ECUADOR
The rugged forces of nature gave Ecuador its exquisite beauty and varied geography. With warm temperatures because of its position on the equator, Ecuador's climate is more a product of altitude, air and ocean currents than seasons.  With the Amazon rain-forest containing the richest ecosystem on the planet, the Andes highlands and its volcanoes where fire and snow come together, and the Galapagos Islands, home to bird and reptile species found nowhere else in the world, Ecuador offers fascinating travel opportunities. Our tour has been put together so that you can experience the beauty of both the Andes and the Amazon. Accommodation outside of Quito and Guayaquil is in some of Ecuador's best Haciendas, several of which date back to the 16th century.  Many of the Haciendas are set in beautiful gardens.
With an altitude between 2,100 & 3,000 metres (7,000-10,000 feet), the weather is comfortable all year. The days are warm and the nights cold. Travellers with heart and lung conditions should check with their doctor about altitude travel. You will be able to enjoy some of the Indian Markets where colour is found in the native dresses of both men and women, in the fresh produce piled high in neat rows and the brightly coloured designs of hand-woven woollen sweaters.
FOR THE ADVENTUROUS There are Class II & III rafting trips on the Toachi, Blanco, Anzo and Jatunyacu Rivers - trips can be 1, 2 or 3 days. Treks in Cotopaxi National Park and Pasochoa, a protected cloud forest inside a collapsed volcanic crater, may also be arranged.
THE ANDES, THE AMAZON AND THE GALAPAGOS
14 nights Departures on Tuesdays, Year Round
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Quito. Day 2 On arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights to either the Café Cultura or the JW Marriott in a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis.  The rest of the day is at leisure. Day 3 A 3-hour Quito city tour featuring the Colonial part of the city, its main churches and plazas is arranged for the morning.  The afternoon is at leisure to explore further on your own. Day 4 After a private guided tour to Otavalo market you will return to Quito after lunch at one of the typical restaurants in the area.  You will be staying 2 nights at Hacienda Monasterio Cusin including dinner & breakfast.  Cusin is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador, founded in 1602, with beautiful gardens and a warm atmosphere. Day 5 Day at leisure in Hacienda Cusin. Day 6 Transfer back to Quito. Evening at leisure.  Overnight at the Patio Andaluz on bed and breakfast basis. On Day 7 Transfer to the airport in Quito for your flight to the jungle. Days 7-9 A 3-night adventure in the Amazonian jungle staying at Sacha Lodge.  The programme includes canoe trips, hikes, and a visit to the observation tower for a canopy view, a visit to the butterfly farm, bird watching and swimming.  Full board is included.  Accommodation is in a twin cabin with private facilities.
Day 10 Fly back to Quito. Afternoon and evening at leisure.  Overnight at the Patio Andaluz on bed and breakfast basis. Day 11 You will be transferred to the station of Tombillo, where the ‘Chiva Express’ a colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, will be ready to depart. One of the highlights of the trip is to ‘ride the roof’ with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador.  You will stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horse and llamas.  After lunch you continue to Riobamba which is at the foot of Mt. Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador (6310 meters).  Overnight and dinner at the Hosteria Abraspungo Riobamba. Day 12 After breakfast continue on the Chiva Express from Riobamba to Alausi, your journey will take you along bridging ravines and river gorges and includes traveling down the Devil’s Nose, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering.  A packed lunch is included. From Alausi, continue by coach to Cuenca, stopping at Ingapirca, the major Inca ruins in Ecuador.  Cuenca is a beautiful colonial city and you will spend 2 nights here at Mansion Alcazar with full board. Day 13 The day is devoted to exploring Cuenca, its plazas, churches, handicraft centres and museums, to gain an understanding of the charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.  Lunch is served in a cosy restaurant. Day 14 From Cuenca, depart by car towards Guayaquil, via Cajas National Park. The scenery is dramatic traveling through the Andes to the lowlands.  There will be a stop in Cajas National Park, which has over 230 lakes.  You will reach Guayaquil mid afternoon either connect with your return flight or if you are taking a Galapagos Extension over night for one night at Hampton Inn, including breakfast.
Please note: Itinerary may differ from the one above depending on date of travel.
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The islands were named after the giant Galapagos tortoises.  The archipelago originated from undersea volcanic activity six million years ago.  The 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands and scores of isles are all part of Ecuador's National Park system.  The M/V Santa Cruz (90 passengers) has been recently refurbished and offers 3 & 7 day cruises.  If you have the time, it is certainly worth taking a long cruise.  The M/V Santa Cruz has 47 cabins and has a good reputation for fine food and services as well as knowledgeable multi-lingual guides.  The itineraries are carefully planned to include the highlights plus a flexible programme allowing guests to enjoy several options for their daily activities.
Extension to the Galapagos Islands
On board M/V Santa Cruz for a 4 or 7 night cruise, sailing Mondays:
Days 14 to 18   or 14 to 21 Cruise on board M/V Santa Cruz, visiting the most important islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. The cruise is full board and excursions are included, accommodation is in a twin standard cabin on the Main deck. Day 18 or 21 Disembark and fly back to Guayaquil. Transfer to either the Oro Verde or Hampton Inn for one night, including breakfast. Day 19 or 22 Transfer to the airport in Guayaquil for your flight back to the UK. Day 20 or 23 Arrive in UK.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person sharing twin room.  Single supplement available on request.
14 NIGHT TOUR
Departure Date Price 3 Star 5 Star  1 January to 31 December 08 £1885 £1945  1 January to 31 December 09 £2000 £2030
Price Includes: Accommodation, internal flights, transfers, breakfasts, lunch on days 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, dinner on days; 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13. Price Excludes: International flights, meals not listed, airport departure tax, National Park Entry Fees totalling approx. $120 per person.
4 or 7 NIGHT GALAPAGOS CRUISE EXTENSION
Departure Date Price 4 Nights 7 Nights  1 January to 31 December 08 Please ask us
Price Includes: Standard outside cabin, all meals and excursions on cruise, B&B in Guayaquil and transfers. Price Excludes: Meals not listed., flights, gratuities and items of a personal nature.