World Map

The Primavera Tour. Galapagos, Amazon, Volcanoes & Markets

The Primavera Tour

Despite its comparatively small size, Ecuador embraces an astonishing wealth of variety of nature and culture. Scenery which often defies description ranges from tropical rainforest to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Volcanoes and the high peaks of the Andes. The jungle-dwelling communities of the Amazon basin contrast with the villages of the industrious highland Indians with their rich tradition of weaving. Above all the extraordinary wildlife of the Galapagos makes a memorable grand finale to this comprehensive view of Ecuador.

 

21 night itinerary:

  • Quito - 2 nights
  • Amazon Lodge - 4 nights
  • Quito - 1 night
  • Riobamba - 1 night
  • Cuenca - 2 nights
  • Quito - 3 nights
  • Galápagos Cruise - 7 nights

Days 1-2
Depart Saturday for Quito and on arrival in the evening of the same day, transfer to our hotel. Our first day trip in Ecuador takes us past dramatic mountain scenery to the market in Otavalo, where locals sell weavings and handicrafts. We continue through the countryside to the colonial town of Ibarra. Return to Quito(B)

Days 3-7
Our day starts with a flight into the Amazon and a trip up river to the Napo Wildlife Centre located in the peace and tranquility of virgin rainforest, overlooking a lagoon. From here our resident naturalist guides take us on a variety of hikes, both by night and by day, canoeing trips up creeks and exploring the rainforest to observe the exuberant vegetation and the vast, dense tree canopy and it may possible to visit the parrot clay lick, bursting with activity and colour.(B,L,D) We return to Quito on Day 7 for 1 night. (B)

Day 8
A full day trip leads us to the perfectly cone-shaped Cotopaxi Volcano, rising 5,897m, set in the wild páramo of the National Park. Continue on to an Indian village where local weavers demonstrate their skills on the traditional shuttle looms, and onto Riobamba, to enjoy its thermal springs, surrounded by stunning scenery. (B,L)

Day 9-10
We journey south to Cuenca, a charming colonial city, embraced by silent mountains. A full day excursion takes us to the fertile Gualaceo Valley, passing remote villages amidst gently rolling hills. (B,L)

Day 11-13
Return flight to Quito for 3 nights. The following morning is spent exploring the colonial quarter with its narrow cobblestone streets and many beautiful churches. Also visit the Archaeological Museum housing pre-Colombian ceramics, gold and ancient Indian artefacts. Afternoon free. (B)

Day 14-20
Morning flight to the Galápagos Islands for a 7 night cruise, where Darwin observed the wildlife that would lead him to his theory of evolution. Basking marine iguanas, blue and red footed boobies, waved albatrosses, frigatebirds and friendly sea lions abound. We spend the week walking island trails accompanied by local expert guides. First Class cruises aboard M/V Santa Cruz in a main deck cabin and Tourist Class cruises aboard the Tip Top II yacht. (B,L,D)

Days 21 -22
We return to Quito for 1 night. Afternoon transfer to the airport for our return flight home, arriving the following day, Sunday, Day 23. (B)

 

 

Tourist

First

No. of travellers

Seasons - all year

1 Single

2 Sharing Double

Single Supp

1 Single

2 Sharing Double

Single Supp

Primavera Tour

£5290

£3402

£1879

£6994

£4136

£2786

AIRFARES below for Transatlantic Flights and all Internal Flights to be added to the Tour Prices above:

Flight Seasons & Prices from:

 

Low (28Dec-20Jun;8Aug-30Nov)

£1547

High (01Dec-27Dec;21Jun-7Aug)

£1838


Flights on IBERIA departing from London Heathrow and most UK regional airport add £80. Other airlines available on request. All prices shown are per person. UK Departure Tax and all Taxes payable in advance are included.
BUSINESS Class upgrade on IBERIA additional £1866 in High Season and £1575 in Low Season.

TAILOR-MADE SERVICE: Please enquire for a personalised itinerary to fulfil your individual requirements. We can combine Tourist class hotels with private transfers and excursions and we can offer De Luxe Hotels.

 

 

The Primavera Tour departs Saturday, returns Sunday, 23 days including 21 nights' accommodation and breakfast (B), all flights (1 overnight), transfers, excursions, English-speaking guides, transport and meals as shown.