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Ecuador Galapagos |
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Mainland EcuadorThe AndesRunning the length of the country and rising to over 6000m (20,000 feet), the Andes dominate the geography and climate of Ecuador, creating a landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, open plateaus and verdant valleys. With an altitude of 2,850m and a pleasant spring-like climate, Quito is the world’s second highest capital city. It has a beautifully renovated Spanish colonial heart with a 16th Century cathedral, central plaza and many museums, galleries and restaurants. To the north lies the town of Otavalo with its vibrant market, farming terraces and exquisite colonial haciendas. Heading south from Quito, the valley of the Avenue of Volcanoes extends 325kms, flanked by farmland and spectacular snow-capped mountains. Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897m) boasts a perfect cone capped with glaciers and snow fields, while the surrounding national park holds a number of high altitude species of birds (including condors), plants and llamas. Hot springs, good walking and rafting can be found at the towns of Papallacta and Banos and in the far south are the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca and the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Accommodation in this region is mainly in working haciendas and colonial houses.
Cloud Forest ReservesTo the west of the Andes, the mountains descend to the Pacific, becoming covered by cloud forests of stunted trees cloaked in a profusion of mosses, bromeliads, orchids and lichens. Thought to have the highest diversity of epiphytic plants in the world, the region is recognised as one of the worlds’ biodiversity hotspots. Mammal sightings are rare but can include spectacled bear, puma, mountain tapir, Andean coati and tayra. Birds dominate, with over 30 species of hummingbird, the rare plate-billed mountain toucan and a number of leks where the brightly coloured cock-of-the-rock displays to females. Each valley has a subtly different micro-climate favouring particular species: Mindo, known for cock-of-the-rock sightings, has long been a favourite of birdwatchers; Tandayapa and Bellavista valleys have private cloud forest reserves, good accommodation and superb birdwatching along a comprehensive networks of trails. Amazonian RainforestTo the east of the Andes lies the mighty Amazon basin, home to the largest rainforest in the world and containing around a third of the world’s species of animals and plants. Known locally as the Oriente, the Ecuadorian part of Amazonia has some remarkable rainforest lodges most of which are dotted along the banks of the Napo River close to the Yasuni National Park.
The Pacific CoastFounded in 1535, Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil is a useful stopping-off point for the Galapagos Islands and has some good modern hotels, a colonial centre and vibrant waterfront area, the Malecon. Further up the coast is the Machalilla National Park offering good beaches, seabirds and, from May to September, humpback whale sightings. |
In this comprehensive yet well-paced itinerary the Amazon rainforest is complemented perfectly by the Andean cloud forest and a superb seven-night cruise of the Galapagos islands. Find out more... This compact itinerary focuses on two exceptional natural wonders: the species-rich rainforests of Amazonia and the enchanted isles of the Galapagos. Find out more... An extra-special itinerary for those wishing to tour Otavalo and Quito in style and visit the Galapagos in comfort, staying on land rather than aboard a boat. Find out more... Discover the highlights of mainland Ecuador including colourful Otavalo market, the flora and fauna of the Amazon, the colonial splendour of Quito and Cuenca and beautiful Andean scenery.Find out more... Explore the major highlights of Ecuador at a wonderfully affordable price, combining many scenic mainland sites with three nights on Darwin’s beloved Galapagos Islands to marvel at the remarkable semi-tame wildlife. |
‘The holiday was wonderful. It probably exceeded our expectations and was exactly the right itinerary. The seven night option for Galapagos was just right... [Your representatives] were excellent and [our guide] was wonderful.. .once again, thanks for a great holiday.’ Mr R D - Herefordshire |
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Hacienda San Agustin De Callo
