DESCRIPTION:

A nation packed with startling scenery and astounding biodiversity awaits. Explore the highlights and less-visited towns of the majestic Andes and then travel overland down to the mighty Amazon basin. Along the way, learn about Ecuador’s rich history, culture, and natural history by exploring charming colonial towns, markets, volcanoes, and gems of the Amazon rainforest. As an added treat we also look at Ecuador’s culture through the lens of cocoa and chocolate: from tastings to sociopolitical issues surrounding this coveted bean.

 

In historic Quito, we visit the old town, meet with a chocolatier, and a local healer. Spend a day at the famous Otavalo Market, then drive over a 13,000-foot-high Andes pass before descending into the rain forest. Visit an eco-friendly chocolate farm, explore the Amazonian rain forest by canoe. Learn about medicinal plants from a local community and see ancient petroglyphs. After a visit to the world’s highest active volcano, take a thrilling train ride to an Incan fortress. Discover the historic town of Cuenca, wander its cobblestone streets and flower market. In Cajas, tour Ecuador’s lake country, a region of intense volcanic activity and glaciation, before concluding the journey.

 

CONSIDER:

This is a moderately active program. There will be some stair climbing and walks of approximately one mile in length, sometimes over uneven terrain. Accommodations range from luxury to charming eco-lodges, from a five-star deluxe hotel in Quito and Guayaquil to a country-style hotel in Riobamba, an Amazon lodge, and a colonial mansion in Cuenca. Even though Quito and the highlands are on or near the equator, the variable altitudes of approximately 7,000 feet keep the weather surprisingly comfortable year round. Quito is 9,350 feet in elevation. The days are warm and the nights are cool. Temperatures can range from 65°–75° during the day to 40°–50° at night. While visiting Cotopaxi and Cajas national parks, we reach altitudes of approximately 12,000 feet for a few hours. The area of Misahuallí in the Amazon region is at approximately 1,500 feet in elevation and has a typical tropical climate - humid with some rain and temperatures between 75°–85°. There will be visits to cacao plantations and chocolate makers. Travel is by motor coach, train and a 40-minute canoe ride.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.