Ecuador and Galapagos
Volcanoes & Jungle (2-weeks)
This is the ideal two-week tour encompassing many of the highlights of the country. Starting and finishing in the colonial capital of Quito you will barter in traditional Andean markets, take a fun cookery class, descend to the Amazon basin in search of monkeys and colourful toucans, get an adrenalin rush in the adventure town of Banos and travel along the stunning Avenue of Volcanoes to spend time in the famous Cotopaxi National Park. There are lots of activities but the pace is not too quick to allow for acclimatisation. You will be escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout.
Highlights
Pick a poncho in Otavalo market
Stand in both hemispheres at once
Spot monkeys in the Amazon
Go white-water rafting in Banos
Cook a delicious local dish
Hike and ride at Cotopaxi
14 days from £2,500 pp
Plus international flights from £1,000
A two-week holiday for a family of four to mainland Ecuador (not including the Galapagos) would usually cost a minimum of around £10,000 (excluding international flights) based on comfortable hotels and including most activities and some meals.
Volcanoes & Jungle (2-weeks) day-to-day itinerary
Day 1, Quito – Otavalo
Upon your arrival in Quito you will be welcomed at the airport by a representative of Stubborn Mule Travel and escorted to your hotel in the gorgeous old colonial town of Otavalo around 90 minutes away. Otavalo is slightly lower than Quito so this will aid in acclimatisation.
Day 2, Otavalo
Otavalo is world-famous for its textile market, packed full of blankets, wall hangings, handbags, table runners, alpaca-wool sweaters and scarves. After a fun bartering session, travel to the nearby market town of Cotacachi to stock up on leather goods (get your souvenir shopping over at the start of your trip!) and to view the stunning Cuicocha Lake, named after the word for guinea pig. Braver children will have many opportunities to try ‘cuy’ or guinea pig in restaurants as it is the renowned national dish – we think it tastes like chicken…
Continue to the town of Peguche, a fascinating and very traditional small town on the outskirts of Otavalo that is packed full of authentic workshops. You can learn how to weave a dreamcatcher or play a traditional musical instrument. Afterwards you can pay a visit to the gorgeously tropical Waterfalls Park which is a lovely place to stretch your legs and climb around the various waterfalls and streams. Outside the park is a row of handicraft stalls – a good spot to pick up some reasonably priced souvenirs.
Day 3, Cookery class – the Equator – Quito
This morning you will enjoy a fabulous cookery experience at a community-run project run by an indigenous family who want to conserve their ancestral traditions and customs. Using both modern and traditional facilities, you will learn to create some popular Andean dishes. After indulging in the results of your hard work you will continue south to Quito.
On your way you will stop at the Middle of the World and visit the Intiñan Museum. This museum is the true site of the equator line. Here your GPS will actually read zero degrees latitude and zero degrees longitude. Children will love standing in both North and South hemispheres and watching the famous ‘balance an egg on a nail’ trick. And which way does toilet water flush at the Equator….? Overnight in Quito, the capital city.
Day 4, Quito
Explore both colonial and modern Quito on a city tour taking in historic plazas, churches and colonial buildings. A visit to La Compañia Church cannot be missed as it is one of the most impressive in Latin America, plus San Francisco Church, one of the great religious buildings of the New World. Children will love a visit to the local grocery market where they will be able to taste traditional food and delicious fresh fruit juices.
Afterwards you are free to grab a bite to eat before continuing to explore at your own pace, or perhaps return to your hotel. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Teleferico (cable car) for even more incredible views of the city, both old and modern parts, plus the dominant peak of Pichincha Volcano and, if you are lucky, mighty Cotopaxi in the distance. Just remember to take it easy at the top as you are now over 4,000 metres.
Day 5, Papallacta hot springs – Amazon Jungle
Time to head to the jungle. But first you have to ascend a 4,000-metre pass offering breathtaking (literally) views of the Antisana volcano and lush surrounding wetlands. You will stop at the Papallacta hot springs for a healthy dip in the thermal waters (parents, you will feel years younger!) before descending to the Upper Amazon basin and your jungle lodge.
Relax in rustic bungalows surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. A delicious dinner will be served by candlelight and you will fall asleep to the enticing sounds of the Amazon jungle.
Read More Day 6, Amazon Jungle Enjoy a picnic lunch on the river shore with the opportunity to swim before heading to a native Quichua village where you will learn about their culture and traditions such as panning for gold in the river, traditional pottery making, brewing ‘chicha’ from the yucca plant and the use of the ‘serbatana’ (blowpipe) for hunting. Return to your lodge on foot through the jungle in time for a hearty dinner around the fire. Day 7, Amazon Jungle Day 8, Route of the Waterfalls – Banos Day 9, Banos Afterwards the rest of the day is free to relax. Day 10, Banos Day 11, Avenue of Volcanoes Day 12, Cotopaxi National Park You’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, where your guide will introduce you to the unique plants, animals, and landscapes of the high-altitude páramo. From here you’ll travel to Limpiopungo Lagoon, located on the lower slopes of the volcano, where you can enjoy a short and easy walk while taking in the stunning scenery. The pace will be tailored to your family and afterwards you will return to the cosy confines of your hacienda. Day 13, Cotopaxi horse-ride Day 14, Cotopaxi – Quito Or why not consider an extension to the Galapagos Islands?
After an early breakfast you will don boots and raincoats (well this is the rainforest after all) and begin your jungle adventure. Take a canoe downstream along the imposing Napo River to the Animal Rescue Centre “AmaZOOnico” which specialises in the rescue of wild animals for species conservation and reintegration into the wild. Here you will observe toucans, colourful parrots, various kinds of monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more.
Take a canoe upstream then embark on an exciting walk through the rainforest to a waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip – a fun and very unique shower! After returning to the lodge for lunch you will enjoy a fascinating guided walk where a native expert will reveal the secrets of the jungle. Learn how certain plant species have amazing medicinal properties, observe a spine-tingling variety of insects and spot high-flying monkeys swinging between the giant trees above. Flashes of colour dart around in the form of tropical birds, whistling startling tunes – a magical place indeed. Return to the lodge for one last night in the jungle.
Say farewell to the jungle and continue to Baños, the adrenalin capital of Ecuador. Follow the famous ‘Route of the Waterfalls’ to the spectacular ‘Pailon de Diablo’ or ‘Devil’s Throat’. There are options to hop on a cable car to enjoy the lush scenery or, for the daredevils amongst you, go bungee jumping. Time permitting you can ascend the mountain to the famous swing at the ‘Casa de Arbol’ – also known as the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ – where thrill-seekers swing out into an abyss…
Today you will embark on an exciting white water rafting excursion. This half day white-water rafting trip takes you through class III and IV rapids as the Pastaza River passes through a steep gorge and joins the free-flowing Topo River.
Enjoy a free day in the scenic town of Banos. There are numerous optional activities such as kayaking, canopy walks, canyoning, mountain biking, taking a dip in the hot springs or just relaxing amidst the tropical scenery. Enjoy the local specialities ‘llapingachos’ (potato cakes) or ‘taffy’ (melted sugar cane) in one of the many convivial cafes of this atmospheric town.
Time to head towards the famous Avenue of Volcanoes. Leaving the tropics behind, you will head north with snow-capped peaks littering your route. The views are staggering! Tonight you will stay in a traditional hacienda in the foothills of Cotopaxi National Park.
Note: It is possible to include a visit to the dramatic Quilotoa Crater Lake on today’s journey, although it will add significantly to the overall travelling time (approx. 6 – 7 hrs). Alternatively, if time allows, you could do it as a day trip from Cotopaxi.
Today’s adventure takes you to one of nature’s true wonders: Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. Rising an impressive 5,897 metres, this beautiful, picture-perfect snow-capped cone sits proudly in Ecuador’s Cordillera Real and is a breathtaking sight to behold.
Follow in the footsteps of an Ecuadorian cowboy as you set out on an exhilarating two hour horse ride across the paramo up to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Cotopaxi National Park at around 4,000m. The ride departs directly from your hacienda and follows a local chagra (cowboy) through traditional farmland climbing to the high altiplano and a breathtaking viewpoint before returning to the hacienda where the rest of the day is free to explore, tackle a high ropes course, go mountain-biking, trekking or relax in the spa!
Time to leave the land of volcanoes and jungle as you head back along the scenic Avenue of Volcanoes to Quito for your flight home.
Ecuador & Galapagos in pictures
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