+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Ecuador s rich diversity provides an ideal destination for those looking for an adventure that heads off the tourist trail and into the undiscovered heart of one of South America s most captivating destinations. Beginning in the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Quito, you will have a chance to enjoy the historic beauty of its impressive centre and take a side trip out to Mindo, set amongst some of the country s most breathtaking scenery. Leaving the city behind, you then head down the impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes, to visit Cotopaxi National Park and hike amongst the stunning landscapes and villages of the Toachi Gorge. A visit to Chugchilan offers a chance to enjoy some of Ecuador s most magnificent mountain landscapes, before you fly down to the colonial city of Cuenca, the jewel of the south and your gateway into El Caja National Park and the country s beautiful Lake District. The final leg of this stunning journey then sees you flying on to Puerto Lopez, where you will have a chance to visit Isla de la Plata and the Machililla National Park before ending your time relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast. HIGHLIGHTS: Immerse yourself in the indigenous markets of Quito Hike up the glacier of Cotopaxi Volcano Trek amongst the rainforest and lakes of rural Ecuador Enjoy untouched beaches and seasonal whale watching TOUR INCLUDES: 7 nights in four star hotels, 3 nights in mountain lodges, 3 nights in seaside eco-lodge 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver and vehicle Private guided 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
ITINERARY DAY 1: QUITO Upon your arrival in Quito you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Evening at leisure to acclimatize. DAY 2: QUITO Today you will explore the city's beautifully ornate and well preserved old town. The tour starts with a visit to the impressive Basilica gothic style church before walking through the main colonial plazas, filled with palaces, cathedrals and monasteries. In the afternoon, experience the hustle and bustle of an indigenous market before visiting one of the capital's finest art galleries. (B) DAY 3: QUITO - MINDO This morning travel to Mindo, which is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. First up is the chocolate tour which includes a demonstration of the chocolate-making process with natural ingredients - and of course you can enjoy some tasting too! Then fly along a network of canopy runs between towers high in the forest - a completely different way of taking in the beautiful surroundings. Finally, visit the peaceful butterfly farm in a natural hummingbird habitat. (B) DAY 4: QUITO - COTOPAXI The Cotopaxi National Park is home to Ecuador's most destructive yet photogenic volcano. This giant peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone and picturesque surrounding parkland. The most enjoyable part of this excursion is the trek up to the snowline refuge to enjoy panoramic views in clear weather and visit the glacier. The day also includes visits to the park museum and the pretty Limpiopungo Lake. Leaving the National Parkland you will head up into the Andes to a small typical village for the night. (B,L,D) DAY 5: COTOPAXI - CHUGCHILAN After breakfast start your hike into the Toachi Canyon. Start by going down the river and then back up to reach the road to Chugchilan. This half day hike passes the fields and houses of local indigenous people along the way, as well as many memorable photo opportunities. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: CHUGCHILAN Nestled in the heart of the country, this region showcases the sheer beauty of Ecuador's mountains and is rated as one of the hidden gems of the Andes. The region has many splendid hikes and traditional highland villages. Today is a free day to recover from the journey and take advantage of some of the activities on offer in the area. Many treks and horse rides are available or you can take advantage of the yoga studio, hot tub, sauna and board games at the lodge. (B,L,D) DAY 7: CHUGCHILAN - QUILOTOA - QUITO Today you will hike to the magnificent crater mirror-lake of Quilotoa. You can visit one of the Tigua art workshops en route which are famous for their quirky and colourful designs. Overnight just outside Quito. (B,L) DAY 8: QUITO - CUENCA A morning flight takes you to the city of Cuenca - described as the 'jewel of the south.' Visit some of the parks, churches, plazas and local landmarks as well as learning why Cuenca is the capital city of the Panama Hat. Despite being the country's third largest city, Cuenca retains the feel and pace of a much smaller town and is a pleasure to wander around. (B) DAY 9: CUENCA - EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK A full day amidst the untouched nature, tranquil lakes and stunning rugged landscapes of El Cajas National Park - often referred to as the Lake District of Ecuador. Your guide can help you to choose the most suitable walking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for Polylepis - the highest altitude tree in the world - and for llamas as well as an abundance of flora. (B,L) DAY 10: CUENCA - GUAYAQUIL - PUERTO LOPEZ Leaving the city of Cuenca behind you will drive to Guayaquil. Once you reach the city you will continue north along the beautiful Pacific coast to the fishing town of Puerto Lopez. Total drive time approximately 6.5 hours. Free time to relax on arrival. (B)
DAY 11: PUERTO LOPEZ Today you will explore Isla de la Plata - the island that is famous for the legend of Sir Francis Drake who is said to have left buried treasure here. Today it is often compared to the Galapagos Islands and is visited for the wealth of wildlife that inhabits the island and reefs. The day includes trekking with a naturalist guide, wildlife observation and snorkeling - from June to early September you also stand an excellent chance of spotting humpback whales too. (B,L) DAY 12: PUERTO LOPEZ A full day in Machalilla National Park as you visit the tiny community of Agua Blanca to see the interesting ruins and artifacts of this area. In the afternoon enjoy the gorgeous beach and rocky cliffs of Los Frailes as well as a short walk through some of the last surviving examples of tropical dry forest. Return to Puerto Lopez for your last relaxing night on the beach. (B,L) DAY 13: PUERTO LOPEZ - QUITO Take advantage of your last morning for relaxation on the beach or to explore the small fishing village. In the afternoon transfer to the local airport to fly back to Quito. You will stay close to the airport for a more convenient journey tomorrow. (B) DAY 14: QUITO You will be transferred back to Quito airport for your return international flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION LATACUNGA/COTOPAXI LLULLU LLAMA Hostal Llullu Llama was once a traditional farmhouse and is now converted in a mountain hostal high up near Cotopaxi. This is a hostel with a small dormitory but there are four private rooms with one shared eco-toilet. Furthermore, there is a hot shower, wood stove and healthy meals available. In the surrounding area you will find indigenous markets, hidden valley trails and plenty of hummingbirds. MANTA MANDALA HOSTAL Mandala is an eco-hostel set in botanical gardens in Machalilla National Park on the Pacific Coast. The hostel is set on a wonderful beach with the opportunity for reef dives and snorkelling, or horse riding and hiking in the nearby rainforest. The cabins have private bathrooms with hot showers, mosquito nets and hammock porches. Facilities and services include a restaurant, bar, wifi, games room, video room and a launderette. QUITO SEBASTIAN HOTEL This well-located four star hotel offers tidy, well-maintained rooms, excellent service, and good value. All the rooms feature carpeting and 29-inch flatscreen televisions. The decor is almost stately, with gold bedspreads and subdued colours on the walls. Free Wi-Fi reaches just about every nook and cranny in the hotel. Rooms on the higher floors have great views, especially those on the south side, from which you can see Volcán Cotopaxi on a clear day. With its own filtering system, this is one of the few hotels in Quito, or in the country for that matter, to offer safe drinking water straight from the tap. THE QUILOTOA LOOP BLACK SHEEP INN Black Sheep Inn is an ecologically friendly hotel high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. This rural eco-lodge is a perfect place to discover centuries-old culture and diverse ecosystems in a spectacular setting. The Iliniza Ecological Reserve, the Rio Toachi Canyon, and Lake Quilotoa are all easy to hike from the front door. At over 10,400 feet in elevation, the accommodations offer all the comforts of home and there is gourmet vegetarian-only food served all day. There is also a yoga studio, hot tub and sauna, zipline and a plethora of great excursions. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com