AMAZING ECUADOR
This amazing tour around Ecuador in 19 days / 18 nights offers a great loop around the main three regions of the country, such as the Andes Mountains, the Amazon jungle, and the Pacific coast. Each region has its unique fauna, flora, climate, and culture.
AMAZON JUNGLE
CULTURE
PACIFIC COAST
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Quito: the capital of Ecuador is perched high in the foothills of the Andes at 2,850 m (9,000 ft) . It was built on the foundations of an ancient Inca city and is famous for its well-preserved colonial old town, with several 16th- and 17th-century churches, and other structures that blend European, and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, on the Plaza Grande, and the highly decorated Jesuit church of the Compañía de Jesus.
- Mitad del Mundo: This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, You can visit the monument or the insitu museum called Inti-Ñan . You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more..!
- Cuyabeno Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary. It comprises 603,380 hectares and is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet along with the Yasuní National Park. The main attractions of Cuyabeno are related to the enormous biodiversity and the imposing hydrographic system that is part of the Amazon Basin.
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Termas De Papallacta: Papallacta is a small town in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,250 m in the Andes near the Cordillera Oriental on the road from Quito, which leads to the Amazon rainforest. The tourist route from Quito to Papallacta passes through several small towns and villages before ascending to a maximum of over 4,000 meters where mountains and glaciers are visible.
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Otavalo: Is a city in the Andean highlands of Imbabura Province, northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by volcanoes, including the Imbabura Volcano. It is known for its Otavalo Indigenous Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where locals dressed in traditional indigenous clothing sell colorful textiles and handicrafts.
- Galapagos National Park: Extraordinary flora and fauna, geological features, and many unique species have made this park a major global center for scientific research and nature tourism. In recognition of its natural values, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Despite all the problems it has faced, especially by organisms introduced from the mainland, is one of the best-preserved archipelagos and a world leader in the management of fragile ecosystems.
- Quilotoa Lagoon: Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. A caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has formed inside its crater. This is the product of the collapse of the volcano, which occurred some 800 years ago. In the 2 50 m deep caldera, a lagoon known as La " Laguna del Quilotoa " has been formed. The minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish hue when it receives the impact of sunlight. Inside, there are springs that can be perceived from the shore as bubbling trails that rise to the surface.
- Baños de Agua Santa: Baños de Agua Santa is a town in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province and is a gateway to the Amazon Basin. It is known for its access to hiking trails on the active Tungurahua Volcano to the south and its mineral-rich hot springs. In the Downtown of Baños , the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Water has paintings depicting miracles attributed to the Virgin Maria. To the east, El Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán are spectacular waterfalls on the Pastaza River.
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Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
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Cuenca: It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and is made up of four rivers that cross it, charming colonial streets, European-style architecture, churches and cathedrals, ruins that reveal the passage of the Incas and cultural, art and craft centers of long standing.
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Los Frailes beach: has three consecutive beaches from white sand to black sand. It has won several awards for being among the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. Enjoy the places to walk, viewpoints and also the waves and marine diversity.
DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL
Our Guide will receive you at the Airport in Quito at your arrival. He will take you to the hotel in Quito. Overnight in Quito.
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- Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 2: CITY LINE (OLD TOWN OF QUITO + MITAD DEL MUNDO) + TELEFERICO
We will visit some of the most famous squares the old town Quito, churches, and colonial buildings. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence, and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed by the exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to the Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes! In the afternoon we will continue the famous Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, you can visit the monument or the in situ museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more...!
Finally, you will visit the Teleferiqo (cable car) of Quito. Over 2,500 meters you will reach the top of the Pichincha Volcano, this great visit is a unique experience, which offers a great view of the landscape of the north, center, and south of the city. After this visit, we will be dropped off at our hotel. Overnight in Quito.
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Meals included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 3: MINDO CLOUD FOREST - BUS TRIP TO CUYABENO
We head towards Mindo Cloudforest where fun and adventure in nature are guaranteed and located about 49 miles from Quito. Mindo is the most famous town for birdwatchers in the Andes of Ecuador, due to the number of species we can find in the area. Orchids, bromeliads, and more than 40 species of butterflies are the highlights of this area. Our guide will lead to some activities possible to do on this day, some of them could be birdwatching hiking, also an ecological walk to the waterfalls or canopy. You will have time for lunch (Not included), and then we will visit the Chocolate Factory or Butterfly Farm. After this interesting visit, we will return to Quito.
you will have time to rest for few hour at your hotel in Quito. At night, our guide will pick you up and then you will reach the meeting point for taking your semi-private touriistic bus to Cuyabeno. Night trip to the jungle for about 8 hours.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Semi-private tourist bus to Cuyabeno. (Night bus trip to cuyabeno reserve)
DAY 4: ARRIVAL TO CUYABENO LODGE
Your tour begins at the bridge of the Cuyabeno River where you will meet the guide of the Lodge. The naturalist guide will provide you with information about the Cuyabeno Reserve and important recommendations to start the two-hour navigation on the Cuyabeno River to the Lodge. During the canoe ride you get a first look at the jungle and you can observe different types of birds such as caciques, orioles and the prehistoric Hoatzin bird. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the weather and weather conditions. We will arrive at Lodge in Cuyabeno area around 4:30 pm. At that time, you will be shown to your rooms and you can relax for a bit. After the nap we will leave the lodge to swim in the lagoon and see a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. Then you will return to the lodge for dinner, and you can finish your first day in the jungle, relax in a hammock or have a drink at the bar.
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- Meals included: Breakfast - Box Lunch - Dinner.
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 5: IN SEARCH OF THE GIANT CEIBO TRAIL - NIGHT WALK
Your second day in the Cuyabeno reserve begins with a delicious breakfast, then we will take a walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours through the primary forest, where the guide will explain to us about a tropical forest and medicinal plants. You can also see large trees like the CEIBO or small insects like ants. We will return to the lodge to have lunch and take a break and in the afternoon we will go out to see the beautiful butterflies and swim in the lagoon. If possible we will be able to observe the beautiful brushed dolphins and enjoy the impressive sunset. Then, we return to the lodge for dinner. At night we carry out a nocturnal activity, focused on the search for alligators on the banks of the river.
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Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 6: VISIT TO KICHWA COMMUNITY
After breakfast, we set off in a canoe down the river for about an hour to visit the Kichwa community. We will be able to learn to prepare Casabe, a traditional Yuca bread, where we will help in its elaboration. We will learn to use the materials of the jungle to make bread, in this we spend the whole day. We will return to the Lodge at approximately two in the afternoon. After lunch we have relaxation activities; To end the day we will have a short walk through the primary forest focused on observing nocturnal insects, such as spiders, gekos, or scorpions, and listening to the noises and sounds of the night.
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Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 7: BUS RETURN TO QUITO
The fourth and last day of the 4 day tour In the Amazon jungle we will look around and try to find species of monkeys and birds and maybe sloths on the way around this spectacular place. After breakfast, you will have time to pack your luggage for the return trip. We offer a box lunch for the return trip. The trip takes you upriver back to the Cuyabeno Bridge at 10:30am, where our bus will wait for our trip back to Quito directly. Our guide will wait for your at the private bus station to pick up you and leave at the hotel.
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Meals included: Packed Breakfast - Lunch.
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- Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 8: QUITO - TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA - OTAVALO
Today you can enjoy the famous hot springs "Termas de Papallacta" (included Entrance Fee to the pools). These hot springs are an excellent option of relaxing and nature of the param in Ecuador. There are excellent self-guided walks and there is a complete spa where you can enjoy some beauty spa massages (extra fees not included). This is well deserved relax activity after the adventure in the jungle. At the end of the afternoon we will travel to Otavalo, a magical city where the indigenous community is the predominant one and the next day you will enjoy the cultural richness of this are of the Andes. Overnight in Otavalo
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Meals included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 9: OTAVALO MARKET - COTACACHI - CUICOCHA LAKE - QUITO
After Breakfast, we will visit the Peguche cascade. Then you will fee time for shopping in the big market of handicrafts in Otavalo, this is one of the biggest indigenous markets of America. Later we'll go towards the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products, such as clothes, bags, belts, wallets, sandals. Finally we will visit Lake Cuicocha. This lake is located in an old crater of the still active Cotacachi volcano. We can take an optional boat ride on the lake and observe the fumaroles. In the afternoon we return to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 10: COTOPAXI FULL DAY
After Breakfast, Our trip will continue today to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi is considered the largest active volcano in the world at 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park, we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 ft). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is currently active, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities. We will also take a walk around the Limpiopungo Lake which is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds of the Páramo region (Andean Grasslands). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the surface of the lake is magnificent. We make a short visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife, and the eruptions of the park's centerpiece. We will be able to visit the refuge where we will be able to enjoy the wonderful views that this place offers, be sure to bring warm clothes since the wind is strong. If we are lucky we will be able to observe the fauna that inhabits the Cotopaxi National Park. Overnight in Cotopaxi Area.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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- Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 11: QUILOTOA LAGOON - BAÑOS
After breakfast we go to the North Pan-American Highway to go to the Quilotoa lagoon, on the way you can see wonderful landscapes (depending on the climate) we will pass through small indigenous towns that are part of the great multiculturalism of Ecuador, then a tour of 3 hours we will arrive at the Quilotoa lagoon, this lagoon characterized by the turquoise color due to the volcanic minerals, gives it a pleasant and colorful appearance, we can do different activities such as a walk to the crater, or you can stay to observe and appreciate the wonderful view. In the afternoon we go to Baños we will have a trip of approximately 3 hours where we will spend the night. Overnight in Baños.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 12: BAÑOS - "ROUTE OF THE CASCADES" - RIOBAMBA
After breakfast, we will visit the surroundings of the town of Baños, the main church, and some other places... After this visit, you will visit the famous "route of the cascades" where you will visit some different cascades such as Manto de la Novia, San Pedro, and more... The highlight of this route is the famous "Pailon del Diablo cascade"; a beautiful and majestic waterfall around the cloud forest of the zone. In the afternoon we'll go to Riobamba city. On the way we will make a brief visit of the Chimborazo volcano for photos. Overnight in Riobamba.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 13: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA
After Breakfast, we will visit some interesting historic places of the city of Riobamba in the morning... Then we'll go towards the south and we'll the Balbanera church, which is the first one founded in Ecuador. A short time around the peaceful lagoon of Colta Lagoon. These two are unique Andean landscapes of the area.
We’ll reach the area of the Andean train called the famous "Devil’s Nose”, the tour is not operating at this time due to the company of trains being “out of business” but our guide will show you the operation and the route… After this visit, we'll continue south and we’ll reach the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, (Days of service: Wednesday to Sunday) famous place of Inca ancient times. Ingapirca is the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. It is located in the southern Andean region of Ecuador, at 3,160 meters above sea level, in the province of Cañar. Finally, we'll reach Cuenca city. Overnight in Cuenca.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 14: CUENCA CITY TOUR - GUALACEO AND CHORDELEG
After breakfast, we will start our adventure of this day and have a city tour through the city of Cuenca, a beautiful city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be able to discover its cultural and architectural diversity. visiting the most important churches and monuments of this city. We will also visit the Turi viewpoint, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire city. After lunch (not included) we will visit the colonial tows of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city, famous for their handicrafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions. Overnight in Cuenca.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 15: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY
After breakfast, we will go to a short hiking excursion around the El Cajas National Park. This is an interesting visit full of nature, the lagoons are the remains of the last ice age. The small and big lagoons are connected by internal small rivers, whose crystal-clear waters flow into the Pacific Ocean. The hiking also includes a part of the famous forest of "trees of paper". After this visit, we'll continue the trip towards the coast of Ecuador to reach the city of Guayaquil. On your arrival, we'll make a short city tour around the city and its main tourist places. Overnight in Guayaquil.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 16: GUAYAQUIL – MONTANITA - PUERTO LOPEZ
After Breakfast, we will drive around the famous "Ruta del Sol" passing by several beaches on the Pacific Coast. We'll visit the town of Ballina. Some other small villages along the route. Finally, we'll reach Montañita where we'll spend the day on the beach. Late in the afternoon, we go to Puerto Lopez. Overnight in Puerto Lopez.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 17: ISLA DE LA PLATA (FULL DAY)
Get ready for the nature, due this day we will visit the Isla de la Plata. Called as "The little Galapagos" it's the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for a unique marine life. We will see also some species of birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigates, This place is famous for snorkeling due the diversity of marine life. From June to October you will be able to wacth humpback whales jumping in this area during their mating time. After this long day of adventure return to your hotel. Overnight in Puerto Lopez
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- Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 18: PUERTO LOPEZ - PLAYA LOS FRAILES - TRIP TO QUITO
This morning we will visit Los Frailes beach, part of the Machallilla National Park in the province of Manabí. A magical and quiet place, where you can enjoy unique landscapes and connect with nature at its best. Then you will have a long trip back to Quito for about 7 hours.. Overnight in Quito
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 19: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT BACK HOME
Breakfast. The guide will pick you up at your hotel at the assigned time according your inbound flight. Transfer to the airport.
END OF OUR SERVICES
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Meals Included: Breakfast.
YOUR
ACCOMMODATION
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | IKALA QUITO | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | PIRANHA LODGE https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-cuyabeno/piranha-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | HOTEL EL ANDARIEGO | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | GOLDEN REST LATACUNGA | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | SELINA BANOS | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | SELINA CUENCA | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | GRAND HOTEL GUAYAQUIL | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
| RATES 2024 - 2025 | PRICE |
|---|---|
| GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON - LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN ECONOMIC HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $2,608 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport.
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito.
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Piranha Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in double/twin room with private bathroom.
- Meals according to the program.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Visit to the indigenous community in Cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD pp.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non specified.
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | NICKY AMAZON LODGE https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-cuyabeno/nicky-amazon-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | INDIO INN | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | LA CIENEGA | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | FLORESTA | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | INCA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
| RATES 2024 - 2025 | PRICE |
|---|---|
| GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON - LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 3 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $2,835 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver.
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport.
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito.
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Nicky Amazon Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in double/twin room with private bathroom.
- Meals according to the program.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Visit to the indigenous community in Cuyabeno reserve $10 USD pp.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non specified.
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | MERCURE | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | JAMU LODGE https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-cuyabeno/jamu-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | HACIENDA PINSAQUI | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | CIENEGA | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | SANGAY | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | ABRASPUNGO | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | SANTA LUCIA | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | LA TARRAZA | BREAKFAST |
| RATES 2024 - 2025 | PRICE |
|---|---|
| GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON - LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 4 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $3,167 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport.
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito.
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Jamu Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in double room private Bathroom.
- Meals according to the program.
- Meals according the description of program.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Visit to the indigenous community in Cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD pp.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs of payment.
- Other non specified.
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | PATIO ANDALUZ | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | JAMU LODGE (SUITE) https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-cuyabeno/jamu-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | CUSIN | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | LA CIENEGA (JR SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
| BAÑOS | LUNA VOLCAN | BREAKFAST-DINNER |
| RIOBAMBA | ANDALUZA | BREAKFAST-DINNER |
| CUENCA | MANSION ALCAZAR | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK (SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | PUERTO LOPEZ | BREAKFAST |
| RATES 2024 - 2025 | PRICE |
|---|---|
| GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON - LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 5 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $4,102 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport.
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito.
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Jamu Lodge (Suite) in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in double/twin room with private bathroom.
- Meals according to the program.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Visit to the indigenous community in Cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD pp.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non specified.
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