ECUADOR EXPLORER!
A Culture, Crafts & Nature Lover's Nirvana:
From The Andes To The Amazon
September 24 - October 1, 2010 • March 21 - 28, 2011
The extraordinary cultural and natural richness of this small country cannot be overstated. A front-page article in the NEW YORK TIMES Travel Section indicates this gem may soon be “discovered.” Come now and avoid the crowds! From stunning Quito — UNESCO’s very first city to be declared a World Heritage Site, to the awesome Andes, to the Amazon River Basin — experience the diversity of this amazing country. Our small size allows us to explore off the beaten path itineraries and meet people you might never encounter on your own. In Quito, we’ll immerse ourselves in the historic Old City complimented by a special tour of the museum and collection of the late, great Olga Fisch. In the Andes we’ll visit the mountainside home of Julio Toaquiza — the “maestro” of the Tigua painters whose beautiful work has inspired several generations of indigenous artists. While in the Andes we’ll stay at the lovely and historic Hacienda San Agustin de Callo — built on the foundation of an Inca temple whose stonework has been remarkably preserved as part of the accommodations. The view stepping out in the morning is truly jaw dropping! From the Andes, we’ll take a short flight into “El Oriente” — the Amazon River basin of Ecuador. Here we’ll stay at Napo Wilderness Lodge — Ecuador’s premier eco-lodge, accessible by flight, then motorized and dug-out canoes — 560 species of bird live here, as do monkeys, butterflies, jewel like frogs, sloths and much more! The lodge’s cabanas each have a lakefront balcony — a meditative setting and totally unique experience. Rooms double occupancy, private baths at both Patio Andaluz (a wonderful Spanish colonial building in the historic area of Quito), Hacienda San Agustin, Napo Lodge.
Register by March 1•Save $100! • Accommodations,Meals, Guides, Excursions: $2365 (plus Amazon flight from Quito to Coca).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience a unique 3-day immersion in the remote Amazon rain forest – a region of irreplaceable biodiversity where traditional ways of life are still practiced by the indigenous peoples
- Explore the marvelous city of Quito – UNESCO's first World Heritage Site!
- Visit to Julio Toaquiza at his home in the central Sierra mountains – the most eminent of the famousTigua painters
- Stay in a hacienda built on the site of an Inca palace
- Visit one of the most authentic and colorful markets in Ecuador in Saquisili - a small indigenous village in a beautiful mountain setting!
- Ecuador is one of the largest exporters of roses in the world – is any visit complete without exploring a rose plantation?
WANT A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY? Please e-mail us! or call 413-367-9200