Holidays: Quito, Ecuador + Birding Tours, Mindo Cloud Forest + Galapagos + Amazon
With 2.6 million inhabitants, Quito is the capital of Ecuador and its second largest city after the port of Guayaquil. It is nestled between volcanic peaks high in the Andes at an altitude of 9,350 ft (2,850 m), making it one of the highest cities in the world - so on it's important to take things slowly at first, as you acclimatise to the altitude.
Holidays to Quito in Ecuador are often combined with a Galapagos cruise, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador birding tours to Mindo Cloud Forest or the rainforests of the Amazon.
Quito is famous for its stunning historic centre, which is the best preserved in all of the Americas. On Independence Square (Plaza Grande) you can enjoy the superb Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Municipal Building and more. On El Panecillo, a hill to the west of the city, there is a gigantic 41m statue of the Virgin Mary, which overlooks the city. The aeriel tramway (‘teleferico’), built in 2005, runs from the city centre up the slopes of the local volcano, Pichincha. It will take you to 4,100m where the views are breathtaking, so take your camera but be aware of the possible effects of high altitude. On holidays to Quito & Ecuador also don't miss the enormous Basilica of the National Vow (Basilica del Voto Nacional), once the largest in the Americas.
A major attraction 22 miles to the north of Quito is the Middle of the World (La Mitad del Mundo) monument and village. Modern GPS has revealed that the equator is actually 240m further on, but the symbolism is still terrific and you can take your picture straddling the yellow line that represents the equator. The small museum of indigenous history is fascinating and the village plaza hosts a wide range of musical and cultural events at weekends.
Otavalo in the northeast has a famous indigenous Indian Market that sells a wonderful variety of brightly hand woven textiles, ponchos and hats, as well as leather goods from Cotacachi.
Ecuador birding tours take place in the verdant Mindo Cloud Forest which is two hours to the north of Quito. Swathed in mist, they offer exceptional birding – especially humming birds. You can also walk to waterfalls and see a multitude of different flora, butterflies, reptiles and small fauna. Galapagos and Amazon tours also usually start from Quito.
Combine your ideas with our expertise and let us help you create a holiday of a lifetime. We offer a wide range of options at different price points, all of which can be tailor made to your needs.
We have been arranging holidays to Quito, Ecuador birding tours, Mindo Cloud Forest, Galapagos & Amazon tours for over 20 years.
ALL OUR HOLIDAYS TO QUITO & ECUADOR BIRDING TOURS TO MINDO CLOUD FOREST, GALAPAGOS & AMAZON TOURS ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED wherever in the world you live.
More information on holidays to Quito, Ecuador birding tours, Mindo Cloud Forest, Galapagos & Amazon tours:
Holidays to Quito in Ecuador will introduce you to a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city, with over 100 enormous buildings housing wonderful collections of art and sculpture. There are also over 20 churches and convents, each with their own architectural twist on the colonial style.
La Mariscal is the bustling and vibrant heart of the capital city, where you will find great cuisine, art, bars, internet cafes, discos and a lively night life. Fantastic museums and galleries abound in the city covering contemporary and pre-colonial art, the history of Quito and Ecuador, famous local artists and heroes of independence, as well as the local development of medicine.
The city also boasts a number of beautiful parks, including the Parque Metropolitano, at over two square miles the largest urban park in South America. You can walk or cycle, and take in the many fascinating artworks as you go. Outside Quito there are several reserves and conservation projects, including the zoo, which has the largest collection of animals in the country and protects many species threatened by the illegal fur trade. The zoo has successfully bred the endangered Andean condor.
Ecuador birding tours usually include Mindo Cloud Forest, whilst Maquipucuna Cloud Forest plays a vital role in the protection of the rare spectacled bear and an eco-lodge provides vantage points from which bears can be seen at certain times of the year. This is also designated an Important Bird Area, with 400 different species.
In the northeast beyond Otavalo, the crater lake at Cuicocha (Lake of Guinea Pigs) is stunning and the countryside lends itself to walking and cycling, with small artisan communities welcoming visitors. You can stay in colonial haciendas that are rich in history, and in the next valley at Zuleta you can saddle up and ride like a cowboy. On holidays to Quito & Ecuador, don’t miss the delicious homemade cheese. You can also enjoy the hot springs and fabulous mountain scenery of Papallacta, in the southeast.
Quito is usually the starting point for flights to the Galapagos Islands, as well as for light aircraft flights into the Amazon.
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FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Galapagos Cruise
8 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,786
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERA8Q
• Isabela Island
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• Punta Vicente Roca
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Galapagos Islands Cruise
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• Ecuador Holidays
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• Fernandina Island
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• Many Boats, Ships, Deals & Offers
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• North Seymour Island
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• Charles Darwin Research Station
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• Quito & Galapagos Islands
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Our Ecuador holidays combine historic Quito in the Andean Highlands, with a spectacular Galapagos Islands cruise viewing its unique wildlife. Disembark twice daily by zodiac to walk among nesting blue-footed boobies, see giant tortoises, marine & land iguana, frigatebirds and so much more (with separate cruises for divers). Galapagos flights, marine fees & all transfers included, with many boats, ships, deals & offers.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Avenue of Volcanoes + Cuenca - Private Guide
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$2,149
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EPA7Q
• Cuenca Holiday
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• Quito
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• Riobamba
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• Avenue of Volcanoes
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• Guayaquil
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• Route of the Cascases
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Ecuador Private Tour
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• El Cajas National Park
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• Chimborazo Volcano
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This fascinating Ecuador private tour will introduce you to this small country, situated on the equator. Starting from the old Inca capital of Quito high in the Andes, travel with your own driver/guide through the stunning Avenue of Volcanoes to the charming colonial city of Cuenca. End your holiday travelling via El Cajas National Park to the port city of Guayaquil. English speaking guide & all transfers included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador Tour: Quito + Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$3,106
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EYA7Q
• Tour Ecuador, Quito
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• TelefériQo (cable car)
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• Galapagos Islands Tour, Ecuador
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• Puerto Ayora Bay
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• Guayaquil
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Quito City Tour
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• Galapagos Islands by Yacht
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Giant Tortoise Reserve
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This shared Galapagos Islands tour in Ecuador combines the capital of Quito, with a Giant Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz island & the small town of Puerto Aroya. The Galapagos islands are home to many endemic species found nowhere else of earth. A full day yacht excursion to one of the islands is included. All specified transfers & sightseeing included, but not flights. Departs monthly. Min 2/max 16.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Amazon + Avenue of Volcanoes
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$3,346
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EPB12Q
• Guayaquil
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• Cuenca
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• Avenue of Volcanoes (Guide)
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• Ingapirca Ruins
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• Tours: Ecuador, Quito
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• Chimborazo Volcano
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• Route of the Cascases
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Amazon Basin
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• Private Tours - Ecuador
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Our private tours of Ecuador explore the wildlife, cultures & landscapes of this country of volcanoes, starting in the old Inca capital of Quito high in the Andes. Afterwards fly into the vast Amazon Basin to explore its rainforest wildlife & waterways, then travel through the Avenue of Volcanoes to colonial Cuenca, including the Ingapirca Ruins. Amazon light aircraft flights, English speaking guide, all transfers & sightseeing included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador + Peru Tour: Galapagos (Santa Cruz) + Machu Picchu
13 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,064
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EYB13G
• Giant Tortoise Reserve
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• Quito, Ecuador
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• Sacred Valley of the Incas
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• Peru and Galapagos Tour
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• Guayaquil
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• Cusco & Temple of the Sun
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• Machu Picchu
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Lima
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Enquire about this shared Peru and Galapagos tour, that combines the historic high-altitude city of Quito in Ecuador with the unique wildlife of stunning Santa Cruz Island. Then fly to Peru and explore Lima, the citadel at Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Sacred Valley of the Incas. All specified transfers & sightseeing included, but not flights. Departs monthly. Min 2/max 16.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Galapagos (on land)
10 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,543
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERB10Q
• Galapagos Islands Holidays
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• South Plaza by Yacht
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Quito
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• San Cristobal & Isabela options
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• Santa Fe Island
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• Bartolomé + Sullivan Bay
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• Hotels & Flights
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• Isabela Island
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• North Seymour + Bachas
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If you do not want an expedition cruise, enquire about our Galapagos Islands holidays, with hotels & flights to Santa Cruz island, combined with yacht excursions to Bartolomé & Sullivan Bay, North Seymour & Bachas, South Plaza and Sante Fe islands. Also visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre and the Giant Tortoise Reserve. It is also possible to stay on San Cristobal or Isabela island.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Galapagos Cruise
8 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,786
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERA8Q
• Isabela Island
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• Punta Vicente Roca
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Galapagos Islands Cruise
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• Ecuador Holidays
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• Fernandina Island
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• Many Boats, Ships, Deals & Offers
|
• North Seymour Island
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• Charles Darwin Research Station
|
• Quito & Galapagos Islands
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Our Ecuador holidays combine historic Quito in the Andean Highlands, with a spectacular Galapagos Islands cruise viewing its unique wildlife. Disembark twice daily by zodiac to walk among nesting blue-footed boobies, see giant tortoises, marine & land iguana, frigatebirds and so much more (with separate cruises for divers). Galapagos flights, marine fees & all transfers included, with many boats, ships, deals & offers.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Galapagos Cruise + Santa Cruz (on land)
11 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,973
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERH12L
• Finch Bay
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• Charles Darwin Centre
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• Giant Tortoises
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• Quito
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• Galapagos Islands Cruise
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• Ecuador Holiday, Galapagos
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• Birds & Marine Life
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Diving Options
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This wonderful Ecuador holiday combines exploring the old Inca city of Quito, situated close to the equator, with a cruise in the spectacular Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, with their unique birds & marine life. After your amazing expedition cruise relax for a few days on Santa Cruz island, with hotel options from mid-range to 5* Finch Bay. Diving options on request. Regional flights to Galapagos included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Peru + Ecuador: Machu Picchu + Galapagos (on land)
16 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,979
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
PRM16L
• Machu Picchu
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Lima City Tour
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• Yacht Excursions
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• Giant Tortoises Reserve
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• Sacred Valley of the Incas
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• Ecuador and Peru Holidays
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• Galapagos Islands
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• Cusco + Sacsayhuaman
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• Quito
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If you are not a good sailor, our tailor made Ecuador and Peru holidays combine the stunning Galapagos Islands, staying on land on Santa Cruz island, with incredible Machu Picchu, historic Cusco & Lima. Explore the unique wildlife of the Galapagos which is home to giant tortoises, seals, iguana, sea turtles & abundant bird and marine life, as well as the history of Peru. All transfers & specified sightseeing included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Amazon + Galapagos Cruise
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,578
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERG12Q
• Bird Watching Holiday Ecuador
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• Amazon Vacation
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• Cloud Forest
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• Canopy Tour
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• Cock of the Rock displays
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• Quito
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Wildlife & Bird Watching Holiday
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Tropical Birds
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This wildlife & bird watching holiday in Ecuador combines historic Quito with a visit to the Amazon, where you can see a spectacular array of tropical birds & rainforest wildlife. End your vacation with a spectacular Galapagos Cruise, where you can see iconic blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds & waved albatross - as well as iguanas, giant tortoises & sea lions. Amazon & Galapagos flights, all transfers & park fees included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Peru + Ecuador: Macchu Pichu + Galapagos Cruise
15 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,937
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
PRL15L
• Cusco
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• Unique Wildlife
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• Peru and Ecuador Holiday
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• Inca Markets
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Machu Picchu
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• Ollantaytambo
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• Lima
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• Quito
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• Sacred Valley
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Combine the cultural & wildlife highlights of two beautiful countries on this wonderful Peru and Ecuador holiday. Visit the bustling capital of Lima, the old Inca city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley & the lost city at Machu Picchu. Then fly to Quito, high in the Andes, before embarking on a spectacular Galapagos Cruise to view unique wildlife. Galapagos flights, all transfers & English speaking guides included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador: Quito + Avenue of Volcanoes + Galapagos
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$7,170
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EPV12Q
• Baltra Island
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• Equador Holidays: Quito
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• San Cristobal Island
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• Cuenca
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• Giant Tortoises
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• Avenue of Volcanoes Tour
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Galapagos Cruise, Ecuador
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• Guayaquil
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• Ingapirca Ruins
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Our Ecuador holidays start in the old Inca capital of Quito situated high in the Andes, continuing with a private Avenue of Volcanoes tour & an unforgettable Galapagos Cruise. Explore the cultures & volcanic landscapes of this small country situated on the equator, before embarking on your expedition cruise to view the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. All transfers, marine park fees & sightseeing with English speaking guides included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ecuador Wildlife: Cloud Forest + Amazon + Galapagos
15 NIGHTS FROM:
$7,180
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
ERC15Q
• Quito
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• Amazon Rainforest
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• Charles Darwin Centre
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• Giant Tortoises
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• Yasuni National Park
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• Ecuador Wildlife Holiday
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• Santa Cruz Island
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Clay Licks
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• Cloud Forest
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This wonderful Ecuador wildlife holiday combines the old Inca city of Quito, high in the Andes, with the wildlife & birds of both the high altitude Cloud Forest & the low-lying Amazon Basin. Then embark on a spectacular Galapagon Cruise to view the unique marine life and birds that inhabit these islands. Galapagos flights, all transfers & marine fees included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Costa Rica Highlights + Galapagos Cruise
18 NIGHTS FROM:
$7,775
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
RRL18S
• Quito Vacation
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• Holiday, Wildlife of Costa Rica
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• Manuel Antonio
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• Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
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• Costa Rica & Galapagos Islands
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• Arenal Volcano
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• Sloths, Turtles & Tropical Birds
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• San Jose
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• Tortuguero Wetlands
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• Galapagos Islands Cruise
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This wonderful holiday combines the turtles, sloths, tropical birds & rainforest wildlife of Costa Rica, with a Galapagos islands cruise & the colonial city of Quito. Visit the Tortuguero wetlands; impressive Arenal Volcano & the rainforests of Manuel Antonio. Then fly to Ecuador & complete your vacation with a once-in-a-lifetime cruise in the Galapagos Islands. All transfers, park fees & sightseeing included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Peru Highlights + Amazon + Galapagos Cruise
19 NIGHTS FROM:
$8,373
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
PRN19L
• Larco Museum
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• Machu Picchu
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• Amazon
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• Sacred Valley of Incas
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• Quito, Ecuador
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Cusco
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Lima
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• Peru and Galapagos Tour
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This Peru and Galapagos tour visits Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley, the old Inca capital of Cusco, the wildlife of the Amazon rainforest & Quito in Ecuador. Then embark on a fascinating cruise through the Galapagos Islands, with its unique wildlife. This holiday can be tailor made to your needs, with a variety of Galapagos boats available of different sizes, with cruises varying from 4 to 7 nights or more.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Birding Holiday - Ecuador: Cloud Forest + Amazon + Galapagos
20 NIGHTS FROM:
$8,373
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
7ERA20Q
• Hummingbirds
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• Cloud Forest
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• Centre of World Monument
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• Guayaquil
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• Birding Holiday Ecuador
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Cock of Rock displays
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• Yanacocha & Antpittas Reserves
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• Quito City Tour
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• Macaws, Toucans & Parrots
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This tailor made birding holiday in Ecuador combines the Amazon with the magnificent equatorial Cloud Forest, with its colourful neo-tropical birdlife and Cock of Rock displays. Enjoy birding along the Paseo del Quinde (Hummingbird Way), as well as in the Yanacocha & Antpittas reserves. End with a stunning Galapagos Cruise, with a choice of boats and durations. Galapagos flights, all birding & transfers included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Classic Peru + Amazon + Galapagos Cruise
24 NIGHTS FROM:
$9,331
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
PRO24L
• Colca Canyon
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• Lima
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• Galapagos Cruise
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• Peru & Ecuador Wildlife Holiday
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• Amazon Rainforest
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• Machu Picchu
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• Cloud Forest
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• Arequipa
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• Quito
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• Lake Titicaca
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Combine the cultural sights of Peru & Ecuador with a wonderful wildlife holiday as you visit Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Amazon basin. Then fly to Quito to explore its Cloud Forest, finishing with an Expedition Cruise through the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. All transfers, Galapagos flights & specified sightseeing with English speaking guides included.
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