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Andes & The Amazon
Snow-capped volcanoes, some still active and more than 6000m high, and lush 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 awe-inspiring 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.
Cotopaxi Volcano
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 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. Continue by bus to Riobamba, a historical city located at the foot of the impressive Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak. Visit a Tagua workshop and see artisans carving jewellery 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 as shown in itinerary * Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) * Transfers, sightseeing and touring as detailed
Chiva Express
Tour Prices
Prices per person, in £'s from
01Jan09-31Mar09 01Apr09-31Mar10
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Twin 375 399 Single 399 429
Prices Exclude
* Domestic flights and airport taxes * Cotopaxi National Park fee payable locally, approx. $10
4 Day Sacha Amazon Lodge
Sacha Lodge is the ultimate luxury eco lodge in Amazonian Ecuador. Located deep in the rainforest, the lodge offers 26 luxury thatched cabins built harmoniously into the surrounding forest with traditional materials. Various daily activities are provided for you, and the expertise of your guides will make for an informative and immensely entertaining 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 (1.5hrs), followed by a short hike. Transfer to dugout canoe in which you'll be paddled across Pilchicocha Lake to the private rainforest reserve of Sacha Lodge.(LD) Overnight: Sacha Lodge Days 2-3: Sacha Lodge Activities You have two full days to explore this pristine, 5000 acre, private ecological reserve deep in Ecuador's Amazon region. In small groups you will venture out into the forest on foot and by canoe escorted by a bilingual naturalist and a native of the region. Likely encounters include monkeys, sloths, caimans, anacondas, any of nearly 600 different species of birds, countless insects and even piranhas. You can also explore the canopy from the exclusive Canopy Walkway, climb the Kapok Observation Tower, wander through the Butterfly House, swim with piranhas and even go on night walks and canoe rides for a totally new rainforest perspective.(BLD) Day 4: Depart Francisco de Orellana (Coca) Journey back out of the jungle as you came in, for your flight to Quito (not included).(B)
Excursions vary depending on weather conditions and will be scheduled on a daily basis.
Pier at Sacha Lodge
Prices Include
* 3 or 4 nights accommodation including all meals * All transfers and activities as per itinerary
Tour Prices
Prices per person, in £'s from
01Jan09-31Mar10 Twin 355
Prices Exclude
* Domestic flights and airport taxes * Yasuni National Park fee payable locally, approx. $25
Sacha Lodge
Single 535
Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions.
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