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The Galapagos and The Andes: Luxury holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador

Galapagos and Ecuador  | 12 Nights  |  From £3,495 pp incl flights

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Luxury Holidays in Ecuador

Divided by the Andes into coast, highlands and jungle, Ecuador is a tiny country by South American stands, but still packs a punch. The Andean scenery here is stunning, the jungle lodges and hotels are some of the best in the continent, the wildlife colourful and the people are charming and wonderfully hospitable. Untouched Amazon rainforest, vibrant local markets such as Otavalo in the Andes and wonderful colonial towns and cities including Quito, Ecuador's striking capital, add still more to a luxury holiday or honeymoon in Ecuador.

For the ultimate adventure, take a flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos for one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet. The Exsus team have a huge amount of expertise and experience in advising its client on the best options for luxury cruises and land-based stays in the Galapagos. Call and speak to an expert on 020 7337 9010 to find out more.

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Quito

One of the highest capitals in South America at 2800 metres above sea level, Quito is an extremely handsome Andean city with a wonderful setting. Flanked by volcanoes, some of them snow-peaked, Quito offers both modern town living and a fascinating colonial old town, rammed full of architectural gems, ethnic markets and charming people. Check out Casa Cangotena in Quito’s historical district, a classic renovated mansion and a perfect base for getting under the skin of this eclectic city.


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Otavalo and Surrounds

Just 90 minutes north of Quito you hit some spectacular mountainous scenery and the little village of Otavalo, home to a famous local craft market. The indigenous people of Otavalo are renowned for the quality of their weaving and this is THE place to bargain for colourful rugs, jumpers and scarves. The area in the Andes is also ideal for horse riding, mountain biking and hiking and we recommend a stay on one of the restored haciendas for a taste of days gone by. A further 30 minutes north and you’ll reach Zuleta, a real Ecuadorian backwater and a great way to experience traditional Ecuador at its best. Stay at Hacienda Zuleta, a charming authentic lodge set in majestic countryside.


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Cotopaxi and Avenue of the Volcanoes

Just beyond Quito and running between two different mountain ranges in the Andes lies the eye-popping Avenue of the Volcanoes, a 200km stretch of volcanoes, some active some dormant, each over 4500m. At 5897m above sea level, Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second highest peak and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The brave can try to climb it, while for the rest of us it makes for a great day out in some spectacular high-altitude scenery. The highest peak is Chimborazo, which dominates the skyline at 6310m.


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Cuenca and Devils Nose Train

For a truly unique experience, jump on the Chiva Express train and head south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes along the famous ‘Devils Nose’ section of the track, where the line descends some 1000 metres on a steep decline making it one of the world’s great switch-back railways. Completed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Devils Nose Railway is also one of the most impressive railway engineering feats in history. Most passengers prefer to ride on the roof to take in the panoramic views. Trust us, you’ll love it. Further south still you’ll reach Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful colonial city, full of wonderful courtyards, churches and cathedrals and picturesque old buildings.


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Amazon in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Amazon is top of our list for a fascinating and rewarding Amazon holiday experience. Covering much of the eastern side of the country, Ecuador’s Amazon jungle is not only reasonably accessible (it’s only a few hours from Quito), but it also harbours some of the best responsible tourism initiatives in the whole of South America. Lodges respect and value both their rainforest environment and the traditions of indigenous communities and the result is the opportunity to experience the jungle’s prolific flora and fauna in the most authentic, responsible way possible.


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