ECUADOR – COLORFUL VARIETY
A cultural tour of Ecuador

Ecuador - geographically Ecuador is a small country yet uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, the traveller can move in a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature. En route, through Ecuador’s wonderful world of nature, you will be able to follow the courses of rivers broad and narrow; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the pacific - the Galápagos Islands. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.

Day 01: Arrive Quito
Upon arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Hilton Colon (2 nights)

Day 02: Quito
Enjoy a sightseeing-tour of the city of Quito which leads you through the historical centre of Quito for a walk through the culturally diverse history of this city. We will pass the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral including a visit. Afterwards, we will visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”. Then proceed to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemi¬spheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Return to the hotel. (B)

Day 03: Quito / Otavalo (Drive)
On the approximately two-hour bus ride on the Panamericana Norte. The road descends into the spectacular same-time arid and fertile Guayllabamba gorge and village. With a bit of luck, a few minutes’ later you can enjoy the opportunity of looking out the snow caped Cayambe. The Ecuadorian Line goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which shows the highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line. Pass the Lago San Pablo with its great background – the rock massive Taita Imbabura. You will visit a rose plantation certified through the Organization Flower Label Program (FLP). Here you will learn all about the rose breeding. FLP certified plantations abide by the aspects of sustainable development. After a stop at our hacienda for short refreshment, you will go on to visit Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake at an altitude of 3000m with a diameter of about 3 kms. Two islands emerge from the centre, both of volcanic origin, covered with vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed. The small town Cotacachi itself is Ecuador’s centre of leatherworks. Here you can stroll along the small streets choosing one of the various shops as your favourite.
Overnight: Hacienda La Mirage (1 night) (B)

Day 04: Otavalo / Papallacta (Drive)
On this day you will discover the worldwide known Indian handcrafts market Otavalo. The town consists of rather functional buildings with the Plaza de los Ponchos as the centre. The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Here you will enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles that offer this giant colourful market and certainly, you will be able to carry some new souvenirs with you. Continue to Peguche where you can observe weaver’s at work. Afterwards an app. 2 hours ride will bring you to the small Andean village Papallacta, which is famous for its thermal baths. You will visit the baths of the hotel, which are located 3,220 m above sea level. Enjoy the pleasant effect of the warm, odourless thermal water surrounded by a wonderful landscape. After enjoying the pools you may go for a walk to get to know the typical flora and fauna of this region.
Overnight: Hotel Termas de Papallacta (1 night) (B)

Day 05: Papallacta / Cotopaxi (Drive)
After breakfast you will drive southwest to Cotopaxi National Park. The highland zone, protected since 1975 belongs with its 33.000 ha wide area to one of the most attractive ecological reserves of the country. On a walk near the shallow lake Laguna de Limpiopungo at an altitude of almost 4.000 m, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo” and will gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi (5897m) in the background. To take a picture here makes photographers’ hearts beat faster!
Overnight: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo (1 night) (B)

Day 06: Cotopaxi / Riobamba (Drive)
After breakfast you will visit the colourful and original market of Zumbahua where you can learn about the life of indigenous people. The market offers a colourful variety of handicrafts, a variety of food and herbs as well as authentic tools and household articles. You will meet Indians wearing their typical dress, which varies from one community to the next, selling their products and animals. The atmosphere is very colourful and festive and you will see people exchanging goods, carrying heavy bags, eating special food, doing their business and cracking jokes. You may test your negotiating skills in the traditional bargaining and get original crafts. Afterwards you continue about 14 km on to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with beautiful views. In the late afternoon you will continue on to Riobamba, which is the capital of the province of Chimborazo, where a great number of indigenous communities live. Close to Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric Hosterías this region offers.
Overnight: Hosteria Abraspungo (1 night) (B)

Day 07: Riobamba / Cuenca (Train/Drive)
After the early breakfast you will be taken to the train-station to board a train to ride along the legendary “Devil’s Nose”. This is certainly one of the highlights of a journey through Ecuador and a very special way to get to know the country! Lunchbox is included. Enjoying the spectacular descent to the coastal plain you will be amazed at the fascinating landscape and the technical mastery performance that makes possible that the topographic obstacles can be got over. In 1908 President Eloy Alfaro’s dream of a connection between the coast and the highlands became true. Note: Due to weather conditions or technical problems of the train, train ride is subject to reconfirmation!
You will start the approximately 2 hours drive to the city of Cuenca. On your way you will stop at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador. The ruins are located on a grass-covered hill at an altitude of about 3.100 m. On a walk through the former place where the Incas lived and hold their ceremonies, you will learn about their beliefs and rituals as well as about the way they constructed this ordination place, which has the shape of a puma. After arriving in Cuenca, you will check in at our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Mansion Alcazar (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 08: Cuena
After breakfast, you will visit the sights of Cuenca, the third largest city of Ecuador. In Cuenca, founded in 1557 on an Inca settlement valley, you still breathe the colonial air of Ecuadorian history. For most Ecuadorian inhabitants – and also for travellers – this centre of art, ceramic, panama hats as well as products of silver and gold is the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Due to the special atmosphere and early 19th century architecture Cuenca was declared “Cultural Patrimony of Mankind” in November 1999. During the city tour you will see the historical buildings, located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, the flowers market and the main square with the old and new Cathedral. Furthermore, you will be led to a Panama hat factory. This afternoon will be at leisure. You may want to walk around the narrow cobble stoned streets with the whitewashed houses and noble facades to explore the beauty of this town on your own. (B)

Day 09: Cuena / Guayaquil (Drive)
This day we will travel on to Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil, which is the industrial and commercial centre of the country. It lies on the western banks of the Río Guayas, about 56 km from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. Towards the coastal area the road loses height and the land is more intensively farmed. The Guayas lowlands are characterized by mangroves and ever increasing banana plantations. Upon arrival short sightseeing tour of the city.
Overnight: Hotel Oro Verde (1 night) (B)

Day 10: Guayaquil
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight or take an extension to visit the Galapagos. Check out time is by 1100 hrs (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 08, Apr 12, May 03, June 14, July 12, Aug 16, Sep 13, Oct 18, Nov 15 & Dec 06
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned (or similar) International airfares & departure taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch) Visa Fees / Insurance All sightseeing and transfers on seat-in-coach basis Drinks / Beverages Entrance fees Tips / Gratuities Services of local English speaking guides
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Supplement 2010 US $ 1995 US $ 695
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 04 participants.
Notes
The order of the cruise excursions are subject to change depending on local weather conditions and/or conservation rules followed by the National Park.
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.