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60Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comEcuador & Bolivia South AmericaO ur adventures begin in Quito with time to explore and acclimatise to the rarefied air of this high Andean city. Driving north we'll visit Inca ruins, walk on the shores of the crater lake of Cuicocha and visit the celebrated market in Otavalo. Some enjoyable walks further prepare us for our short hike to 4,810m/15,781ft on the slopes of Cotopaxi, in the evocatively named 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'. Crossing the Pan-American Highway we stay in the remote area of Quilatoa before taking a walk to the Whymper Hut on Ecuador's second famous volcanic peak, Chimborazo. A little light relaxation in the hot springs of Baños and it's back to Quito for the flight home. Extend your holiday with a Galapagos Islands cruise. Call 0845 330 8579 for more details.T his exciting trekking itinerary is set in the high central area of Ecuador which holds eight of the country's ten highest peaks. Arriving in Quito 2,850m/9,300ft, we spend a couple of acclimatisation days exploring the city before beginning our trek with an ascent of Pasochoa, an eroded volcanic crater. Passing through humid Andean forest we overnight in a traditional hacienda before trekking to Tambopaxi, where with luck we may see condor and Andean foxes. Now on the slopes of Cotopaxi, we ascend to the Refugio Jose F Ribas at 4,810m/15,781ft and visit the glacier. On nearby Chimborazo we walk up a little used trail to Whymper's Hut at 5,000m/16,405ft, and beyond to Whymper's Needles. We then, new for 2011, ride the exciting Devil's Nose Train before returning to Quito. W e begin with an excellent and varied acclimatisation programme, exploring La Paz, Lake Titicaca and the Island of the Sun (home to the Inca creation legend). Starting near the old trading town of Sorata we then begin our 120 mile long trek, which runs north to south along the entire length of the 'Royal' mountain range before ending in the Zongo Valley. Most trekking days include crossing a steep pass (two over 5,000m/16,405ft) and each day brings fresh views of new mountain groups. Occasionally we'll come across isolated farmsteads and herds of llamas, but often we'll feel that we have this magnificent landscape all to ourselves. Although cited as one of the world's best treks this route remains infrequently travelled and remarkably deserted. Gentle Trekking, Ecuador Wonderful walking and all the highlights: isolated Inca ruins, the artists of Tigua and Otavalo market. Cotopaxi & Chimborazo - Avenue of the VolcanoesAn exciting trek past snow capped summits in Ecuador's 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'. Cordillera Real Traverse, Bolivia The classic Bolivian trek, renowned for its spectacular beauty and astonishing tranquillity.£1,450£2,295£1,350£2,195£1,735£2,675Land OnlyFlight IncludedLand OnlyFlight IncludedLand OnlyFlight IncludedMon 30 May - Mon 13 Jun 11Mon 29 Aug - Mon 12 Sep 11Sat 18 Jun - Sat 02 Jul 11Sat 17 Sep - Sat 01 Oct 11Sat 14 May - Sat 04 Jun 11Sat 10 Sep - Sat 01 Oct 11Day Walks: 10 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 6 Lodges: 6 Hacienda: 2 Optional: Single Room £295Insurance: £95On Trek: 8 daysLocal LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 6 Lodges/Hacienda: 4 Camping: 2Optional: Single Room £220Insurance: £95On Trek: 15 days Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 3 Lodges: 4 Camping: 12Optional: Single Room £295 Single Tent £120Insurance: £99Trek | Duration: 15 DaysTrek | Duration: 15 DaysTrek | Duration: 22 DaysGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clientsGrade: Gentle/Moderate Grade: Vigorous Grade: StrenuousFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comIsland of the Sun, Ilona EliasBolivian Woman, Andi Harrison O ur journey through the magnificent highlands of Venezeula begins in earnest from the colonial city of Ciudad Bolivar, with a charter flight over the verdant Gran Sabana. We then start our six-day trek, taking in the summit of Mount Roraima (2,810m/9,220ft). This seemingly impregnable plateau sits atop sheer cliffs that tower some 400m/ 1,300ft above the surrounding grasslands. However, in a style reminiscent of Conan Doyle's famous tale, we take a hidden route through cloud forest and beneath waterfalls to reach the 'Lost World' above. Two nights on the plateau gives us time to trek on to the 'Triple Point' - where Venezuela borders Brazil and Guyana - and explore this most exotic of mountain summits.After our trek we fly to Canaima, a watery world of lagoons, rivers and cascades, including the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls. This provides a spectacular climax to a memorable trip, which has been carefully designed to avoid long driving days, enjoys comfortable accommodation and offers a first rate trekking experience.Lost World TrekAn inspirational adventure incorporating Angel Falls and the classic trek to Mount Roraima.Extend your holidayThe trek in to Roraima, Steve HarbertOn Trek: 6 days Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 2 Lodges: 4 Camping:5Optional: Single Room: £220 Single Tent: £35Insurance: £95 Trek | Duration: 13 Days£1,695£1,775£2,375£2,495Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedSat 5 Mar - Thu 17 Mar 11Sat 5 Nov - Thu 17 Nov 11 Sat 3 Mar - Thu 15 Mar 12Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.com61telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comVenezuelaThe prehistoric landscape of the 'Lost World' of Roraima contrasts with the cool Latin vibe of colourful Caracas and the appealing charms of Caribbean islands to make Venezuela an immensely varied and endlessly intriguing destination.The Coral Islands of Los RoquesThe Wildlife of Los LlanosLocated a short 30 minute flight offshore from Caracas, the Los Roques archipelago is the largest marine National Park in the Caribbean. This is the perfect post trek spot for relaxation, with stunning white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The posadas (guesthouses) on the main, car-free island of Gran Roque offer daily excursions to tour the islands, go snorkelling, swimming or simply relax on a deserted beach.Set between the Andes and the highlands of the Gran Sabana, the Llanos are Venzuela's wildlife-rich wetland plains. Here, from simple but comfortable Hato (ranch), knowledgeable guides will lead morning and afternoon safaris to see countless birds, including eagles, owls and a variety of waterfowl. On the ground and in the water capybara and caiman are everywhere and anteaters can also be seen. There may even be Orinocco crocodile, anaconda or piranha about.Los Roques, Steve HarbertGrade: Moderate |