Ecuador –Gluten Free Travel-US
11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1 - Depart USA, Arrival and Transfer In Quito

Arrive to Quito. A bilingüal guide will pick you up from the aiport and transfer you to the hotel. He will be able to assist you in anything you may need.

Overnight accommodations in Hotel Marriott.

Day 2 - City Tour + Middle of the World

(B, L) The tour begins with a great view of Orellana's way and Guapulo Sanctuary (XVII Century). Later see the stone carved façade of Ecuador's House of Congress. Afterwards, walk in the old city visiting the Independence Square, surrounded by historically important buildings. Visit the Cathedral (XVI Century), Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century). The Church of San Francisco and Monastery were built a few months after the Spaniards arrival (XVI Century).

We will drive 15 Kilometers north of Quito towards the Middle of the World where the equatorial line divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We will visit the main monument built in honor to the French Scientific Expedition that arrived to Ecuador in the XVIII century to define the correct location of the equator. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument, which shows a display of the main cultures of Ecuador. Or, visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum, located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses.

Lunch served at Restaurant Cochabamba that offers a gluten free menu. Overnight accommodations in Hotel Marriott.

Day 3 - Otavalo Indian Market

(B, L) Drive to the North toward the Province of Lakes...Imbabura. Taste exotic fruits in Guayllabamba valley, cross the Equator Line at Cayambe, and appreciate the majestic Snow-capped mountain (5,790 m.), the world's highest equatorial point.

At the foot of Imbabura Mountain enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake, San Pablo. Afterwards visit the famous Otavalo Indian Market and visit Cotacachi Village during the afternoon, well known for its leather and Cuicocha Crater Lake.

Lunch is served at Jacienda Pinsaqui that offers a fluten free menu. Overnight accommodations are at the Hotel Marriott.

Day 4 - Cotopaxi National Park

(B, L) Drive along the Panamericana Highway, otherwise known as "The Volcanoes Avenue", towards the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). Drive on a third order road through a Pine forest to Limpiopungo Lake which is located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. If you wish, you can drive further to the parking lot located at 4,500 meters and hike up to the Refuge at 4,800 meters. (Good strength/stamina required for hike). In the afternoon visit an Indian Market. (There are different markets in this region which vary according to the day).

Lunch Served at Hacienda La Cienega – that offers a gluten free menu. Overnight accommodations in the Hotel Marriott.

Day 5 - Papallacta Hotsprings

(B, L) Drive the same route taken by Francisco de Orellana towards the Paramo at the Eastern Cordillera. During this trip you will appreciate the radical change of the landscape due to the altitude variation. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 meters above sea level you will find Papallacta Hot Springs. Here you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural, heated waters.

Lunch at Termas De Papallacta – that offers a gluten free menu. Overnight accommodations in Hotel Marriott.

Day 6 - Transfer Out – (this transfer only available on Thursdays)

(B,L,D) A guide will pick you up from the Hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival to Baltra transfer to Galapagos cruise vessel Ballena Bay – Eden ISlent (Santa Cruz)

Day 7 - Galapagos

(B,L,D) Moreno Point (Isabela)
Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Day 8 - Galapagos

(B,L,D) Sat: Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Day 9 - Galapagos

(B,L,D) Sun: Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)

Day 10 - Transfer In Quito

(B,D) Arrive to Baltra and continue transfer flight to Quito. A bilingüal guide will pick you up from the aiport and transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in the Hotel Marriott.

Day 11 - Transfer Out Galapagos

(B) A guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your international flight.