Cycle Ecuador/Galapagos 2008
March 3-21, October 18-31 (13-16 days)

This tour of Ecuador will be a great introduction to one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world. Though the country is not large in area, it is as diverse as any you will find in its varying natural ecosystems and traditional cultures. We will spend six days hiking and biking through the central highlands (Avenue of the Volcanoes) and the remaining five days will be spent hiking and kayaking through the Galapagos Islands. For anyone interested in extending their stay a 3-4 day trip to the Amazon is planned.
Price and itinerary upon request.

DAY 1:
Depart USA for Quito, Ecuador. Because most flights into Quito arrive at night you will be transfer to the hotel and dinner will be on your own. Few cities have a setting to match that of Quito, (9.405ft.) the second highest capital in Latin America. It sits on a long narrow shelf running north to south, wedged between the slopes of the volcano Pichincha(15,820 ft.) to the west and a low ridge to the east. Quito is named after the Quitus, a tribe which inhabited the region in pre-Inca times. By the beginning of the 16th century, the northern highlands of Ecuador were conquered by the Incas and Quito became the capital of the northern half of the empire under the rule of Huayna Capac and later his son Atahualpa. As the Spanish conquest approached, Ruminahui, Atahualpans general, razed the city to prevent it from falling into the invaders hands. The colonial city of Quito was founded by Sebastian de Benalcazar, Pizarro, lieutenant in 1534. It was built at the foot of Panecillo on the ruins of the ancient city, using the rubble as construction material and today you can still find examples of the Inca stonework in the facades and floors of some colonial buildings. The city changed gradually over time. Today, the city of Quito has many faces. The Old City, UNESCO World Heritage Trust site, is the colonial center, where pastel-collared houses and ornate churches line the steep and narrow streets. The New City extends north of the colonial city and is an altogether different place. Its broad avenues are lined with fine private residences, parks, embassies and villas. Quito's main tourist and business are here. The working class neighborhoods stretch to the south of the Old City, suburban sprawl fills the valleys to the east. The far north and south are industrial zones.  

DAY 2 & 3:
Tour the old part of Quito, transfer to Otavalo. Otavalo is set in beautiful countryside which is well worth exploring. Tourists don't come here for the beauty of the city and it's architecture they come to see one of South America's most important centres of ethno-tourism and it's enormous Saturday market, featuring a dazzling array of textiles and crafts, and is second to none. This should absolutely not be missed. The best time to go to the market is early on Saturday morning when all the neighboring villages come to sell their crafts. An early morning tour is planned for day two and the afternoon will be spent biking through the surrounding villages. Our two nights in Otavalo will be spent at the Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui, a 360 year old Spanish Hacienda. This hotel is truly magnificent with large rooms, grand fire places everywhere, horses grazing nearby, fresh flowers around every turn and Ecuador¹s highland music playing everywhere . Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4:
Breakfast and depart for our lunch stop at the Cotapaxi National Park. We'll make stops . This park covers thousands of acres of land which is divided between Cotopaxi, Pichincha and the Napo provinces and is also home of the volcano of Cotopaxi (19,460 ft),the highest active volcano on earth. When calculated from the middle of the earth it is the second highest mountain on earth. After lunch we¹ll continue on to Banos. Dinner on your own.  

DAY 5 & 6:
Banos is surrounder by exuberant vegetation, Banos de Aqua Santa constitutes one of the entrances to the Amazon region. Banos is nestled between the Rio Pastaza and the Tungurahua volcano, five miles from the crater. Because of it's beautiful setting and pleasant sub-tropical climate it is a major holiday resort. It is bursting at the seams with hotels, restaurants from every corner or the planet, outdoor cafes and bustling markets. The mountain biking, hiking, hot springs, water falls and volcano viewing are all on our list for our two days in Banos. Late afternoon departure for Quito for early morning departures to the Galapagos.

DAY 7:
Transfer from Banos to Quito. Free afternoon.

DAY 8 -12:
Flights for the Galapagos. Our trip to the Galapagos will be a unique and unforgettable experience. The islands are world renowned for their fearless wildlife but no amount of hype can prepare the visitor for such a close encounter with nature. Here you can snorkel with penguins and sea lions, watch giant 200lb tortoises lumbering through cactus forest and enjoy the courtship display of the blue-footed booby and firebird, all in starling close-up. We will be based on the island of San Cristbal and everyday will set out on boats to explore the different islands. We will have experienced guides that will explain this wildlife paradise. The days are full. Not only will be have guided tours through the islands but there is also time for snorkeling and swimming. Bike rides are available during our stay. On day 12 we will have a quick morning tour and fly back to Quito, transfer to hotel and have our farewell dinner.

DAY 13:
Departures to the US.

DAY 13-15:
Optional tour of the Amazon.

DAY 16:
Departures to the US.

Itinerary Subject to Change

Cycle Ecuador 2008 Departure / Return: March 3-21, October 18-31 Physical Aspects:  Moderate Accommodations: First Class Price: Land Costs: 10 people--$3,225.00 Single Supplement $450 Price Includes: All lodging, two meals a day, all transportation within the country, including flights to the Galapagos, five days in the Galapagos, all equipment (bikes, helmets, water bottles, kayaks, etc.) and experienced guides for biking, hiking and touring, and all park fees. Single Supplement $450 Price does not include: Airfare to/from Ecuador, personal spending (laundry, alcohol, gifts), $25.00 departure tax and tips for guides.

 

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