Worldwide brochure 2022-2023
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LATIN AMERICA • ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS<br />
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos<br />
Ecuador offers wonderful variety for the<br />
traveller, from Andean highlands with<br />
beautiful colonial cities, snow-capped<br />
volcanoes, historic haciendas and colourful,<br />
authentic markets to tropical Amazon<br />
rainforest, cloud forests rich in flora and fauna,<br />
and long stretches of Pacific coast frequented<br />
by humpback whales. Less than 1,000km west<br />
of the mainland lie the Galapagos Islands,<br />
whose natural wonders once inspired Charles<br />
Darwin’s theory of evolution. These remote<br />
volcanic outcrops consist of 13 major and<br />
12 minor islands inhabited by unique species<br />
of animals, plants and marine life.<br />
Experiences<br />
in Ecuador<br />
Quito<br />
Middle of the World monument, Quito<br />
Colonial heritage • Middle of the World<br />
The capital city of Quito lies in an Andean valley<br />
overlooked by the towering Pichincha Volcano.<br />
The historic old town provides an insight into<br />
the colonial history of Ecuador, with plazas and<br />
narrow streets filled with beautiful churches,<br />
monasteries and restored buildings. Meet local<br />
artisans and hat makers in their workshops<br />
or learn about Ecuador’s finest chocolate.<br />
North of the city, visit the Middle of the World<br />
monument that marks the equatorial line.<br />
Alternatively, to the east is an ecological reserve<br />
with abundant birdlife, glacial topography and<br />
the steaming Papallacta thermal springs.<br />
Quilotoa crater lake, Cotopaxi National Park<br />
Plate-billed toucan, Mindo Cloud Forest<br />
Amazon & Cloud Forests<br />
Amazonian communities • Exotic flora & fauna<br />
The Ecuadorian Amazon can be explored on<br />
a superior river cruise or from a number of<br />
lodges, many only accessible by light aircraft or<br />
river. A wide variety of wildlife may be spotted<br />
in the rainforest, including monkeys, frogs,<br />
caimans, river dolphins and many parrot and<br />
parakeet species. Excursions include nature<br />
walks, boat rides, visits to local communities,<br />
clay licks and canopy walkways. The cloud<br />
forests of Mashpi and Mindo-Nambillo, not<br />
far from Quito, are other superb biodiversity<br />
destinations, with one of the largest<br />
concentrations of bird species in the world.<br />
Avenue of the Volcanoes<br />
Cotopaxi National Park • Local markets &<br />
haciendas • Devil's Nose train<br />
Fertile valleys, patchwork fields and snowcapped<br />
peaks form a chain south of Quito<br />
along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Highlights<br />
include Cotopaxi National Park, home to the<br />
world’s highest active volcano, the emeraldgreen<br />
Quilotoa crater lake and various small<br />
villages with colourful weekly markets. Further<br />
south is the lively trading town of Riobamba<br />
and the switchbacks of the Devil’s Nose train.<br />
Otavalo market<br />
The small town of Otavalo is a three-hour<br />
drive north of Quito and home to one of<br />
the largest outdoor indigenous markets in<br />
South America. Watch local Otavaleño<br />
people wearing distinctive blue clothing<br />
and browse through numerous stalls with<br />
brightly coloured hand-woven textiles and<br />
traditional handicrafts.<br />
Cuenca’s colonial heritage<br />
Considered the most beautiful city in<br />
Ecuador, Cuenca is a UNESCO World<br />
Heritage Site. Stroll along its cobbled streets<br />
and admire the red-roofed colonial houses,<br />
graceful iron balconies, flower-filled plazas<br />
and courtyards, the red-brick New<br />
Cathedral with distinctive blue domes and<br />
other religious art treasures.<br />
Traditional hacienda stay<br />
Historic haciendas dotted throughout the<br />
countryside provide an authentic Ecuadorian<br />
experience. We recommend the family-run<br />
dairy farm Hacienda La Danesa, not far from<br />
Guayaquil; the beautiful restored Hacienda<br />
Zuleta; or the historic 17th-century La<br />
Cienega. Walk through manicured gardens<br />
and sample delicious traditional cuisine.<br />
Mashpi sustainable luxury<br />
Luxurious Mashpi is designed to blend in<br />
with the cloud forest of its private reserve,<br />
home to an exceptionally high variety of<br />
flora and fauna, and provides an immersive<br />
experience with its floor-to-ceiling windows.<br />
Spot hummingbirds, beautiful orchids,<br />
bromeliads and butterflies, or take an<br />
exhilarating ride on the sky bike over the<br />
forest canopy.<br />
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View our full range of itineraries, hotels and experiences at CoxandKings.co.uk
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