For your personalised itinerary please call 020 7060
6747
Example Itinerary
to escape to Classic Overland Ecuador and
Galapagos
Itinerary Overview
For your personalised itinerary please call 020 7060
6747
Itinerary Overview
|
Day |
Activity |
Accommodation |
|
Day 1 |
Day flight from London
Heathrow to Quito. Met and driven to hotel |
Le Parc, Quito |
|
Day 2 |
At leisure |
Le Parc, Quito |
|
Day 3 |
Transfer to Cotopaxi |
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo,
Cotopaxi |
|
Day 4 |
At leisure |
Hacienda San
Agustin de Callo, Cotopaxi |
|
Day 5 |
Transfer to Banos |
Luna Runtun, Banos |
|
Day 6 |
Transfer to Riobamba |
Estrella de Chimborazo, Riobamba |
|
Day 7 |
Train and transfer to Cuenca |
Mansion
Alcazar, Cuenca |
|
Day 8 |
Flight to Guayaquil |
Hampton Inn, Guayaquil |
|
Day 9 |
Flight to Galapagos. Embark 7
night cruise |
Motor Sailor, Motor Vessel or small
cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 10 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor Vessel or small cruise
ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 11 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small
cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 12 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small
cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 13 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small
cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 14 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small
cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise |
|
Day 15 |
At leisure |
Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos
Cruise |
|
Day 16 |
Flight to Quito. Transfer to
hotel |
Le Parc, Quito |
|
Day 17 |
Transfer to airport. Overnight
flight to UK |
Overnight flight |
Day 1
Catch
your day flight from London Heathrow to Quito
Day 1 – Day 3
2 Nights at Le Parc,
Quito, on a bed and breakfast basis
Quito’s first slick,
shiny, show off, high tech boutique hotel. 30 modern and stylish suites with
all mod cons including DVD and flat screen TV’s. Located close to Quito’s
business and residential districts. There’s a hotel and restaurant if you
don’t’ wish to venture out. Every design detail has been carefully thought out
and those with a flair and taste for cutting edge design will not be
disappointed. Le Parc is the place to be seen in. For weary travellers adjusting to the altitude there is a small Spa, gym
and roof top Jacuzzi. Excellent cuisine from renowned Peruvian chef Rafael
Osterlicht in hip surroundings. A new cool, stylish and well thought out hotel
in every way.
Room Facilities:
Free wireless, flat screen TV, DVD,
mini bar, safe, L’Occitane bathroom amenities.
Activities nearby: Commercial
shopping district, parks.
To escape to verdict: Excellent, first and only state of
the art modern designer hotel in Quito. An exciting and well equipped welcome
addition to the more traditional and classic boutique hotel scene.
For
a sneak preview and more images, please click here...
There is so much to see and do in Quito. There
has been massive investment over the last few years in the historical colonial
old city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quito
definitely deserves at least 3 days and not just as a quick stopover en-route
to the Galapagos Islands. There is an air of vibrancy, fun and improvement. The
new city around Plaza Foch has bustling trendy, funky bars and an amazing
variety of good restaurants. For those who feel that they can cope with even
higher altitude then the cable car at the base of Pichincha Volcano which
climbs to almost 14,000 feet is an amazing way to view the city and admire the
incredible location, scattering the mountains and valleys.
Day 3
Drive out of Quito to the south along the Pan American Highway to the
start of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Day 3 – Day 5
2 Nights at Hacienda San
Agustin de Callo, Cotapaxi, on a half board basis
Located at the foot of Cotapaxi Volcano and the National
Park one and a quarter hours from Quito and 3000 feet above sea level.
San Agustin is a unique place to stay. A former Inca palace
rich in pre and post Colombian history. Five rooms each with their own
character, all with large fireplaces, big bathtubs, earthy rustic red colours
and quirky murals. All open to a central
courtyard and there are flower filled gardens with views to Cotopaxi,
Tungurahua and Chimborazo volcanoes. Character oozes from every Inca corner
stone, from the intimate stone dining room almost tomb like to the pretty
little chapel. There is really is nowhere like San Agustin for authenticity,
history, quirkiness and character. Cotapaxi National Park is a short drive away
and 4 wheel drive excursions can be arranged through the hacienda. Good hiking
trails through the Andean Paramo, riding, biking and fishing can all be
arranged. There is also a Rose plantation across the fields, just a short walk
away which is a fascinating insight into this growing industry exporting to
Europe.
Room Facilities:
Each room has it‘s own character and
style but all have real fires, large fireplaces, some big bath tubs in the
bedroom, TV, stereo.
Activities nearby: Cotapaxi
National Park and volcano, local Andean villages, markets on varied days of the
week,
To escape to verdict: Fascinating, unforgettable and unique
place to stay and not too far from Quito. Highly recommended to stay at San
Agustin if you haven’t much time in Ecuador and really want to experience the
history and flavour of the country.
For
a sneak preview and more images, please click here...
Cotopaxi National Park
This is a fascinating and
beautiful natural area dominated by the perfect cone of Cotopaxi, the world’s
highest active volcano rising above the paramo. The biodiversity is incredible
as you climb through the different climatic zones. One can be active or as
inactive as you like. The hike on the volcano is a serious one and needs
preparation and experience but there are other trails taking in the wonderful
vistas, flora and fauna.
Day 5
Continue the drive further south to the lively
adventure and spa town, Banos.
Day 5 - Day 6
1 Night at Luna
Runtun
In an incredible position perched
high above the town of Banos with breathtaking views to the valley below and
the smoking Tungurahua Volcano.
The lodge has 30 rooms and suites all with spectacular views
through large picture windows. Simply and tastefully furnished not to distract
from the view with crisp white cotton sheets and homely rugs over the
terracotta tiles.
There are wonderful gardens to relax
in and admire the views with over 300 flower and tree types including Orchid
and over 30 species of birds flitting between the abundant flora.
The Spa facilities include a number of outdoor natural
thermal pools, treatment rooms offering specialist body treatments’ using the local
volcanic extracts of hot clay and volcanic ash. Massage, skincare, manicures
and pedicures are all included on the Spa menu.
Shared Facilities: Pools, Spa,
Café, Bar and Restaurant, games room, lounge, gardens.
Activities nearby: Thermal pools, Spa, relaxing in the gardens, trekking,
mountain biking, riding, canoeing, white water rafting.
To escape to verdict: A wonderful place to stay with incredible views and
excellent Spa with pools to really kick back and indulge in the pure air, total
detox and purification! Isolated but worth it for the views, Spa and comfort of
the rooms.
For
a sneak preview and more images, please click here...
Day 6
Continue south along the Avenue of the
Volcanoes to experience a little rustic Andean adventure before the famous
Devils nose train ride the following day.
Day 6 - Day 7
1 Night at Mountain Refuge Estrella de Chimborazo,
foothills of Chimborazo Volcano on a half board basis
The rustic but cosy and comfortable lodge is a wonderful
experience and a great way to immerse oneself in the stunning scenery of
Ecuador. Completely isolated at the foot of the mighty Chimborazo Volcano at
4,000 metres it’s a place to slow down and relax taking in the pure mountain
air and go for a stroll along the pretty rivers and mountainside paths. There
are two lodges on the site of a former inn. Each has four bedrooms each with
two sharing a bathroom; however we always take one floor so you’ll have private
use of the bathroom. The construction is completely sympathetic to the natural
environment with adobe walls and thatched roof. The windows are large to fully
appreciate the solitude of the area and make the most of the Andean sun and
stars. There’s a fully equipped kitchen with kitchen staff preparing
wholesome Ecuadorian fare. Guests all eat together around one or two tables
depending 
on how many guests there are.
Room Facilities: Stunning
views over the mountains, heaters, fully equipped bathrooms for private use.
Shared Facilities: Dining and social area, treks and hikes.
Activities nearby: Hiking, gentle walks, wildlife watching, stargazing,
solitude and peace!
To escape to verdict: A really
wonderful rustic but cosy, comfortable option to include in a trip to Ecuador.
A real taste of the mountains away from civilisation.
Day 7
Complete the journey through the Avenue of the
Volcanoes to the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca.
Day 7 - Day 8
1 Night at Mansion Alcazar, Cuenca, on a bed &
breakfast basis
Beautiful and stylish 11 room homely boutique hotel in the
impressive colonial city of Cuenca. Perfect for soaking up the sites and
atmosphere of this stunning city declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 1999. All rooms
are very tastefully designed, beautiful chandeliers, drapes and soft lighting
give a very warm and homely feel. Excellent restaurant, Casa Alonso serving
local Ecuadorian and international cuisine in ambient surroundings. Classy but
relaxed coffee lounge and bar open from 5 pm. Cosy communal areas with sofas
and TV room and informative library with an array of books of all languages.
A great reason to visit Cuenca as an add on from the Galapagos
or
a combination with Peru.
Room Facilities:
TV, wi-fi, safe, fully equipped
bathrooms.
Shared Facilities: Library,
sofa areas, TV room, garden, restaurant, bar.
For
a sneak preview and more images, please click here...
Cuenca
Cuenca is a wonderful
place to kick back and relax. In 1999 the city was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and many of the historic colonial buildings have been preserved.
Cobbled streets lead to pretty flowering plazas, white washed walls with
wrought iron balconies. The city has a wonderful climate with cool evenings and
sunny days, perfect for exploring and sitting in front of a cosy fire at
night.
Day 8
Afternoon flight to Guayaquil and the Hampton Inn.
Day 8 - Day 9
1 Night at Hampton Inn by Hilton, Guayaquil on a bed & breakfast
basis
The best option for a short overnight stay in Guayaqui en-route
to the Galapagos. A large modern block
with the service expected from the Hilton chain. Close to the airport and
pleasant park for strolling. A good place to unwind after a long flight.
There’s an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and beauty salon. 95 fully
equipped rooms with all mod cons.
Room Facilities: Air
conditioning, cable TV, 24 hour housekeeping and room service, mini bar.
Shared Facilities: Café, pool, gym, business centre.
Activities nearby: Shops and
restaurants, park.
To escape to verdict: A good reliable safe and comfortable option for a short
stay.
Day 9
Short flight to Cuenca and then onto the
Galapagos Islands.
Day 10 - Day 15
7 night cruise
Galapagos
Islands
The enchanting and unique Galapagos Islands
lying 600 miles west (2 hour flight from Quito) off the Ecuadorian mainland.
The volcanic archipelago is made up of 13 larger islands and numerous islets.
The main attraction of the islands is not their physical beauty but the islands
unique wild inhabitants…the frolicking friendly sea lions, the abundant and
striking birdlife balloon red breasted frigate birds, albatross, Galapagos Owls
and of course the endemic Galapagos Finches identified by Charles Darwin and used
as his basis for evolution. There is a
boat to suit all tastes from romantic schooner to comfortable small cruise
ship. If you feel that a week is not enough and would like to explore the
islands in more depth there are also some great boutique hotel options and
specialist walking tours
Day 16
Flight to Quito. Transfer to hotel
Day 16- Day 17
1 Night at Le Parc, Quito, on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 17
Transfer back to the airport for your overnight flight back
to Heathrow.
PRICING:
Approximate
cost (based on two people sharing during mid season) from: £ 4,875 per person
Cost includes:
·
International flights from London Heathrow
·
3 nights at Le Parc on a bed and breakfast basis
·
2 nights at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo on a Half
board basis
·
1 night at Luna Runtun on a half board basis
(breakfast and dinner)
·
1 night at Estrella de Chimborazo
·
1 night
at Mansion Alcazar on a bed and
breakfast basis
·
1 night
at Hampton Inn by Hilton, Guayaquil on a bed & breakfast basis
·
7 night Galapagos Cruise on a full board basis
·
All internal flights and transfers
Holidays are subject to
our Terms and Conditions. Bookings are
subject to availability at time of confirmation.
Please click here to
view our booking conditions (if you need a hard copy please let us know and we
will mail them over)
About our
Prices:
We believe in
a ‘what you see is what you get’ policy with our pricing and not
springing any
hidden surprises with extra costs. Everything is included in your
price as laid
out above. Other expenses you should consider may include:
·
Spending Money - We have first hand knowledge of
eating, drinking &
shopping in your chosen destination and are happy
to advise on this.
·
Car Rental Costs - If you are renting a car
please also consider fuel,
toll roads and additional driver charges.
·
Travel Insurance - We advise you to take out
fully comprehensive
travel insurance (not included).
·
Visas - There may be additional visa costs for
some countries, please
enquire at time of booking.
·
Tips - we recommend 10 - 15% in restaurants,
depending on your
satisfaction with the service
·
Airline Surcharges - Increasingly airlines are
adding surcharges to
their fares due to additional fuel charges. In
most cases we absorb
these costs however in extreme circumstances
(surcharges of £30 or
more) these charges will be passed on to you.
NB How to get the
best from your quote:
We have put
this itinerary together based on what you have told us you are
looking for
from your holiday. It is our interpretation and is in no way set in
stone. You can
depart on any day of the week, stay for shorter or longer
periods, add
new properties, flights, car hire or transfers. Most importantly, if
the accommodation
we have chosen doesn't look right, there are loads of
other options.
So if you want to change anything we would be happy to do so,
just let us know - we want to ensure we put together the
ideal holiday for you.
