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Extension: Wonders of Ecuador

Program Number: 21104RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/26/2013 - 7/1/2013; 10/9/2013 - 10/14/2013; 10/16/2013 - 10/21/2013; 10/23/2013 - 10/28/2013; 11/6/2013 - 11/11/2013; 12/4/2013 - 12/9/2013; 12/11/2013 - 12/16/2013; 12/25/2013 - 12/30/2013; 1/29/2014 - 2/3/2014; 2/5/2014 - 2/10/2014; 2/12/2014 - 2/17/2014; 2/19/2014 - 2/24/2014; 2/26/2014 - 3/3/2014; 3/12/2014 - 3/17/2014; 3/19/2014 - 3/24/2014; 3/26/2014 - 3/31/2014; 4/23/2014 - 4/28/2014;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Ecuador
Price starting at: $1,169.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise
Meals: 15; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Add five nights to your educational adventure and uncover some of Ecuador’s most unforgettable treasures. From historic haciendas to the living rainforest, from volcanic lakes to traditional markets, experience Ecuador’s proud culture and great natural beauty.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.



This program may only be taken as an extension to The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History (Program #6043).



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Papallacta, 2 nights; Imbabura, 2 nights; Quito, 1 night.



Days 1-2: Quito / coach to Papallacta:

Journey from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve, named after the snowcapped Antisana Volcano. Keep an eye out for rare animals like the Andean Condor, mountain tapir and white-fronted spider monkey on a nature walk. After lunch at a hacienda, continue to Papallacta, where you may wish to relax with a soak in the thermal hot springs. Spend the next day exploring a private nature reserve nearby, learning about the unique flora and birdlife of the temperate rainforest as you go. Lodging: Spa resort in an area famed for its hot springs.



Days 3-4: Coach to Imbabura:

Discover a particular and profitable type of Ecuadoran agriculture at a flower farm that grows 45 varieties of roses and more than 30 species of tropical flowers. Enjoy a field trip to Cuicocha, a beautiful crater lake at the foot of a dormant volcano. Visit the indigenous village of San Antonio de Ibarra, famed for the woodworking skill of its artists for generations. Lodging: Historic hacienda.



Days 5-6: Coach to Quito / departure:

Experience the Otavalo Market, the famed market that goes back to the time of the Incas and even before, and discuss the effects of tradition meeting globalization. Visit the home of an indigenous family in the village of Peguche and learn about their people’s music and herbal medicine. Continue through scenic countryside towards Quito, where you enjoy an independent evening. Lodging: Centrally located hotel.




Ecuador

Man, animal and plant cohabitate Ecuador’s mountains, rainforests, and shores in a delicate balance. Among such a range of wildlife and fauna, Charles Darwin’s revolutionary theory of evolution was inspired in 1859 in the country’s Galapagos Islands. Coupled with its natural beauty, Ecuador’s animated culture can be seen in its varied dishes and the excitement of soccer fans rooting for El Nacional.



Galapagos

In a delicate balance, man, animal, and plant cohabitate Ecuador’s mountains, rainforests, and shores. Among such a range of wildlife and fauna, Charles Darwin was inspired to spark his revolutionary theory of evolution in 1859 in the country’s Galapagos Islands. Coupled with its natural beauty, Ecuador’s animated culture can be seen in its varied dishes and the excitement of soccer fans rooting for El Nacional.
Meals and Lodgings
   Termas de Papallacta
  Papallacta, Ecuador 2 nights
   Hacienda Pimán
  Pimán/Imbabura, Ecuador 2 nights
   Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
  Quito, Ecuador 1 night
 Termas de Papallacta
Type: Hotel
  Description: Termas de Papallacta is located in the Andean highlands (10,890 ft) in the small village of Papallacta. Crisp mountain air, thermal hot springs, and the region's beautiful scenery are all condusive to relaxation. The hotel prides itself in providing healthy and invigorating spa services; offering guests a safe haven where they can escape from the tensions and stress of everyday life and recharge their batteries.
  Contact info: Km 65 via Quito - Baeza
Papallacta,   Ecuador
phone: +593-6-2895060
web: http://www.termaspapallacta.com
  Room amenities: Private baths and heating. Rooms are located next to the thermal pools.
  Facility amenities: Convention center, restaurant, 9 hot thermal pools and 3 cold water pools, snacks/drinks kiosk, and spa services.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Subject to availability. Room type and rates are subject to availability. Please contact your program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you would like assistance in booking additional hotel nights.

 Hacienda Pimán
Type: Lodge
  Description: Historic hacienda situated in the province of Imbabura, 55 miles northeast of Quito.
  Contact info: 000000000000000
Pimán, Imbabura,   Ecuador
phone: +593-2-2566090
  Room amenities: Private baths.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Hilton Colon Quito hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is 20 minutes away and the historic colonial section of the city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) can be reached within a 10 minutes' walk. The hotel is well equiped to meet the needs of both the vacation and business traveler, with 15 meeting rooms, an executive lounge, and wireless internet access throughout.
  Contact info: Amazonas N 1914 Y Patria Avenida 1
Quito,   Ecuador
phone: +593-2-2560666
web: www.hilton.com
  Room amenities: Private bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, Hilton Serenity Bed, LCD Flat Panel TV, TV-Cable, iron/ironing board, safety deposit box, and coffee maker.
  Facility amenities: Tour desk, automated teller (ATM), baggage storage, barber shop, concierge desk, florist, foreign currency exchange, gift shop, laundry/valet service, lounge, news stand, on-site convenience store, room service, safety deposit box, business center, fitness room, and pool.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Subject to availability. Room types and rates are subject to availability. Please contact the program provider, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 and roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for rates and availability.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program #6043 ends with morning flights to the U.S. (Day 11) and the extension program begins with an early breakfast at the Hilton Colon Quito. You will be staying at Termas de Papallacta that night.
  End of Program:
Morning departures from the international airport in Quito, Ecuador. Hotel check-out by 11 a.m. You will be staying at Hilton Colon Quito Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: No vaccinations are required for entry into Ecuador unless you are traveling to the Amazon region. Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/travel/ to obtain a complete list of health recommendations specific to Ecuador.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Papallacta
  Transportation to site: No need for additional transportation. Participants will already be at the Hilton Colon Quito for the start of their extension program.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Quito
  Transportation from site: Taxi services are available for hire at the hotel. Please ask the hotel front desk for assistance if you plan on using this service.


Required innoculations:

Yes: No vaccinations are required for entry into Ecuador unless you are traveling to the Amazon region. Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/travel/ to obtain a complete list of health recommendations specific to Ecuador.
Elevation Note: Quito 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft/Papallacta 10,390 ft
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Program #6043 Ends and Extension #21104 Begins/Antisana Ecological Reserve/Papallacta Thermal Pools.
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Early breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to the Antisana Ecological Reserve.

The Antisana Ecological Reserve comprises approximately 120,000 hectares and includes great views of the snow-capped Antisana Volcano. This protected area is well known among bird lovers who come to try and spot species such as the endangered Andean Condor, as well as Andean Lapwing, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-faced Ibis.
 Lunch: At a local hacienda.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Papallacta.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the hotel's thermal pools.
 Dinner: At the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Papallacta -
Bird Watching in Local Nature Reserve.
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: At the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to a private nature reserve situated just 15 minutes from Papallacta. Hike in the reserve's humid temperate forest, taking special notice of unique flora and the region's abundant birdlife.
 Lunch: At the reserve.
 Afternoon: Return to Papallacta.

The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the hotel's thermal pools or spa services (additional charge).
 Dinner: At the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer from Papallacta to Pimán/Highland Flower Farms.
(Friday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: At the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, depart to the Imbabura province.

Visit a local farm for a look at Ecuador's profitable flower industry. On-site discussion: Introduction to Ecuador's Flower Export Business. View the greenhouse, bouquet operations, and the breeding center.

The farm produces approximately 45 varieties of roses and more than 30 species of tropical flowers. The plantation has 11 hectares of roses and spray roses, in addition to 15 hectares of flowers such as gerberas, sunflowers, and campanulas.
 Lunch: At the farm.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Hacienda Pimán.

Arrive at the hacienda and check-in.
 Dinner: At the hacienda.
   
Accommodations: Hacienda Pimán
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Pimán -
Cuicocha Lake/Handicrafts of Cotacachi and San Antonio.
(Saturday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: At the hacienda.
 Morning: This morning we will travel to Cuicocha Lake and the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve for a scenic walk in the highlands.

The beautiful lake is located alongside Volcan Cotacachi; an eroded volcanic crater that through the years filled with water. The surrounding cliffs are rich with plant and animal life and are now part of the Reserva Ecologica Cotacachi-Cayapas.

Visit Cotacachi town, known for its weavings and leather products.
 Lunch: At local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Orientation to San Antonio de Ibarra, a small indigenous village with a reputation for its skilled carpenters and wood carving artists. A walk along the main street and the town square will reveal various art galleries and workshops.

Return to the hacienda in time for dinner.
 Dinner: At the hacienda.
   
Accommodations: Hacienda Pimán
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Otavalo Market/A Look at Indigenous Traditions at Peguche Village/Transfer to Quito.
(Sunday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: At the hacienda.
 Morning: After breakfast, depart for Otavalo, in the northern province of Imbabura.

Enjoy a field trip to the Otavalo Market and an on-site discussion: Otavaleños: Tradition and Globalization.

The Otavalo Market is a famous market dating back to pre-Inca times where locals and visitors can buy or barter food, animals, basic necessities and crafts. Otavaleños are well known for their superior business skills. Examples of their craft can be found at this market and throughout stores in the country.

Transfer to the small village of Peguche for a visit with a local indigenous family. Learn about their long-standing traditions in music, back-strap weaving, and herbal medicine.
 Lunch: At local restaurant.

Taste the flavors of Andean cuisine while enjoying a lunch prepared with typical ingredients and products of the Ecuadorian highlands.
 Afternoon: Transfer to Quito, traveling through the scenic Imbabura Province.

Imbabura is also commonly referred to as the Lakes Province because of the many lakes that dot its landscape. The highland lakes offer good hunting and fishing for local communities and are an added attraction for tourists visiting the many craft towns north of Quito.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Departures/Flights to the U.S.
Arrivals in the U.S.
(Monday, February 10)
   
 Depart From: Morning transfer to the international airport to catch your flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel (dependent on flight times).
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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