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| 13 Day Volcanoes & The Amazon |
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From $ 1 789.00 pps |
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Discover the diversity of Ecuador with us on this action packed family tour. High Andean peaks and volcanoes, lush Amazon rainforest and wildlife, colourful Indian markets, cloud forest, and relaxation in a spa resort, make this trip truly unforgettable. Starting in Ecuador’s capital Quito, we discover the colonial splendour of the old town. We then set off to enjoy the tranquility of the Andean cloud forest, where hummingbirds flit between the trees and beautiful orchids adorn the forest floor. There is even the chance for optional river tubing. We shop for souvenirs at Otavalo handicraft market famous for its indigenous sellers in their colourful traditional dress. We relax in the therapeutic hot spring waters at Papallacta, a world class spa resort with stunning views of the Andes.
Tour Details
• Tour Type: Family Tour
• Region(s): Ecuador
13
31-10-2008
Budget
• Price: From $ 1 789.00 pps
$ 362.00
No local Payment
Children
13
Some
No
16
25
Ecuador, Quito, Old Colonial Town Quito, Cable Car Pichincha Mountain, Cloudforest, Mitad del Mundo Equator Monument, Inti Nan Museum, Otavalo Markets
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Day 1: Join Quito - Arrival Transfer Included
Day 2: Quito – Colonial Old Town, Cable Car. Mindo Cloudforest
Day 3: Mindo – Free Day. Optional Biking, Horse Riding, River Tubing, Treks, Butterfly & Orchid Farms
Day 4: Mindo – Free morning. Equator Monument, Inti Nan Museum, Otavalo
Day 5: Otavalo – Animal & Handicraft Markets, Cultural Night
Day 6: Papallacta – Hot Springs, Optional Spa Treatments, Horse Riding
Day 7: Tena – Rainforest Lodge, River Napo
Day 8: Tena Amazoonica Animal Rescue Centre, Quichua Indian Village
Day 9: Tena – La Latas Waterfall (Swimming), Jungle Walk
Day 10: Valley of Waterfalls, Cotopaxi National Park, Overnight at Hacienda
Day 11: Cotopaxi National Park – Cotopaxi Volcano – Optional Treks, Laguna Limpiopungo
Day 12: Return Quito – Free Afternoon
Day 13: Quito – Tour Ends after Breakfast. Departure Transfer Included
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| Tour Map of 13 Day Volcanoes & The Amazon |
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| Mindo Ecuador is a heaven for bird watchers it also appeals to photographers and explorers for its outstanding waterfalls |
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| The old centre has churches dating from the 16th and 17th century, plenty of old buildings, and cobblestone streets |
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| The Otavalo market is the most important market in Ecuador, they specializes in an array of products including woven goods, leather works and much more |
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| The Amazon River is the greatest river on earth, the tropical rainforest of its watershed is home to millions of species of plants and animals |
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- Hotels (7 Nights)
- Rainforest Lodge (3 Nights)
- Hacienda (2 Nights)
- Hotel Quito
Nestled amidst secluded gardens you feel being surrounded by total tranquility and peace, even though you are right in the middle of Quito, five minutes to downtown Quito or the bank and affair district, 10 minutes to the airport. This is a great old-styled traditional hotel with up to date infrastructure, personalized service, rooftop restaurant and bar with an amazing view day and night, Mezzanine sports bar. The recently redecorated outdoor heated pool, steam bath and sauna adds up as an excellent amenity to this first class hotel.
Would you like to wake up, draw the curtains and view one of the most beautiful cities of South America at the foot of the Andean Cordillera? Or would you prefer to sight the cupolas of the 17th Century Church of Guapulo, and the Valley of Tumbaco illuminated by the morning sun. Only the comfortable rooms of the HOTEL QUITO offer you this possibility. Cable TV, room service, cold drinks and wireless Internet are some of the other amenities that will make your stay unforgettable.
RATES
Single : $. 100
Double : $. 110
- Los Alpes Hostel
Los Alpes is a small hostel that is full of antiques, located in a more safe and quiet street in the Quito center within site of the US Embassy. It is on the edge of the popular La Mariscal district with its many restaurants, cafes and travel agents.
Hostal Los Alpes has 24 rooms, all with private bathroom, television and telephone. It has rooms for one, two or three people and suites which accommodate up to four people in two connected bedrooms.
Its largest suite has a living room, kitchen area and bedrooms (each with bathroom).
The hostel features a full service restaurant specialising in authentic Italian food. Home made raviolis, pastas and luscious chocolate mousse are some of the legendary specialities of the house. One can choose from the varied continental cuisine available on the menu each evening.
RATES
Single: $49
Double: $59
Triple: $69
- Akros Hotel
Akros hotel, is located in the Executive, Financial and Business District of Quito, it is close to the most important commercial malls. Spectacular modern building designed and fully equipped for the utmost security and comfort of its guests.
All rooms & suites provide a superb panoramic view of the entire city of Quito. A grand Hotel with splendid food and atmosphere, rates are very special.
Location: International Airport - UIO 3 miles, Business District 3 blocks. Colonial Historic Centre 4 miles, Major Shopping Malls 3 blocks, Indian Village 20 miles, Paradise Valleys 3 miles, Main City park 2 blocks.
RATES
Simple Room: $75
Double Room: $100
Triple Room: $110
Depending on the type of tour, transport will vary according to the terrain and is part of the fun of the trip. It will range however, from local buses to trains, trucks, riverboats to canoes, minibuses to 4wd vehicles, and even the occasional ride on a camel or elephant. This variety provides excitement and interest and creates a more authentic experience.
Kumuka Overland trucks are as comfortable as possible. On board you will find mostly forward facing seats, a safe for valuables, stereo and even a small library. Kumuka’s vehicles have been built to be prepared for all conditions. They are all fitted with long-range fuel and water tanks to avoid any shortages. All trucks provide tents, tables, campstools, cooking equipment such as grills or gas burners, all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, knives, chopping boards and washing bowls. Also provided is crockery and eating utensils. Some trucks are fitted with Fridges and others have cool boxes, ice is provided when available to help keep food cool and local payment covers wood and charcoal if needed.
In Europe Kumuka provides air-conditioned coaches for your comfort whilst travelling through Europe. There are also a selection of entertainment and informative videos provided for longer journeys, your tour leader will supplement these with information about the areas you are travelling through. The coach has a toilet on board for use in emergencies however due to European regulations the driver is legally required to stop every 2 hours for a break. This breaks up journeys and allows you to stretch your legs or grab a coffee. There are also coach free days where you will be able to experience local transport options or walk through the cities seeing the sites and absorbing the local culture.
RECOMMENDED GENERAL PACKING LIST
- Silk/cotton sleeping liner – good for warm nights
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Torch/Spare Batteries
- Travel umbrella/thin raincoat
- Sun Hat
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
- Sunglasses
- Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
- Travel alarm clock
- Sewing kit
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Swiss army knife
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
- I-pod/MP3/Discman
- Pens
CLOTHES & FOOTWEAR
Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
- Underwear/socks
- Swimwear
- 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts
- Skirt/dress
- Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
- 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Hiking boots if any trekking involved
- Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers
RECOMMENDED FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic
- Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Malaria Tablets (if necessary)
- Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Mosquito spray
- Insect bite cream
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
Country entry regulations can change daily. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Recommended inoculations:
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Yellow fever
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Hepatitis A
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Diphtheria
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Typhoid
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Tetanus
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Polio
We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
Ages on this tour are from:
- Child 5-11 years
- Adult 12-55 years
- We regret to advise that there are currently no more tour suggestions for this tour
Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
Security:
Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Central America, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material: You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:
We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.Belize, Costa Rica and the Yucatan province in Mexico are more expensive than the other Central American Countries, in those areas you should budget on US$ 30 per day.
Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.
Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted.
Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20).
Included Excursions:
All activities mentioned in the brochure unless optional are included in your tour price. This also includes many extra things that the group does as a whole such as ruins site entrance fees, domestic flights, local guides at some attractions, National Park entrance fees.
Local Customs:
Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Medical Supplies:
We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
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