Ecuador impresses travelers above all with its magnificent nature and the warmth of its inhabitants. Even Alexander von Humboldt was impressed by the uniqueness of the country. Our journey takes us to pretty Andean villages and exciting archaeological sites, to the mystical cloud forest and the hot and humid rainforest on the lower Rio Napo, to the alpaca breeders and the national parks at the foot of the mighty volcanoes. You will learn about traditions and handicrafts, observe hummingbirds and condors, taste fine chocolate and marvel at the precision with which the Tsáchila determined the equator line in Quitsato 1000 years ago.
You will stay in historic haciendas and hosterias, in small lodges and stylish boutique hotels with flair – let yourself be enchanted by the warm-hearted Ecuadorian hospitality!
Our program allows for a gradual altitude adjustment, ensuring that healthy travelers experience no limitations. During the first few days, you will move at an altitude of 2550 metres to approx. 2950 metres above sea level, in Mindo National Park at approx. 1500 metres. The excursions to Antisana National Park, Cotopaxi National Park and Chimborazo take you to altitudes of 3800 to 4800 metres above sea level. The lowlands along the Rio Napo (Amazon basin) are around 250 metres above sea level.
SERVICES
Flight with KLM Luxembourg - Amsterdam - Quito - Amsterdam - Luxembourg (Economy, fare classes L/N, subject to availability)
Flight with LATAM Quito-El Coca-Quito (Economy)
Airport taxes and kerosene 419,00 € (on 06/2024)
2x dinner in local restaurants (Quito)
8x lunch in local restaurants or lunchbox/picnic
Transfers, excursions and sightseeing according to program
German-speaking local guide in the highlands (days 1-11 and 14/15, always from/to Quito airport)
Specially trained German-speaking local guide in the rainforest (day 11-14, from/to El Coca airport)
Literature for the trip
Compensation of CO2 emissions (100%) via Atmosfair
*Other airports on request
Return flight via Guayaquil
Not included: KLM seat reservation, additional excursions & activities, meals not listed, drinks, tips & personal expenses.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Departure to South America
Flight Luxembourg-Amsterdam (KLM, 06:10-07:15)
Flight Amsterdam-Quito (KLM, 09:50-14:35)
Transfer to the hotel
Day 2: Colonial old town of Quito
Walk through the colonial old town
Free time at leisure
Welcome dinner in a local restaurant
Day 3: Villages, markets, traditions
Visit to the market in Angochagua
Visit to local communities in the Andes, including lunch in a village
Discover traditional customs (bread baking, pottery)
Day 4: Artisans in the Andes
Visit the artisan villages in the Otavalo area
Insights into the traditional workshops of hat makers, weavers and musical instrument makers
Walk along the shores of Lake Cuicocha
Day 5: Quitsato: Equator, visit to a rose farm
Visit to the archaeological site of Quitsato
Visit to a rose farm
Journey to the cloud forest region
Day 6: Hummingbirds, orchids and chocolate
Walks/short hikes in Mindo National Park (cloud forest, tropical mountain forest)
Visit to the orchid and butterfly gardenOb
servation of hummingbirds
Chocolate tasting
Day 7: “Cock of the Rock”, archaeological site of Tulipe
Early morning excursion to observe the “Cock of the Rock” (short hike)
Visit to the archaeological site of Tulipe (prehistoric village of the Yumbos) and the museum
Day 8: Antisana National Park: condors in the wilderness
Flora and fauna of the Antisana National Park
Hike to the observation points
Observation of condors in the wild
Overnight stay at the Hacienda Los Mortinos*** near the Cotopaxi National Park
Day 9: The picture-book volcano Cotopaxi and the wild beauty of Paramó
Flora and fauna of the Cotopaxi National Park (short hike)
Observation of wild horses
Panoramic view of the Cotopaxi
Day 10: Alpacas and vicuñas on the Chimborazo
Visit to a small museum (traditions and way of life of the local population)
Visit to an alpaca farm (insight into the production process of alpaca wool and products)
Vicuñas in the Chimborazo National Park
Day 11: In the rainforest
Flight Quito-El Coca (LATAM, 09:15-09:54)
Travel by boat and canoe to the lodge
Free time to acclimatize and enjoy the lodge
Day 12: Fascination rainforest: Kichwa culture and birdwatching
Birdwatching in Yasuni National Park
Visit to the Kichwa interpretation center “Kuri Muyu” (traditional art of the Kichwa)
Bird and mammal watching in Yasuni National Park
Day 13: The fascination of the rainforest: sunrise, animal observation and night excursion
Sunrise observation (weather permitting) from the viewpoint on the Rio Napo
Flora and fauna of the Yasuní National Park (hike)
Canoe trip on Lake Añangu
Night excursion into the rainforest (short hike)
Day 14: Shopping in Quito
Canoe and boat trip to Coca Cola
Flight El Coca-Quito (LATAM, 10:40-11:16 am)
Free time in Quito (possibility to go shopping)
Farewell dinner in a local restaurant
Day 15: On the way to Europe
Visit to a local market
Transfer to the airport
Flight from Quito to Amsterdam via Guayaquil (KLM, 15.45-13.00, arrival the next day)
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