CULTURAL ECUADOR

We leave early in the morning towards the historical Chimbacalle Train Station, where you will board the train to the south, leaving frantic Quito through the peaceful grazing lands of the andean haciendas (farms) into the Machachi Train Station as final destination. Our vehicle will take us for a short visit of Cotopaxi National Park and then we’ll head to the historical Hacienda La Ciénega for lunch. We’ll visit a rose’s farm, one of the most important exports of Ecuador. Continuation to Urbina, at the base of the Chimborazo volcano, where we’ll share the paramo life for a moment. We head to Riobamba for accommodation.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/-

Early in the morning we’ll leave the city of Riobamba to head to the town of Alausí in the Chimborazo Province, where we’ll board the train. We’ll have a chance to enjoy the most impressive part of this railway going into the “Devil’s Nose”, a geographical formation that has led to a zigzagging railway perched on the Andes cliffs. Return to Alausí on the train. Box lunch will be handed and we’ll start our way to Cuenca taking a detour to visit the Archaeological Complex of Ingapirca the best preserved and most important Inca Site in Ecuador. Arrival to Cuenca in the early evening for accommodation.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Box Lunch/-

Have a guided visit through the highlights of the historical area of this beautiful World Heritage. Visit its characteristic plazas, churches and streets. The pink marble Cathedral, the Calderon Park, the Flowers Square, and the Broken Bridge and Barranco over the Tomebamba River make this an unforgettable city, considered to be the most beautiful one in Ecuador. Visit also the Factory/Museum of the world famous but misnamed Panama hats. A four hours city tour where the visitor will have a chance to photograph and learn the stories, legends and traditions of Saint Anne of the Four Rivers of Cuenca. Lunch at a local restaurant. Balance of the afternoon at leisure.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/-

Early in the morning we head towards the Cajas National Park, that only 30 minutes away, is waiting for us with an altitude difference of over 1500m and the richness of the andean paramo, where we will enjoy the beauty of the Andes, its landscapes and flora. We will have a short walk to enjoy this nature wonder recognized as Worldwide Biosphere Reserve. Lunch in the area. Continuation to the city of Guayaquil descending through the Andes slopes with its intense contrast of landscapes, climate and color. Arrival to Guayaquil at the end of the afternoon.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/-

Transfer to the airport for continuation to Galapagos or International flights.

Meal plan: Breakfast