EcoAdventures, Inc.
Optional Post-Tour Extension
to Otavalo Market & Cuenca via the Chiva Express
5 Days/4 Nights
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December 02-08, 2009 |
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Day |
Post-Trip at a Glance |
Meals
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Sep '09
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Dec ' 09
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7
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Otavalo
Market Tour Early morning departure for a full-day excursion to the famous Otavalo market north of Quito. Descend into Guayllabamba Gorge, then climb out into the Guayllabamba Valley. Arrive in Otavalo to find the market bustling. After shopping for woolen rugs, wall hangings, and knit and embroidered clothing, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. |
B, L
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02
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02
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8
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Chiva
Express - Quito to Riobamba Take a bus ride from Quito to the station of Tambillo, where the 'Chiva Express,' a colorful one-coach train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. 'Ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the region. Enjoy a snack at the Station of Machachi and then 'ride the roof' up the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano. Continue by bus to visit an Indian market, lunch and overnight in Riobamba at the Hostel Abraspungo, at the foot of Chimborazo Volcano. |
B, L, D
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03
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03
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9
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Chiva
Express - Riobamba to Cuenca After breakfast, board the 'Chiva Express' for a scenic ride to Alausí. Prepare to go down the Devil's Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí. Continue south along the Andes by motorcoach to Cuenca, visiting en route the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, to arrive at dusk. Dinner and overnight at the very charming Hosteria Santa Lucia. |
B, L, D
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04
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04
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10
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Cuenca
to Quito See Cuenca's old and new cathedrals, the monasteries of El Carmen and La Concepcion Inmaculada, El Rollo del Vecino Monument and San Jose de la Merced Church. Stop for lunch, then visit a ceramic factory, the pre-Inca ruins of Todos Los Santos, and the Central Bank Museum. At the end of the tour transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the Radisson Hotel. |
B, L
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05
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05
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11
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Homeward Bound |
B
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06
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06
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Day Seven, Tuesday: Otavalo Market Tour
Depart early in the morning for a full-day excursion
to the famous Otavalo market north of Quito. First
descend into the spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge, then climb out into the
fertile Guayllabamba Valley. Finally
you will arrive in Otavalo to find the market bustling. 
Otavalo
Indians are an aristocratic society and highly skilled weavers. Otavalo,
often called the Persia of South America, has one large square that is
a shopper's paradise of woolen rugs, wall hangings, and knit and embroidered
clothing. Otavaleños sell their goods throughout Ecuador, but you
will find the best selection and prices here. Then proceed to Peguche,
an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do
the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday
life. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the
area. (B, L)
Day Eight, Wednesday: Chiva Express - Quito
to Riobamba
The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride
to the station of Tambillo, where the 'Chiva Express,' a colorful one-coach
train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. A highlight of the trip
is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region
of Ecuador. You will enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the 'Chiva Express'
advances along the ancient tracks. A snack is served at the Station of
Machachi and then 'ride the roof' up the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano. Continue
by bus to visit an Indian market, lunch and overnight at Riobamba, located
at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano. Overnight at the Hostel
Abraspungo. (B, L, D)
Day
Nine, Thursday: Chiva Express - Riobamba to Cuenca
After an early breakfast, transfer to the train
station to board the 'Chiva Express' for a scenic ride to Alausí.
Twist and turn over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges.
Arrive to Alausí and prepare to go down the Devil's Nose switch
backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world,
and back to Alausí. Continue south along the Andes by motorcoach
to Cuenca, visiting en route the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, to arrive at
dusk. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca. Overnight at
the very charming Hosteria
Santa Lucia. (B, L, D)
Day Ten, Friday: Cuenca to Quito
Cuenca's charm lies in the purity with which
its style has been preserved, with its pastoral pace, cobblestone streets,
and predominately colonial buildings. See the old and new cathedrals,
the monasteries of El Carmen and La Concepcion Inmaculada, El Rollo del
Vecino Monument and San Jose de la Merced Church. Stop for lunch, and
then visit a ceramic factory, the pre-Inca ruins of Todos Los Santos,
and the Central Bank Museum. At the end of the tour you will be transferred
to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Transfer to the Radisson
Hotel. (B, L)
Day Eleven, Saturday : Homeward bound
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)
Terms and Conditions:
•Payments by check only. All prices are net. $100 per person immediate deposit, final payment due 90 days prior to departure date.
•Space is limited and is on a first come/first served basis
•Reservations will NOT be taken over the telephone. Fax the application form to 408-465-8177 or 8178.Cancellations:
All cancellations must be received in writing
Cancellations at any time will be subject to a $200 per person cancellation penalty
Cancellations 46-60 days prior to your departure date will be subject to a 50% cancellation penalty
Cancellations 45 days or less prior to your departure date will be subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
EcoAdventures,
Inc.
15105 Concord Circle, Suite 220
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
CST #1011294-10
800-326-5025
408-465-8181
Fax: 408-465-8177
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