13 days trip + eventual extensions
Weekly departure guarantied all year long with a minimum of only 2 participants per trip. It is possible to complete the trip choosing one of the various extensions described at the end of the program.
First suggested day for traveling: Monday
The first and last days of the program may be modified according to the flight schedule of the participants.

Download the complete program here.

Day 1: Quito

Departure from your country of origin. Arrival to Quito. Private transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Quito

At 9.00 you will have visit to the colonial downtown of the city. Quito’s atmosphere takes the visitor back to the years of the Spanish conquest. Jesuit, Franciscan churches, squares and the Presidential Palace can be admired. Quito’s historic downtown district, which has been perfectly restored, was declared by the UNESCO a heritage for humanity. In the afternoon you will have visit to the famous “Mitad el Mundo”. Over the equator line it is possible not only to make the correspondent picture but also to witness some “strange” physics phenomenon. Before the sunset you will have visit to the new Cable car “Teleferico” which reaches 4100m. above sea level over the Pichincha volcano, where you can admire the amazing spectacle of the top of the volcanoes that surround Quito. The spectacle is especially wonderful with a clear sky. Guide for the whole day available under request. 

Day 3: Otavalo - Quito 

Departure towards the beautiful province of Imbabura due at 9:00. During the ride, if the weather allows it, the top of the Cayambe, Imbabura and Cotacachi mountains can be admired. After driving along the beautiful lake San Pablo, we reach Otavalo. Otavalo is not an old town, therefore no colonial constructions can be found. It constitutes an interesting destination because it offers a complete handicraft market at “La plaza de los Ponchos” which is attractive for who enjoys buying wool clothing, jewelry, sculptures and all kinds of items coming from the local production. Despite the fact that the market has become rather touristic, it offers a wide range of products. It is interesting as well to visit the local fruits and meat market. In the afternoon who ever wants to, may ride with the driver to the Cuicocha lagoon, which is located 40min. away from Otavalo. The lagoon was formed in the crater of a former volcano and it constitutes a pleasant natural spectacle. In the evening we will return to Quito. The trip Quito-Otavalo takes around 2:30 hours plus breaks.  

Day 4: Cotopaxi - Saquisilì ( only thursdays) - Baños

Departure from the hotel with your private driver due at 7:00. We drive a long a track of the “Pan Americana Sur” boarding the top of the Cotopaxi volcano with its perfect white cone. Then we head to the Saquisili Market (ONLY ON THURSDAYS). This constitutes a weekly indigenous fair. The visit to Saquisili allows you to be familiar with the reality of the indigenous world from the Andes in a non tourist way. Animals, vegetables, food, handicrafts, spices, clothing, etc are sold on the various squares of the village. Many indigenous people come down every Thursday from the valleys surrounding Saquisili to buy or sell products in this colorful market which still is very genuine.   At 12:00 we leave the market and make a break in Latacunga in order to take a quick lunch and visit the center of this nice small city. Early in the afternoon we head to Baños de Ambato, a small village which is known for its thermal waters which you may try right away.

Day 5: Amazon Jungle

You will meet your private SUV’s driver at 9:00. The road that goes to the city of Puyo is spectacular with its gorges, waterfalls and vegetation that becomes more and more tropical along the way. Arrival to Puyo after around 2 hours where we make a break in order to get to know the indigenous guide, prove the boots which are indispensable for the excursions in the jungle and to buy the last provisions from the market. Then we continue with the SUV along a dirt track getting after an hour to the river Puyo. We descend and continue on foot about 40 minutes till we get to the cabins where we will spend the night. If there still time we will go to the “Mirador”, a panoramic spot from where you may admire the jungle. This is the hardest track you will confront in your days at the jungle but it is worthwhile. Dinner and lodging at the cabins. All excursions at the jungle are optional. We will spend the day in company of a local indigenous guide. The guide will transmit his/her knowledge about the plants and culture of the jungle.  

Day 6: Amazon Jungle 

After breakfast, at 9:00 the excursion begins. We will walk for about 2 hours towards a waterfall inside the thick jungle. The water is fresh and pure; therefore who ever want to may take a swimsuit with and enjoy the water. To swim under the waterfall in such a natural scenario seems bizarre but it is a wonderful experience. Towards noon we get to the cabins where we take lunch. In the afternoon we will navigate in a traditional canoe for about 40 minutes. The river is neither deep nor dangerous. If the river is grown the navigation will be cancel for security reasons. The day will be in company of an indigenous guide.  

Day 7: Amazon Jungle - Baños

Morning off. It is worthy to rest and relax a bit letting yourself get involve in the magical atmosphere of this place. With the guide you may visit the nearby village and get to know the people living on it.
At 14:00 you will meet your driver and head back to Puyo, and then to Baños de Ambato where you will arrive around 18.  In the evening you may arrange the next day’s activities by booking at the various agencies in the center of the village. Ivan and his family will help you with the necessary information. 

Day 8: Baños

Baños offers lots of possibilities for active sports lovers and as well for the ones who only want to relax a bit. It is possible to make rafting in the Pastaza River, canyoning going up the valley’s waterfalls, renting horses and going up to the Tungurahua volcano through the tracks, visiting the beautiful waterfalls: Manto de la Novia (accessible also with an spectacular cable car) and Pailon del Diablo, or renting a bike or motorcycle. And for whom rather wants to spend a relaxing day there are many small restaurants where it is possible to stay and eat well, and when the evening arrives it is the perfect time to enjoy the thermal waters. All information can be found at the hotel with Ivan or in the numerous local agencies overlooking the main streets of the village.  For sports lovers we suggest the visit to the waterfalls or the rafting. These activities are not included in the fee but they are anyway not very expensive.  

Day 9: Chimborazo - Riobamba

Departure due at 9:00 in company of your private driver towards the Arenal’s plateau. We reach the 4000 meters from sea level. The landscape is majestic and it is dominated by Ecuador’s the highest peak: the Chimborazo. Towards noon we get to Guaranda, capital city of Bolivar province. This is a high mountain area where the majority of the population is indigenous. The indigenous people can be often found walking along the streets heading to their daily work. You will recognize them for their red ponchos. In Guaranda it is worthy to take a walk at the local market before we head to Riobamba. Riobamba was Ecuador’s first capital city. The hotel is located in the countryside nearby the center of the city. After settling in the hotel it is worthy to take a ride in company of the driver through the long streets, sometimes paved with flagstone, of this historical city. 

Day 10: Ingapirca - Cuenca

Early departure at 6:00 to get to the train station. The train ( only we - fr -su ) advances slowly and while heading to the “Nariz del Diablo” it offers a beautiful glance of the Andean landscape where the train descends trough some tracks even backwards along an amazing cliff. The trip with the train goes from 7 till 13:00. Currently it is allowed to stay on the top of the train. This service may be interrupted due to bad weather or technical problems.     We retake the road and after about two hours and half of driving along the inter-Andean valley we reach Ingapirca. This is the greatest archeological Inca site and we will visit it with a local guide. An elliptic construction still conserved on a perfect condition lies on the site. After, we continue to Cuenca where we get to for dinner. This is a long and intense day but the wonderful and pleasant view greatly compensates the tiredness. 

Day 11: Cuenca - Guayaquil

We will visit the downtown of the city held for one of the most beautiful ones of the country: Cuenca. This city, much smaller than Quito, offers once again the pleasant context of the colonial cities of the Sierra.   
Departure due at 14:00 towards Guayaquil. We will cross the National Park Cajas. Here you will be able to admire the last views of the Andes before descending to the coast with its tropical landscapes, cacao, banana and sugar cane fields.
We will arrive to the exiting city of Guayaquil after about 5-6 hours. During the past ten years, this city has been objective of important urban projects. The downtown and the long river are nowadays very welcoming and interesting. You may request a guide to visit Cuenca in the morning. 

Day 12: Guayaquil 

Departure due at 9:30. You will have visit to the center of the city visiting the iguana’s park, the square and its historical buildings: the “Municipalidad” (city hall) and the “Gobernacion”, the “bahia” an open air market intend for the local people,
the long river with its botanic garden and the Las Peñas neighborhood. This last one is the city’s old neighborhood. In the last years it has been partially recuperated and today constitutes a destination for locals and tourist visiting the city.
In the afternoon you will have visit to Guayaquil’s handicraft market, far different from the ones of the sierra. English speaking guide available under request. Private transfer to the airport three hours before departure. 

Day 13: Country og origin

Arrival to your country of origin

PRICE PER PERSON 13 DAYS TOUR ECUADOR ADVENTURE:
US $ 1180  min. 2 participants in double bed room at economic hotel
US $ 1080  min. 4 participants in double bed room at economic hotel
These prices are valid only if you buy through Mashipura Viajes´ web site.

SUPPLEMENTS
English speaking guide in Quito, Otavalo and Guayaquil: US $ 130 per person
English speaking guide in the jungle: US $ 130 per person
Guide from Quito to Guayaquil (transportation included for every day): US$ 1350 (fee is divided between the participants)
Superior category hotel: US$ 120 per person
Single bed room at economic hotel: US$ 90 per person
Single bed room at superior category hotel: US$ 160 per person

FEE INCLUDES
Overnight stay and breakfast.
All transfers with private transport and driver
All the excursions due on the program
Local assistance in case of necessity by calling our emergency number

FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE
intercontinental flight
meals (circa US $ 5 – 15 per meal)
entrance to museums, churches, archeological sites, train (circa US $30 in all)
Compulsory travel insurance (US$84)
The guide in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil and Amazzonia ( under request)
Eventual tips
Guayaquil’s airport fee ( US $ 26 )

FLIGHT
Mashipura Viajes does not sell air tickets.
You may get your air ticket through your favorite travel agency or through specialized websites such as:
 www.e-dreams.com

PAYMENT
If you wish to get one of our trips, two bank deposits have to be made in our external account: one €400 advance when you sign up and the outstanding balance 30 days before the trip begins.  

TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is mandatory to contract a travel insurance, which is necessary in case of misfortune, of accident or illness during the trip.

SIGN UP FEE
The is no sing up fee for our trips

SIGNING UP
DIRECT SIGN UP THROUGH THIS WEBSITE
We kindly require you to send the following information to our email:

programm@mashipura.com

Departure date
Package name: Ecuador Aventura
Name and surname of each of the participants.
Passport number and expiration date of each of the participants.
Address (street, city) of each of the adult participants
Home phone number, mobile and  email of each of the adult participants
Room type and number (num. single bed, double bed, full bed, triple)
Eventual supplementary services required
Eventual extensions required
Once we have received the information, we will send you a participation voucher with
all the details related to the trip, costs and banking organization for transfers.  

FORESEEN ECONOMY CLASS HOTELS
Quito: Hotel S. Francisco, small colonial hotel in the center of the city
Latacunga: Rodelu – small hotel un the center of Latacunga, the best one of the city
Baños di Ambato : Donde Ivan –  Recently constructed hotel managed with great hospitality by Ivan and his family
Riobamba: El Troje  - an optimal country hotel, located a few minutes away from Riobamba, the cabins are very cozy and wide.
Cuenca: Inca Real  - an antique colonial house located in the center of the city
Guayaquil: Gran Hotel Guayaquil – all the comfort nearby the Cathedral and iguana’s park.

FORESEEN SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS
Quito: Hotel Alameda – one of the best hotels in Quito, located in the Amazonas street, near the stores and restaurants.
Latacunga: Hacienda La Cienega – ancient country Hacienda transformed in a bautiful hotel full of charm.  
Baños de Ambato: Hotel Sangay – cozy hotel located nearby the thermal waters
Riobamba: El Troje  - an optimal country hotel, located a few minutes away from Riobamba, the cabins are very cozy and wide.
Cuenca: Hotel Alcazar – an exclusive hotel constructed in a colonial stile
Guayaquil: Gran Hotel Guayaquil – all the comfort nearby the Cathedral and iguana’s park.

In case of circumstances beyond our control the hotels may be substituted with others of the same category or superior. All hotels are select and offer an optimal relation quality price even if they belong to a different categories.  

Your trip may be complemented with one of our additional packages which can be added after the cruise to the Galapagos Islands. You may request one of these packages to: programma@mashipura.com

1. BEACH FIRST CLASS
Stay will be next to the beach in one of the most luxurious hotels of the coast, the Barceló Miramar of Salinas. This hotel is equipped with 2 swimming pools, spa, gym, all inclusive service during the whole day, and everything is included in the fee. Whale watching is possible from June to September (not inclusive activity)   
1st  day: Guayaquil – Salinas Barceló
2nd  day: Beach
3rd  day: Beach
4th  day: Amazon jungle – flight –
Quito Alameda Hotel

Price US $460 double or full bed
Extra charge US $270 for single bed


2. BEACH ADVENTURE
Stay at the beach near P. Lopez inside the National Park Machalilla. This is a privileged area for whale watching during June to September (not inclusive activity) and also to enjoy the beautiful beach all year long. Lodging will be in comfortable huts located inside a great tropical garden which is situated next to the beach.
1st  day: Guayaquil – Mandala Hosteria – P. Lopez
2nd day: Beach
3rd  day: Beach
4th  day: P. Lopez – Mandala Hosteria  – Guayaquil

Price US $320 double or full bed
Extra charge US $70 for single bed



3. GALAPAGOS RED BOOBY
This is a proposal for who wishes to visit the islands and have contact with the incredible animals that life there.
The fee includes: the flight, lodging and breakfast, 2 tours in boat including lunch, visit to the Darwin center.
1st day: Flight to the Galapagos – visit to the Darwin center
2nd day: Boat tour
3rd day: Boat tour
4th day: Flight to Guayaquil or Quito, departure

This extension will take place with a minimum of 2 participants
Price: US$ 970 in double bed roomSupplement for single bed room US $ 70
 


4. GALAPAGOS SILBERSTEIN
Tour to the Galapagos sleeping in one of the best hotels of the islands The fee includes: the flight, lodging and breakfast, 2 tours in boat including lunch, visit to the Darwin center. 
1st day: Flight to the Galapagos – visit to the Darwin center
2nd day: Boat tour
3rd day: Boat tour
4th day: Flight to Guayaquil or Quito, departure

This extension will take place with a minimum of 2 participants
Price: US $ 1070 in double bed room
Supplement for single bed room US

All weeks with a minimum 2 participants