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Andes & The Amazon
Snow-capped volcanoes, some more than 6000m high and active, and green valleys this is Ecuador's Andean mountain range, best to be explored on a journey through the spectacular `Avenue of the Volcanoes'. In contrast stands the Amazon, the world's largest and most aweinspiring tropical rainforest. Home to a huge variety of animals and plant species, the Amazon offers a wide range of activities such as jungle walks and canoeing.
3 Day Avenue of the Volcanoes
Departures: Mon, Wed & Fri. Day 1: Quito - Riobamba This morning transfer from Quito to Tambillo station, where you will board the Chiva Express (a bus that runs on metal wheels along the train tracks); ride on the roof along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and enjoy the ever-changing scenery and breathtaking views of the Andes. The Chiva advances up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and through the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation. Continue by bus to Riobamba, a historical city located at the foot of the impressive Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak. Here you will be able to experience a Tagua workshop and see artisans carving jewellery, boxes and figurines from the Tagua nut. (LD) Overnight: A local hotel in the Riobamba area Day 2: Riobamba - Cuenca After an early breakfast, transfer to the Chiva Express for an exhilarating ride through remote villages and majestic scenery. Short stop at the Indian town of Guamote before you reach Alausi where the Chiva Express will zigzag its way down 'The Devil's Nose' switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world. Continue by road to the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca and explore Ecuador's largest Pre-Columbian site. Picnic lunch, before you continue to the delightful Mansión Alcázar in Cuenca for an overnight stay. (BLD) Overnight: Mansión Alcázar Day 3: Depart Cuenca Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is deeply religious and artistic and has the atmosphere of a small town. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city, visiting the parks, plazas, monuments and handicraft shops and learning about Cuenca's history. Lunch is served at a charming local restaurant before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight (not included). (BL)
Prices Include
· Accommodation and meals as specified · Transfers, sightseeing and touring as per itinerary
Tour Prices
Prices per person, in £'s from
01Jan08-31Mar08 01Apr08-31Mar09
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Twin 336 318 Single 374 355
Prices Exclude
· Domestic flights and airport taxes · Cotopaxi National Park fee payable locally, approx. $10
4 Day Napo Wildlife Centre
Napo Wildlife Lodge is the ultimate luxury eco lodge in Amazonian Ecuador. Located in the heart of Yasuní National Park, the lodge offers ten luxury cabanas built in harmony with its natural surroundings. Featuring a native design, they also boast a private porch providing lake and forest views. Various daily activities are provided for you, and your guide's expertise will make for an educative, fun experience! Departures: Daily (excluding Sun). Day 1: Arrive Francisco de Orellana (Coca) Flight from Quito to the port town of Coca (40mins; not included) where you embark onto a covered motorized canoe for a ride along the Napo River (2hrs), followed by a peaceful 1.5hrs trip on a dugout canoe. Spot monkeys and birds en-route. After dinner you may want to participate in the optional caiman observation around the lake. (LD) Day 2: Napo Wildlife Centre, Amazon Parrot activity kicks off early, so wake up around 7am for a hike to the parrot clay lick, where you can observe up to 800 individuals of most species. Continue along the forest trails for a visit to a Quichua community to learn about daily life in the forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the lodge. (BLD) Day 3: Napo Wildlife Centre, Amazon This morning, discover life above the forest floors atop one of the lodge's 36m high canopy towers. Flocks of colorful tanagers and blue-and-yellow macaws pass right through the canopy of the tree and spider monkeys search for fruit. After lunch at the lodge hike along primary forest, home to lizards and golden mantle tamarin monkeys, and explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe. (BLD) Day 4: Depart Francisco de Orellana (Coca) Canoe and motorized boat ride back to Coca for your flight to Quito (not included). (B)
Excursions vary depending on weather conditions and will be scheduled on a daily basis. Optional trips are available for additional days at the lodge.
Prices Exclude
· Domestic flights and airport taxes · Yasuni National Park fee payable locally, approx. $25
Package Prices
Prices per person per night, including full board, in £'s from 4 Day Package Twin Single 5 Day Package Twin Single 01Jan08-31Mar09 337 430 01Jan08-31Mar09 412 542
No arrivals or departures on Sun. Return flights Quito/Coca/Quito approx. £80. Baggage allowance 10kgs.
Prices Include
· 3 or 4 nights accommodation, including all meals & activities · Return transfers from Coca to the lodge
Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions.
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