Ecuador - Andean Adventure

Highlights

· Walk on the side of the world's highest active volcano
· Raft down a tropical river
· Drive down the "Avenue of the Volcanoes"

Ecuador, sitting astride the Equator, is the epitome of South America with a huge variety packed in to a small and accessible area. The Andes here are isolated volcanoes, snow-capped and many still active. The snows drain eastwards in to the Amazon basin and here is untouched rain forest only accessible by canoe. There are a number of camps and lodges here, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the deep forest and its wildlife

The Galapagos Islands, five hundred miles west, need no introduction, other than to say all you have heard is true. They are unique and beyond comparison for the wildlife which crowds on and around them. The birds and animals have no fear of people and so watching them is often more of a case of not stepping on them. Boats take small groups between the islands, usually a week at a time, and allow plenty of time for photography, swimming and eating.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Quito at leisure
Explore the old town or visit the Equator

Day 3: Quito-Otavalo-San Pablo Lake
The town is renowned for the Indian market

Day 4: Otavalo - Bellavista
A cloud forest with huge numbers of hummingbirds.

Day 5: Bellavista - Santo Domingo
White water action! Three hours of exhilaration.

Day 6: Santo Domingo de los Colorados - Cotopaxi National Park
More rafting through the forest.

Day 7: Cotopaxi
Enjoy exploring the area around the world's highest active volcano

Day 8: Cotopaxi - Quito
Return to Quito and afternoon at leisure to explore the city

Day 9: Departure

Cost - Adult Tbc Child Tbc
BEST TIME: all year

Flights - The best are with KLM who have regional departures throughout UK

Extensions: - These trips can be added to the main tour:
AMAZON 2 days of canoeing and walking into the deepest forest to search for wildlife
and meet the local indians
GALAPAGOS A five or eight day cruise among the islands
CARRIBEAN - A beach stopover on the Island of Bonaire can be arranged