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Quito
The majestic capital of Ecuador, Quito, rests at 2,850 metres above sea level just 22km south of the equator, surrounded by snowcapped mountains. This urban jewel has been designated as a World Heritage Site; here you will discover well preserved convents and churches along with bustling cosmopolitan galleries, exquisite traditional Indian markets and a host of international and local restaurants and bars.
Gupulo Church, Quito
Essential Quito
2 Nights from £94
Departures: Daily Day 1: Arrive Quito On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for a two-night stay. Standard: Dann Carlton Superior: Hilton Colon Deluxe: Swissôtel Quito Day 2: Quito City & The Middle of the Earth Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World heritage Site. This morning, explore this fascinating city on a guided tour. Start with the main square, La Plaza de la Independencia, and marvel at the impressive colonial buildings. Visit the temple of La Campania de Jesus and its awesome gilded interior. Continue through the cobbled streets of the old town to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World. After your city tour, drive to the Equatorial Monument which marks the middle of the earth. Have your photograph taken with one foot in each hemisphere.(B) Day 3: Depart Quito Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.(B)
Otavalo Market Tour
Departures Daily Duration 8 hrs. This full day's excursion leads you north to the fertile Valley of Otavalo with its landscapes of mountains, lakes and corn fields, and South America's most famous Indigenous market. Here, Otavaleños barter for local produce alongside tourists bartering for handicrafts such as ponchos, handbags, woven belts, wall hangings and much more. Discover dramatic mountain scenery en-route with ample time to visit the market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indians with blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Lunch is enjoyed at one of the charming country inns or haciendas. Price per person, including lunch: Sat (regular tour) £45. SunFri (small group tour) £54 (includes visit to Otavalo & two Indian villages).
All Tour Prices Include
* Accommodation as shown in itinerary * Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) * Return private airport/hotel transfers * Touring with English-speaking guide as detailed
Tour Prices
Prices per person, in £'s from
Dann Carlton 01Jan09-31Mar09 01Apr09-31Mar10 Hilton Colon 01Jan09-31Mar10 Twin Single 94 165 98 149 111 180 Swissotel Quito 01Jan09-31Mar09 01Apr09-31Mar10 152 164 283 259
2 Day Cotopaxi Volcano & Homely Hacienda
Departures: Daily Day 1: Quito Cotopaxi Depart early from Quito on this private tour and travel south to visit Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary at the foot of the magnificent Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 5897m. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, alongside valleys and mountains covered by multi-coloured fields. Drive up the slopes of the volcano to enjoy a short guided hike in the moorlands, which are home to Andean gulls, ducks and condors. Continue to the stunning Hacienda La Ciénega dating back to 1680, check-in for the night, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Then visit one of the local Indian markets or the potteries of La Victoria.(LD) Overnight: Hacienda La Ciénega Day 2: Cotopaxi Quito This morning will be at leisure to enjoy the hacienda's beautiful gardens or to take a variety of optional tours including horse riding, hiking and mountain biking (not included). After lunch return to Quito by private car.(BL)
Cotopaxi National Park fee payable locally, approximately $10.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Departures Daily Duration 8hrs. Discover the mysteries of the cloud forest and its unique flora and fauna on this private 'nature tour'. Situated within a protected area, two hours from Quito, the primary forest stretches over the slopes of Pichincha volcano and covers diverse eco-systems. Visit the quaint little village of Mindo and the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and its Orchid Botanical Garden. Accompanied by expert guides, you will hike on the trails through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside lively, sparkling creeks to the 50m Pacaya waterfall, and marvel at the incredible bio-diversity of the protected forest.
Note: this tour includes walking at altitudes between 2700-1400m. Please also enquire about our overnight packages.
Hacienda Cienega
Tour Prices
Prices per person, in £'s from Cotopaxi Volcano & Hacienda
01Jan09-31Mar09 01Apr09-31Mar10 Twin 259 269 Single 439 455
Price £116 per person, including lunch (private - based on 2 people).
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