Whirlwind tour through the major regions of Ecuador
11 days / 10 nights
From $2,757 per person, double occupancy for 2011

Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito and transfer to the Cafe Cultura, a colonial-style hotel.

Day 2: Quito - Otavalo
Pickup at your hotel this morning for a scenic ride through the Ecuadorian Highlands to Otavalo. Along the way, stop at a small monument of the equator, and at the village of Calderon. Visit the renowned market of the Otavalo Indian, industrious makers of the handicrafts for which Ecuador is famous. On the return trip home, you will visit the town of Cotacachi, where fine leather goods are made. Afternoon return to Cafe Cultural Hotel in Quito. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Quito - Riobamba
After an early departure, drive south of Quito to visit Ecuador's first national park, Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on Earth. Explore the Anean moorlands with species of highland birds, or hike up to the snow line (15,800ft.). Drive to one of Riobamba's country inns for a well deserved rest, surrounded by volcanoes. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Riobamba - Cuenca
After breakfast, start your day with a drive through some of the most picturesque indigenous areas of the country. Visit Ingapirca, the most important religious and political monument left by the Incas in Ecuador. As you walk around the ruins, it will be easier to imagine why this site was chosen. Drive to Cuenca to overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cuenca - Guayaquil
After breakfast, let Cuenca's cobblestone streets, graceful wrought iron balconies and flowered plazas captivate you. Its market places and handicrafts are living testimony to the region's rich indigenous and artisan heritage. A visit to a straw-hat export enterprise is scheduled. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight to Guayaquil. Overnight accommodations at Hotel Oro Verde. (B,L)

Day 6: Northern Guayaquil
Drive to northern Guayaquil after breakfast. Explore the area, possibly the most beautiful part of the Ecuadorian coastline. Visit the fishing villages and vibrant coastal cities, stopping to sample the local fresh seafood delicacies. Overnight at Calypso Hotel at the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Guayaquil - Machalilla National Park
After breakfast, drive north, parallel to the ocean, to the archaeological sites and museums of Salango and Agua Blanca communities. Drive to Los Frailes, a paradisical town with white sand beaches surrounded by primary dry forest. Overnight at Mantaraya. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Machalilla National Park
Board a yacht and take a half -hour voyage to Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) inside Machalilla National Park. It is known as Little Galapagos due to its incredible resemblance in flora and fauna. Overnight at Mantaraya. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Quito - Manta
Visit Montecristi, the place where the misnamed "Panama hats" were born. You can learn the process directly from the master handcrafters. Drive to Manta and begin a tour of Ecuador's second main port city. Overnight in Oro Verde Manta. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Manta - Quito
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. You’ll be transferred to the Café Cultura. (B)

Day 11: Int'l departure
You will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to the international airport for your return flight. (B)