Ecuador Culture, Adventure, Diversity.

What the “Go easy, Go travel” philosophy is all about...

Ecuador has so much to offer: magicallandscapes, warm locals, delicious food and exciting destinations. In EC Travel we like to do things the right way.

Our company was founded with one fundamental principle. Go easy, Go Travel. Everything in your trip, from your initial planning to your most adventurous wishes will be handled fluently and hassle-free.

By providing you with the best local experience from our support team, the

friendliest and most knowledgeable guides, the safest vehicles and responsible drivers, we make sure that your will have the best time in your trip.

All EC travel employees put their best efforts into making your experience unique, and our guides know that they must deliver this promise when you arrive. We take great pride in our guides and we consider them the best in the business.

In our tours you will meet local people, enjoy Ecuador like the locals, taste amazing food, but most of all you will go back with countless experiences and great new friends.

The most important features of our tours are personalization and flexibility.

We enjoy knowing our customers by name, and enjoy a late dinner after a long day of hiking to get to know each other better. We also love to stop and take our time for you to take that perfect picture. But most of all, we love to show this amazing country andprovide a fun, safe and unique experience.

Local friends, real experiences.

Did you know?- Ecuador is the most biodiverse country in the world per square kilometer.- Ecuador’s Amazon Basin holds over 1/3 of the total bird species in the world. - There are 11 peaks over 5000 m.- Ecuador has 4 regions: Coast, Andes, Amazon Jungle and Galapagos.- It has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 19% of the country is protected.

At Cotopaxi National Park

Iluman community project

Tourism for equality, empowerment and opportunities in local communities.

Since its foundation in 2007, EC Travel’s main goal has been to develop wonderful experiences to our customers while giving back to the local communities in which we operate.

We believe that development opportunities that, are both sustainable and profitable for the community, can be created by empowering local families and assisting them to successfully manage the touristic potential in their communities. We strongly believe that this is the only way to help them build their long-term well-being through tourism.

In every tour, EC Travel works with locals directly by training them and funding different touristic projects and programs.

In Otavalo, on our Cultural Experience Tour, over 40 members of the Iluman community are involved. When we first started, we met our host and hostess, Don Alejandro and Doña Estela, at their handicraft kiosk in the lo-cal market where they sold their home-made goods for a living. We started doing small tours with eight locals involved. Today, they own their own hostel and manage their own operation with different agencies around the world.

In Archidona, partnering with several local companies, we have created our signature Cacao Tour. A tour that involves as much as 200 members from the community. In this new tour you will visit local cacao farms in the Amazon and the Coast of Ecuador.

Our partners, create opportunities for the Cacao harvesters by buying their products under the fair trade principles. We, develop infrastructure along with the local women to make visits to these farms possible.

So during your time with us, you can be sure that the Cacao you taste, the tours you do and the food you eat are not only “attrac-tions”, they also make a great difference for the local communities you visit and to their families.

Responsible travel

Iluman folkloric musicians

In Iluman, sharing a day with an Otavalean family

Agricultural School in Archidona

Enhance your senses, discover cacao

Join us on an extraordinary five-day journey through the world of fine chocolate on our tailor-made Pacari Chocolate Tour. An unforgettable experience awaits as we explore the highlands and jungle of Ecuador with the beautiful landscapes and distinctive cultures that exist in this amazing country. Upon arrival to Quito, you can take a night tour of the city and experience the illuminated splendor of the Old Town. The second day begins with breakfast in one of the most exclusive restaurants in

Quito, where you will be treated to some history of Ecuadorian cacao and participate in an enlightening and delicious chocolate tasting guided by chocolate connoiseurs. We then visit the historic center of the city where quaint streets and bustling markets will capture your attention. Also included is a trip to the “Middle of the World” museum where you can witness the unique aspects of being on the equator. Then we will enjoy a flavorful lunch at one of the areas traditional restaurants. In the evening, we will visit a few of Quito’s most famous landmarks.

On the third day, we leave the capital city and begin our descent toward the Amazon jungle, with a stay in Papallacta. We will take a hike in the hopes of viewing the orchids and birds that inhabit this secluded spot. Later in the day, one can relax in the natural thermal springs, take advantage of the offerings at the luxurious spa, and explore the many wonders of the cloud forest. After breakfast on the fourth day, we will be on our way to Archidona in the Amazon rainforest.

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Pacari

RouteCacao

The first of its kind, PACARI chocolate and EC Travel partnered up in 2011 to create a sustainable Agro-tourism

project to promote the economic development of the Santa Rita community. By creating the “Ruta del Cacao” (Cacao’s Road) we can provide enjoyable travel experiences in their beautiful community while assisting in creating a unique blend of the best tasting organic chocolate from Ecuador to the world.

We will visit the Jumandy caves, exploring the amazing rock formations and an underground stream and waterfall. You can ponder the ancient petroglyphs located just outside the cave and see traces of native cultures that inhabited this area known as the Sacred Valley of the Cotunda.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Santa Rita community to learn about the agro-tourism project and how Pacari chocolate is crafted, from cacao selection and other steps taken to create the exquisite and unique taste of Pacari Chocolate. We will spend a pleasant and relaxing afternoon with the community learning about their cacao operation. On our last day we will walk to a nearby waterfall to take arefreshing swim before we return to Quito or continue with any of our Galapagos, Andes, diving or jungle extensions.

EC Travel was founded by Rafael Espinoza and Luis Marin in 2007. Today, EC Travel is one of the most recommended travel agencies online, had travelers from over 60 countries and has its own operations in Ecuador and Norway.

Pacari Chocolate was founded by Santiago Peralta and Carla Barboto in 2002. In 2008 they launched the first organic chocolate produced in Ecuador. Pacari is now ranked amongst the top 10 best chocolates in the world.

Sebastian Villavicencio at the young age of 28 is considered as one of the best chefs in Ecuador. His restaurant “Coquus” has delivered unique local cuisine since 2008.

Supporting local entrepreneurship

An 11 day adventure tour with the best of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, an incredible experience around the highlands of Ecuador where we will encounter the beautiful landscapes and cultures

We begin in Quito, exploring the city and visit the historic center (Old Town) where legends and myths blend with modern life. We then continue towards Otavalo where we will visit the biggest handicraft market and then spend a whole af-ternoon with an Otavalean family and enjoy traditional dances and music.

On the next days, we will visit sights like the Cuicocha crater-lake and the Cotacachi leather market.

We will then travel South towards the Cotopaxi (5897 m) where we will hike, horseback ride in the Andean “paramo” and visit traditional haciendas around.

We continue to the Zumbahua and Quilotoa, a beautiful turquoise water crater-lake in the middle of a traditional highland town, here we will descend to the crater-lake either by donkeys or by foot.

Day 1 - Arrival Quito / Welcome dinnerDay 2 - Quito day tour / History and culture.Day 3 - Cayambe - Otavalo / Spend a day with an Otavalean family.Day 4 - Otavalo - Quito / Visit to theCuicocha crater lake and traditional leather market.Day 5 - Cotopaxi / Visit to the volcano, horseback riding in the Andean “paramo”Day 6 - Quilotoa - Baños / Visit to the craterlake and horseback riding.Day 7 - Baños / Waterfall sanctuary trail.Day 8 - Baños - Riobamba / Rafting, canyoning or spa, your choice.Day 9 - Riobamba - Ingapirca / Visit to Chimborazo or train ride in Andes. Visit to the most important Incan ruins in Ecuador.Day 10 - Cuenca / City tour and visit to a traditional panama hat factory.Day 11 - Flight back to Quito or Galapagos, Jungle or Diving Extension.

The Avenue ofthe VolcanoesHighlights

Quilotoa Crater-lake

Our next days will be filled with adventure in Banos (Baños), where we will visit the waterfall trail and practice Canyoning (Rappelling down waterfalls), rafting or just relax at a luxurious spa.

On our last days we will visit the Chimborazo volcano (6310 m), the Palacio Real community project and the quiet town of Riobamba.

We will then visit the Ingapirca ruins, the most representative Incan ruins in Ecuador and continue to the traditional city of Cuenca.

In Cuenca, we will explore this traditional and historical city while enjoying some of their traditional cuisine.

On our last day, we will fly back to Quito or continue our adventure in a Jungle Lodge, a Galapagos cruise or an exciting diving adventure in Puerto Lopez.

11 days exploring the best of the Ecuadorian Andes

Tour type: Culture, Adventure, Sightseeing.Maximum elevation reached: 5000 mDifficulty: Medium fitness required.Hotel class: Available in all classes. Some locations have only one option available. Mobility-reduced friendly - Yes, with limitationsChildren under 6 - Yes, with limitations

Tour information

Quilotoa Crater-lake

Cotopaxi volcano

Horseback riding in the “paramo”

Fruit market in Quito

Hiking andAdventure

Adrenaline, hiking and adventures

A tour that will take you into the wildest adventures. Explore the wonderful ecuadorian nature by venturing into the wild.

We will discover Ecuador by foot, on bike, in a raft, by ziplines and horse-back riding. Our underwater explorers, can choose our scuba diving extension.

On this experience we will begin by getting used to the altitude in cultural cities as Quito and Otavalo. Also, we will visit Mindo and enjoy base jumping at a waterfall and fly over 3

km of ziplines over 700 m above the rainforest.

Over the next days we will venture into magnificent crater lakes in long hikes around their perimeter. We will encoun-ter beautiful nature as well as breath-taking landscapes.

We will also visit some of the most beautiful volcanoes such as the Cotopaxi (5897 m), Chimborazo (6310m) and Altar (5405m), where we will explore their surroundings by taking long horse rides, adventurous bike trails or extreme hikes.

Day 1 - Quito - Night TourDay 2 - Quito / Mindo - Day TourDay 3 - Mindo - Waterfall sanctuary trail and ziplining in the rainforest.Day 4 - Mindo / Otavalo - Birdwatching, Peguche waterfall and San Pablo lake. Day 5 - Otavalo - Folkloric Market and day with Otavalean family.Day 6 - Cuicocha / Cotopaxi - 3 hour hike around crater lake. Day 7 - Cotopaxi - Climb to 4800 mts (not technical) and horseback riding in traditional hacienda.Day 8 - Quilotoa - 5 hour walk around the crater lake at 3800 mts.Day 9 - Baños - Waterfall sanctuary trail.Day 10 - Baños - Rafting or Canyoning.Day 11 - Chimborazo - 6 hour bike trail from 5000 mts.Day 12 - Altar - Visit to the sacred valley. 7 hour hike through the mountains.Day 13 - Altar - Climb to the Yellow Lake and descent to Riobamba. Day 14 - Ingapirca/Cuenca - Visit to the incan ruins and tour of the city. Day 15 - Cajas - 4 hour hike around the National Park. Day 16 - Transfer OUT or continue to diving extension.

View from Cayambe Volcano

Incredible adventures at surface and underwater

Puerto LopezDiving

Adventure

Recently labeled as one of the most important mantaray sanctuaries in the pacific, the Machalilla National Park offers one of the best diving spots in Ecuador and South America. From July to early October, humpback whales and mantarays make their way to the Ecuadorian coast and give us some of the most amazing displays both on surface and underwater.

Our PADI 5 star IDC Center is the only authorized divecenter in the National Park, and we offer diving courses from Open Water Diver to Instructor levels.

The Machalilla National Park holds different diving spots suitable for all levels of divers. Hard and soft coral along with sandy bottoms are a perfect spot for rays, reef fish and some pelagic species such as green turtles, eagle rays, sun fish and mantarays. It is considered the best diving spot in continental Ecuador.

We also offer PADI diving courses. Classes can be taken online, in Quito or Puerto Lopez. Open water sessions are made at the Machalilla National Park.

Mantaray at Isla de la Plata

Humpback whale at Isla de la Plata

Green turtle at Isla de la Plata

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Nature and Adventure Lodges

Culture and Nature Lodges

Jungle experience Lodges

Custom-made Tours

The best way to explore the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity. These lodges are located deep into the Ecuadorian Jungle and are only reachable by a combination of plane and canoe. They offer great opportunities for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Our offers include: Sacha Lodge - Napo Wildlife Center - La Selva Lodge - Tapir Lodge - Sani Lodge.

These lodges interact with local communities in order to provide a local experience within the Amazon jungle. They combine visits to indigenous communities around with hikes around the Amazon basin. They are also located deep into the rainforest and are only accessible by plane and canoe.

Our offers include: Yachana Lodge - Kapawi Lodge

A perfect option for travelers who are short on time but are eager to discover the jungle. These lodges have the great advantage of their location and they allow shorter stays without the need of flying. You will enjoy adventourous hikes into the rainforest, waterfalls, night walks and birdwatching.

Our offers include: Casa del Suizo - Altos del Pastaza Lodge.

If you want to explore the Amazon beyond the Jungle Lodges, we offer some exciting tours around. Hike into an active volcano and explore the highest waterfall in Ecuador on our Reventador tour. You can also request special tours if you are interested in a particular specie or location. We also arrange student trips for universities.

You can also try any of our volunteer programs among our affiliated organizations.

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Island Hopping

Diving Live-Aboards

Economy Tours

Cruises, Yachts, Catamarans and Sailboats

Island Hopping Programs

Scuba Diving Live-Aboards

The most popular way of exploring the Galapagos Islands. By taking a cruise you will have the chance to explore several islands in the archipelago. Each cruise has its own particular itinerary, so your choice should consider the best fit of comfort, itinerary and budget.

For more information on our offers visit: www.travelgalapagosislands.com

A first class option to explore some of the main islands in the Galapagos. Our Island Hopping programs offer the unique chance of exploring and staying in the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana. Our programs are available from 4 to 8 days and are combinable with diving extensions and tours.

For more information on our programs go: ectravel.redmangrove.com

Galapagos is one of the most important diving destinations in the world. The Northern Islands, Wolf and Darwin are one of the best places to see pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks in schools of hundreds.

Live-Aboard availability is very limited, we recommend booking your cruise at least 1 year prior to your trip.

For our budget travelers, our economy tours offer the opportunity of staying in-land during the night and making visits during the day. Most of our economy tours focus on the main islands: Santa Cruz or San Cristobal. On these tours you will explore some of the most iconic sights on these islands. We also have economic island hopping tours available.We can also arrange individual visits, transfers and hotels.

Economy Tours

EcuadorMore

Tailor-made programsFlexibility is what we are all about. If you would like to change any of our tours, we are happy to make every arrangement for you. You can also request any itinerary of your preference and we will try to give you the best options and suggestions.

It is hard to list everything we have done for our customers, but here is a short list of what we have made: Climbing Tours - Fishing - Birdwatching - Humanitarian - Academic - Biking - For Children - Luxury - Honeymoon - Nightlife - Gastronomic - Beach - Surfing - Kite Surfing - And much much more.

Spanish Programs & VolunteeringWe are proud to announce the beginning of our operations with one of the best Spanish institu-tions in South America. Now you can choose from a variety of Spanish language programs, from beginner to advanced which you can combine with our weekend specials. Classes are available on private and group basis and homestay options with Ecuadorian families are available.

We also offer volunteering programs through our affiliated institutions in which you can enjoy the beauty of Ecuador while helping those in need. We also have academic volunteering programs in fields such as biology, marine biology and biodiversity.

Peru

Ecuador

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The EC Travel and Travel Galapagos Islands brands are copyright from Compania Turistica Ecuador Customtravel. All pictures are copyrighted, used with permission or under CC. Pictures provided by: Veronica Castillo, Amada Perez Traba, Napo Wildlife Center, Sacha Lodge, Klein Tours, Red Mangrove, Yachana Lodge, Anja Renner, Saija Pietikäinen, Dan Hershman, Magnus VK, EC Travel and Pacari. Design: Rafael Espinoza. Copyright EC Travel.

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Amazing

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www.ectravel.com.ecwww.travelgalapagosislands.com

EC Travel EcuadorAv. 6 de Diciembre 2130 y ColonEdificio Antares Ofic 1201Quito, EcuadorPhone: +593-2-252-3945

ectravel@ectravel.com.ec

EC Travel NorgeHolsteinveien 110860, OsloPhone: +47 465 08 590

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