Otavalo This beautiful area of lakes and mountains, indigenous communities and lots of handicrafts is approximately two hours north of Quito. Whilst it makes a perfect full day trip from Quito, we also recommend staying overnight in a colonial hacienda. lorem tellus. Hacienda Zuleta HIGH Hacienda Zuleta is a small estate and working farm with only 15 rooms available to guests. It is intimate, cosy and private, and the hospitality here is superb. Each of the rooms has a fi replace for added warmth in the cold evenings. A particular attraction of this hacienda is that it is home to an important Andean condor rehabilitation programme. The Condor Huasi project aims to conserve condor populations by observing their behaviour and protecting wild colonies from hunters. Education of local communities is also a key part of the project. The Amazon This vast region protects more species of plant and mammal than almost any area of a similar size. It is home to a simply astonishing wildlife repertoire - 15% of all the bird species on the planet, over 100 species of mammal and 300 species of fi sh. And that's not to mention the 1000 species of butterfl y, freshwater dolphins, caimans, 10 monkey species and innumerable exotic fl owers. Of particular interest to you may be to try and sight the mystical and enigmatic jaguar. . Sacha Jungle Lodge HIGH OUR CHOICE The 26 individual en- suite cabins at Sacha Jungle Lodge are constructed using local materials and traditional methods. There is a main dining and observation area all surrounded by 2,500 hectares of privately- owned jungle. All excursions are accompanied by an English- speaking naturalist guide and a local Indian guide. The lodge has a spectacular 275- metre canopy walkway, which allows you to get an unprecedented look at the rainforest's animals and birds. llus. Napo Wildlife Centre HIGH Napo Wildlife Centre is run in conjunction with the local Anangu Quichua Community and is involved in many different conservation projects. The 12 cabanas have been designed with comfort in mind, with private porches for relaxing when you're not in the rainforest. La Selva MID La Selva is a simple and rustic lodge built to a native design. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 40 guests and offers forest walks and excursions by motorised and dugout canoe. 142Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Amazon cruises For more information on cruises in the Amazon, please see page 152, or see our website.

THE AMERICAS | ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 143 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Quito ( via Madrid or Miami), 2- nights, Hotel Patio Andaluz Day 2 Explore Quito's historical buildings and attractions ( BL) Day 3 Mindo Cloud Forest, 2- nights, Septimo Paraiso. Birding excursions ( BLD) Day 5 Quito, 1- night, Hotel Patio Andaluz. Early morning birding, before returning to Quito ( B) Day 6 Papallacta, 2- nights, Guango Lodge. The area is home to many hummingbirds; you'll observe them and many other birds ( BLD) Day 8 Quito, 1- night, Hotel Patio Andaluz. Birding at San Isidro ( BL) Day 9 Amazon jungle, 3- nights, Sacha Jungle Lodge. Explore the tributaries, forests and myriad wildlife in this pristine jungle environment ( BLD) Day 12 Quito, 1- night, Hotel Patio Andaluz ( B) Day 13 Depart Ecuador for the UK ( B) Day 14 Arrive UK Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3699 ( Jan - June, Aug - Nov), £ 3999 ( July) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fi ve nights hotel accommodation and seven nights lodge accommodation, guided activities ECUADORIAN ODYSSEY A complete journey through Ecuador's varied topography - from volcanoes and snow- capped mountains to green valleys and impressive city sights. You'll also see the best of Ecuador's prolifi c bird and wildlife, including maybe the Andean condor and elusive jaguar. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com