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Veggie Tours: Ecuador

March 11, 2012 By

The Andean Energy (Thermal Springs Tour)
Code: ECU-001
(9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS)
100% vegetarian meals included.
DAY 1
Quito
Assistance and transfer in Quito from airport to selected Hotel Quito, founded by the Spanish conquistadors on late 1534 over the remains of an eight-hectare walled and purposely-destroyed Inca palace was the hometown of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Proudly displays the privilege of being the first City ever declared by Unesco as Cultural Heritage Site back in 1979.
With over one and a half million inhabitants and temperate weather year around holds the largest colonial district found on the Americas composed by around 320 blocks of Spanish homes, plazas and countless convents, monasteries and churches built along the last five centuries.Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu) .Overnight at La Rabida Hostal in Quito, standard room including breakfast.
DAY 2
Quito-Mindo

Breakfast

Early departure to Discover one of the world’s top-five biodiversity hotspots, according to Conservation International; understand your relationship with nature as you listen the concert of life around you. At 80 kms northwest of Quito we find a Reserve of 15,000 acres of rainforest of incredible beauty and tranquility; this amazingly bio diverse region is home of: 2000 species of plants, including at least 90 species of ferns and vivid flowering varieties such as bromeliads and orchids.
Constant moisture in this mountain environment provides perfect conditions for epiphytes and allows great variety of vegetation with more than 325 species of birds including the Golden headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), Crimson-rumped Toucanets (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaicocercus coelestis), Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum), an active “Andean Cock-of the Rock” (Rupicola peruviana) and at least 250 species of butterflies and moths, such as the Electric blue Morpho.Lunch included on set-menu basis in route.

Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu). Overnight in the Inn Mariposas de Mindo in Mindo, standard room
DAY 3
Mindo / Quito

Breakfast

In the morning enjoy a visit to the butterflies of the lodge. With due anticipation, return to Quito to a local restaurant for a vegetarian lunch (fixed menu). Afterwards, three hour sightseeing excursion offers the best of Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades, and dazzling gilt altars. Visit the Independence Square, the Archbishop’s Palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. If time is available, drive to the hill of Panecillo for a panoramic view of the city.
After a well deserved rest, you will visit a local restaurant where the dinner will be served (fixed vegetarian menu). Spends the night in the Inn the Rabida in Quito, standard room.
DAY 4
Quito / Baños / Patate

Breakfast

Baños, located in Ecuador’s Central Andes on the Eastern Cordillera, is famous for its mineral hot springs and exotic scenery.
The drive itself shows a variety of terrain with temperate valleys and both of the towering Andean ranges forming what von Humboldt called “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” and from Ambato East down into the valley of Patate with its productive fruit and vegetable land. Baños is located in this great canyon and displays a good variety of attractions. From its unique and peculiar church to crafting of many items. The thermal springs from the volcano are known to have medicinal properties so are almost a must.

Down bellow the Pastaza River canyon is a collection of beautiful waterfalls and great nature trails. Vegetarian Lunch (Fixed menu) in a local restaurant.

In the evening we will have a speech about “The Energy nearby Llanganates”.

Vegetarian Dinner and Overnight at Hacienda Leito, standard room including.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Patate / Ingapirca / Cuenca

Breakfast

In the morning we can enjoy the facilities of a typical hacienda. After lunch, while we drive south to Ingapirca, the most important Inca ruins in Ecuador, we will also enjoy panoramic views of the highlands. The Inca fortress on Ingapirca is by far the most important archaeological site left by the Inca Empire in Ecuadorian territory.

It offers a fascinating combination of the Canari and Inca architecture on a single site. Visit the site museum with numerous samples of ceramics, textiles and metal works found on diverse digs around the area of influence of these two cultures. After this we will drive to Cuenca.

Vegetarian Dinner (fixed menu) at local restaurant.

Overnight at Inca Real hotel in Cuenca, standard room.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 6
Cuenca Thermal Springs

Breakfast

Cuenca has quite beautiful suburbs. A rural scene is completed by the presence of thermal springs only 8 kms away. Well known to have medicinal properties, water origin from volcanic and reach surface with a temperure of 70 C and cool down to 35-40 C . A relaxing full day outing to a comfortable resort. Vegetarian Lunch (fixed menu) included. In the afternoon return to Cuenca.
In the evening we will have an hour of “Yoga” class.Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu) at Hotel.

Overnight at Inca Real hotel in Cuenca, standard room.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 7
Cuenca / Guayaquil

Breakfast

Early departure from Cuenca city, we start our drive down and will be able to see climatic changes passing through moorlands, cloud forests, dry forests until we arrive for a visit to the Banana and Cacao Hacienda plantations were passengers will have the opportunity to learn about local traditional activities and process. Vegetarian Lunch (Fixed menu) in the area.

After Hacienda visit in the afternoon , we will arrive to Guayaquil.

Vegetarian dinner (Fixed menu).

Overnight at Unipark hotel in Guayaquil, standard room.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 8
Guayaquil

Breakfast

AM: At leisure.
Vegetarian Lunch in the Hotel
PM: Guayaquil walking Tour & vegetarian dinner.
This cosmopolitan city is the largest port in Ecuador and offers what any major city on the world can. Rich Historical background, wonderful museums, a handsome modern district with great shopping and good restaurants. A prosperous city leading the economy of the country, which displays great pride. Has also a number of historical places either by car like the Centenario or Las Peñas neighborhood and on foot like the riverfront or Malecon. Another great place to discover!. As it is a walking excursion it will be restricted to downtown area.

At the end drive to one of the finest restaurants in Guayaquil to enjoy a vegetarian farewell dinner (Fixed menu).

Overnight at Unipark hotel in Guayaquil, standard room

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 9
Guayaquil

Breakfast

Assistance and transfer from Hotel in Guayaquil to airport to take international flight.

ECU-001 PROGRAM THE ANDEAN ENERGY (THERMAL SPRINGS TOUR)
US $2545.00 in double standard room.
Additional for Single room US $182.00

Included:

• Regular services with bilingual English & Spanish speaking guide
• Overnight at mentioned hotels or similar
• Municipal Tax by lodgings in Quito
• Accommodation in standard rooms
• Vegetarian Meals as described

Not included:

• Meals not described.
• Beverages.
• Personal buyings.
• Tips.
• Neither early check in, nor late check out.
• Air tickets international and domestic.
• El Cajas National Park entrance fee USD 10.00 per person – subject to change without previous notice.
• International departure tax: USD 25.00 per person – subject to change.
• Therapies, massages, nor treatments in the Baños de Duran Termas, nor in Hacienda Leito in Patate.
:: Program : Inca Baths (Thermal Springs Tour)
Code: ECU-002
(9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS)
100% vegetarian meals included.
DAY 1
Quito
Quito, founded by the Spanish conquistadors on late 1534 over the remains of an eight-hectare walled and purposely-destroyed Inca palace was the hometown of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Proudly displays the privilege of being the first City ever declared by Unesco as Cultural Heritage Site back in 1979. With over one and a half million inhabitants and temperate weather year around holds the largest colonial district found on the Americas composed by around 320 blocks of Spanish homes, plazas and countless convents, monasteries and churches built along the last five centuries.

Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu).

Overnight at La Rabida Hostal in Quito, standard room including breakfast.
DAY 2
Quito / Papallacta

Breakfast
Early departure to the Baños Termales or natural hot springs of Papallacta. Papallacta is privileged located in an area between two Andean-Equatorial majestic volcanoes; namely, Cayambe and Antisana. The thermal waters feeding the Papallacta fountains emerge from deep geological layers through fissures up to the surface with all its healthy properties.

We will arrive to Termas de Papallacta spa & resort, located on the “Cinnamon Trail”, the same route that the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana followed in 1542, leading to his discovery of the Amazon river. Termas de Papallacta hot springs spa & resort serves as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Enjoy therapies, massages, and treatments tailored to your needs.

Vegetarian Lunch (Fixed menu) in Termas.

Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu). Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort, standard rooms.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 3
Papallacta / Quito
BreakfastFree morning. We can include trekking by the area. In due time, return to Quito to a local restaurant for a delicious vegetarian lunch (fixed menu) and then visit the Colonial and Modern Quito. A three hour sightseeing excursion offers the best of Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades, and dazzling gilt altars.

Visit the Independence Square, The Archbishop’s palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. If time is available, drive to the hill of Panecillo for a panoramic view of the city.

After a well deserved rest, you will visit a local restaurant where the vegetarian dinner will be served (fixed menu).

Overnight at La Rabida Hostal in Quito, standard room.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 4
Quito / Baños / Patate

Breakfast

Baños, located in Ecuador’s Central Andes on the Eastern cordillera, is famous for its mineral hot springs and exotic scenery.
The drive itself shows a variety of terrain with temperate valleys and both of the towering Andean ranges forming what von Humboldt called “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” and from Ambato East down into the valley of Patate with its productive fruit and vegetable land. Baños is located in this great canyon and displays a good variety of attractions. From its unique and peculiar church to crafting of many items. The thermal springs from the volcano are known to have medicinal properties so are almost a must. Down bellow the Pastaza River canyon is a collection of beautiful waterfalls and great nature trails.

Vegetarian Lunch (Fixed menu) in the area.

In the evening we will have a speech about “The Energy nearby Llanganates”.

Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu). Overnight at Hacienda Leito, standard room.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 5
Patate / Puyo/ Ahuano

Breakfast

Early in the morning drive to Misahualli in the Ecuador Amazon rain forest.
Arrival to La Casa del Suizo Lodge which is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador’s majestic Napo River and a stone’s throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.
Vegetarian Lunch in the Lodge.
Vegetarian Dinner.
Overnight at La Casa del Suizo lodge, standard room.Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Ahuano

Breakfast

All excursions at La Casa del Suizo will be led by both a bilingual naturalist as well as a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest’s medicinal and other useful plants. A typical day begins after an early breakfast, and there are a variety of trails and activities to choose from: Walks may range from full day hikes through primary rainforest to short, easy walks along river islands, depending on each group’s interests and physical abilities.

Most outings end at noon and guests are brought back to the hotel for lunch. However, for those activities that last all day box vegetarian lunches will be provided.
OPTIONAL TOURS :
Optional Tour 1
Misicocha
Situated 15 minutes upstream by boat there is a private reserve of the Casa del Suizo with primary forest, which we would like to show you. At the thatch roof shelter, located a hundred meters away from the shore, paths of different lengths and difficulty levels start out (walking time from 1.5 – 4 hours). Your local guide will introduce you to the secrets of the tropical rain forest. The routes lead you through picturesque creeks, some hills up and down, to a scenic viewpoint, always walking under the dark jungle canopy. Your guide explains you how the Quichuas use the large variety of plants. Their broad knowledge about the medicinal plants is impressive. After the walk we offer you a refreshing ride downstream on a raft made of balsa wood. In about 30 minutes you arrive back at the Casa del Suizo.
Optional Tour 2
Cosana / Amazoonico
A 20 minutes boatride takes you to Cosano, a private property with primary forest on the Rio Arajuno. Walks of different lengths (1 – 3 hours) lead you through the dark world of the rain forest. From two different points of view you can overlook the village Ahuano, the Rio Napo and some smaller rivers that merge with it. Your local guide explains to you the amazing world of the plants that you encounter on your walk. Afterwards you are invited to float downstream the Arajuno on a big inner tube. Don’t worry, the ride is peaceful and relaxing. Also located on the Rio Arajuno is the famous animal shelter AmaZoonico. Its mission is to take care of injured or confiscated wild animals and if possible to set them free later. This is a great opportunity for our guests to observe animals living in the region, that are difficult to see in the wilderness. A 15 minutes boat ride takes you back to the Casa del Suizo.
Optional Tour 3
Chicha, Blowgun, Ceramics
A short boatride downstream takes you to a Quichua family living somewhat outside of the village. You will witness the production of Chicha and be invited to taste the most common drink of the region. One will explain you the blowgun, an important weapon for the people of the jungle in former times. Take the chance to have a try yourself with this difficult and special method of hunting. After a 30 minutes walk back to the village on an even road we will visit a ceramics workshop. A Quichua woman will show you the handmade production of the typical fine ceramics of the Oriente, for which they use exclusively natural materials.
Optional Tour 4
Isla Anaconda
You will cross the river to the island vis-a-vis. The path is even and the walk will last between one and two hours. Your guide explains to you the local agriculture: manioc (local name Yuca), bananas, cocoa, coffee, various herbs and tubers, mostly planted and sometimes growing wild.
Optional Tour 5
Pangayacu/The Hunting Traps
20 minutes downstream you can follow a rather steep path in the forest, that leads you to different models of hunting traps traditionally used by the Quichuas. Your guide explains to you how they work and which type of animals they catch. The path is partially improved with wooden stairs, and is slippery when wet. The walk lasts about two hours, and half-way you will reach an outlook with a view of the Rio Napo.
Optional Tour 6
Isla San Rafael / Museum
A short boatride upstream takes you to an island. You then cross the island on an hour’s walk and reach the Rio Arajuno. Here you will visit a museum, in which your guide will explain to you the different exhibits: models of hunting traps, ceramics, the blowgun, musical instruments, kitchen utensils and other things that exist in a Quichua family’s life.

Vegetarian dinner.

Overnight at La Casa del Suizo lodge, standard room.
DAY 7
Ahuano / Quito

Breakfast

Return to Quito. Lunch (Fixed menu) in route

Arrival to Quito and transfer to the hotel

PM: At leisure

In the evening enjoy a Vegetarian Dinner (Fixed menu) at local Restaurant

Overnight at La Rabida Hostal in Quito, standard room.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DAY 8
Quito

Breakfast

AM: Equator Complex & lunch (Fixed menu)
Visit the famous Equatorial Monument, where will have the chance to visit a colonial model village located just at the Equatorial Line, marked by geographers as latitude 000’00″. A visit to the museum could be included, this museum featuring Ecuador’s ethnic groups from Galapagos to the Amazon. You will have the opportunity to stand-up at two hemispheres at the same time. Enjoy your vegetarian lunch on a local restaurant based on fixed menu.
PM: Experience the energy pyramids, relax and indulge yourself at Hierba Buena SPA located right in the Middle of the World.
Dinner at hotelOvernight at La Rabida Hostal in Quito, standard room.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
DIA 9
Quito

Breakfast

Assistance and transfer in Quito from the Hotel to airport.

ECU-002 PROGRAM THE INCA BATHS (Thermal Springs Tour)
US $2407.00 in double standard room.
Additional for a Single room US $172.00

Included:

• Regular services with bilingual English & Spanish speaking guide
• Overnight at mentioned hotels or similar
• Municipal Tax by lodgings in Quito
• Accommodation in standard rooms
• Vegetarian meals as described

Not included:

• Meals not described
• Beverages
• Personal buyings
• Tips
• Neither early check in, nor late check out
• Air tickets international and domestic
• International departure tax: USD 25.00 per person – subject to change
• Therapies, massages, nor treatments of the Thermal Club at Termas de
Papallacta Spa & Resort, nor in Hierba Buena, nor in Hacienda Leito in Patate

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