Adventurers, explorers and scientists such as Charles Darwin and Alexander Von Humboldt have always been drawn to Ecuador and its islands, describing them in writings that spoke of the country’s fabulous ice-capped volcanoes, impenetrable Amazon jungles and fantastic animals. A microcosm of cultural and geographical diversity, the tiny country of Ecuador remains a travellers’ dream. Accessibility is key and in conjunction with the powerful draw of its natural beauty and assets, highlights include the exquisite World Heritage colonial city of Quito, goldladen churches harking back to the Jesuit missionaries, vibrant Indian markets and gracious haciendas in which to sample rural Andean life.
Recommended accommodation
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Hacienda Zuleta
Just two hours from the capital, Quito, Hacienda Zuleta was originally completed in 1691. Continuing the tradition of its former colonial owners, it remains a working farm.
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Hosteria La Mirage
A member of Relais & Chateaux, Hosteria La Mirage in Cotacachi is ideally suited for visits to the surrounding volcanoes, villages and markets just two hours north of Quito.
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Casa Gangotena
Quito’s attractions lie right on the hotel’s doorstep. It makes an ideal base for admiring breathtaking Baroque churches, exploring markets or simply making surprise discoveries amid the chess-board grid of streets.
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Sacha Lodge
The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveller yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience.
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Napo Wildlife Centre
The greatest and ultimate alternative luxury eco-hotel in Amazonian Ecuador which includes the conservation of approximately over 82 square miles of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park.
Sample itinerary
DAYS 1 - 3 Quito
On arrival in Quito transfer to the Hotel Marriott for a three night stay. Enjoy a city tour of this historical Unesco World Heritage site with its finely preserved colonial architecture.
DAYS 4 - 6 Northern Highlands
Depart Quito for the Northern Highlands. Visit local weaving & leather centres en route to the traditional 17th Century Hacienda Zuleta. Local tours & riding are available throughout the volcanic peaks & indigenous villages.
DAYS 7 - 9 Amazon Jungle
Fly to Coca & transfer by boat to Sacha Lodge for a three night stay. Enjoy three days of guided exploration including forest hikes, canoe trips, caiman night observation & bird watching.
DAY 10 Quito/Cotopaxi
Depart Sacha Lodge for Quito. Overnight in Quito before travelling south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo.
DAY 11
Transfer to the airport for international flight home.
Priced start from £1,900 excluding flights.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation.
