8-Day Tour of Ecuador and The Amazon Rainforest

You’ll see the cultural landmarks of Ecuador’s capital city of Quito as well as raft, hike, and zipline through the Amazon rainforest on this 8-day trip from Gate 1 Travel. This tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA)
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
• Day room for early-morning arrival on day 2
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at the 4.5-star Hilton Colon Quito or Mercure Alameda Quito in Quito
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Cabañas del Lago or the 4-star Puertolago Country Inn in Otavalo
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Termas de Papallacta in Papallacta
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at La Casa del Suizo in Punta Ahuano (Amazon)
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Hacienda Manteles in Baños
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motorcoach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Services of English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees per itinerary

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Due to the high elevation, travel in the Ecuadorian Andes and the Peruvian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your health-care provider.

Days 1 and 2: Arrival and Quito

After a four-hour flight from Miami, you’ll land in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, which is one of the first cities to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. On an introductory city tour, you’ll see the impressive Presidential Palace, check out the city’s 16th-century colonial neighborhood, and explore notable churches such as the La Compañia Church or the Church of San Francisco. The latter is one of the city’s most historically significant monasteries.

• Independence Plaza was Quito’s main square in the 16th century, acting as a central market as well as a bullfighting arena.
• Straddle two worlds at the Middle of the World monument, atop the equator; you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern.

Days 2 and 3: Otavalo, Peguche, and Papallacta

In the afternoon, the group heads about 70 miles northeast of Quito to the small town of Otavalo for shopping and scenic exploration. After a full day of sightseeing on day 3, you’ll spend the night in the Andes.

• Photo op: See a picturesque 60-foot waterfall in Peguche.
• Shop at the Otavalo market, where locals sell handwoven rugs, jewelry, and fresh food.
• Optional add-on: a Papallacta spa package that includes a 20- to 30-minute session in hot and cold pools, a mineral-infused steam session in a thermal steam cave, and a 30-minute back-and-neck massage ($50/person; add when booking)

Days 4 and 5: The Amazon Rainforest

Your trip into the Amazon begins with a canoe ride down the Napo River to the lodge, your home base for the next 2 nights. The Amazon rainforest is called the “Lungs of the Earth,” and for good reason—the densely forested river basin covers 40% of South America and supplies the earth’s atmosphere with a substantial amount of oxygen.

• Visit Ahuano, a small village where you’ll meet a Quechua family and learn about rural daily life and survival in the Amazon.
• Glide down the river on a traditional balsa log raft after a two-hour hike through the rainforest and a zipline ride.

Days 6–8: Baños, Quito, and Departure

En route to Quito, you’ll stop in the town of Baños and take in its mountainous scenery with an overnight stay. On day 7, you’ll visit the historic Hacienda La Cienega and tour a rose plantation before heading back to Quito. You’ll head home on day 8.

• Admire El Pailon del Diablo—which translates to “The Devil’s Cauldron”—a scenic waterfall.
• Watch a craft demonstration as locals turn vegetable ivory into jewelry and animal carvings.
• Tour Hacienda La Cienega, a 17th-century hacienda that offers views of Cotopaxi National Park and its volcano.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? This airfare is only available from Miami.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? This deal is based on set airfare that cannot be altered.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? The dates available are listed on each option.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers ASAP so that you do not run into this problem.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? Each person, including children, who wish to travel must purchase a Groupon voucher. Different occupancy arrangements may be requested at the time of reservation.

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