Avanti Expands Options in Ecuador

FIT operator Avanti Destinations is boosting its advisor options for Ecuador, announcing the addition of two new customizable vacations, three new hotels, and five new tours this week.

“Most people associate Ecuador primarily with the wildlife paradise of the Galapagos Islands, which are our best-selling destination in the country,” said Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations.

“The goal of this campaign and new microsite is to familiarize advisors with the other equally compelling places in Ecuador: the Ecuadorian Amazon region, the beautiful historic cities of Quito and Cuenca both dating back to Inca times, the port city of Guayaquil, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes with its breathtaking mountain scenery and indigenous craft markets.”

The additions are highlighted by those two new FITs:

• The Other Side of Ecuador: a seven-day trip to Bucay, Cuenca, and Guayaquil that includes a stay in a hacienda dedicated to sustainability, where clients can learn how to milk cows, make their chocolate bar, go horseback riding or river tubing; private transfer with lunch to Cuenca traveling through the indigenous El Tambo region, stopping at Inca ruins, including Ingapirca, and more.
• Ecuador’s Natural Wonders: an itinerary that includes 12 days in Quito and a four-night Galapagos cruise on a choice of vessels. Can also opt for an island-hopping Galapagos stay instead.

The new hotels are all four-star boutique properties. One is a safari cam bordering a national park, another is a colonial-era hacienda lodge built on the grounds of an Inca palace, and the last is a romantic luxury hotel with a spa featuring thermal waters from a nearby volcano.

The new tours are all private and include a tour of craft workshops as well as produce markets and an orchid farm in the settlements of Chordeleg and Gualaceo near Cuenca; a private excursion from Quito to the village of Papallacta and the adjacent Cayambe-Coca Reserve; and a seven-hour private Quito colonial city tour and cooking class of traditional dishes with the chef of a local 90-year old restaurant.

With the additions, Avanti now offers a total of 15 customizable recommended vacations, 45 three-, four- and five-star hotels and resorts, and 18 tours and experiences in Ecuador. The options range from short stays and cruises in the Galapagos and Amazon to a 12-day “Ultimate Ecuador” itinerary.

All can be booked via Avanti’s new advisor portal.