Ecuador so close

Being the first city to be declared as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1978, Quito offers to its visitors, magnificent parks, churches and plazas dated from the XVI century to present. We’ll guide you to the Historical Center for you to admire the exceptional charisma of the main square or “Plaza Grande” and its surrounding palaces: Presidential, Municipal and Archbishop’s. The Cathedral and its richness, the imposing church of la Compañia de Jesús and its finest baroque architecture and the character of the ancient monastery of San Francisco will be the highlights of this visit.

Continue northwards to the monument that marks the latitude 0º 00’ 00” better known in the world as the Equator, locally known as the Middle of the World. Here you can literally jump from the northern to southern hemisphere of the planet.

This tour includes a visit to the Inti Ñan Museum, a clever and fun, didactical museum about the influence of the equator in daily live.

Meal plan: Breakfast/-/Dinner

In the morning we’ll leave Quito towards the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we’ll visit one of the most important national parks of Ecuador. Cotopaxi’s perfect conic shape might be appreciated and inviting at Quito’s horizon. Experience the beauty of one of the highlights in the legendary “Avenue of Volcanoes”, as Alexander Von Humboldt rightly named this part of the Ecuadorian Andes.

We’ll take the Panamerican Highway southwards amid a series of small villages, grazing lands and farming fields that create delightful landscapes. Then we’ll take the side road that will take us to discover the impressive volcanism, flora and birdlife that this National Park protects. A visit to the Interpretation Center and the Limpiopungo Lake as well as a short easy hike will let us enjoy this nature wonder.

Lunch included.

In the afternoon we’ll arrive to the hotel in Riobamba.

Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

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 for lunch. Afterwards 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.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Cuenca is waiting for us to discover. We start the day strolling through the cobbled streets of this beautiful World Cultural Heritage, crossed by four rivers that add up to the splendor and give the city its complete name.

Squares, balconies and churches will make perfect pictures. The “chola cuencana” traditional costumes will splash with color our experience and the outstanding pink marble Cathedral is for sure going to take your breath away. There will be a chance to learn about the ancestral cultures of Ecuador in an interesting museum and to enjoy the magnificence of the Tomebamba River and the panoramic view of the city from the Turi Hill. One of the most interesting visits of the day will be to the museum and factory of the famous, but misnamed, Panama Hats…a true artisanal symbol of Ecuador.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we’ll head eastwards to enjoy the rural areas of Cuenca. We’ll visit the town of San Bartolo world know for the handcrafted production of guitars. We continue our way through the eastern slopes of the Andes to the town of Chordeleg, where we’ll have time to stroll its jewelry shops covered streets. Afterwards we’ll continue to the Gualaceo where we’ll visit the rich and traditional market, the Orchids farm and the “ikat” weaving workshops. Included lunch will be served at a traditional Hacienda of this beautiful green valley on the Santa Bárbara basin, which enjoys spring like weather all year round. In the afternoon we’ll start our return to Cuenca’s airport for your return to Quito. Reception at the airport and transfer to selected hostería in the area for accommodation.

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/-

PAPALLACTA THERMAL SPRINGS

On the entrance to the Amazon Basin on a cool climate area above 3000 m of altitude we find the natural hot springs of Papallacta that have their origin on the heart of the Antisana Volcano. The water temperatures fluctuate between 36 and 42 C. And they are considered to alleviate various illnesses such as arthritis, bad circulation and digestive problems among others. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the thermo-ludic area and chose from a variety of optional massages and beauty treatments offered at the spa. This is a relaxing experience for your body and soul. Return to Quito.

Meal plan: B/-/-

OTAVALO

We’ll start this day heading northwards to the town of Calderón to visit the famous bread-dough handicrafts workshop. Through changing landscapes we’ll arrive to a sightseeing point over the San Pablo Lake that welcomes us to the Imbabura Province. We’ll continue to the city of Otavalo where you’ll have time to stroll through the colorful handicraft stalls. Afterwards you’ll visit the weaving workshops in Peguche before you continue to the city of Cotacachi for lunch and time to shop for fine leather goods. Return to Quito.

Meal plan: Breakfast/-/-

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

Meal plan: Breakfast