As Quito, the charming capital of Ecuador, is the originating point for the morning flights to the Galapagos Islands, we have designed this special tour package, which is available before and/or after your Galapagos cruise.

           The package includes transfers, a choice of accommodations at a first class or deluxe hotel and a full day excursion to one of the Otavalo Indian market with lunch. For passengers unable to travel to Quito because of the high altitude (9,455 ft.), a slightly different program is available in Guayaquil (situated at sea level).

           Travel north from Quito to Calderon (famous for its bread dolls) and to Peguche, where the Otavalo Indians do their weaving. After lunch at a country inn or local colonial hacienda, continue to Cuiocha Lake and Cotacachi Village, known for its leather goods. Overnight at the picturesque Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin.

            Early in the morning, visit the famous Otavalo Indian Market of the day. The Otavalo Indians are prosperous tradespeople and their outdoor emporium is loaded with baskets, ponchos, hats, tapestries, leatherwork and woodcarvings. While the busiest market occurs on Saturdays, there are colorful markets each day of the week. Stop at the woodcarving center at San Antonio de Ibarra on the afternoon journey back to Quito.

The package includes transportation by car or minivan, accommodations at the Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin for 1 night, visits to special attractions, guide services & meals as specified in your personal itinerary.

           Nature lovers and adventure seekers can explore the Upper Amazon Basin while staying at the Sacha Lodge, Casa del Suizo or the La Selva Lodge, located in the best rain forest area of the Upper Amazon. These lodges have been built in the native tradition with local materials, palm thatch, bamboo, vines and wood. Although rustic, the facilities at each lodge are comfortable and clean with double rooms, private toilet and shower facilities. Jungle activities are flexible and revolve around the personal interests of the visitors. Travel is by motorized dugouts, paddle canoes and by foot; human presence here is virtually unknown.

            The package includes all transfers, air between Quito and Lago Agrio / Coca, accommodations, jungle hikes, walks, canoe trips, naturalist guides & all meals.

           Enjoy a close encounter with the natural world while exploring one of Ecuador's foremost birding areas, the Mindo Forest! After an early departure from Quito, travel northwest past the imposing Mount Pichincha, enjoying spectacular scenery, enroute to Mindo. Drive through different life zones ranging from 10,498 to 4,593 feet above sea level, where numerous examples of flora and fauna may be seen, with birds being the main attraction. Stops are made along the way for flora and fauna observation. Late morning arrival at Mindo. A picnic lunch allows for more time to explore. Spend overnight at a small lodge.

           Early next morning, resume exploration of this protected cloud forest at a birdwatchers' pace. Here, over 400 species of birds, including the cock-of-the-rock, Andean toucan, toucan barbet, and torrent duck can be found. Spend the balance of the morning and the early afternoon discovering hidden waterfalls, pristine creeks and streams, and observing the varied wildlife that calls Mindo home. Return to Quito in the late afternoon.

           This package includes surface transporation by car or minivan; overnight accommodations at a Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge; nature hikes & birdwatching; naturalist guide services, along with all meals.

           We have more land extension packages available to Ecuador and all of South America. For more information on these other packages, please contact Galapagos Tours and Cruises. or call us toll free at (866) 672 - 4533

EXTEND YOUR VACATION TO PERU -

VISIT LIMA, CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU

PERU

Peru was once the center of the Inca Empire and is still the guardian of South America's pre-Columbian treasures. Its' ancient cities emerged from lifeless coastal desert to the Andean highlands and became the country's five-star attractions. Its' remembrances of a colonial past are on display from Arequipa to Trujillo. The richness of Peru's history is only matched by the diversity of its vast Amazon Rain Forest, which covers more than hald of the country.

LIMA

Lima named the "City of the Kings" by the Spanish Conquistadores, is the main gateway into Peru and Machu Picchu, and the country's capital. It was founded in 1535 as Spain's South American capital. The nearby Temple of Pachacamac is a monument to Peru's pre-Inca history. The rich, religious Lima of the Spanish colonies is seen today in the churches and convents. Lima has the sunny beaches of teh Costa Verde, the romantic "Bridge of Sighs" in Barranco, modern residences and gardens in Miraflores and San Isidro, and flowered boulevards downtown. It is a city of fine museums and magnificent pre-Columbian art collections, such as the Gold and the Larco Herrera museums.

CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU

Cuzco is the archaeological capital of South America, with fine examples of Inca history and architecture. The Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas celebrated their religious events, contains the Inca Baths, the Kenko Amphitheater and the Koricancha Temple. Cuzco is also rich in colonial heritage and remains much as it was during the colonial period. To the south of Cuzco, lie the ruins of Piquillacta, and the beautiful colonial Andahuay lillas Church (named the Peruvian Sistine Chapel). Further south is the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" which is filled with colorful Andean villages and several hotels. One of these villages is Pisac, with its stately ruins and colorful Indian Market Fair and the famous Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress. Machu Picchu, called the "Lost City of the Incas", was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, and is actually lower than Cuzco. The beautifully preserved ruins consist of an enormous stone city hidden by a spectacular terraced green mountain plateau surrounded by three towering peaks.