4 nights boutique hotels, 3 nights eco-lodge, 2 nights at traditional ranch, 4 nightson luxury catamaran

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1 +44 (0) Surprisingly diverse for a country of its size, Ecuador provides visitors with a breathless mix of incredible contrasts. From colonial splendour and snow-capped volcanoes, to Amazonian rainforest and the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, it provides the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and stunning beauty. Beginning in Quito you ll have a chance to soak up the colonial influences of its historic heart, before being driven through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. Home to the country s second highest mountain, the beautifully rugged Altiplano is a wonderful mix of tradition and scenery - perfect for exploring on horseback and by bike. Flying down to the Amazon, you then have time to explore one of the planet s richest natural landscapes in the company of an expert naturalist. The sheer size and diversity of the Amazon is beyond compare, spanning some 40% of the entire continent and playing host to one in ten of the earth s known species. And, as if that wasn t enough, you ll then cap the adventure off with a four-night cruise of the peerless Galapagos Islands. HIGHLIGHTS: Cross the equator and explore the capital of Quito Encounter incredible biodiversity at the wildlife refuge of Pasachoa Horse ride with the chagras in Cotopaxi National park & stay at a traditional hacienda Fish for piranha on the heart of the Amazon basin Swim with sealions & experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos islands TOUR INCLUDES: Economy class flights from Quito to the Galapagos Islands 4 nights boutique hotels, 3 nights eco-lodge, 2 nights at traditional ranch, 4 nightson luxury catamaran 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners Private driver and vehicle Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private or shared basis, including entrance fees (except Galapagos) Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

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3 ITINERARY DAY 1: QUITO When you arrive in Quito you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. You have this afternoon to relax after your flight. DAY 2: QUITO Today take a city tour of Quito walking through the colonial streets and visiting the palaces, cathedrals and churches of the city. Highlights include the Legislative Palace, where you can see rock murals relating to the history of Ecuador, and the wonderful Independence Plaza. You will then visit the Panecillo Mirador, from where a sight of colonial and modern Quito can be enjoyed. Finally, to end the day you will be taken out of the city for a chance to stand on the equatorial line. (B) DAY 3: QUITO - PASOCHOA - COTOPAXI You will be collected from your hotel in Quito and taken to Cotopaxi, driving through the Avenue of Volcanoes on the way. You will stop at Pasachoa Wildlife Refuge on the slopes of the extinct Pasochoa Volcano, the refuge is home to over 100 bird species, as well as orchids, bromelias and other epiphytic plants and there are various walking trails to explore the refuge. Later you will continue to the town of Lasson where an open fire awaits you at your Hacienda. (B,L) DAY 4: COTOPAXI Horse-riding is a time honoured tradition in the Andean region and especially in the Altiplano of Cotopaxi National Park. Today you will ride with real chagras (Andean cowboys) and head out into the ruggedly beautiful Altiplano. This is a memorable and stunning excursion and the best way to observe this mountainous region of Ecuador. (B,L) DAY 5: COTOPAXI - QUITO This morning you be driven through the Paramo landscape to the highest point of Cotopaxi, where you will be able to enjoy views of the surrounding 8 volcanoes. You will cycle down the dirt roads through volcanic ash to the Inca ruin, which is located at 3700m where you will stop for a packed lunch before continuing from Lake Limpipungo through the pine forest. At the end of the bike ride you will be taken back to Quito. (B,L,D)

4 DAY 6: QUITO - COCA - AMAZON RAINFOREST You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Quito Airport for your flight to Coca. On arrival to Coca Airport you will be met by your representatives from your lodge and taken by small group to the port where you will board the speedboat to Sacha Lodge. (B,L,D) DAY 7: AMAZON RAINFOREST For the next couple of days you will be able to choose from an array of excursions into the Amazon rainforest, led by expert naturalist guides as part of a small group by a mixture of foot, dug-out canoe, or by speedboat. Excursions available include early morning bird-watching tours, treks through the rainforest, piranha fishing in the river and canopy walks. You will usually have 2 or 3 excursions a day. (B,L,D) DAY 8: AMAZON RAINFOREST Excursions in the rainforest. (B,L,D) DAY 9: AMAZON RAINFOREST - COCA You will be helped to the speedboat with your luggage for your thrilling ride upriver back to the port at Coca where you will be collected by mini-van for your short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to Quito. (B,L,D) DAY 10: QUITO - GALAPAGOS Today you will fly to the Galapagos Islands. Here you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury catamaran. (B,L,D) DAY 11: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Excursions on the Galapagos Islands. (B,L,D)

5 DAY 12: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Excursions on the Galapagos Islands. (B,L,D) DAY 13: GALAPAGOS CRUISE Excursions on the Galapagos Islands. (B,L,D) DAY 14: GALAPAGOS - QUITO Today you will be transferred back to the airport where your tour will end. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION AMAZON ECUADOR SACHA LODGE This is a wonderful ecolodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, accessed by speedboat and dug-out wooden canoe through a mesmerising black lagoon -it is truly remote. It has lagoon-side decking and loungers for relaxing when you are not out exploring the rainforest by boat or on foot on one of the many fantastic excursions on offer. The 26 rooms are all rustic cabins situated in the forest connected by walkways and there is a central restaurant serving up great local food. COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK HACIENDA EL PORVENIR On the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged position, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot from which to explore the Cotopaxi National Park and to get to know the Andean way of life at first hand. The lodge is just one and a half hours from Quito by car and just 4km from the northern entrance to the National Park. Located at 3,600m and surrounded by four volcanoes, guests can enjoy stunning views but must bear in mind that the altitude can make it cold throughout the year. With the capacity for just 42 guests, there is a personalised feel to the lodge and decor is traditional and simple. There are 9 rooms with en-suite bathrooms and the rest are shared so we would not use these. The farm house has a restaurant serving traditional home cooked meals and activities can be arranged from the lodge, such as trekking and horseback riding. GALAPAGOS NEMO I The Nemo I catamaran has capacity for 14 passengers offering an intimate cruising experience in the Galapagos. The modern vessel offers open deck social areas that allow you to enjoy the views. Meals are served in the indoor and outdoor dining areas. When weather conditions permit it is possible to turn off the engines and raise the sails, navigating silently through one the world's natural wonders. QUITO PATIO ANDALUZ HOTEL The Patio Andaluz is a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Quito's old town -perfect for sightseeing and cultural museum visits. The hotel has lovely courtyards and retains its old colonial architecture with lots of exposed wooden beams and white-washed brick work. It is a spacious, airy hotel with 32 comfortable, well designed rooms and a gourmet restaurant and chic small bar. The staff are friendly and helpful making this a fine option in Quito. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com

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