2 / 4 guests – 11 days / 10 nights (2020)

Road Trip from the Andes to the Amazon Experience the most infamous market in Latin America and meet the indigenous artisans themselves in Otavalo. Walk through the hearts of colonial cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites Quito and Cuenca. Get off the grid and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. Commemorate your adventure with first-hand photographs of the impressive waterfalls and humbling volcanoes of the Andes. Zigzag through the highlands aboard railroad named the “Devil’s Nose” as you discover mysterious and intriguing Incan ruins.

+ Rental car + Free reign + Colonial cities + Amazon adventures

Program created by:

Katie McKeown

Ecuador Emotions

Roca E6-06 y Reina Victoria - Quito - Ecuador · Oficina 101

Tlf: +593 2 2548 258 / +001 646 937 9662

travel@ecuadoremotions.com · www.ecuadoremotions.com

This itinerary is 100% adjustable according to you preferences and budget. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. I am here to help plan the vacation of your dreams.

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Itinerary

# AGENDA

1 Tababela / Otavalo

Arrival at airport in Tababela Pick up rental car

2 Otavalo

AM: Indigenous Market of Otavalo and villages Peguche, Agato and Iluman PM: Visit Cotacachi and Lake Cuicocha

3 Otavalo / Quito

AM: Lake Activities PM: Visit “Mitad del Mundo”

4 Quito

AM: Visit Quito PM: Guayasamín Museum and Capilla del Hombre

5 Quito / Amazon

AM: Arrive at lodge on the edge of the Amazon PM: Free to enjoy your lodge

6 Amazon

Activities to be arranged on-site

7 Amazon / Riobamba

AM: Departure for “highway of waterfalls” and “El Pailón del Diablo” PM: Cable car ride to “El Manto de la Novia” waterfall

8 Riobamba / Cuenca

AM: “Devil’s Nose” railroad PM: Ingapirca Ruins

9 Cuenca

AM: Discover Cuenca and Panama hat mill PM: Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

10 Cuenca / Guayaquil

AM: Pumapungo Ruins and stop at Cajas National Park PM: Visit Guayaquil

11 Guayaquil

Transportation to Guayaquil airport

Day 1: Arrive in Lake Region ................................................................................................................3

Day 2: Walk Through Otavalo Market and Around Lake Cuicocha ..........................................................4

Day 3: Visit Equator Line......................................................................................................................5

Day 4: Discover Quito’s Historic Center .................................................................................................6

Day 5: Escape to the Edge of the Amazon .............................................................................................7

Day 6: Lodge Activities to Choose From ................................................................................................8

Day 7: Stop in Baños Along the Highway of Waterfalls ..........................................................................9

Day 8: Zigzag Aboard the “Devil’s Nose” and Visit Ingapirca Ruins ....................................................... 10

Day 9: Explore Colonial City of Cuenca ................................................................................................ 11

Day 10: Pass Through Cajas National Park en Route to Guayaquil ........................................................ 12

Day 11: Free Time to Enjoy Guayaquil ................................................................................................ 13

Accommodations .............................................................................................................................. 14

Rates ............................................................................................................................................... 15

Terms and Conditions........................................................................................................................ 17

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Day 1: Arrive in Lake Region

You will land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Tababela, just east of Ecuador’s capital city.

You will make your way to the rental car agency in order to pick up you reserved rental car. From there, you’ll head north toward the lake region!

Along the way, take in the postcard worthy views of the volcanoes, lakes, and valleys that comprise Ecuador’s Northern Sierra. This region is home to more than six volcanoes, the most prominent of them being Cayambe (18,996 ft), Cotacachi (16,220 ft), and Imbabura (15,121 ft). These forces of nature make great landscape for lakes big and small to form in their craters, and thus the region is named as such.

You will lodge on the enchanting shores of one of the more well-known lakes of the highlands San Pablo Lake.

Guidance: None Meals included: None Travel: Airport – Hotel: 1h 15 min – 50 miles Accommodations: Cabañas del Lago***

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Day 2: Walk Through Otavalo Market and Around Lake Cuicocha

You will begin your day at the Otavalo market—the most famous indigenous market in South America, where Andean traditions thrive in the form of colorful textiles and handmade jewelry. Here, you’ll be able to admire the work of master weavers and expert leather craftsmen from the surrounding villages of Peguche, Agato, Iluman, and Cotacachi (price ref. $1 for passage into these communities). The perfect place to buy your souvenirs!

In the afternoon, explore Lake Cuicocha and its two islets. These natural wonders find themselves in Cotacachi-Cayapas Natural Reserve, the perfect site to take in the fresh air and beautiful terrain.

You are required to hire a local guide at the entrance of the national reserve (price ref. $40).

Stop by Parque Condor, dedicated to the protection, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of various species of raptors (closed Monday and Tuesday, price ref. $3).

Take the Liberty Train that connects the cities of Ibarra and Salinas where you’ll be able to visit an Afro-Ecuadorian community (closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, make reservations in advance. Price ref. $33).

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Otavalo – Cotacachi: 20 min – 8 miles Cotacachi – Cuicocha: 25 min – 9 miles

Otavalo – Ibarra: 35 min – 15 miles Ibarra – Salinas – Ibarra (Liberty Train): 5h 15 min

Hike: Peguche: 20 min – 1 mile (easy) Cuicocha: 30 min – 1.2 miles (easy)

Accommodations: Cabañas del Lago***

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Day 3: Visit Equator Line

In the afternoon you’ll make it to the colonial (and capital) city of Quito.

En route, stop by the Mitad del Mundo at latitude 0° 0’ 0’’. Don’t leave without a picture of yourself in two hemispheres at once! (price ref. $5)

Once in Quito, you’ll stay in the Mariscal District known for its new and hip atmosphere ideal for going out, wandering around, and having a drink at the multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Otavalo – Mitad del Mundo: 1h41min – 59 miles

Mitad del Mundo – Quito: 45 min – 19 miles Accommodations: Embassy***

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Day 4: Discover Quito’s Historic Center

You will have today free to explore the capital at your own rhythm! The following are some of the many activities that Quito has to offer:

- Walk the streets of the largest and best well-kept historic center in Latin America and head up to the Panecillo.

- Take a ride on the gondola known as the teleférico de Quito and hike around the foothills of Mount Rucu Pichincha (15,695 ft) (price ref. $9).

- Visit some of the many museums in Quito:

o The « Museo de la Ciudad » (city museum) situated in one of the oldest buildings in Quito, which for over 400 years was home to one of the biggest hospitals of the country. The displays in this museum focus on the transformation of daily life of « quiteños » throughout history (closed Monday, price ref. $3).

o The mission of the « Museo del Alabado » is to preserve the artwork of many pre-Columbian cultures that existed in different regions of Ecuador (price ref. $4).

o The Museo Guayasamin and the Capilla del Hombre hold an elaborate collection of pieces created by the prestigious and well-known Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamin. Afterward, you could visit the house where he spent most of his life where you’ll also have a lovely view of Quito (price ref. $8).

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Accommodations: Embassy***

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Day 5: Escape to the Edge of the Amazon

On the drive from Quito to Tena you’ll be able to observe the fascinating change in ecosystems between the highlands and the orient.

First you’ll pass through the village of Papallacta at over 13,400 feet where, should you so desire, you can stop to soak in the natural hot springs known for their tremendous natural healing powers.

Traverse some of the most biodiverse forests of Ecuador to ultimately reach the plains of the Amazon and arrive at Casa del Suizo.

After dinner you will coordinate your activities for the following day with the lodge staff.

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Travel: Quito – Tena: 4h – 125 miles Accommodations: Casa del suizo***

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Day 6: Lodge Activities to Choose From

Listed below are the activities that you have to choose from (to be scheduled with the discretion of the local guide depending on the availability of activities, physical condition of the participants, and weather permitting):

- Cosano / AmaZoonico: Cosano is located 20 minutes away by boat and from there you can choose from a selection of hikes varying in duration and difficulty level on which your guide will inform you of the different flora and fauna you will find along the way. You will return to Casa del Suizo in a boat known as a ‘boya’. Upon your return you can also visit the animal sanctuary ‘AmaZoonico’.

- Misicocha: Start off with a boat ride and finish on foot as you traverse the natural reserve. Throughout the tour your local guide will keep you informed about the plants you come across as well as their medicinal uses.

- Chicha, traditional pipes, pottery and boatbuilding: Learn about the natural surroundings and the role they play in local culture from a Quichua family. They will show you how to make ‘chicha’ (a typical drink), different variations of traditional pipes and pottery, hunt, and build a typical wooden boat.

- Island Exploring: In this activity you will learn about local agriculture and observe the different insects and birds of the region.

- Butterfly Haven: Here, wander around a greenhouse with 20 different species of butterflies that are born and raised in the haven itself.

Option: For the more adventurous, rafting is also available for this day (level 3).

Guidance: Local guide Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodations: Casa del suizo***

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Day 7: Stop in Baños Along the Highway of Waterfalls

You will make a short stop in Puyo where you’ll visit an artisanal balsa wood workshop and a rum distillery before arriving in Baños, the mountain town at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. You won’t want to leave town without trying some regional sweets made from cane sugar.

Between Puyo and Baños you will take the “highway of waterfalls” to reach the “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall and take a cable car ride over the Pastaza River to the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall. Keep an eye out for other falls along the way!

You will spend the night in Riobamba comforted by views of the tallest mountain on Earth, the awe-inspiring Chimborazo (20,560 ft). Chimborazo has long been an important symbol of Ecuador and is thus included in its coat of arms.

Guidance: None Meals included: None Travel: Tena – Puyo: 1h 20 min – 50 miles

Puyo – Pailón del Diablo: 55 min – 30 miles Pailón del Diablo – Riobamba: 1h 35 min – 50 miles

Hike: Pailón del Diablo: 1h – 1 mile (easy) Accommodations: Casa Real***

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Day 8: Zigzag Aboard the “Devil’s Nose” and Visit Ingapirca Ruins

Upon your arrival in Alausi, you’ll board the train on the “Devil’s Nose” railroad. Indulge in beautiful Andean landscapes all while enjoying a unique and extraordinary feat of engineering famous for its zigzagged route (closed Monday, price ref. $33).

In the afternoon, you will discover the archeological ruins of Ingapirca. Ingapirca is paramount evidence of Incan presence in Ecuador as well as their construction practices and precise solar calculations. From here you will walk toward the “Face of the Inca,” a giant nature-made human face on the side of a steep cliff near the temple ruins.

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Riobamba – Alausi: 1h 45 min – 60 miles Alausi – Ingapirca: 1h 55 min – 56 miles Ingapirca – Cuenca: 1h 30 min – 46 miles Accommodations: Hotel de las Culturas***

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Day 9: Explore Colonial City of Cuenca

Explore the heart of Ecuador’s most beautiful city: Cuenca.

You will come to be enchanted by Cuenca’s churches, parks, plazas and flower market. Visit the Plaza San Francisco, where they market the fabric made in the North, and enjoy the amazing view from El Turi hilltop.

While in Cuenca, you will also witness the meticulous work of the Panama hat makers. These Ecuadorian straw hats have been named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

In the afternoon, dive into the various and diverse pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador in the Museum of Aboriginal Culture quaintly located in the center of a remodeled colonial home (closed Sunday).

Pass through Pumapungo Archeological Park wherein lies the physical traces of the rich mixture of Cañari and Inca cultures. There also live botanical gardens with more than 8,000 plants and some beautiful bird species. The perfect rest stop!

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Accommodations: Hotel de las Culturas***

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Day 10: Pass Through Cajas National Park en Route to Guayaquil

You will pass through Cajas National Park at the altitudes you have come to know well in order to descend to the coastal region and its banana, rice, cacao, and coffee plantations.

You will then reach Guayaquil, the country’s biggest city nicknamed “the pearl of the Pacific”.

Soak up the sun in Parque Seminario alongside the iguanas and walk along the Malecón 2000 until you reach Las Peñas. From there, climb the stairs to Cerro Santa Ana for a breathtaking view of the city and the Guayas River.

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Cuenca – Guayaquil: 3h 25 min – 120 miles Accommodations: Continental***

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Day 11: Free Time to Enjoy Guayaquil

You will have today to explore the city on your own, go shopping, or enjoy the fresh regional seafood while you still can.

We recommend that you return your rental car directly to the rental car agency at the airport in Guayaquil 3 hours before your return flight.

Guidance: None Meals included: Breakfast Travel: Hotel – Airport: 15 min – 4 miles

http://www.quito.com.ec/ http://www.ecuador.travel/ http://www.turismo.gob.ec/

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Accommodations

The accommodations included in this itinerary are the following*:

Otavalo Cabañas del Lago***

Quito Embassy***

Amazonía Cotococha***

Riobamba Casa Real***

Cuenca Hotel de las Culturas***

Guayaquil Continental***

* Limited availability. In the case that this option is not available, accommodations of the same level of quality will be recommended.

** Hotel categories according to local standards

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Rates

Tour 11 days / 10 nights 2 guests 4 people

Double Room $1,085/person $875/person

Additional rate for single room $310/person

Included

Lodging in the aforementioned establishments

Category C rental car (Chevrolet Aveo or similar) with unlimited mileage and drop off in Guayaquil*

A local guide at Casa del Suizo

The following meals: o Breakfasts days 2-11 o Lunch day 6 o Dinner days 5 and 6

Reserved spot on all aforementioned tours and excursions.

*The rental car agency will ask for a valid credit card for the insurance. Once you purchase insurance, the amount will not be debited, but simply frozen. The amount will be unfrozen when you return the vehicle. The cost of insurance varies according to the category of the rental vehicle.

NOT Included

International flights

Baggage assistance in hotels and airports

Meals not specified as included

Drinks

Entrance fees to aforementioned excursion sites and museums (to be payed on-site)

Guide at the entrance to Cotacachi-Cayapas national reserve

Rental car insurance **

Additional services offered by the rental car agency (carseat, GPS, internet etc.)

Tips, extra costs, and anything not specified as included in the program

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** Insurance:

(Partial Damage Waiver) – Partial

In the case of loss of or damage to the vehicle, the customer is exempt from a portion of the monetary liability if the vehicle was used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

This waiver does not cover damage to tires, windshields, or loss of accessories (tires, rims, wheel spanner, radio, mirrors, headrests, antenna, fire extinguishers, etc.) or theft of engine parts.

Price per day Civil Liability Coverage

$15 $5,000

Categories Deductible Amount

A, B, B1, C, I $1,120

E, G, H, H1, O, O1 $1,680

F, K, K1, L, L1, N $2,240

LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) – Total

In the case of loss of or damage to the vehicle, the customer is completely exempt from monetary liability if the vehicle was used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

Coverage: damage to tires, rims, windshields if damage resulted from the accident of the vehicle itself.

This waiver does not cover the loss of accessories (tires, rims, wheel spanner, radio, mirrors, headrests, antenna, fire extinguishers, etc.) or the theft of engine parts.

Price per day Civil Liability Coverage

$35 $5,000

The deductible for this kind of insurance is $0, regardless of the vehicle category.

ALI (Additional Liability Insurance) – Additional

Civil liablity coverage to a third party up to $30,000.

Price per day Civil Liability Coverage

$5 $30,000

ALI PLUS (Additional Liability Insurance) – Additional

Civil liability coverage to a third party up to $100,000.

Price per day Civil Liability Coverage

$10 $100,000

PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) – Additional

All passengers using the rental car are protected by a coverage of up to $2,000 in the case of medical expenses after an accident.

Price per day Civil Liability Coverage

$2,24 $2,000

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Terms and Conditions

Ecuador Emotions will always make a conscious effort to adhere to the programmed itinerary. However, the order of events may be modified and/or certain visits eliminated due to circumstances beyond our control (weather and sea conditions, strikes, public authority decisions, road conditions, and the discretion of local tour operators).

Ecuador Emotions will not be held responsible for extra costs due to late or cancelled transportation for whatever reason.

It is also the responsibility of the client to abide by the baggage restrictions enforced by the airlines (overweight baggage fees will be paid by the passenger directly). Moreover, flight rates are subject to change without notice.

Ecuador Emotions recommends that their clients make sure their passports are valid during the programmed dates of travel as well as find out if a visa is required for them to enter the country.

Ecuador Emotions suggests that their clients consult their doctor before traveling, especially to ensure that their health will not be at risk at altitude. Certain excursions may be changed due to the physical condition of our clients if said excursions are determined unsafe or harmful. Thank you for informing us of any health problem or allergy in advance.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to avoid any additional charge that may come with any last minute change of your flight itinerary.

The client must inform us of any problems as soon as they arise during the program to the following email: ventas@ecuadoremotions.com

Terms of Payment

With the confirmation of our services, an initial payment of 30% the total amount must be processed within 10 days of the reservation.

The total amount must be paid no later than 45 days before the start of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 45 days before the start of the tour: penalty equivalent to the amount of initial payment.

Between 44 and 31 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 60% the total amount.*

Between 30 and 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 80% the total amount.*

Less than 15 days before the start of the tour: penalty of 100% the total amount.

*A credit memo equivalent to the amount already payed (penalty not included) will be issued.

Quito, March 31, 2020