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Ecuador Encounter
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Ecuador is
located on the northwest of South America, straddling latitude 0°. Its four
natural regions are easily accessible and offer a wide variety of
landscapes: From pearly beaches on the Pacific to enchanting rainforests in
the Amazon. From snowcapped mountains and volcanoes to quaint Colonial
cities. From business oriented centers to the fabled Galapagos Islands.
Travelling in
and around the highlands and lowlands of Ecuador, you will particularly
enjoy the amazing biodiversity of the country - 1,800 species of birds,
1,000 species of fish, 680 of reptiles and amphibians, 230 of mammals, and
more than 20,000 species of plants. Beyond fauna and flora, the people of
this endowed place developed, through centuries of civilization, a culture
of rich heritage, as is evident in its traditions, archaeology and all
manifestations of art, from architecture, to music and plastic arts.
Ecuadorians are gentle and friendly; you will be warmly welcomed in cities
large and small. Local cuisine is highly appealing and varied, including the
best Pacific shrimp and assorted tropical fruits. The weather is another
plus - springtime around the year.
Quito
At 2,850 meters
(9,360 ft), Quito is the second highest capital in the world. It is also one
of South America's most entrancing cities, possessing a balmy climate, a
wealth of fine Spanish colonial architecture, and a magnificent setting at
the base of Pichincha volcano. Quito was a major stronghold of the Inca. Now
it brings the past to life in its museums, monasteries, the carved stone
facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the
Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of pre-Columbian treasures.
Enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each
hemisphere at the Middle of the World.
Galapagos Islands (GPS)
Ecuador's most
beloved and popular national park lies in splendid isolation about 960
kilometers off the mainland. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos
Islands are no less enthralling now than they were a hundred years ago.
Every year, thousands of curious visitors journey to the remote islands to
behold the wondrously variegated wildlife that inspired The Origin of
Species. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into
different species from their continental relatives, and because they have
never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans.
Guests are
taken to shore in small groups by a multilingual naturalist guide, who will
explain the fascinating geology and history of an eco-world that takes you
back millions of years. There is ample opportunity to walk, swim, snorkel,
photograph, and observe the abundant variety of wildlife on each island. You
can swim with sea lions, walk among black marine iguanas basking in the sun
and observe the elaborate mating rituals of boobies, albatrosses, or male
frigate birds displaying their red pouches.
Ecuador -
Itinerary
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Day 1:
London/Quito
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Depart from
Heathrow for Quito by British Airways or Iberia. Greeting at the
airport and transfer to Hotel Hilton Colon (4 Plus Star) for a
2-night stay. |
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Day 2:
Quito |
At 2,850 meters
(9,360 ft), Quito is the second highest capital in the world. It is
also one of South America's most entrancing cities, possessing a
balmy climate, a wealth of fine Spanish colonial architecture, and a
magnificent setting at the base of Pichincha volcano.
A 4.5 hour
excursion visiting Quito's Colonial sector, the old and charming
city with 400 years of Spanish heritage. Also, visit the Middle of
the World, the very centre of the earth, at latitude 0°. (B) |
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Day 3:
Quito-Riobamba |
Transfer to the
old train station of Quito to start the adventure. The “autoferro”,
which resembles a bus that runs on metal wheels along the train
tracks, is ready to depart towards the south. As the autoferro
advances along the ancient railway, the mood aboard makes you adjust
to another tempo, and leisurely enjoy the way of traveling of past
centuries. One of the highlights of the trip is to “ride the roof”
with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The
autoferro ascends to the station of El Boliche, which is covered
with pine trees, planted in 1928 as a scientific experiment to prove
that foreign conifers could adapt to high-altitude ecosystems.
White-tailed deer and many bird species have found an excellent
refuge in these forests. Continue the voyage along the “Avenue of
the Volcanoes” among magnificent natural scenery, to visit an Indian
market. After lunch, continue toward the impressive Mount Chimborazo,
and visit the train station of Urbina, the highest point in the
Quito & Guayaquil railway. Here is an Indian hut to observe the way
of life of the inhabitants of the Andean region, the produce of the
Andes and a loom to see the weaving process. There are also llamas
and sheep. At the house of the station - which is used for climbers
to acclimatize before ascending the Chimborazo - a typical hot drink
of cinnamon and firewater is served. There is also a small workshop
where tagua nut objects are being hand made. Continue on to Riobamba
for a short visit of the city. (B,L,D) |
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Day 4:
Riobamba-Cuenca |
Take a scenic
ride to Alausí. Twist and turn over the Andes, tunneling through
rocky impasses, bridging ravines and river gorges. On the shore of
Colta Lake is the Church of Balbanera, the oldest in Ecuador, built
by the Spanish in 1534 . Go down the Devil's Nose, one of the most
impressive feats of rail engineering in the world. Disembark in
Alausí and board the motorcar to continue the trip by road along the
Andes towards the south. Arrival to Ingapirca for a visit to the
Inca Ruins of Ingapirca. Continue on to Cuenca and arrive at dusk
for an overnight stay. (B,L,D) |
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Day 5:
Cuence-Guayaqil |
Cuenca is
Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant
provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery
plazas and museums make it very special. Today guests will enjoy a
full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the beauty and charm for
which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
This is a walking tour in the colonial downtown area of Cuenca, an
opportunity to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of its people, the
colourful parks and plazas, religious monuments and handcraft shops,
plus an explanation of Cuenca's history. Lunch is served at one of
the cosy restaurants of the area. In the afternoon, visit a workshop
where Panama straw hats of the best quality are made and then
transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil. Transfer to Hotel
Hilton Colon. (B,L) |
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Day 6: Guayaquil/Galapagos |
Transfer for
flight to the Galapagos Islands. (B) |
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Day 6
to 9: M/V Santa Cruz |
A 3-night
expedition in the Galapagos Islands on board our M/V Santa Cruz. The
3-night cruise portion includes full guided excursions (morning and
afternoon activities) to observe the unique flora and fauna of the
islands, plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling,
stargazing. (B,L,D) |
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Day
9: Galapagos/Guayaquil |
End of the
cruise, transfer to the airport in Galapagos for flight back to
Guayaquil. Transfer to Hilton Colon (4 Star plus) for a 1-night
stay. (B) |
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Day 10:
Guayaquil/London |
Transfer to the
airport in Guayaquil for flight back to London by British Airways or
Iberia. (B) |
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Day 11:
London |
Arrive in
Heathrow |
Key:
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B
= Breakfast included
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L
= Lunch included
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D
= Dinner included
Prices:
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Price Per Person |
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from |
£1,884 |
Please contact us for full
information on departure dates and prices.
We are acting as agents
for Cultural tours ATOL 2906 on the above tour
Return to Shenfield Travel's main
Cultural page
  
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