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DAY 1 / QUITO
Upon arrival to Quito: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 / QUITO - PAPALLACTA
Enjoy a half-day tour on Modern and colonial Quito. In the afternoon travel northwest to Papallacta, a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains, where you will enjoy hot spring water pools.

DAY 3 / PAPALLACTA - OTAVALO
Drive north to Imbabura and visit the typical Indian market of Otavalo, where colorful products like: ponchos, tapestries, Indian jewelry and straw purses named `shigras´ are offered. continue your visit to the handicraft center on San Antonio de Ibarra or Cotacachi.

DAY 4 / OTAVALO - COTOPAXI
Spend the morning in the Imbabura province experiencing the rural life. Start by driving south in the afternoon on what Alexander von Humboldt named the `Avenue of the volcanoes´.

DAY 5 / COTOPAXI
Full day at the Cotopaxi National Park, climb up to the refuge at 4,8000 meters from where a spectacular panoramic view of the Andes awaits.

DAY 6 / COTOPAXI - RIOBAMBA
Continue driving south through the Ecuadorian Andes towards Riobamba located in the heart of highlands; visit the `Conceptas Museum´ as well Guano, where hand made rugs can be found.

DAY 7 / RIOBAMBA - CUENCA
While we drive south to Ingapirca, the most important Inca ruins in ecuador; we will also enjoy panoramic views of the highlands and maybe visit one of the Indian markets in the south `Guamote´ (held only on thursdays) or enjoy a spectacular train-ride through the Devil´s Nose.

DAY 8 / CUENCA
Stroll through history on narrow streets of adobe surrounded by houses with coquettish balconies, visit museum that display centuries of pre_Colombian and colonial treasures, and discover the traces of indigenous religion on colonial catholic churches. Cuenca is renown for its high quality handicrafts like: embroidery, jewelry, ceramics and the famous `Panama hats´.

DAY 9 / CUENCA - QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL
Transfer to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.
* Extensions to the Galapagos Islands on 3, 4 or 7 nights cruises, the Amazon Rainforest, Loja and the Valley of longevity `Vilcabamba´ or to Machalilla National Park can be easily arranged.

Sixty-seven kilometers northwest of Quito is the small agrarian community of mindo, located in an isolated pocket valley surrounded by tall-forested ridges, known locally as the `Valley of Eternal Spring´, Mindo has a reputation of one of the best places for birdwaching, with more than 400 species including the Cock of the Rock. The Mondo-Nambillo Reserve offers exceptional trails to explore one of the last untouched forests on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Towards the East, at the foot of the Andes lies the Amazon Basin with the greatest biodiversity on earth, not only for its wildlife but also for an intense cultural gathering. Journeys available to suit everyone´s demand, from first class accomodations to simple but comfortable ones, programs and excursions with plenty opportunities to experience the rainforest and intercultural meetings.

Plunge into the past and unveil Valdivia, south America´s earliest civilization. Learn about its existence as you admire artifacts and ruins. discover Ecuador´s rich environment, with over 400 multicolored fish species, sea turtles, dolphins and whales in `La Isla de la Plata´. Whale watching programs are available from June to October.