ECUADOR

• Private bus for transportation
• Fully bilingual (SP-EN) and certified guide
• Tours and transfers specified in the program
• Entrance fees to National Parks
• All entrance fees to local indigenous communities and museums listed in the program
• 7 nights at the hotels chosen and mentioned (depending on availability, similar or better 4* hotels)
• Quito: Illa Experience or Similar
• Cotopaxi: Hacienda Los Mortiños or Similar
• Riobamba: La Andaluza or Similar
• Cuenca: Mansión de Alcazar or Similar
• Guayaquil: Wyndham Guyaquil

 

 

Day 1

Quito International Arrival

Upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport, you will be greeted by our helpful guide. The guide will serve as a translator, help with luggage, and assist with the private transfer to your hotel.

 

Day 2

Sinamune Concert - Otavalo - Quitsato (Solar Clock)

After meeting the guide at Quito, early in the morning, the group begins their adventure. The first stop is the Sinamune Foundation where travelers have the opportunity to participate in an interactive concert for around 45 minutes. The play features a wonderful and colorful orchestra formed by people with special needs. The performance includes local and international music. Afterwards, the group will be given a brief tour of the foundation, learn about their social work visit the workshop where they there are handcrafted goods made with love by members of this community. All purchases support the work of the foundation.

Continuing on to Otavalo, home to the well-known Indigenous Market. Here, everybody will be able to find many handicrafts made by the Indigenous Community and Otavalenos (residents of Otavalo). This in an ideal place to have free time to enjoy the colorful folklore of the indigenous market at “Plaza de Ponchos.” Don´t forget to bargain with the artisans for the special souvenirs; it is a custom. Lunch will be at the beautiful Lago San Pablo where guests will enjoy delicious food and a brief tour of this ancient lake.

Later on, on the way back to Quito, there will be time for a stop at the “ Quitsato.” It is a solar clock of about 52 meters (170 ft) of a diameter that mark not only the hour but also the equinoxes and solstices every year. While here, the group will be able to stand in both hemispheres at the same time! A great site to take pictures with the solar clock. “Latitude 0” activities here are worth this visit. Arrive at the chosen hotel. 

 

Day 3

Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast we will departure for a visit to the National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador because it is the highest active volcano in the world. Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, including: one of the most representative species is the Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer’s flower) Wild Horses, Deers, llamas, and more. Whilst in the National Park you can also see Limpiopungo Lake, located near Rumiñahui Volcano (4757 meters). In the afternoon we will head to a typical lodge/hacienda where we spend the night.

 

Day 4

Quilotoa - Riobamba

After breakfast, the journey to the Quilotoa Volcanic Lake (3900 m.a.s.l.) begins. The pathway is along the amazing “Avenue of Volcanoes”, ideal for visiting the small colorful indigenous towns. The majority of the population in this zone are indigenous, which means that several ancient customs are still observed nowadays; for example, Zumbahua is a Town that practices these traditions on a daily-basis. One tradition is painting and in Tigua we will enter to one of those workshop to see them. Quilotoa is a collapsed volcano that has been inactive for thousands of years. A 9km cauldron that was formed in its crater due to the collapse of the volcano. According to studies, the lava managed to reach the Pacific Ocean and the cauldron is now home to a picturesque lake that turns greenish-blue when sunlight hits the surface for a gorgeous view. Hike on an easy trail along the rim of the lake which is rarely crowded. The view of the Quilotoa Lake from this point is breathtaking! After that, we will continue the trip toward Riobamba where we spend the night.

 

Day 5

Alausi - Devil´s Nose Train - Ingapirca - Cuenca (from Tuesday through Sunday)

Early in the morning, the group will be driven from Riobamba to the town of Alausi with some quick stops at the “Balbanera” Church, which is the very first Catholic Church built in Ecuador. Then, there is a stop to overlook the awe-inspiring Colta Lagoon. Once, the group arrives in Alausi, you will have the opportunity to board the famous Andean Train commonly known as “The Devil’s Nose Train”. The journey is really exciting and exhilarating; in some parts, people can almost feel that the train will fall down! The train arrives to Sibambe Station to enjoy a colorful folkloric presentation and stroll around the valley. After all, it is time to return to the train to ride up back to Alausi. Once everybody returns from the train ride to Alausi, the journey continues to the Southern Andes; but first, there is a stop at the amazing Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, where there will be time to enjoy a box lunch. At Ingapirca it is possible to enjoy the beauty of this Inca Cañari Ancient Fortress, one of the most important and largest Inca Ruins in all of Ecuador, mainly for its historical value and structural beauty. Ingapirca is located at 3100 meters above sea level. After this stop, the journey continues to the beautiful Colonial City of Cuenca to check at the chosen hotel.

 

Day 6

Cuenca

Cuenca is the third largest City in Ecuador, and in 1999 was declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. For many people, this is the prettiest city in the country. The architecture, setting and cultural value are reasons to make Cuenca a must-visit on any tour at any time. Along the city tour, the traveler will be able to visit several handcraft workshops, including one of the popular workshops where the “Paja Toquilla” hats are woven (the World Famous Panama Hats). Additionally, there is a visit to the “Encalada” workshop, where guests can see the process of making beautiful black ceramic vases. During the interesting city tour along Cuenca, there is one stop for experiencing the local gastronomy during the lunch at the renowned “Dos Sucres” Restaurant or similar, where the Ecuadorian Cuisine is featured. After a long day between the market, the workshops, the beautiful architecture, and the delicacies of Cuenca´s gastronomy, it is time to rest.

 

Day 7

Cuenca - Cajas National Park

Guayaquil City Tour PM. The tour continues from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Pacific Coast with, but first there is a must-do stop at the breathtaking Cajas National Park. It is a natural and protected reserve surrounded by pristine lagoons and gorgeous landscapes. Here, it is possible to take a small hike to enjoy the reserve’s unique flora and fauna. It is possible, also, to visit the “Toreadora” Lagoon that is the largest lagoon in the national park. This setting is ideal for enjoying a box lunch in a charming natural location within the reserve. On the way to Guayaquil, you will notice a sudden change of the vegetation at the coast and enjoy the seeing of many banana's plantations and the coastal vegetation. Once the travelers arrive to Guayaquil, the largest city port of Ecuador, there is a short stop to drop off the luggage at the hotel. Then, it will be possible to take a short tour to the modern part of the city to enjoy some panoramic views of the city and look at the most representative buildings in the area. One of the stops is the famous “Parque de las Iguanas” (Iguana’s Park) to view this magnificent specie bonding with the locals. There is also time to visit the famous “Malecon 2000”, a magnificent river shore by the Guayas River from where we can take pictures of the Rotonda Monument and the charming and color filled “Las Peñas” neighborhood. After a long day, it is time to return to the hotel for packing and overnight. 

 

Day 8

Guayaquil Transfer Out or Tour Extension to Galapagos.

After the breakfast, the adventure throughout Ecuador ends.