DAY 1: TRANSFER IN QUITO

Upon your arrival in Quito’s airport a local bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your selected hotel. Your guide will brief you on the following days’ activities and answer any questions you may have.

DAY 2: QUITO CITY TOUR + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD + CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE (B)

The tour begins visiting Quito`s downtown, one of the biggest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America. Our first visit will be Independence Square or “Plaza Grande”, surrounded by important historical buildings, followed by a visit to the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Among these attractions, other must-see highlights are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the Virgen of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built atop the Panecillo hill overlooking all of Quito, a truly unique view. We will also visit an artisanal chocolate shop, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate-making process and get to taste a bit of this delicacy.

After our visit to Quito’s historic district, our journey continues toward the Middle of the World and a drive of about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. First, we will visit the main monument built in honor of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, and we will also visit the correct location of the equator line at the Inti Ñan Museum. After the visit we will return to Quito.

DAY 3: ANGLA COMMUNITY + OTAVALO’S INDIGENOUS MARKET (B/L)

We will start our day with a unique experience, a visit to the local Angla Indigenous community. During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters. Here, you will enjoy a natural healing ritual called Andean “Chakana” which merges traditional Indigenous and religious beliefs. You will also create cherished memories with the community by making traditional beverages and feel the peace of being surrounded by the awe-inspiring Imbabura Volcano and the stunning San Pablo Lake. This visit will undoubtedly immerse you in Ecuador’s Indigenous culture.

When we arrive in the town of Otavalo, it will be time to visit its world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America. Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves. This market is like a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and other artisanal craftwork.

DAY 4: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK AND MACHICA EXPERIENCE (B)

We will start our day traveling along southern part of the highlands, through the “Volcano Avenue”. During the journey, we can enjoy the marvelous view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow-capped volcanoes in the world, which stands at 5,897 m (19,347 ft.). To enter the national park, we will drive along the Pan-American Highway, until we reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and drive on a dirt road through a pine forest until we arrive at the Limpiopungo Lake, a glacial Andean Lake located at 3,800 m (12467 ft) above sea level. From this site, we can have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano and its surrounding Paramo landscape.

Then We will enjoy a local experience in the small town of San Felipe, where we will learn more about the traditional Máchica, which is a type of flour made from ground roasted barley or roasted grains. This flour is commonly used in Ecuadorian cuisine and is used to enrich the flavor and texture of drinks. Communities are also making an alcoholic beverage made from Máchica, similar to beer. The local community will invite us to their home to show us the ancestral process of grinding and roasting the barley using their mill, which is over 100 years old; this will be an experience you won’t soon forget!  In the afternoon we will return to Quito.

The excursion can also be provided with lunch at a typical restaurant. Activities might be modified due to weather conditions, day of the week, and logistics. Should you wish to hike up to the refuge (4,800 m), advanced reservation and an additional fee is required. 

DAY 5: BAÑOS WATERFALL ROUTE + MELCOCHA CANE AND SUGAR EXPERIENCE (B)

Breakfast. We will visit Baños, which is a small city is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs. One of the main attractions is the Tungurahua volcano and a variety of adventure sports. Baños’ waterfall route is one of the best natural attractions in Ecuador. Along a 20-kilometre stretch of the Pastaza River, there are over eleven waterfalls all worthy of seeing.

But first we will enjoy a couple of Ecuador’s traditional sweets, the “Melcocha”, which is soft and chewy candy made from honey or brown sugar for which Baños is famous for, and the “Caña”, or Sugar Cane juice.  You’ll be visiting a local sugar mill where the Sugar cane juice, molasses and spirits are produced, you’ll also have the chance to taste some of the delicious final product!

The first waterfall we will see directly on the Pastaza River is the Agoyan Waterfall. This double waterfall is certainly impressive, but the best part is definitely the cable car that carries you over the top.

Translated as Bride’s Veil Waterfall, the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall makes it easy to see how this it got its name. The 40-metre-tall, thin, and veil-like waterfall is best seen up close as the River Chinchín flows into the Pastaza.

The “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall is easily the most impressive around Baños, if not the whole of Ecuador! Water flows forcefully over the 80-metre drop leaving everything and everyone around soaking wet. In the afternoon we continue to Riobamba where we will stay the night.

DAY 6: CHIMBORAZO NATIONAL PARK + LOCAL EXPERIENCE+ TRANSFER IN CUENCA (B)

After breakfast we will head South towards the city of Cuenca, but first we will have a visit to either the Chimborazo National Park or the Ingapirca Archaeological Site.

The Chimborazo Volcano stands at 6,310 meters above sea level and, due to its location on the equator, its peak is the farthest point from the center of the Earth.

Our first stop will be the small district of Colta, which houses the Balbanera church (the first Catholic Church to be built on Ecuadorian soil), the highest city in the country (Cajabamba) as well as being an incredibly key area during the Spanish conquest of Ecuador. We will then be able to drive up to 4,800 meters, where we can leave the car behind and have a short hike up to the second refuge located at 5,000 meters.

Along the way and inside the National Park, you’ll be able to observe the area’s endemic flora and fauna, such as Vicuñas grazing among the numerous local Chuquiragua plants.

In the late afternoon we will reach Cuenca. Accommodation in Cuenca.

DAY 7: CUENCA CITY TOUR (HALF DAY) + EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK (SHORT HIKE) + TRANSFER TO GUAYAQUIL (B)

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. Free afternoon for you.

Our journey will continue South towards Guayaquil, but before we reach the Ecuadorian coast, we will find the El Cajas National Park. This Nature Reserve consists of over 200 bodies of water and has a surface area of 28.544 hectares. It is a very important water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador as a whole. The National Park was named part of the international Ramsar wetland category in 2002, which means it is an area of international importance for bird conservation and was also a Candidate to be named as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The rivers and tributaries that originate here flow into the Pacific Ocean and Amazon River, and we can also find the “Intercontinental Water Division” in this area. We’ll have a quick visit of the National Park, having a 45-minute hike and exploring the “Tres Cruces” Hill, the highest part of the park, located at approximately 4.000 meters above sea level, giving us a fantastic vantage point to observe the areas many lakes.

Then we will head to Guayaquil, where we’ll spend the night.

DAY 8: GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR (3 HOURS) + TRANSFER OUT (B)

The city tour of Guayaquil takes place in the downtown area where we can have a nice overview of the old city by visiting Las Peñas district, located at the slopes of Santa Ana Hill. From this point, it is possible to enjoy an excellent view of the modern Malecon 2000, located in the shores of Guayas River, as well as a fine example of original architecture in Guayaquil. At the Malecon we will visit La Rotonda, an important monument that immortalizes the meeting between generals Simon Bolivar and San Martin, The Moorish Clock Tower and many other attractive sights. Afterwards, walk in the old town through 9 de Octubre Avenue, to visit the Seminario Park, also known as the Iguanas and Centenario Park.

At an appropriate time, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Guayaquil’s airport for your flight back home or onto your next destination.

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDED:

• Private Bilingual Guide (English or Spanish)
• Private transportation
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Excursions mentioned in itinerary.
• Local taxes and visits
• Entrances fees.
• Local experiences

NOT INCLUDED:

• International or Domestic Airfare
• Meals or beverages not detailed in the itineraries (only if meals apply)
• Tips for guides, drivers, or porters (Not mandatory)
• Travel Insurance
• Optional Excursions
• Personal expenses.