- Trip Includes
- Trip Outline
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Our program includes:
- Transfer Airport / hotel / airport in Quito and Guayaquil
- 01 night in Quito
- 01 night in Baños
- 01 night in Riobamba
- 01 night in Cuenca
- 01 night in Guayaquil
- Meals: 05 breakfast + 01 lunch
- Excursion Cotopaxi National Park + Local Market
- Excursion to Baños Waterfall
- Excursion to the Ingapirca Ruins
- Excursion the El Cajas National Park
- Personal Assistance
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Itineraries
Day 1
… / Quito
Transfer from the airport to the hotel. A driver will pick you up from the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. Accommodation in Quito. *In case of flight delay due to events out of our control, an extra transfer might be charged.Overnight: Quito
Meals: --
Day 2
Quito / Baños
We will start our day traveling to the southern part of the highlands, through the “Volcanoes’ Avenue”. During the journey, we can enjoy the marvelous view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow-capped volcano in the world. But firstly, we will visit one of the local markets in this region, depending on the day of the week for understanding the local culture and even experience the barter process, and, why not, being able to taste some of the local and exotic flavors that Ecuador has to offer to us. After this introduction to the local culture, we will drive along the Pan-American Highway towards the Cotopaxi Volcano with 5,897 m (19,347 ft) high. Once we are here, we will reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and drive on a third-class road through a pine forest to Limpiopungo lagoon, a glacial Andean lake located at 3,800 m (12467 ft). From this site, we can have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards we will continue to Baños for accommodation.Overnight: Baños
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Baños / Riobamba
Breakfast. We will visit Baños, This small city is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs. One of the main attractions is the Tungurahua a variety of adventure sports. Our tour will begins visiting the famous waterfalls “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo”, later we search for a lookout point to see the Tungurahua active volcano. Afternoon drive to Riobamba through “El Arenal”, an arid location in the slopes of Chimborazo Mountain. This gigantic mountain was included in the famous 1802 expedition led by the renowned German scientist Alexander Von Humboldt. If time and weather allow, this location offers amazing views of wild llamas, vicunas and alpacas.Overnight: Riobamba
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Riobamba / Cuenca
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will drive to the town of Alausi. Our first stop will be at Balbanera Church constructed in 1534, is one of the earliest samples of colonial architecture of South America and the first Catholic Church in Ecuador. We will continue to Alausi’s Train Station where the famous “Devil’s Nose Train” used to operate. Due to the land topography, this portion is a masterpiece of railway engineering, commonly named “the most difficult railway in the world”. The descent is not an ordinary one; the ride starts at an altitude of 2,346 meters and go down to 1,860 meters in just 30 minutes, on zigzag-carved railway tracks. Afterward, the guide and driver will bring you to Tolte’s Community. You will be able to choose among different activities during your visit-stay in the community: You can descend 330 stairs to a viewpoint, which is a perfect place to appreciate the zig-zag from Devil’s Nose Train and take fabulous pictures. You may choose between horse-back riding or a biking tour in the surrounding areas of the community, and you are also able to visit an organic local farm to see how the community develops agro-tourism. Here you will have lunch in the restaurant in the community while enjoying a traditional dancing show. After this visit, we will drive to Ingapirca, the most important Inca complex located in Ecuador. It was built during the Inca expansion into Ecuador at the end of the 15th century on a site that had been occupied by the Cañari people for 500 years. Today the Temple of the Sun is the only structure that remains mostly intact. 6 km far from Ingapirca ruins we will find the Inca baths. This is an Inca bathing complex considered a sacred place where rituals dedicated to different deities were performed. Late afternoon our journey takes us to Cuenca. Note: Depending on the day we will be able to visit an Indigenous market such as Alausi, Canari, Guamote, Cajabamba or Colta.Overnight: Cuenca
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Cuenca / Guayaquil
Breakfast. The tour begins with a visit to the city’s Historic Center. We will visit the church San Sebastian, a picturesque and traditional neighborhood of Cuenca, the Modern Art Museum, where the famous International Biennial of Painting takes place permanently, the Calderon Park (central park), the Flower Plaza, the Church “del Carmen”, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, best known as the “New Cathedral” considered as of the biggest churches in Latin America. There is also a visit to the Cathedral “El Sagrario,” commonly known as the “Old Cathedral”, the city’s first Cathedral. Afterwards, we will visit “El Paja Toquilla” Hat Factory, where you can observe the elaboration process of the finest hats. The route continues with the visit to the “El Barranco del río Tomebamba,” which constitutes a communion between architecture and the natural environment. The houses are attached to the incline, displaying their majesty and charm. The tour will be finished at the “Mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) where the landscape of a valley full of red roofs and church domes is framed by imposing mountains. In the afternoon, only 30 minutes away from Cuenca we will find the Cajas National Park; it consists of over 200 lagoons and has a surface of 28.544 hectares. It is a very important water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador. The National Park achieved the international Ramsar wetland categories in 2002, area of international importance for bird conservation IBA 2003 and Candidate Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The rivers and tributaries that originate here flow into the Pacific and Amazon. Also, we can find the “Intercontinental Water Division” in this area. We visit the high part of the park approximately 4.000 m.a.s.l., and then make a 45 minute walk. We will then return to the vehicle and drive to Guayaquil city. Accommodation.Overnight: Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Guayaquil / …
At the indicated time, transfer to Guayaquil Airport to take your flight to your next destination.Overnight: --
Meals: Breakfast