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Ecuador Explorer April 5-11, 2008
Experience Ecuador and Andean culture, its colors and flavors and master Spanish on this one of a kind journey. 100% Spanish and myspanishtravel.com present this 7 day, 6 night opportunity of a lifetime. We offer you all you could want in a vacation: great accommodations, fabulous sites, first class guides and teachers, and fascinating, out of the ordinary activities. The best part of all is you will see and experience Ecuador and learn the Spanish culture and traditions from an inside perspective while practicing Spanish with native speakers. Join us now as this opportunity will not repeat itself!Sample Itinerary
Saturday: QuitoArrive in the Ecuadorian capital Quito. Transfer to hotel for check-in and overnight.
Sunday: Quito
Enjoy a fascinating look at Ecuador's largest city on a scenic tour of Quito with your bilingual guide. The capital city, established in 1534, was originally the capital of the northern Inca Empire. This "city of eternal spring" is full of parks. View the Cathedral of San Francisco, the Monastery of San Augustin, Plaza of Independence, La Compania Church, and Quito's Legislative Palace. Continue to the Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city. The Equatorial Monument (located at latitude 0) allows you to straddle both hemispheres! This evening's included dinner gives you a taste of the local cuisine.
Monday: Otavalo
Breakfast is followed by an excursion to Otavalo and Peguche, both well-known for their unique weavings and handicrafts. Leather is the specialty of Coatacachi, and intricate woodcarvings in San Antonio de Ibarra. Stop for a special included lunch in a beautifully restored former hacienda.
Tuesday: Quito - Riobamba
Buffet breakfast. We lead to the south, along the “Avenue of the volcanoes” which got its name from Alexander von Humbold. Using the Panamericana Sur, which winds its way through the Andean mountain chain you will have a spectacular view of the perfect formed snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest volcanoes of the world. We lead you to a very typical and original market where you learn about the life of indigenous people. The market offers a colorful variety of handicrafts, a variety of fruit and herbs as well as authentic tools and household articles.
Wednesday: Train ride through the Devil's Nose
Breakfast is followed by a transfer to the train station for the ride to Chunchi. The train journey winds its way from the high to low lands, granting spectacular vistas around every corner. A boxed lunch is included. Continue by bus to the Inca ruins of Ingapirca before arriving in Cuenca.
Thursday: Cuenca & Gualeceo Valley
Breakfast in Ecuador's third largest city before exploring this fertile valley on the banks of the Tomebamba River. Famous for its art and history, Cuenca has an old Spanish colonial flair. Your guided tour visits the beautiful marble Cathedral as well as the colorful, more intimate Indian Cathedral directly across the plaza. La Merced Convent and the Crespo Toral Museum are also highlights. The rich beauty of southern Ecuador is best seen in the Gualaceo Valley. Wander the markets in search of straw Panama hats and local handicrafts. Return to Cuenca in the early evening.
Friday: Cuenca
- El Cajas – Guayaquil At the appropriate hour we will set out for Guayaquil, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the El Cajas National Park. When we reach the coastal plains, we will be able to appreciate the largest banana plantations in the world.
Friday Night/Saturday:
Transfer to the Guayaquil airport for your return home.