2016 - 2017 BROCHURE pag.120-141.qxp_6478 Vel Brochure 2-33 amended 12/04/2016 16:25 Page 122 ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS web Photographs and information: veloso.com/ecuador Ecuador, named after its position on the Equator, boasts Amazon, Andes, Pacific coastline and the Galápagos IBARRA Islands. This stunning archipelago, OTAVALO Darwin's living laboratory of evolution, provides unique opportunities for MANATEE viewing wildlife MACHALILLA at close range. QUITO COTOPAXI VOLCANO LA SELVA Río Aguarico TOWER Río Napo RIOBAMBA BARTOLOME BAÑOS TAGUS COVE PUNTA ESPINOSA BALTRA FERNANDINA KAPAWI LODGE SANTA CRUZ SAN CRISTOBAL PUERTO AYORA FLOREANA ISABELA HOOD ECUADOR PERU Ecuador is composed of four distinct regions : the Amazon basin to the east, the Andean highlands Andean highlands Amazon Rainforest running down the centre of the Colourful Indian markets in The legendary Amazon is home to country, the Pacific coastline to the west, remote villages rest amongst hundreds of species of mammals, and the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands 600 miles out into the Andean landscapes of soaring thousands of birds and insects, Pacific Ocean. There are many outdoor markets, country haciendas, cones of snow-capped volcanoes. many endemic to Ecuador. churches and religious ceremonies, making it a pleasure to observe the The towns and people retain a Ancient trees, some over character of the people. The seldom visited coastline is home to wild distinctive identity with fascinating 400 years old, tower above, beaches, while the small Inca archaeological site at Ingapirca in the south is blends of Inca and colonial influences entangled with thick lianas evidence of a long history and ancient regional connections with Peru. and supporting a huge variety CONTENTS of bromeliads. Galápagos Islands HACIENDAS & QUITO 123-124 Wildlife apart, this is also a The Galapagos is an archipelago of volcanic islands, distributed on either ANDEAN EXCURSIONS 125 cultural experience, where we meet side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles from mainland Ecuador. PICHINCHA TOUR 126 local communities who This isolation, and the distance between the islands themselves, led to the BELLAVISTA TOUR 127 share their intimate knowledge evolution of species on separate islands, but with marked differences. PRIMAVERA TOUR 128 - 129 of their surroundings, the Darwin’s observation of this process led him to his famous scientific GALAPAGOS CRUISES 130 - 139 medicinal properties of plants discoveries. The wildlife is unafraid of people, to the point that one can get and their unique relationship AMAZON 140 - 141 remarkably close to birds and iguanas, and swim with playful sea lions. with the jungle. 122 2016 - 2017 BROCHURE pag.120-141.qxp_6478 Vel Brochure 2-33 amended 12/04/2016 16:25 Page 123 QUITO & HACIENDAS ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ECUADOR Hacienda Pinsaqui Haciendas & Horseriding 4 days • 3 nights Horse riding is a speciality at Zuleta, To step into Hacienda Zuleta is to step with lessons available for complete back in time, where you can experience beginners through to advanced level. four centuries of Ecuadorian history Other activities can include mountain steeped in Spanish and Ecuadorian biking, walking trails in the mountains tradition. Located in the mountains north to appreciate the beautiful scenery, of Quito, surrounded by the natural hiking nearby volcanoes, visits to the beauty of the Andes, the seventeenth ancient archaeological site of Caranqui, century hacienda still has a working farm cooking with the Hacienda’s chef, set in 4000 acres of grounds, complete traditional Ecuadorean embriodery, and with its own vegetable gardens, dairy bird watching for Andean Condors. farm and trout pond and riding stables with over 100 horses. Decorated with PRICES for 4 days • 3 nights antique furniture and typical Ecuadorian NO OF TRAVELLERS 1 2 weavings, every guest room has a HACIENDA ZULETA All year £1367 £817 fireplace, with cosy living and reading Prices per person including private transport to/from rooms. Home cooked meals are served Quito, all meals, activities at the Hacienda. Guided every day using the farms’ own produce. excursions are at extra cost. Hacienda Zuleta Devil’s Nose Railway Cuenca’s Cathedral Devil’s Nose Railway The Avenue of Volcanoes 4 days • 3 nights mountain scenery. Continue to Cuenca by Day 1 Depart south from Quito along road with a visit to Ingapirca Inca ruins, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, enjoying the Ecuador’s largest archaeological site. Spend incredible landscape of snowcapped two nights at Hotel Santa Lucia. (B,L) mountains and volcanoes, with Andean Condors cirling above them. Stop and visit Day 3 Full day visit to Cajas National Park, a high altitude landscape dotted with Cotopaxi National Park. Continue to PRICES for 4 days • 3 nights Riobamba, a colourful drive passing several lagoons, streams and native flowers. NO OF TRAVELLERS 1 2 indigenous villages, and overnight. (L, D) Traditional lunch at a local hacienda. (B,L) AVENUE OF VOLCANOES & DEVIL’S NOSE All year £1112 £689 Day 2 Early start to board the Devil's Day 4 Morning tour of Cuenca, a Nose “locomotora” (rail-bus) from Alausí Prices per person including English-speaking guide & UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the excursions including entrance fees, private transfers, to Sibambe and back. Descend this colonial cathedral and main square, have meals as shown (drinks are additional), accommodation, train tickets. impressive rail segment admiring dramatic lunch before your onward journey. (B,L) Departs daily except Sundays. 2016 - 2017 BROCHURE pag.120-141.qxp_6478 Vel Brochure 2-33 amended 12/04/2016 16:26 Page 124 Quito Excursions available in Quito: City Tour of the colonial centre, web veloso.com/quito with narrow cobbled streets, large squares, Spanish architecture and impressive Baroque churches. Quito is located on a plateau at the foot of Pichincha volcano. Colonial Cablecar Ride up the Pichincha architects built the formidable Volcano, viewing Quito from above churches, monasteries and mansions ‘Middle of the World’ Monument which caused the city to be designated a and Museum of Equator. World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit St. Augustine Convent & the Walking Day Trips outside the city, Parliament Buildings, whose stone including: Cotopaxi National Park, mural depicts the history of Ecuador. Antisana Volcano Reserve, Cuicocha Crater Lake, Page 125 The main square is flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Additional hotels in Quito: Archbishop’s Palace. Nearby the church Patio Andaluz, Marriott, Swiss, of San Francisco is one of the great Dan Carlton, Nü House, religious buildings of the New World, Mansion del Angel, Hilton Colon, Baroque influenced by Moorish style. Casa Aliso, Plaza Grande ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ECUADOR Quito Hotels Quito Rincón Puembo First The Rincon de Puembo is located 20 minutes from Quito’s new airport, in the small town of Puembo, making it ideal for travellers having to overnight in between flights. The accommodation is all found in a replica colonial-style street, with wonderful traditional touches. Perfect for relaxing by the pool and taking a rest stop from your Ecuadorean itinerary. Casa San Marcos Casa Gangotena Casona de Casa San Casa La Ronda First Marcos Boutique Gangotena Deluxe This delightful 22 room hotel has been Almost hidden away in the Old Town of Casa Gangotena is a Colonial mansion converted from an original Colonial Quito, this restored mansion houses a located in the heart of Old Quito, right on townhouse. It is an oasis of tranquility, hotel which is part art gallery, part Plaza San Fransisco. It has been recently located on the pedestrian La Ronda restaurant. Its spacious gallery has many converted into a sumptuous deluxe boutique street in the centre of Old Quito and pieces by national and international artists. hotel, and is one of the finest in Quito. The The six rooms are comfortably and close to many bars and restaurants. The hotel’s 31 rooms are a sophisticated meeting Maria Segura is our main guide in Quito rooms are comfortable and decorated stylishly furnished, all with private of classic architecture, high ceilings, fine with fabrics and patterns from local bathroom. The hotel also has excellent antique furniture, and modern amenities. PRICES 3 NIGHTS communities. The hotel also has a small views of the ‘Panecillo’ one of Quito’s great The hotel restaurant serves Ecuadorean- 2 SHARING EXTRA INLUDING SEASONS* NIGHT lounge and fireplace, and serves local landmarks. The hotel restaurant serves influenced international cuisine, made from TRANSFERS cuisine and Ecuadorean wines. Ecuadorean and Mediterranean cuisine. the finest local ingredients, served by the RINCON PUEMBO most diligent of staff. All Year* N/A £62 CASONA DE LA RONDA All Year* £285 £67 Tourist superior First Tourist Mercure Relicario Plaza Sucre CASA SAN MARCOS Located on the main avenue Amazonas, This historic house dates back to 1705, but Located in the historic downtown centre All Year* £337 £84 the centre of Quito’s office and business recently re-opened its doors as a boutique of the city, the Plaza Sucre is very good CASA GANGOTENA All Year* £656 £191 centre, close to the historic downtown, hotel with 18 comfortable rooms. Located value, although the rooms at the front GRAND MERCURE the Grand Mercure Alameda is a modern close to the Plaza Independencia, the house can be noisy at times. Decorated in a All Year* £248 £55 business-style hotel offering a number of has preserved its original details, while traditional style, the hotel has 25 RELICARIO quality amenities. Its rooms are tastefully adding all the modern amenities you comfortable rooms with private All Year* £276 £64 decorated, all with balcony and private would expect from a high class hotel. The facilities, modern aminities and free PLAZA SUCRE All Year* £225 £47 bathroom. The hotel restaurant serves furniture is made by Ecuadorean artisans, WiFi. Breakfast is served on the rooftop Prices are per person in a Standard Room for double buffet breakfast, as well as Ecuadorean and many original paintings hang in the patio with views of the city.