Spread the love

Australians can save A$2000 per couple on a new deluxe package released by Contours Travel which features the best of what Ecuador has to offer – its colonial capital, a biodiverse cloud forest and the world-famous Galapagos Islands – while guests travel in comfort and style.

The ready-to-go itinerary is available for independent travellers from now until the end of 2019, with the savings available for bookings made by December 31, 2018.

The 11-day package begins in Ecuador’s cosmopolitan capital, Quito – a World Heritage city – where guests can visit its art galleries, museums, monasteries and mansions, learn of its rich history as the northern capital of the Inca Empire and stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Middle of the World memorial. At Quito, guests will stay at the Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel – a restored historic mansion – and feel like they are stepping back into a bygone era of sophistication and charm.

Guests will then journey north-east to the mystical Ecuadorian Choco cloud forest where they can choose from an array of activities which take them deep into the lush jungle to witness the beautiful, biodiverse flora and fauna. Included as part of the package is the Dragonfly experience, an open-air cable ride over, across and through the forest canopy. Two nights will be spent here at Mashpi Lodge, a stylish hideaway boasting breathtaking views of surrounding forested mountains through its floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. The lodge was recently added to National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodges of the World’ collection.

The package will finish with a luxurious, seven-day cruise of the Galapagos Islands onboard the 90-passenger Santa Cruz II, specially designed to operate in remote areas. Highlights of the cruise include snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, spotting many species of wildlife and a visit to a breeding centre for the endangered giant Galapagos tortoises – which measure up to 1.5m in length. As one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Galapagos Islands are home to more than 26 endemic species, and much of the wildlife – including marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, sea lions and flamingos – are known for their tranquillity, which enables travellers to see them up close and personal and snap some great photos.

Including all luxury accommodation, snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, guided activities, excursions, transfers and selected meals, the new, 11-day ‘Ecuador Natural Selection: Cloud Forest to Galapagos’ package is available from A$9733 per person, twin-share. The package is subject to availability and includes a saving of A$1000 per person if booked by December 31, 2018.

Conditions apply. Flights from Australia to Ecuador are extra. For details and to book, call Contours Travel on 1300 135 391 or visit www.contourstravel.com.au