TRAVEL GROUPS FOR SENIOR
ECUADOR
Ecuador Senior Tours - Vacation Packages
Travel to discover the charm, culture and beauty of Ecuador, tours for senior through Quito, the capital, the highlands, volcanoes, indigenous markets, the Galapagos Islands, jungle and beautiful cultural landmarks.
25DAYS/24NIGHTS
Day 1: Welcome to Quito
Day 2: Quito - Papallacta
Day 3: Papallacta-San Rafael Waterfall - Tena-Misahualli– Jungle Lodge
Day 4: Cotococha Lodge
Day 5:Cotococha Lodge – Baños
Day 6: Baños
Day 7: Baños – Chimborazo National Park- Riobamba
Day 8: Andean Train & Ingapirca Ruins
Day 9: Cuenca City tour
Day 10: Cuenca – Guayaquil
Day 11-18: Galapagos cruise 8days/7nights on board a Tourist Superior
Day 18: Galapagos-Quito
Day 19: Mindo Cloud Forest
Day 20: Quilotoa Loop
Day 21: Quito City tour + Teleférico + Jaccigua
Day 22: Cotopaxi + Saquisilí Market
Day 23-24: Quito- Peguche- Cuicocha-Cotacachi
Day 24: Otavalo Market-Quito
Day 25: Quito-Home
Middle of the World of Quito
THE BEST OF ECUADOR SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR SENIORS
25DAYS/24NIGHTS
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Welcome to Quito
Airport hotel (aprox. 1hour 30 minutes ride depending on traffic and time of day)
Our guide/representative will be waiting at the airport with a sign with the our logo and passenger names listed, he orshe will greet you and guide you to our vehicle and will accompany you to your hotel.
Overnight at selected hotel in Quito
Day 2: Quito - Papallacta
After lunch drive to Papallacta Hot Springs and over night.
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Day 3: Papallacta-San Rafael Waterfall - Tena-Misahualli– Cotococha Lodge
Papallacta Hot Springs, famous place for its thermal water pools: then we will hike about1 1/2 hours from a private cloud forest reserve where we can admire the beauty of nature rich in flora and fauna.
After hiking we will go back to the thermal waters and enjoy a delicious bath taking advantage of the medicinal benefits that this place spring offers.
Afternoon head to Cotococha Lodge, on the way we will stop at San Rafael Waterfall.
Arrival to the Lodge in the afternoon. After the long drive we can relax for a while in our beautiful spacious bungalow built in a rustic native design surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. A delicious dinner will beserved in a romantic candle light setting at the attractively decorated restaurant. After wards we will enjoy a special welcome drink, relaxing ourselves around the elegant fireplace, to coordinate and discuss next day'sactivities with the local crew. We'll feel absolutely comfortable in this lovely peaceful setting filled with nightly sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle. (D)
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Day 4: Cotococha Lodge
After breakfast, we depart by canoe upstream for ten minutes, arriving to a small shore where we begin a fun and thrillingone hour walk, marvelling ourselves with the jungle's secondary forest diverse flora and fauna. After our short hike, we'll find ourselves in a breath taking cascade "La Cascadade Latas" where we will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal watersand enjoy the surrounding views, which, mixed with the jungle sounds, makes it an unforgettable experience. We return along the same way to have lunch at the lodge.
After lunch we put on our "wet gear"(rubber boots & rain poncho) to start an exciting walk in the rainforest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which will be explained in detail by our expert native guide: their characteristics and how the jungle inhabitants used them in ancient times. We'll also observe a great variety of insects, small groups of monkeys weaving around the giant trees; though we willneed some luck to observe them, we must stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colourful birds tag along with us during our walk whistling enchanted notes delighting our senses. After about three hours of walking we come back and arrive to the Lodge. At night, dinner and gathering around the fireplace. It's time for a good and peaceful rest delighted by the nightly sounds of the jungle. (B-L-D)
Day 5:Cotococha Lodge – Baños
After breakfast, we will have to prepare our return trip. End of program. (B)
*Please note that all itineraries are subjectto change and availability without any prior notice.
If timeallows, (if not, itwill be on the next day) hiking to breathtaking Pailon del Diablo waterfall. Later, we will take the tarabita (Aircable) to see the majestic Manto de la Novia Waterfall. We will pass by the Agoyan and Devils cauldron, (amazing waterfalls).
Arrival in Baños and accommodation at selected hotel
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Day 6: Baños
Baños mean“Baths”, which is precisely what the town is famous for. Some of them are fedby thermal springs from the base of the active Volcano Tungurahua, which means:"little hell” in Quichua. We visit the cathedral, the balsa wood birdscarving workshop, the tagua (ivory nut) jewelry stores and visit the thermalbaths. Free afternoon.
In the evening tour in “chiva” to the volcano mirador, from where we will see the city of Baños.
Over night in Baños
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Day 7: Baños – Chimborazo National Park- Riobamba
Today we visit Mount Chimborazo, a few hours drive from Baños, is the highest point on earth, as measured from theearth’s centre.
Afternoon arrival to Riobamba, Here youwill have a brief tour of the city, which includes its French-influenced plazas, the Cathedral, admire the city from Quito hill and learn about Ecuador’s history from its murals. Accommodation in Riobamba
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Day 8: Andean Train & Ingapirca Ruins
After an early breakfast you will continue your excursion south passing by a pictures que Indian area in the highlands of Ecuador.Here you will admire the oldest Catholic chapel in the country “Balbanerachapel”. Then, you are going to arrive to Alausi train Station. If the train is available, you will experience the Devil’s nose route going from the highest Andes to the low lands. This is an unforgettable experience where you will have an opportunity to ride through the Andes on the top of the train and pass through several towns, rivers of the region.
We will arrive to Ingapirca ruins, the most important religious and political complex of Inca ruins in Ecuador.Afterwards, you will continue your drive to the beautiful city of Cuenca (Ecuador’s third largest city), for an overnight stay. In the evening you can enjoy a free night to roam through this charming city in the South of Ecuador. Accommodation in Cuenca.
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Day 9: Cuenca City tour
Ecuador’s third largest city; still retains it´s pleasant provincial air. It´s red tiled roofs,cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make an unforgetable experiencein your vist to Ecuador.Our city tour includes the visit to the main square, the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, cathedral a symbol of religiousness in the country, the Court of Justice, The Municipal Palace, The Governor’s Palace and the Sagrario Church. We willl walk part of the callelarga (large Street) admiring the unique colonial style of Cuenca. Visit to the panama´s hat factory to discover the real story about this ecuatorian hats.
Overnight in Cuenca
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Day 10: Cuenca – Guayaquil
On The way, we will stop at Cajas National Park view point and continue to Guayaquil City tour of Guayaquil takes place in the down town area where we can have a nice overview of the old city by visiting Las Peñas district, located on the slopes of Santa Ana Hill.From this point, enjoy an excellent view of the modern Malecon 2000, located atthe shores of Guayas River, as well as a fine example of original architecture in Guayaquil. At the Malecon we will visit La Rotonda, an important monument that immortalizes the meeting between generals Simon Bolivar and San Martin, The Moorish Clock Tower and many other attractive sights.
Afterwards,walk in the old town through 9 de Octubre Avenue; visit the Seminario Park,also known as the Iguanas and Centenario Park. Accommodation in Guayaquil.
Arrive in Guayaquil and overnight
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Day 11-18: Galapagos cruise 8days/7nights on board the Eden Yacht-Tourist Superiorclass or similar
Transfer to the airport to take your flight tothe Galapagos Islands
This sleek motor vessel was custom-builtin 1996 for Galapagos cruising, and completely refurbished in 2010. Eden's elegant interiorand refined details are sure to please guests.
It's eight ocean view double cabins allhave private bathrooms and a generous hot water supply. Additionally, there isa library, TV/VCR area, restaurant/bar, and a sun deck on board.
Enjoy delicious Ecuadorian and international delicacies in the buffet area, and socialize with fellow travellers over an ice-cold beer in one of two comfortable social areas.
SUNDAY Baltra (Aeropuerto) - Las Bachas
MONDAY Genovesa, Bahía Darwin - El Barranco
TUESDAY Bartolomé - Bahía Sullivan
WEDNESDAYCaleta Tortuga Negra - Cerro Dragón
THURSDAY Santa Cruz, ECCHD - Parte Alta
FRIDAY Floreana, Pos Office - Punta Cormorant
SATURDAY Española, Punta Suarez - Bahía Gardner
SUNDAY: Leon dormido y centro de interpretacion
Day 18: Galapagos-Quito
Transfer and overnight in Quito
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Day 19: Mindo Cloud Forest
Early departure from Quito to the north west, passing through the edge of the Andes, lush vegetation and orchids await us in our first stop Pahuma, a protected areaby the inhabitants of the sector. We continue our descent to the town of Mindo,where trekking through the forest will be done, depending on the difficulty andadventure preferred. During the hikingyou will have the opportunity to admire the waterfalls, the natural forest,rivers, and exotic species of birds, butterflies and orchids. A full day tour (lunch is optional)
Overnight in Quito
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Day 20: Quilotoa Loop
Early morning after breakfast, travel south and visit the Quilotoa lake which isone of the most beautiful and breathtaking, a tranquil, mesmerizing glass-greenlake lying in the crater of an extinct volcano. The volcanic crater is still perfectly formed, allowing visitors to see its past history and formidable power. We will walk down from the top of the crater to the lake's edge. Once atthe bottom of the lake, there isn't much to do other than relax and enjoy the tranquility. The return walk back to the top of the crater you can ascending tothe top by mule.
Optional Lunch and return to Quito.
Day 21: Quito City tour + Teleférico + Jaccigua
We will start our city tour with acomprehensive route through the main banking and financial areas, shopping malls and La Mariscal neighborhood. Then we will continue towards the Historic Center.Here we will visit the El Panecillo (entrance included), a beautiful view point where we can see the highlights of colonial and modern Quito. We will also visit a 17th century San Franciscan church, a beautiful colonial neighborhood called La Ronda, the Plaza de la Independencia, the Government’s Palace as well as La Compañía Church, where adornments and gold altars can be appreciated.
We will enjoy free time for lunch at the Historic Center before a visit to the Basilica Church (entrance to churches not included).
We will pay a visit to Quito's cable car, take a gondola and climb to an altitude of 4100 meters of Cruz Loma area, where you can view a spectacular image of the city of Quito(entrance is included)
In theevening experience the Jacchigua folkloric ballet, a beautiful representation of the traditions and customs of the indigenous people of Ecuador.
Overnight
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Day 22: Cotopaxi + Saquisilí Market
Departure from Quito through The Panamericana South Highway, enjoying the beautiful landscapes ofthe place, we will visit the Saquisilí market (only Thursdays) where native people of the region expose and sell their handicrafts. The market is in a few different areas of the city, and starts early in the morning when mostly indigenous people from surrounding villages offer animals, clothes and food.
Continuing we will arrive at the impressive active volcano Cotopaxi(5.897 m.High). We will go to Limpiopungo lake and discover the area by walking aroundit. It the whether allows, we will hike up to Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you willhave a nice view of the volcano and the Andes.Lunch (optional).
Afternoon return to Quito
Over night in Quito
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Day 23-24: Quito- Peguche- Cuicocha-Cotacachi
Peguche waterfall, continue to Cuicocha crater lake and then Cotacachi for great leather garments shopping. We will be able to visit indigenous communities and learn about their agricultural life style and how they combine their daily duties with their love for arts and crafts. Arrive at the hacienda in the afternoon, and start exploring its grounds. Lodging at hacienda.
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Day 24: Otavalo Market-Quito
After breakfast we will visit the Otavalo Indigenous craft market, famous through out the Andes forits handicrafts, textiles and tapestries.
Aroundmid-afternoon return to Quito.
Overnightin Quito
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Day 25: Quito-Home
Middle of the World of Quito
Morning,we head up to the “Middle of the World” (entrance included). Visit the monument that divides the Northern from the Southern Hemisphere. It was built during the17th century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of theequatorial line. The Intiñan Museum, known as the Solar Equinox Museum, can also bevisited (entrance is not included).
At indicated time transfer to the airport to take your flight back home
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ECUADOR SENIOR TOURS AND TRAVEL GROUPS
BASILICA CHURCH - QUITO
Papallacta-San Rafael Waterfall - Tena-Misahualli– Cotococha Lodge
Cotococha Lodge
Baños
Baños – Chimborazo National Park- Riobamba
Andean Train & Ingapirca Ruins
Cuenca City tour
Guayaquil
Galapagos
Mindo Cloud Forest
Quilotoa Loop
Teleférico
Cotopaxi + Saquisilí Market
Quito- Peguche- Cuicocha-Cotacachi
Otavalo Indian Market
MAP TOURS IN ECUADOR
