This deal to Ecuador is so popular that when we started compiling information, the lowest price point offered by Friendly Planet (tel. 888/555-5765; www.friendlyplanet.com) was $899; that departure, September 15, quickly sold out. At the time of this writing, there was a waiting list for the October 27 departure, priced at $999. Peggy Goldman of Friendly Planet urges travelers to consider other travel periods as a possibility in case that departure sells out, too. "South America is one of the best places you can go over Christmas," she says, noting the $1,399 price for that time period.
But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves, so here's the deal. Friendly Planet is offering a seven-day trip to "Exotic Ecuador," which is priced from $999 based on airfare from Miami. The trip includes airfare, fuel surcharges, hotels, transfers, 18 of your meals including breakfast every morning, touring and the services of English-speaking guides. The itinerary is full, full, full, and includes capital city of Quito, your arrival city, along with Otavalo, Baños, Cotopaxi and the Amazon Rainforest. Attractions include the colonial old town of Quito, which was home to Incan settlements, along with an excursion to Otavalo, its market, and its traditional culture, still intact. You have a full day in the Amazon at your leisure, with suggestions from the tour guide. Another day involves canoeing and traveling to Puyo; en route, you'll see the Rio Verde falls, and wind up at Baños, which yes, you guessed it, has a water connotation. The town is named for its baths, or hot springs.
In order to receive this great rate, you must book by April 30 -- the prices posted reflect a savings of up to $800 per couple if you meet that deadline. Other fall 2008 dates are available: November 24 from $1,119 and December 22 from $1,399. Beyond that, some 2009 departures are possible, such as January 19, February 16 and March 2, priced from $1,119; along with March 30 and April 27 from $1,149 and May 25 from $1,099. As usual, the prices are based on double occupancy, but do not include additional taxes or fees of $85.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Ecuador Message Boards today.
