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THE ESSENCE OF ECUADOR

Every country has its own assortment of “must-see” and “not-to-miss” places and activities, the so-called hidden jewels….
Ecuador is no exception, it has so many of them that it’s hard to pick the top five or even try to visit them all in a few days…
In any case, our personal picks include:

- To stroll through colonial oldtown Quito
- To visit one of the snow-capped volcanoes, especially Cotopaxi and Antisana
- To hike around the Quilotoa crater lake
- To row a canoe on a small tributary river in the Amazonia
- To visit the traditional and very colorful indigenous markets
- To bargain in the Otavalo artisanal market
- Whale watching on the coast
- And of course, to take pictures of all kinds of animals in the Galapagos Islands

We have put together a 16-day program to show you all of our favorite highlights in Mainland Ecuador.
Travel to the northern region of the country, where you will find crater lakes, stunning vegetation and, of course, the Otavalo Market. The tour also includes a visit to the cities of Quito and Cuenca, both considered UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Other features include a visit to the Cotopaxi National Park, a walk along the rim of the Quilotoa crater lake and trekking at the Chimborazo volcano, the nearest point on Earth to the sun. At Chimborazo, hike up to the second shelter situated 5,000 meters above sea level. The tour will also include an adventure through the Amazon forest with a local guide before traveling south to enjoy a famous train tour heading to ‘Nariz del Diablo’ (the Devil’s Nose) along with a visit to one of the traditional indigenous markets.
This journey allows you to enjoy many sites and attractions from such a stunning country.
After arriving to Guayaquil -the biggest city in Ecuador-, you may choose an extension package to the coast or the Galapagos Islands.

COMMUNITY AND RURAL TOURISM

Would you like to learn how to cook a traditional Quinoa Soup or the different ways how to use corn? Or to try out the diversity of fruits, vegetables and cereals you often don’t find in other countries? To play soccer with the kids of the village? To learn more about the medicine plants the families still use to cure? To practice your Spanish or to learn some Kichwa words and know more about their cosmovision of the “Pachamama”, the earth mother?

This is the opportunity, if only for a moment, to share life with an indigenous family in Ecuador! To approach their culture, their traditions and their eating habits, to understand and discover the reality of their daily lives .... and just to spend a warm and welcoming moment a little out of our normal life.

For about ten years now, the families have started to open their houses for guests, all over the country, but mostly in the Andes. It is a moment of sharing in an interactive way, with humility and respect on both sides. By choosing to receive you, this family gets the opportunity to have economic income for their home, thus avoiding to leave their community and to work in the city ...

The houses are a little rustic but fulfill all the necessities. Generally located in the countryside, they allow you to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes.

Honey Moon
Ecuador is perfect for your Honey Moon … We know unforgettable places which make you feel unique and give color to this special occasion.
Finally alone, it is time to celebrate this moment of life and we offer you a tailor made program in which you can indulge yourself according to your interests and with a touch of romance!

Family
In all age groups it is possible to travel with the parents! We know Ecuador well enough to help you organize your family trip. We know where and how you can inspire your children. We help you to plan your voyage and create a tailor-made program with a pace and activities tailored to your child's age and interests.

Seniors??
What a pleasure and a chance to travel when and where you want to go! We adapt us to your wishes, interests, your fitness and your pace ... With all these important little details we can prepare you a custom-made trip that is tailored to your needs with all the necessary comfort and the desired conveniences. We vouch for the required security and the smooth running of your discovery of Ecuador.

Voyage with disability
Today it is possible to realize your travel wishes even with physical disabilities. Ecuador is gradually building up better structures to facilitate for the traveler with restrictions. It is up to us to organize a program and find the services, accommodations and activities that best suit your needs.

Train
From the Pacific Coast to the Andean Volcanoes, from Guayaquil to Quito (or vice versa), discover the wonders of Ecuador and enjoy a unique experience aboard of one of the most beautiful trains in South America! Cross the country with modern electro-diesel engines and old steam locomotives. They offer a personalized service based on the high standards of social and environmental responsibility. In four days you will discover the cloud forest, typical markets, the Avenue of Volcanoes, craft workshops, you will meet the last man who brings ice from the Chimborazo volcano into the city and you will be greeted by indigenous communities.
During the day you travel by train and some ways by private bus and in the evening you stay in unique and charming hotels.