at a pleasant inn of the area before the return to Cuenca.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat for evening and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.

Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,230 meters (10,595 feet)

Average Temperature:
Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.

Reservations

Otavalo Country Tour 2 days, 1 night (Friday or Saturday) Andean Haciendas and Roman Spa Tour 5 days, 4 nights (Any Day) The Route of the Incas - Quito to Cuenca Overland 5 days, 4 nights (Any Day)

Mt. Chimborazo

 

Sariri I have to get to my place Where my mother awaits me Land of the Red People Horizons of Rainbow Colours I am Sariri of the Andes Walking many moons With the Spirit of my friends Surrounded by colours With the lament of the Red People Kanatan Aski From the Andean Colours Album

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $336 $192 $144 $89 A special nature lovers' full-day tour to the world's highest active volcano in Cotopaxi National Park, discover the Andean moorlands or paramo and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Lunch at a charming hosteria or hacienda.

The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) surrounding Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, specially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. Look directly up the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rising 6,005 meters (19,700 feet). Lunch at the very heart of breathtaking landscapes or at a hosteria or hacienda nearby before returning to Quito. Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra.

Warm clothing is needed and hat or cap. Sunblock (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Sunglasses.

Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)

Average Temperature Day: 8° to 20° C (46° to 68° F)

Reservations

 

Cotopaxi National Park By Rail - Chiva Express plus Hacienda (1 day with lunch)

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $437 $283 $234 $172 Mon, Wed, Fri & Mon only Surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or paramo.

You may see herds of llamas and perhaps deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor.

The adventure starts at the old train station of Quito, where the "Chiva Express", a one coach train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart towards the south.  As the Chiva Express advances along the ancient railway, the mood aboard makes you adjust to another tempo, and leisurely enjoy the way of traveling of past centuries.  One of the highlights of the trip is to "ride the roof" with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador.   Disembark at the station of Machachi, at the foot of the Cotopaxi, where hot chocolate and a snack will be served, and then ascend by motorcoach up to the moorlands for a short hike and a close contact with this unique ecosystem.

Enjoy lunch at a hacienda of the area, a very comfortable farm house built with local materials like straw, adobe and eucalyptus wood.   A blazing fireplace warms the dining room, where guests will enjoy a wonderful meal with fresh cheese from the farm, vegetables just picked from the garden, home-made desserts, and natural seasonings.  There will be time to horseback ride, birdwatch or explore the surroundings on foot before the return to Quito in the afternoon. 

Warm clothing is needed and hat or cap.  Sunblock (SPF 40).  Good walking shoes.  Camera (wide angle lens).  Binoculars.  Sunglasses.
Altitude:  2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
Average Temperature Day:  8°  to 20° C (46° to 68° F)

Also see our 3 day, 2 night Chiva Express Railway Tour

Reservations

 

Antisana Volcano Reserve (1 day with lunch, from Quito)

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $338 $203 $160 $120 This is a spectacular day trip out of Quito to the volcano Antisana, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve.

After about an hour's drive southeast from Quito (60 kilometers) the climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begin with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago.  As you climb higher on a good paved road, with practically no traffic, you can enjoy the spectacular montane scenery with jagged rocky peaks and the glacier-covered summit above  tree line, vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the shrubs at tree line.

The first stop is for an overview of the impressive lava flow at Antisanilla, and the next one to admire an  incredibly huge wall of cliffs across a narrow canyon, where condors can be seen fairly regularly, as they breed here.  They are usually seen soaring up near the highest peaks, a great distance away.

Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level ground and observe the beautiful but small paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas.  Around the many paramo lakes and ponds you can observe the glacial morraines and birds in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin.  Some fisherman are allowed to fish for large trout in certain montane lakes of the area, from where part of Quito's water supply comes from.

After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch.  A three-course hot meal is served at the hacienda's dinning room, warmed by glowing fireplaces.  After lunch, drive back to Quito amid breathtaking settings.Entrance fee to Antisana Reserve is US$ 10.00 per person.

Warm clothing is needed.  It is quite windy, consider gloves and ear protection.
Sunblock (SPF 40).  Good walking shoes.  Camera (wide angle lens).  Binoculars.  Sunglasses.

Reservations

 

Antisana Volcano Reserve & Thermal Hotsprings of Papallacta (2 days, 1 night)

The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago, jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line.

Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level terrain and observe the small but beautiful paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas. Andean birds abound, in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them, such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin. After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch. A three-course hot meal is served at the hacienda's dinning room, warmed by glowing fireplaces.

In the afternoon, drive on to Papallacta and its hot springs, amid a breathtaking setting. Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle and features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures. Facilities include a first-class hotel, a spa and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty: fresh trout.

The second day, start with a nature walk alongside pristine mountain streams, observing the flora and fauna of the humid montane Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca and then relax and soak away life's aches and pains and experience the notable, restorative effects of the thermal waters (sulfate alkaline terreous). The water is odorless, crystalline and ever changing. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

Reservations

 

Mindo Cloud Forest (1 day with lunch, from Quito)

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $382 $229 $169 $115 The excursion to the renowned Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest has been specially designed for bird watchers and nature lovers. The Valley of Mindo is within the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest, located a short two-hour drive to the northwest of Quito.

The 48,000-acre (19,200 hectares) Forest stretches over the slopes of Pichincha Volcano and covers diverse ecosystems ranging from the cloud-high, treeless plateau or " paramo" through subtropical forest to tropical jungle. While Mindo is a haven for bird watchers, it also appeals to photographers and explorers for its outstanding panoramic views. A first short stop is made at the rim of the crater of the extinct Pululahua Volcano, before descending into the Valley of Mindo.

Specially trained guides introduce visitors to the mysteries of the Cloud Forest, pointing out the unique flora and fauna. Visit the El Pahuma Orquid Reserve and its Orchid Botanical Garden with flowering orchids mounted on the trees and placed in the vegetation along the trail, consistent with each species' habitat. Labels identify each specimen. Then, a hike on a trail through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside a lively, sparkling creek to the 50 meter (165 foot) Pacaya waterfall. The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve is a privately owned forest of an Ecuadorian family who is searching for a viable economic alternative to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising, and it protects over 600 hectares (over 1500 acres) of tropical montane forest. Over 170 species of orchids have been identified within the reserve, which lies in a region with some of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world. Orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here.

After a brief rest stop, continue to the quaint little village of Mindo, at an altitude of 1300 meters, observing the bird life along the way. Bird watchers may find here some of Ecuador's most rare species. BirdLife International has designated Mindo as an IBA (Important Bird Area), the first such site in South America. Then, a visit to the Butterfly Vivarium, housing 25 varieties of butterflies. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Hundreds of caterpillars feed on their host plants in their natural environment to assure the best development of pupae and butterflies. Lunch is served at a restaurant of the area.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take rain protection. This tour includes walking at altitudes between 4,700 to 1,400 meters, (15,700 to 4,600 feet). Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap. Good walking shoes and an extra pair of socks. Binoculars are essential.

Temperature: Day, average 15° to 28° C / 59° to 82° F.

Reservations

 

Cajas National Park (1 day with lunch, from Cuenca)

2009 1 person 2 people 3 people 4-9 people p/p $280 $174 $139 $129 Starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level, this lake district is the aftermath of intense volcanic activity and glaciation. The highest point is reached on the road at Three Crosses, where waters divide with a part running to the Pacific and another part down to the Atlantic. Scenery is splendid and walking and hiking amongst the clouds is a rewarding experience.

A jacket and walking shoes are necessary when heading for the area of Cajas, 19 miles (30 Km.) west of Cuenca. Cajas is lake country, a protected 28,800-hectare area starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level; the region shows remains of intense volcanic activity and glaciation. The highest point is reached on the road at Three Crosses, the water divide of those than go to the Pacific and to the Atlantic. The wind and drizzle can make it very cold, but the scenery surrounding these 230 lakes is splendid, for walking and hiking, for observing flora, fauna and bird life. The vegetation includes small forests of quinua trees, a high protein grain. These dwarf forests are home to many species of birds like hummingbirds and the gray-breasted mountain toucan. The cold lakes of Cajas are full of trout, and A visit to a trout-breeding hacienda is included, where lunch will naturally feature delicious fresh trout. Entrance fee to Cajas National Park is included.Warm clothing is needed. It is quite windy, consider gloves and ear protection.

Sunblock (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Good walking shoes. Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Sunglasses.

Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
Average Temperature Day: 5° to 20° C (40° to 68° F)

Reservations

2009 2 3 4 5-9 p/p $214 $142 $116 $101 The best white water west of the Andes, the Toachi thunders down the highlands into the coastal tropical rain forest providing thrilling Class III and III+ rapids making this run a great single day adventure 2 hours from Quito.

Level: Challenging (Class III+)

The Toachi River begins high up in the Andes from the Illinizas Peaks, thundering its way down west towards the Tropical Rain Forest of the coastal Lowlands. The Toachi provides thrilling Class III and III+ rapids that make this run a great single day adventure.

Depart early from Quito to navigate up to 19 miles (30 kilometers) of the best white water west of the Andes. Depending on water levels, the rafting adventure will take between 3 to 4 hours. The Toachi Gorge is one of Ecuador's most famous runs, with uninterrupted action including the famous and technical Sapo Rapid. The gorge is a beautiful contrast of the white water and the lush greenery of the jungle. Enjoy lunch on the riverbank at the end of your adventure. Return to Quito by late afternoon by private transportation.

Reservations

2009 1 2 3 4 5-9 p/p $269 $152 $133 $107 $92 Soar with the condors, bike with the pumas. This moderate to challenging adventure takes place at the foothill of the majestic snow-capped active volcano Cotopaxi. Cycling will start at the Limpiopungo lake exploring the park from north to south through highland plateaus.

Level: Moderate to Challenging

Cotopaxi National Park is covered by a dense pine forest that is now home to deer and the endangered Andean Puma. The Andean Hillstar, a small hummingbird is one of the unique bird species that lives in this region along with the majestic Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world. Discover many other species that make this a rich fauna area. Besides the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano, the National Park is filled with serenely beautiful paramo, landscapes and lakes.

Depart from Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park up through Pedregal to the northern entrance. Explore the park from north to south crossing through Highland plateaus and observing unique vegetation and fauna amidst stunning volcanic scenery. Start cycling on sandy, volcanic trails to the lower section. Visit Limpiopungo Lake at the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano. Transportation team will provide support throughout the day. Exit the park through the valley that leads to Lasso.

Reservations

2009 1 2 3 4 5-9 p/p $272 $160 $119 $110 $95 Phenomenal opportunity to paddle and explore this crater lake close to the famed town of Otavalo.  Cuicocha (lake of the guinea pigs by its Indian name) is a secluded, beautiful spot with a mirror of deep, cold, clear waters.

Level: Easy/ Novice (I)

This one day kayak expedition is a phenomenal opportunity to paddle and explore the Cuicocha Crater Lake, located within the Andean National Park of Cotacachi-Cayapas, close to the village of Otavalo. The serenity and beauty of this crater lake makes this an unforgettable journey.

Depart from Quito heading north towards Imbabura, "Province of the Lakes". Proceed to Lake Cuicocha located at 10,070 feet above sea level (3,070 meters), whose name means "Lake of the Guinea Pigs". This powerful lake is one of the craters of the Cotacachi Volcano, with two islets at its center. According to ancient belief, Cotacachi was the mother of the Imbayas, a pre-Inca tribe. There will be a practice and review of paddling techniques, as well as of basic safety precautions. While paddling the lake you will have the opportunity to observe local bird life such as Andean condors, falcons and various hummingbirds. The paddling around this beautiful lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks will take from two to four hours depending on your paddling skills. A delicious picnic lunch will be served on one of the Islets. Return to Quito via the colorful market town of Otavalo. Extra time for exploring the market can be accommodated if you wish.

Reservations

Old Inca Trails Achupallas to Ingapirca Ruins, 5 days (suitable for beginners) Vilcabamba Valley Adventure Hiking  6 days, 5 nights (suitable for enthusiastic beginners)