Adventure on the Equator(Trip #60466)

Tour Overview

Highlands & Rainforest
After colonial Quito and visiting the equator, you travel to the famous market town of Otavalo and walk by a crater lake. You'll enjoy a stunning descent with dramatic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes before you head out into the Amazon jungle. Experience the feeling of being enclosed by a mass of vegetation and marvel at the sounds and biodiversity of nature.

Incas, Panamas & Volcanoes
The mountains bring you the spa town of Banos, traditional weaving communities and a walk on the flanks of the mighty Chimborazo Volcano (6310m). You'll take the stunning Devil's Nose train journey and visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca before reaching colonial Cuenca, home of the Panama hat. Here you have the opportunity to trek, mountain bike and horse ride. The final highlight is a walk in the stunning scenery of Cajas National Park.

Galapagos Extension 21 days ref. ECG
For a stunning finale you can extend your trip with a 7-night Galapagos cruise. Days 1-12 As main itinerary 13 Fly to Galapagos; join cruise 14-19 Galapagos cruise (see Galapagos Islands trip on opposite page for full description) 20/21 Fly to Guayaquil; overnight flight to London. Price including extension from £2,598.

Responsible Travel
Your visit to the Amazoonica Rescue Centre provides support for projects that care for jungle animals confiscated by the localauthorities from the illegal trade in wildlife.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1/2
Fly to Quito; city tour & equator

Day 3/4
Otavalo market town; crater walk; return Quito

Day 5/6
Amazon jungle lodge; walks

Day 7
Banos - traditional spa town

Day 8
Chimborazo volcano walk; Indian villages. Drive to Riobamba

Day 9
Avenue of volcanoes; Ingapirca ruins

Day 10/11
Cuenca

Day 12
Walk in Cajas National Park; coastal Guayaquil

Day 13
Trip ends Guayaquil

Departure Dates

16/02/2008
15/03/2008
19/04/2008
17/05/2008
21/06/2008
26/07/2008
06/09/2008
18/10/2008
17/01/2009
14/02/2009
28/03/2009

Prices

Date: Base Price
16/02/2008: £699
15/03/2008: £699
19/04/2008: £749
17/05/2008: £699
21/06/2008: £749
26/07/2008: £749
06/09/2008: £699
18/10/2008: £699
17/01/2009: £749
14/02/2009: £749
28/03/2009: £749

Local payment: $200 USD

Single Room Option: £145
Insurance: EC £80, ECG £100

Trip Information

Trip Essentials
Graded easy with two moderate days.

Transport & Accommodation
Minibus or small coach, train, motorised canoe, on foot
Hotels (10nts), lodges (2nts)
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take malaria tablets?
Malaria is endemic in rainforest areas. Consult a doctor on which anti-malarial tablets are best. Take precautions against getting bitten: use mosquito repellent containing 'Deet' on exposed skin, wear light-coloured clothing etc. Mosquito nets can be difficult to set up in hotel rooms and are, in reality, not that practical nor necessary.

Is it safe?
Ecuador is generally safe and a pleasant place to visit, although attention to personal belongings is essential in busy areas.

How fit do I have to be?
All walks are easy to moderate and involve little physical difficulty, although it can be rough underfoot and hot and humid. The high altitude makes some walks more difficult, but as we are only at altitude for very short periods of time, most passengers will be okay.