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Effective for travel 2020-2024
Day 1 - Arrival Quito / Homestay 4 nights
Arrive Quito, only a stone's throw south of the equator. Greeting by homestay staff in airport lobby. Transfer to the meeting point where you'll be introduced to your host families. The first thing you'll notice is the pleasant weather and, in daylight, its natural beauty. Quito sits at the base of the Pichincha Volcano, surrounded by striking dark-green mountains - a fabulous backdrop for memorable photos!
Day 2 - Centro Historico / Mitad del Mundo / Teleferico
Start your day with a short drive to Mitad del Mundo and explore the Museo de Sitio Intinan, where you can balance an egg on a nail, walk on the equator line, and witness the infamous plughole test, which is conducted using a portable steel basin. Return to the city for your Centro Historico guided tour of its cobbled streets, plazas, baroque architecture and more than thirty colonial churches - many of them 500 years old - that will dazzle your senses. Finally, experience the popular teleferico cable car, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the city, valleys and snow-capped mountains.
Day 3 - Otavalo Indigenous Market
Otavalo is famous for its colorful handicrafts, beautiful lakes and amazing scenery. Browse the colorful Otavalo market, one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America. Hundreds of merchants gather here to sell their products daily, including colorful tapestries, embroidered blouses, beautiful paintings, and skillfully carved figures. This market is your opportunity to find that incredible souvenir. After a box lunch, continue to spectacular turquoise Cuicocha Lake, that rests in the crater of an active volcano. Time permitting, you'll also stop in Cotacachi, well-known for its leather goods.
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Day 4 - SOMOS Humanitarian / Cultural 
Visit a "super" where you'll purchase items most-in-need. Please budget a minimum of $15. Continue to the orphanage or school where you'll interact with the children while playing games Tonight have fun either learning to salsa or participate in a cooking class, featuring cuy and papas with mani.
Day 5 - Banos Hot Springs Overnight
POn your drive, witness the landscape turning into a lush green forest. After arrival, explore this picturesque little town. Visit the stunning cathedral, purchase some famous 'Melcocha' sugar cane candy, and relax in one of the natural hot springs.
Day 6 - Waterfalls / Cable-Car / Quito
After breakfast, explore the waterfall route, including the Agoyan and Manto de la Novia. At each waterfall, you will experience a cable-car ride across the valleys. You'll be amazed when you see one of the biggest waterfalls of the area; the Pailon del Diablo. Hike down to the suspension bridge for an amazing view of this impressive waterfall. Return to Quito and host families or overnight in a Quito hotel.
Day 7 - Pacific Coast Resort 2 Nights
Esmeralda's coastline boasts some of the coast's most stunning beaches. Your hotel is located along Playa Atacames-Tonsupa, popular with natives and international tourists. It is characterized by clean sand, beautiful waves, and memorable sunsets. Optional water sports are available.
Day 8 - Isla de Los Pajaros / Marimba Show
Enjoy a motorboat excursion to nearby "Isla de Los Pajaros" and later, a Marimba show. Balance of activities are teacher-led or teacher-approved for groups of three or more.
Day 9 - Return to Quito or Overnight Flight
Transfer to Quito. Lunch & dinner are on your own. Depending upon your flight departure time, transfer either directly to the airport for your flight or spend an overnight in a Quito hotel.
Day 10 - Departure to USA
Transfer to the airport. Flight to USA.
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10 DAYS
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9 NIGHTS
Quito Homestay
Banos Hotel
Quito Hotel or Homestay
Playa Resort
Overnight Flight/Quito Hotel
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2
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INCLUDED MEALS
Quito-Banos: All meals
Playa: Daily breakfast
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