Extending your stay for even a short time can render
rich rewards in Ecuador and nearby Peru. Both are home to some of the world's
most spectacular mountains, colorful and ancient indigenous cultures and the
western edge of the Amazon basin. You may want to arrive a day or two early to
rest up for your trip to the Galápagos while taking time to explore the
old colonial section of Quito. The Ecuadorian highlands are just a couple of
hours outside of town and you can spend time bargaining at the world famous
Indian craft market in Otavalo, as well as the surrounding highland villages.
Once there, you will probably wish you had more time to enjoy this lush area of
volcanoes, lakes and agricultural land by staying at a local hacienda. The
hacienda system formed the backbone of Spanish colonial agrarian society. Some
have been converted into gracious hotels, which embody the flavor and
hospitality of the region.
For an added rainforest wildlife viewing bonus,
Ecuador possesses some of the best eco-lodges the Amazon has to offer. You can
extend your stay in the Amazon either before or after the trip. You may also
want to consider a trip to Peru's Cusco Valley - the Valley of the Inca - with
a trip to Machu Picchu. We can help you customize your choices and make your
arrangements. Following are a few suggestions:
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Otavalo Market, Highland Craft Villages &
Haciendas: Visit the highland craft villages of San Antonio de Ibarra,
known for its woodcrafts, Cotacachi, home of Ecuador's finest leather crafts
and the weaving village of Peguche. You have a variety of hacienda and spa
accommodations to choose from. The second day of this extension brings you to
the world famous craft market at Otavalo where you will have plenty of time to
shop and bargain. On the return to Quito, you will visit Cuicocha, a crater
lake with time to hike its shores planted with orchids and view three nearby
volcanic peaks. 2 days, 1 night including overnight accommodations, guide,
transportation, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
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Amazon Rainforest Adventure: Combining a
trip to the Galápagos with a journey into the diverse rainforest
ecosystem of the upper Amazon Basin is a wildlife lover's dream. We offer
extensions to world-renowned lodges or combine your cruise of the
Galápagos with an Amazon riverboat cruise. Each is well run by friendly
staff, offering great food and excellent service. Accommodations are
comfortable and designed for an authentic experience with amenities including
private bathrooms, hot showers and electricity. You can take advantage of
naturalist guided rainforest hikes, canoe trips and bird watching or meet the
local indigenous people. 4 days, 3 nights including accommodations,
transportation, guides, 4 x breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Peru: Cusco, the Valley of the Inca &
Machu Picchu: You can also combine a visit to the Galápagos with
a trip to Peru and the land of the Inca. Cusco, the ancient capital of the
Inca, offers a number of impressive sites just above the town, like
Sacsayhuaman with its enormous tightly fitted stones forming the head of a
jaguar. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu where you will overnight in
a nearby hotel/spa, so you can watch the sunrise over Wayna Picchu. Some trips
may require an extra night in Lima, Peru. 4 days, 3 nights including
accommodations, transportations, guides and all meals. |
Other Ecuador Options: Cuenca, Cotopaxi &
Beyond…
Ecuador is rich in things to do, here are just a
few:
