AMAZING ECUADOR
This amazing tour around Ecuador in 19 days / 18 nights offers a great loop around the main three regions of the country, such as the Andes Mountains, the Amazon jungle, and the Pacific coast. Each region has its unique fauna, flora, climate, and culture.
AMAZON JUNGLE
CULTURE
PACIFIC COAST
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Quito: The Historic Center of Quito was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 8, 1978. It is the least altered and the best preserved in America.
- Mindo: It is known for its numerous species of birds, butterflies and orchids that inhabit the surrounding cloud forest, part of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve.
- Cuyabeno Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary. It comprises 603,380 hectares and is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet along with the Yasuní National Park. The main attractions of Cuyabeno are related to the enormous biodiversity and the imposing hydrographic system that is part of the Amazon Basin.
- Termas De Papallacta: is the ideal place to escape the noise of the city and the daily routine. More than a destination, it is a comprehensive experience that will awaken all your senses.
- Otavalo is a city in the Andean highlands of the province of Imbabura, northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by volcanoes, such as the Imbabura volcano. It is known for its Otavalo market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where locals dressed in traditional indigenous clothing sell colorful textiles and crafts.
- Galapagos National Park: The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It is known as one of the most famous destinations in the world for wildlife watching. It is a province of Ecuador and is located about 1,000 km from its coasts. Its isolated terrain is home to a diversity of animal and plant species, many of them exclusive.
- Quilotoa: Quilotoa or "princess diamond" in Kichwa, is one of the colossi of the avenue of volcanoes in whose crater lies a spectacular lagoon, hence you will always hear stories of the Quilotoa Volcano and the Quilotoa Lagoon.
- Baños: Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports.
- Ingapirca archaeological complex: which means “Inca Wall” was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the bases of a first Cañari settlement, which populated the Ecuadorian Austro.
- Cuenca: It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and is made up of four rivers that cross it, charming colonial streets, European-style architecture, churches and cathedrals, ruins that reveal the passage of the Incas and cultural, art and craft centers of long standing.
- Los Frailes beach has three consecutive beaches from white sand to black sand. It has won several awards for being among the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. Enjoy the places to walk, viewpoints and also the waves and marine diversity.
DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL
Welcome to Ecuador, a small country but certainly charming and full of adventures. Our Guide will receive you at the Airport, will welcome you, and give you an introduction to the tour of Ecuador where we will visit the country for the next 19 days. The guide will transfer you to the hotel in Quito where you will spend the night. Overnight in Quito.
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 2: CITY LINE (QUITO COLONIAL + MITAD DEL MUNDO) + TELEFERICO
We will visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed by the exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to the Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes!
In the afternoon we will continue the famous Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, You can visit the monument or the insitu museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more..!
Finally you will visit the Teleferiqo (cable car) of Quito. Over 2,500 meters you will reach the top of the PIchincha Volcano, this great visit is a unique experience, which offers a great view of the landscape of the north, center and south of the city. After this visit we will be dropped off at our hotel. Overnight in Quito.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 3: MINDO CLOUD FOREST - BUS TRIP TO CUYABENO
We head towards Mindo cloudforest where fun and adventure in nature is guaranteed. Located about 49 miles from Quito. Mindo is the most famous town for bidwachters in the Andes of Ecuador, due the amount of species we can find on the area.. Orchids, bromeliads and more than 40 species of butterflies are the highliths of this area. Our guide will lead to some activities possible to do in this day, some of them could be birdwatching hikking, also an ecological walk to the waterfalls or canopy. You will have time for lunch (Not included) then we will visit the Chocolate Factory or Butterfly Farm. After this interesting visit we will return to Quito.
you will have time to rest for few hour at your hotel in Quito. At night, our guide will pick you up and then you will reach the meeting point for taking your semi-private touriistic bus to Cuyabeno. Night trip to the jungle for about 8 hours.
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Meals: Breakfast
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.Semi-private tourist bus to Cuyabeno. (Night bus trip to cuyabeno reserve)
DAY 4: ARRIVAL TO CUYABENO LODGE
Your tour begins at the bridge of the Cuyabeno River where you will meet the guide of the Lodge. The naturalist guide will provide you with information about the Cuyabeno Reserve and important recommendations to start the two-hour navigation on the Cuyabeno River to the Lodge.
During the canoe ride you get a first look at the jungle and you can observe different types of birds such as caciques, orioles and the prehistoric Hoatzin bird. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the weather and weather conditions. We will arrive at Nicky amazon lodge (or similar) around 4:30 pm. At that time, you will be shown to your rooms and you can relax for a bit. After the nap we will leave the lodge to swim in the lagoon and see a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. Then you will return to the lodge for dinner, and you can finish your first day in the jungle, relax in a hammock or have a drink at the bar.
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- Meals: Box Lunch
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Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 5: IN SEARCH OF THE GIANT CEIBO TRAIL - NIGHT WALK
Your second day in the Cuyabeno reserve begins with a delicious breakfast, then we will take a walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours through the primary forest, where the guide will explain to us about a tropical forest and medicinal plants. You can also see large trees like the CEIBO or small insects like ants. We will return to the lodge to have lunch and take a break and in the afternoon we will go out to see the beautiful butterflies and swim in the lagoon. If possible we will be able to observe the beautiful brushed dolphins and enjoy the impressive sunset. Then, we return to the lodge for dinner. At night we carry out a nocturnal activity, focused on the search for alligators on the banks of the river.
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Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 6: VISIT TO THE TARAPUY COMMUNITY
After breakfast, we set off in a canoe down the river for about an hour to visit a family from the Tarapuy community. We will be able to learn to prepare Casabe, a traditional Yuca bread, where we will help in its elaboration. We will learn to use the materials of the jungle to make bread, in this we spend the whole day. We will return to the Lodge at approximately two in the afternoon. After lunch we have relaxation activities; To end the day we will have a short walk through the primary forest focused on observing nocturnal insects, such as spiders, gekos, or scorpions, and listening to the noises and sounds of the night.
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Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE OF CUYABENO - BUS RETURN TO QUITO
The fourth and last day of the 4 day tour In the Amazon jungle we will look around and try to find species of monkeys and birds and maybe sloths on the way around this spectacular place. After breakfast, you will have time to pack your luggage for the return trip. We offer a box lunch for the return trip. The trip takes you upriver back to the Cuyabeno Bridge at 10:30am, where our bus will wait for our trip back to Quito directly. Our guide will wait for your at the private bus station to pick up you and leave at the hotel.
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Meals: Packed Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 8: QUITO - TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA - OTAVALO
Today you can enjoy the famous hot springs "Termas de Papallacta". These hot springs are an excellent option of relaxing and nature of the param in Ecuador. There are excellent self-guided walks and there is a complete spa where you can enjoy some beauty spa massages (extra fees not included). This is well deserved relax activity after the adventure in the jungle.
At the end of the afternoon we will travel to Otavalo, a magical city where the indigenous community is the predominant one and the next day you will enjoy the cultural richness of this are of the Andes. Overnight in Otavalo
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Meals: Breakfast
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Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 9: OTAVALO MARKET - COTACACHI - CUICOCHA LAKE - QUITO
IWe'll visit the Peguche cascade. Then you will fee time for shopping in the big market of handicrafts in Otavalo, this is one of the biggest indigenous markets of America. Later we'll go towards the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products, such as clothes, bags, belts, wallets, sandals. Finally we will visit Lake Cuicocha. This lake is located in an old crater of the still active Cotacachi volcano. We can take an optional boat ride on the lake and observe the fumaroles.
In the afternoon we return to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 10: QUITO - COTOPAXI VOLCANO
Our trip will continue today to the Cotopaxi National park. The Cotopaxi considered the largest active volcano in the world with 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 ft). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is currently active, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities. We will also take a walk around the Limpiopungo lake that is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds of the Páramo region (Andean Grasslands). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the surface of the lake is magnificent. We make a short visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife and the eruptions of the park's centerpiece. We will be able to visit the refuge where we will be able to enjoy the wonderful views that this place offers, be sure to bring warm clothes since the wind is strong in the thermo-stops, if we are lucky we will be able to observe the fauna that inhabits the Cotopaxi National Park. Overnight in local Hacienda in Cotopaxi area.
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 11: QUILOTOA LAGOON - BAÑOS
After breakfast we go to the North Pan-American Highway to go to the Quilotoa lagoon, on the way you can see wonderful landscapes (depending on the climate) we will pass through small indigenous towns that are part of the great multiculturalism of Ecuador, then a tour of 3 hours we will arrive at the Quilotoa lagoon, this lagoon characterized by the turquoise color due to the volcanic minerals, gives it a pleasant and colorful appearance, we can do different activities such as a walk to the crater, or you can stay to observe and appreciate the wonderful view. In the afternoon we go to Baños we will have a trip of approximately 3 hours where we will spend the night. Overnight in Baños.
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 12: BAÑOS - "ROUTE OF THE CASCADES" - RIOBAMBA
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit the surroundings of the town. We will take the "Route of the cascades" where you will visit the different cascades in the area such as: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and San Pedro, and you will also be able to enjoy the famous "Tarabita", a small cable car that crosses the great canyon over the Pastaza River. Then we will do a trekking to get to "El Pailon del Diablo"; a beautiful waterfall where we can have the opportunity to walk through the cloud forest. Then trip to Riobamba with a short visit of the Chiborazo volcano for some photos. Overnight in Riobamba.
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Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 13: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA
We will visist some interesting historic places of the city of Riobamba in the morning... Then we'll go towards south and we'll the Balbanera church, which is the first one founded in Ecuador. Then a short time around the peaceful lagoon of Colta Lagoon. These two are unique Andean landscapes of the area.
We’ll reach the area of the Andean train called the famous "Devil’s nose" , the tour is not operating at this time due the company of trains is “out of business” but our guide will show you the operation and the route… After this visit we'll continue towards south and we’ll reach the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, famous place of inca ancient times.. Overnight in Cuenca.
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Meals: Breakfast
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Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 14: CUENCA CITY TOUR - GUALACEO AND CHORDELEG
We will start our adventure of this day have a city tour through the city of Cuenca, a beautiful city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will abel to discover its cultural and architectural diversity. visiting the most important churches and monuments of this city. We will also visit the Turi viiewpoint, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire city of Cuenca. After the lulnch (not included)
In the afternoon we will visit the colinal tows of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city, famous for their handicrafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions. Overnight in Cuenca
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 15: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY
We'll have a short hiking excursion around the El Cajas National Park. This is an interesting visit full of nature, the lagoons are the remains of the last ice age. The small and big lagoons are connected by internal small rivers, whose crystal clear waters flow into the Pacific ocean. The hiking also include a part of the famous forest of "trees of paper".
After this visit we'll continue the trip towards the coast of Ecuador to reach the city of Guayaquil. At our arrival we'll make a short city tour around the city and its main touristic places. Overnight in Guayaquil
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 16: GUAYAQUIL - MONTANITA
Today we will drive around the famous "Ruta del Sol" passing by several beaches of the Pacific Coast. We'll visit the town of Ballenita. Some other small villages along the route. Finally we'll reach Montañita where we'll spend the day in the beach. Late in the afternoon we go to Puerto Lopez. Overnight in Puerto Lopez.
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 17: ISLA DE LA PLATA (FULL DAY)
Get ready for the nature, due this day we will visit the Isla de la Plata. Called as "The little Galapagos" it's the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for a unique marine life. We will see also some species of birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigates, This place is famous for snorkeling due the diversity of marine life. From June to October you will be able to wacth humpback whales jumping in this area during their mating time. After this long day of adventure return to your hotel. Overnight in Puerto Lopez
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 18: PUERTO LOPEZ - PLAYA LOS FRAILES - TRIP TO QUITO
This morning we will visit Los Frailes beach, part of the Machallilla National Park in the province of Manabí. A magical and quiet place, where you can enjoy unique landscapes and connect with nature at its best. Then you will have a long trip back to Quito for about 7 hours.. Overnight in Quito
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Meals: Breakfast
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- Double accommodation in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 19: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT BACK HOME
Breakfast. The guide will pick you up at your hotel at assigned time according the time of your inboud flight. Transfer to the airport.
END OF OUR SERVICES
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Meals: Breakfast
YOUR
ACCOMMODATION
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | IKALA HOTEL | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | PIRANHA LODGE | BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | INDIO INN | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | VILLA TACVNGA | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | SELINA BANOS | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | SELINA CUENCA | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | GRAND HOTEL GUAYAQUIL | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON $2648
REQUEST INFORMATIONINCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double rooms
- Meals according to the program
- Excursions detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the museums and visits during the program
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Visit to the indigenous comunity in cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD p.p
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- wire transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | NICKY AMAZON LODGE | BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | INDIO INN (JR. SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | LA CIENEGA | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | FLORESTA | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | INCA REAL | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON $2838
REQUEST INFORMATIONINCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double rooms
- Meals according to the program
- Excursions detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the museums and visits during the program
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Visit to the indigenous comunity in cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD p.p
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- wire transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | MERCURE | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | JAMU LODGE | BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | PINSAQUI | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | HACIENDA PINSAQUI | BREAKFAST |
| BAÑOS | SANGAY | BREAKFAST |
| RIOBAMBA | HACIENDA ABRASPUNGO | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | HOTEL CARVALLO | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | LA TERRAZA | BREAKFAST |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON $3098
REQUEST INFORMATIONINCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double rooms
- Meals according to the program
- Excursions detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the museums and visits during the program
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Visit to the indigenous comunity in cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD p.p
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- wire transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | PATIO ANDALUZ | BREAKFAST |
| CUYABENO | JAMU LODGE (SUITE) | BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER |
| OTAVALO | CUSIN | BREAKFAST |
| COTOPAXI | SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO | BREAKFAST |
| BAÑOS | LUNA VOLCAN | BREAKFAST-DINNER |
| RIOBAMBA | ANDALUZA | BREAKFAST |
| CUENCA | MANSION ALCAZAR | BREAKFAST |
| GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK (SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | PUERTO LOPEZ | BREAKFAST |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON $4087
REQUEST INFORMATIONINCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver
- Transfer airport – hotel - airport
- Transfer Quito – Cuyabeno - Quito
- Tour 4 days - 3 nights at Lodge in Cuyabeno reserve.
- Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double rooms
- Meals according to the program
- Excursions detailed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the museums and visits during the program
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Visit to the indigenous comunity in cuyabeno reserve. $10 USD p.p
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- wire transfer costs
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