Discover Ecuador

Day 1: Arrival in Quito.
On your arrival at Quito Airport (at any time), our English-speaking representative will welcome you and take to your hotel in Quito. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and adjust to the altitude.

Day 2: Quito City Tour (3 hours).
Morning: After breakfast we will start our city tour which includes visits to the “ Guapulo Mirador”, passing through the 12th of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated.
Then we go on through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church, here we will have short stop at the “San Juan Mirador” having a beautiful view of Colonial Quito.
We continue our tour, walking through the colonial streets stopping at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, and the archiepiscopal palace. Then we will visit La Compañia Church where many adornments and golden altars are admired. Then we visit San Francisco Cathedral which was built in the XVII century. Then we will be heading to the “Panecillo Mirador” (entrance is included) a beautiful place from where a spectacular view of colonial and modern Quito is available.
Afternoon: You are free to rest or do any extra activity.
(B)

Day 3: Mitad del Mundo - Pululahua.
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you to Mitad del Mundo just 25 km northward from Quito where the Equatorial Line Monument is located. The monument reminds us of the French-Spanish expedition from 1736-1744, which, under the leadership of Charles de la Condamine, determined the position of the equator. Here you can have one of the most unique expriences in your life: standing with one foot on the Northern Hemisphere and with the other one in the Southern hemisphere! After this interesting experience we will visit the adjacent park which has leisure facilities and looks like typical Spanish style colonial village and an ethnological museum. Next we will visit the Museum of the Sun (Museo de Sol) where we will learn about the Incas and their knowledge. Then we will drive to the nearby-protected area "Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua", which is situated in the crater of the extinct volcano of the same name. While hiking through the crater you can admire the beauty of the original fauna and the numerous humming birds and butterfly species. In the evening we will return to Quito.
(B, L)

Day 4: Pasochoa - Cuello de Luna.
This morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the extinct volcano "Pasochoa" located 30km south of Quito. We will climb it for about 4 hours and see its crater where you will see one of the latest endemic Andean forests. In the late afternoon, we will drive to the homely and comfortable Acclimatization center Alberge Cuello de Luna, where we will have dinner near the fireplace to keep warm and stay overnight.
(B, L, D)

Day 5: Laguna of Quilotoa - Alberge Cuello de Luna.
Early this morning we will start our 6 hour roundtrip car journey to Laguna de Quilotoa in the way we will see the region of Chugchilan, which is one of the most impressing places of Ecuador. We continue our way to Zumbuahua, a small, colored village inhabited by only 40 families; 10 km north lies the blue and green glimmering volcano lagoon of Quilotoa. This lake is one of the most beautiful volcano lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes; from the crater you can see the amazing snow capped volcanoes. After a short excursion we drive through Chugchilan and Sigchos and return to Cuello de Luna. During this drive we will stop to see the native villages and the great landscape that contains a lot of orchids and birds. Tonight we will stay again in the Cuello de Luna Albergue.
(B, L, D)

Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park - Hosteria Abraspungo.
At 10 o'clock we leave for El Chasqui from where we will drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. Our journey includes a short stop at the Nature museum to observe the flora and fauna of the park. After 3 hours we reach the car park on 4.600 m. From here we walk about 1 hour to the "Jose-Rivas-Refuge" at 4.800 m. After lunch we hike to the glaciers for a short walk and afterwards we come back to the parking lot and drive away to the South. Late afternoon we reach the Hosteria Abraspungo near to Riobamba where we spend the night.
(B, L, D)

Day 7: Train Adventure - Ingapirca - Cuenca.
After an early breakfast we will drive to the train station in Riobamba to board the train for a scenic journey down the Devil's Nose to Alausí. After the train ride we will continue by car to Ingapirca to visit these famous ruins. The name Ingapirca means “stonewall of the Incas" in Quechua. We will see the fine stonework and characteristic trapezoidal niches and doorways. Next we drive for about 2 hours to Cuenca (picnic lunch will be served en-route). Arrival in Cuenca for dinner and overnight in the Mansion Alcazar.
Please notice the train leaves only on Wednesday, Friday and Sundays
(B, L)

Day 8: Cuenca city Tour.
We next visit the city of Cuenca. The third largest city Ecuador's offers you fantastic possibilities to admire great colonial and republican architecture, archaeological and ethnographical sites, sacred art museums and markets. We will have lunch in one of the restaurants typical for this region.
(B, L)

Day 9: Cajas National Park – Cuenca.
This morning we will drive to the Cajas National Park, which is situated 15 km west of Cuenca. In this recreation area there are about 200 lagoons spread at altitudes between 3.150 m and 4.450 m. The lakes are connected by small rivers, which crystal-clear waters flow into the Pacific as well as into the Atlantic Ocean. After a hike through the highlands we return to Cuenca. In the Afternoon you will take the flight back to Quito over the Avenue of the Volcanoes. With good weather we will have a spectacular view of the snow-covered volcanoes.
Arrival at Quito Airport and transfer to your hotel in Quito.
(B, L)

Day 10: Private Excursion to Otavalo Indian Market.
Early this morning, we travel north along the Pan-American Highway through astonishing mountain scenery. We arrive in Cayambe where you have breakfast at the Hacienda "La Compañia". We continue north to Otavalo where we visit the most famous indian market in South America, the Otavalo Indian Market. For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. The colorful local markets of the Andean Valleys are famous for their fine handicrafts. The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back strap and shuttle looms. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. You will have time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo Indians wearing blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair.
Overnight in Quito.
(B)

Day 11: International Flight back home.
Sadly today is your last day in Ecuador, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport early enough to catch your flight back home.

Price Inclusive: $2,390.

*Price is per person in Double occupancy.

Price inclusions:
• All transfers Airport/Train/Bus station Hotels during your entire trip in Ecuador.
• Flight ticket Cuenca Quito.
• All nights of accommodation with breakfast (4 star hotel in Quito).
• All the tours mentioned on the itinerary. Includes: transport and entrance fees.
• English speaking Guide for all tours.
• Our 24 hour Assistance during your entire trip in Ecuador.
• Confirmation of Domestic & International flights.

Tour price does not include:
International air fares to Ecuador, airport taxes, meals other than those specified in your itinerary, personal expenses, personal insurance, and tips.

*Please note this itinerary will be adapted to your exact dates and requirements.