10-Day Pearl of Ecuador

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Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the religious and cultural sites of Quito. Your guide will take you through the culturally diverse history of Quito: the Independence Square with the government and the Bishops Palace, and the church of La Compañia. Afterwards, you visit the hill of the old town, Panecillo and the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”. The tour goes on to the Equatorial Line Monument where. you have a unique chance to stand in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere simultaneously.

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In the morning, leave your hotel and appreciate the Andean landscapes as you travel to the cloud forest. In Tulipe, stop and visit the archaeological museum and enjoy coffee and homemade empanadas. When you arrive at Mashpi Lodge, meet your guide, and have your first introduction to the cloud forest and its conservation, then go hiking along the Napa Trail and spot different types of birds. Join nightly lectures to learn more about the Ecuadorian cloud forest and the lodge’s research projects.

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At about 6.30 go on a wildlife observation walk. Then visit the observation tower to appreciate the panoramic view over the forest. Then, with Sky Bike, get a bird’s eye view of the Mashpi Natural Reserve in a new, exciting, and fun way. You can take different hiking trails back to the lodge. In the afternoon, visit the hummingbird garden, then walk along the “Howler Monkey’s Trail” to spot monkeys and colourful birds to the Life Centre. Go on a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife.

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Start your day at 6.30 a.m. with a wildlife observation. After breakfast, go on a beautiful 2-hour hike to the spectacular 50-metre-high Copa waterfall. Return to Quito for your connection to Otavalo. The road descends before looking out to the snowcapped Cayambe. The Ecuadorian Line goes through the glacier of the volcano, the highest point on the line. On the way, you can see the Lago San Pablo with its great background –the rock massive Taita Imbabura. Late-afternoon, arrive in Otavalo.

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Today you will discover the famous handicrafts market Otavalo. The town consists of rather functional buildings with the Plaza de Los Ponchos as the centre. The local people are very good at weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Visit Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake with two islands that emerge from the centre, covered with vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed. Visit the town of Cotacachi, Ecuador’s centre of leatherworks.

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Early morning, fly to the Galapagos Islands. The highlight of every Ecuador trip; it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes in the world. Travel across to Santa Cruz Island where a bus takes you to Pikaia Lodge. In the afternoon, you'll have a briefing and overview of the natural history of the Galapagos Islands. At sunset, a welcome drink will be served. After dinner, join a discussion on “The evolution of Species” with members of the Galapagos scientific community.

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In the morning, you will plan the day's excursions based on satellite weather imagery and tide charts. Depending on climate conditions and the season, programs are designed to help you see the best of the Galapagos Islands. visit beaches, volcanic craters, or lava tunnels; look for giant tortoises and endemic wildlife of visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Activities such as kayaking, snorkeling or catch and release coastal fishing can also be included.

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During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Each of the islands has its own significant beauty to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your time there are you witness the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos. Lunch on board in between explore the islands and snorkelling offshore.