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PARKS AND TRIBES

Thumbnail for version as of 11:35, 19 August 2016Thumbnail for version as of 11:35, 19 August 2016Thumbnail for version as of 11:35, 19 August 2016Thumbnail for version as of 11:35, 19 August 2016Thumbnail for version as of 11:35, 19 August 2016
 

ECUADOR: COOL CITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT

ECUADOR's COOLEST CITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT: 59 National Parks; 5 Crater Lakes, 5 Waterfalls, 10 Volcanoes, 5 Archaeological Sites, 5 Tourist Towns, 10 Top Beaches, 5 Spa Towns

Cool Cities and Places to Visit in Ecuador

  1. Quito;

  2. Cuenca;

  3. Guayaquil;

  4. Otavalo;

  5. Banos;

  6. Galapagos;

  7. Ingapirca;

  8. Cuyabeno;

  9. Cuicocha Crater Lake in Cotacachi - Cayapas Ecological Reserve;

  10. Pecuche Community Reserve;

  11. El Angel Ecological Reserve;

  12. Machalilla National Park;

  13. Churute Ecologica Reserve;

  14. Chimborazo Fauna Reserve;

  15. Cotopaxi National Park.

  16. 59 National Parks;

  17. 5 Crater Lakes;

  18. 5 Waterfalls;

  19. 10 Active Volcanoes;

  20. 5 Archaeological Sites;

  21. 5 Touristic Towns;

  22. 5 Top Beaches;

  23. 5 Spa Towns.

Many standard tours will take you to a few cool cities and places in Ecuador, but most of those tours totally miss some of the coolest places. To make sure you get to see the coolest cities and places of Ecuador, world traveler of 85+ countries and renowned national parks adviser of the World Bank and United Nations, Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil, developed the ECUADOR NATIONAL PARKS TOUR, which takes you to 8 of the best protected areas and all great cities of Ecuador in 9 days. Having been part of the United Nations team that selected the majority of the protected areas of Ecuador between 1974 and 1976, nobody knows the ecology and protected areas system of Ecuador better than Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil, aca "Parks Man Daan". So, get to see all cultural highlights of the country - Otavalo, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Ingapirca - while at the same taking you on a journey of discovery of a fabulous representation of all major ecosystems of the Andes and the Coast, in 8 great national parks.

 

Our National Parks tours have been designed to complement existing tours to Galapagos and/or the Amazon. They can start from different places, particularly Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. While the full program lasts as many as 9 days, it is possible to make a limited selection of parks like the 6 days' module "Andes and Coast". 5-6 days' modules are also available from Cuenca and Guyaquil.

 

For those who want to complete their Ecuador visit with a guided tour to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu, we even offer a 5 - 7 days module, with which you get the most spectacular highlights of nature and culture of South America in one epic journey! We first present the full tour, while at the end of the page you get several modular options on how to break it up into shorter modules.

 

Itinerary 9 days' National Parks Tour

Day 1: Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and Peguche Waterfall community reserve

  1. Pick up from hotel in Quito to travel to Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve to visit the Cuicocha Caldera with the incredibly blue Cuicocha Crater Lake. Mammalian wildlife is not commonly seen, but several species of ducks and grebes are usually found on the lake;

  2. Visit the Peguche Forest Reserve of Otavalo with the famous Peguche Waterfall. A trail through an old grove eucalyptus forest usually gives sightings of song birds and several species of hummingbirds;

  3. Visit the Otavalo Indian market;

  4. Spend the night in Ibarra.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Cotacachi-Cayapas National Reserve, the CuicochaECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Peguche Forest Reserve

Located in Cotacachi-Cayapas National Reserve, the Cuicocha Caldera is the most scenic crater lake in Ecuador.

At only 5 minutes from Otavalo, the Peguche Forest Reserve is a great place to spend lunch and the waterfall is absolutely wonderful.

 

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Otavalo women at the Plaza de los Ponchos, Otavalo, EcuadorECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Traditional Indians of the Andes, Ecuador

Otavalo Indian Crafts market.

 

Day 2: El Angel Ecological Reserve

  1. Depart for the El Angel Ecological Reserve, a paramo (Andes meadow) reserve in Northern Ecuador, where the famous Frailejones Asters almost reach their Southernmost limit. Visit the Voladero Lake where you will also see some of the most spectacular and ancient bromeliads of the Andes, the Herculas Club. Some 320 species of birds are known to the park, including the Andean Condor, a variety of hummingbirds, as well as several species of ducks and grebes, etc.;

  2. Return to Quito, Airport, in the village Tababela at 10 minutes from the airport;

  3. Spend the night at Tababela.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Lake Voladero in El Paramo del Angel Ecological ReserveECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The famous Frailejones Aster

Lake Voladero in El Paramo del Angel Ecological Reserve.

The famous Frailejones Aster.

 

Day 3: Fly from the Andes to the the coastal city of Manta

  1. Pick up from the hotel to fly to the city of Manta;

  2. Drive from Manta to Machalilla National Park;

  3. Excursion into the interior of Machalilla National Park to get to know the extremely rare Tropical Pacific dry forest, which only occurs in a narrow stretch of land between the wet tropical coastal forest near the border with Colombia and the desert starting in the south of Ecuador near the Peruvian border. Machalilla National Park is the only main park in the world protecting this type of forest.

  4. Afternoon excursion at Les Frailes Beach and swim;

  5. Spend the night at Puerto Lopez.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Machalilla National Park at Los Frailes BeachECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Los Frailes, which is part of Machalilla National Park.

Entrance to Machalilla National Park at Los Frailes Beach.

Surrounded by natural dry forest, the most natural beach of Ecuador, Los Frailes, which is part of Machalilla National Park.

 

Day 4: Machalilla National Park with Isla de la Plata

  1. Visit Isla de la Plata, part of Machalilla National Park, where one - depending on the season - can see Red-, Nazca- or blue-footed booby nesting colonies and with some luck a colony of Frigate birds. While ecologically not really correct, one can observe how touroperators have joined together to feed wild green turtles in the harbor of the island, allowing visitors to see the turtles right under their boat in the cristal clear sea water. Sea Lions frolic in the deep blue waters surrounding the island, while different species of whales migrate along any time during the months of June - September (sightings are not guaranteed);

  2. After return time off for a late afternoon swim at the beach in Puerto Lopez;

  3. Spend another night in Puerto Lopez.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Isla de Plata, the "mini Galapagos"ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: 10 oceanic birds breed on Isla de la Plata

Getting to Isla de Plata, the "mini Galapagos".

About 10 oceanic birds breed on Isla de la Plata, and many are just as tame as on the Galapagos Islands, like this Blue-footed Booby.

 

Day 5: Visit Guayaquil

  1. In the morning, a brief excursion into the park, before driving to Guayaquil;

  2. Ride from Puerto Lopez to Guayaquil;

  3. In the afternoon (and/or evening), visit the famous Malecon (=Boulevard) of Guayaquil;

  4. Spend the night in Guayaquil.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Guayaquil Malec?ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Las Pe?s neighborhood

The Guayaquil Malecon or Riverside Boulevard is 1,5 km of fantastic plazas, parks, galleries and restaurants.

The Las Penas neighborhood borders the boulevard with lovely old streets with artists' ateliers.

 

Day 6: Churute Ecological Reserve

  1. Drive to South America's southernmost important mangrove in Churute Ecological Reserve, where more than 250 species of birds have been recorded, including Frigate birds, Brown Pelicans, Spoonbills, a multitude of different herons, White Ibises, etc. ;

  2. Other fauna elements include different crabs as well as dolphins;

  3. Travel to Cuenca;

  4. Time permitting, stroll the colonial streets of Cuenca at night after dinner;

  5. Spend the night in your hotel in Cuenca.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Churute Ecological ReserveECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: excursion in the hill forest

Not very far from Guayaquil, Churute Ecological Reserve combines great mangrove with lowland hill forest.

On excursion in the hill forest, where howler monkeys are almost always seen.

 

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The Cuenca City Hall gallery. ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The Inmaculada Concepci? Cathedral.

The Cuenca City Hall gallery.

The Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral.

 

Day 7: Ingapirca World Heritage Site

  1. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ingapirca, a mixed Inca and Canari [ a contemporary culture to the Incas and subjected to them] style fortress, which was the northern-most main defense fortress of the Inca Empire;

  2. In the afternoon, travel to Riobamba;

  3. Spend the night in Riobamba.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: Ingapirca, the northernmost Inca fortressECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The Incapirca ruins are at par with the ruins in the Sacred Valley in Peru.

Ingapirca, the northernmost Inca fortress.

The Incapirca ruins are at par with the ruins in the Sacred Valley in Peru.

 

Day 8: Chimborazo Fauna Reserve

  1. Get to know the Vicunas of Chimborazo Fauna Reserve. As anywhere high up in the mountains, one may stumble upon an Andean Condor and other birds of pray;

  2. Visit the Refugio - 4800m masl - for a brief high elevation walk and exploration of the high paramo of the highest mountain in the world measured from the center of the earth. The vegetation is very sparse at this elevation. Be careful, you are extremely high up and the oxygen level is very low;

  3. Spend the night in a hotel near Cotopaxi National Park.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: the highest point on earth where you can get by car ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The Chimborazo Volcano also is the highest point on earth to see vicu?s

Get to the highest point on earth where you can get by car and enjoy the roughest landscape. Either enjoy outside or from the shelter while enjoying a hot drink. 

The Chimborazo Volcano also is the highest point on earth to see vicunas, as they roam past 5000 m into the snow.

 

Day 9: Cotopaxi National Park

  1. Visit Cotopaxi National Park - the world's highest active volcano - to rise to the first shelter parking lot;

  2. Visit Limpiopungo Lake;

  3. Look for Andean Wolfs;

  4. Return to Quito.

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The last destination of the National Parks Tour is Cotopaxi National Park. ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT: The Andean Wolf is a rather common sight in Cotopaxi.

The last destination of the National Parks Tour is Cotopaxi National Park.

The Andean Wolf is a rather common sight in Cotopaxi.

 

MODULES

We developed several shorter modules, that still give you an impression of the Andes and coastal habitats. These modules, vary depending on your place of departure being Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca.

OPTION A: FULL NATIONAL PARKS TOUR (9-days tour)

OPTION B: QUITO MACHALILLA - QUITO (6 - 7-days tour)

  1. After Machalilla, either return to Quito (6 days) or travel to a hotel near Chimborazo Ecological Reserve

Day 7: Visit Chimborazo Ecological Reserve

  1. See the vicunas along the highway passing by the reserve; Ascent to the mountain house of the volcano. Drive over the new western highway to Quito to admire the alpaca's that usually can be seen along that route;

  2. Arrive in Quito to be dropped off at hotel (last hotel not included).

OPTION C: START AND FINISH IN GUAYAQUIL (5-days tour)

While starting in Guayaquil, Option C visits:

  1. Machalilla for 2 nights;

  2. Returns to Guayaquil;

  3. Visit the Malecon or Historic Park;

  4. Visit the Churute Mangroves;

  5. Spend the night in Cuenca;

  6. Visit Cajas National Park;

  7. Return to Guayaquil in your hotel (last not included).

OPTION D: START IN CUENCA AND FINISH IN GUAYAQUIL (5-days tour)

This particular module reverses Module C.

Click here for a printable pdf of the national parks tours modules.

 

2023 COFAN LODGE / CUYABENO LODGE / PARKS AND TRIBES PRICES

PARKS AND TRIBES AMAZON PROGRAMS

WHAT's INCLUDED?    HOW GET TO THE AMAZON?

CUYABENO DAY TRIP

DURATION STAY

Prices in US$

1 DAY

$ 99

Discounts for families with children

NAPO RIVER CRUISE

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

$ 450

LAGARTO COCHA EXPEDITION

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

$ 450

Departure from Nuevo Rocafuerte at the border with Peru. There is a daily rapid public boat services between Coca and Nuevo Rocafuerte for about $50 (not included).

 

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

COFAN LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

$ 499

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

CUYABENO LOOP

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

  

Standard room at the Cuyabeno Lodge part (nights 3 &4)

$ 799

Standard room in the Cofan Lodge (nights 1 & 2) and Deluxe room at the Cuyabeno Lodge (nights 3 & 4)

$ 899

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

CUYABENO LODGE PROGRAMS

CUYABENO LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM

DURATION

Prices per person in US$

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

 

Standard room (17 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 280

Standard room Plus (±20 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 350

Deluxe room (25m2, private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)

$ 370

Suite (36m2, private bathroom, private balcony)

$ 390

 

 

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

  

Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)

$ 280

Standard room (17 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 390

Standard room Plus (±20 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 430

Deluxe room (25m2, private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)

$ 480

Suite (36m2, private bathroom, private balcony)

$ 510
 

CUYABENO ADVENTURE

  

DURATION

Prices per person in US$

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

  

Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)

$ 340

Standard room (17 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 420

Standard room Plus (±20 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)

$ 535

Deluxe room (25m2, private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)

$ 595

Suite (36m2, private bathroom, private balcony)

$ 635

Single occupancy surcharge (for the entire trip)

$ 100

Individual bookings are WELCOME

 

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO

(or visa versa)

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
 

Prices in US$

One way per party price from or to Quito. Group Price for parties of 2 - 7 to the park entrance (minivan) who share the costs.

$ 300

One way Coca to Park entrance per taxi (Japanes size). Minimum 2 maximum 4 A 6 persons minivan is also available.Luggage capacity for carry-ons only.

$ 120 / $150

 

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR PROGRAM

DURATION STAY

Prices in US$

OPTION A: Complete national Parks Tour (10 days). From

$ 1399

OPTION B: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days). From

$ 999

OPTION C: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days) via Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (7 days). From

$ 1099

OPTION D: Start and finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From

 $999

OPTION E: Start in Cuenca and Finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From

$ 999

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU

DURATION STAY

Prices in US$

6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries). From

 $ 1199

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

ECUADOR: 23 COOL PLACES AND CITIES TO VISIT

PARKS & TRIBES Travel Agency

Street: Las Casas, Side street: Jose Coudrin, 2 blocks above the Occidental Highway

Canton Quito, Prov. Pichincha, Parroquia Belisario Quevedo

Tel: (++593)(02) 2 2324 4086, Cell phone: (++593) (0) 99 283 2187 Whatsapp: (++)1 304 901 0718

Email: info@parks-and-tribes.com

NO SEXI VIDEOS BUT SOLID INFORMATION FROM TRUE EXPERTS