Discover this city which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and is considered the cultural metropolis and center of artistic crafts of Ecuador.

Day 1: Cuenca

In the morning, visit Cuenca, on foot, observing the river, Tomebamba, which runs along the town with a view of the old houses perched on high cliffs, above the bank of the river, a unique environment, with its colonial stone bridges, the modern and the old estate. Stroll the impressive ruins of the Inca-Cañari Pumapungo Palace, which sits in the heart of Cuenca. We will discover the city’s main attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art, new cathedral, the flower market and the Barranco. Take advantage, after a short drive, of Turi Hill, to take panoramic photos of the city. And, to complete your stay in Cuenca, visit a ceramic art gallery, or fine pottery workshops. We also visit the famous Panama Hat and factory museums. Free time in the afternoon to visit places of personal interest. Night in Cuenca.

Day 2: Ingapirca, Inca archaeological site

After breakfast, we will head north for about an hour and a half to Ingapirca. Here we are going to ask the Sun God of the Incas to stay away, so you can enjoy this little remnant of the Inca Empire under a misty sky! (He frequently grants these requests!) The temple/fortress has been restored and enhanced that over the centuries has served for spiritual rituals for the Cañari culture. What remains is, just a hint of what it once was, an important link in the Inca imperial chain that stretched from Cuzco to Quito. It’s not Machu Picchu, but it’s worth a visit! Lunch in the area and return to Cuenca in the afternoon.

Day 3: Cajas National Park

After breakfast, we will take the road west to visit the Cajas National Park, located thirty minutes from Cuenca. Here you will find a network, of around 200 lakes, formed during the last ice age, which today have created a vast recreational area. The park itself is located at an average altitude of 3000m. Small rivers connect the series of lakes and these eventually flow into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. After hiking through one of the nearby lakes, you will continue towards Guayaquil, driving through the mountains on the way, leading you towards the Pacific coast. Or return to Quito by plane.

Discover this city which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and is considered the cultural metropolis and center of artistic crafts of Ecuador. Visit Cuenca, on foot, observing the river, Tomebamba, which runs along the town with a view of the old houses perched on high cliffs, above the river bank, a unique environment, with its colonial stone bridges, the modern and the old estate. Stroll the impressive ruins of the Inca-Cañari Pumapungo Palace, which sits in the heart of Cuenca. We will discover the city’s main attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art, new cathedral, the flower market and the Barranco. Take advantage, after a short drive, of Turi Hill, to take panoramic photos of the city. And, to complete your stay in Cuenca, visit a ceramic art gallery, or fine pottery workshops. We also visit the famous Panama Hat and factory museums.

Before starting our excursion, we will take a short walking tour of Cuenca, visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old cathedrals, the flower park, the city and modern art museums, the Cañari – Incas ruins of All Saints.

Then we will head to the Gualaceo Valley, located 36 km away. from Cuenca. Along the way, it is possible to enjoy the radical change in the landscape; there will be several photo stop opportunities. Visit the town of Gualaceo known for its leather goods, crafts and folklore. The main market where several products from the region are sold takes place every Sunday. Continue to Chordeleg, a pretty town a few kilometers from Gualaceo, famous for its production of silver and gold jewelry, as well as its famous hand-woven “Panama straw hats”.

Visit the largest active volcano in the world!
Leaving Quito towards the south you cross the “Avenue of Volcanoes” and you arrive at the Cotopaxi National Park. Visit to the reserve and Lake Limpiopungo. For favorable climate, climbing the volcano to the glaciers. After a day in the mountains, a typical hot meal in a Hacienda in the region will please you. Afternoon, return to Quito.

The Cotopaxi National Park is a site that you cannot miss when visiting Ecuador, this pristine area is one of the most visited national parks in the country after the Galapagos. Dare and experience a unique adventure, like mountain biking down one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, and, after heading south for 1.5 hours, on the Pan-American Highway, we arrive at the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through the pine forest to arrive at the Park Museum. After visiting the museum, we will head to Lake Limpiopungo, at 3,800 m, where we will begin a hike around this magnificent lake, while observing birds.

We will mountain bike on dirt roads, through volcanic ash and tundras for approximately 30 km, to the North Gate of the Park. With any luck we might see a Condor or Caracara bird.
After lunch, we will continue the cycling adventure to end the trip on the outskirts of the national park.

HORSE RIDE IN THE COTOPAXI REGION – 1 DAY

Life in the Andean highlands can be fascinating and the cowboys, known as Chagras, of these regions play an important role in daily Andean life. They are in charge of livestock, among other tasks, in the Haciendas.

Ride and dress like a “Chagra”, cowboy, for a day, and ride your horse down the hills, and enjoy the spectacular views of the surroundings of Cotopaxi National Park. Departure from Quito, early in the morning, and enjoy a day of adventure in one of the most beautiful haciendas, “El Porvenir”, full of history and tradition. Guests can choose between riding around Cotopaxi for two hours or a full day. The horses we are going to use are called “criollos parameros”. They adapted to the harsh conditions of the Andean páramo, losing weight in the process, but gaining strength and endurance to endure the harsh environment.

Day 1: Visit to the Cotopaxi Volcano

In the morning we head south, through the “Avenue of Volcanoes” towards Cotopaxi National Park. We will visit the surrounding areas, called, “paramos” (Highlands). On arrival, we will visit the Limpiopungo valley. With favorable weather, we can spot the perfect cone shape of the volcano. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a local lunch at a nearby Colonial Hacienda, and afterward we will continue to Zumbahua, where Lake Quilotoa is located. Night in the region.

Day 2: Visit to Quilotoa Lake

After breakfast we will visit the lake “Quilotoa”, which is the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador. The 3 kilometers of the lake were formed by the collapse of its rock walls following an eruption around 800 years ago, and now it has become a wonderful lake. There, you have the choice of activities such as the descent on foot, 400 m below, to arrive at the foot of the lake (It is a little difficult, but it is worth it. You can rent donkeys, if you do not feel in shape to return to the starting point, at the very top of the mountain). It is also possible to rent kayaks on the lake, or simply relax on the edge of the volcano. In the afternoon, return to Quito.

QUITO UNESCO COLONIAL CITY TOUR
(4 hours)

UNESCO, in its interest in preserving natural and historical sites, declared in 1978 the Colonial Center of Quito as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming, like Krakow in Poland, the first cities to have this category. Quito is considered by NATGEO Traveler as one of the best trips of 2013.

Quito is the capital of Ecuador! You will discover the history of this magnificent city by visiting its historic center. It’s a walking tour. There you will visit: the Monastery of San Agustin with its majestic Capitular Hall; Independence Square where the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the City Hall are located. Afterwards you can admire the magnificent architecture of the El Sagrario church, La Compañía and the Monastery of San Francisco which was built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. Then you will climb “El Panecillo” Hill (Panoramic View of Quito).

QUITO CITY TOUR AND MONUMENT
“HALF OF THE WORLD” (8 hours)

Quito city tour and “Half of the World” Monument combined. This option will allow you to get to know Quito, its surroundings and the monument in a single day.
You will visit: the Monastery of San Agustin with its majestic Capitular Hall; Independence Square where the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the City Hall are located. Afterwards you can admire the magnificent architecture of the El Sagrario church, La Compañía and the Monastery of San Francisco which was built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. Then you will climb “El Panecillo” Hill (Panoramic View of Quito). And to end the day you will visit the monument which represents half of the world. We will visit the main monument built in honor of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century to determine the exact location of the equator line. Here you will have the opportunity to see the Equator Monument and visit the IntiÑan Museum, a scientific and cultural museum, located at the exact intersection of the Equator line, where you will experience living in the center of the world.

UNESCO, in its interest in preserving natural and historical sites, declared in 1978 the Colonial Center of Quito as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming, like Krakow in Poland, the first cities to have this category. Quito is considered by NATGEO Traveler as one of the best trips of 2013.

Quito at night is special with all the lights. The city is magical. This is a panoramic tour to visit by car the most tourist points of the city which include: the Basilica Church, Plaza Grande, Plaza San Francisco, La Ronda and the Panecillo from where you will have a magnificent view of Quito at night. Return to your hotel or you can choose to stay downtown to party and enjoy Quito.

The Jacchigua Folkloric Ballet is a cultural heritage. For 26 years, Ballet Jacchigua has sought to maintain and restore the memory of a multicultural country, full of contrasts and unique colors, sheltered from volcanoes and glaciers, transmitting the happiness of living with values ​​and sensitivity of their own heritage. Ninety dancers, musicians, technicians and sociologists, they showcase their knowledge and artistic sensitivity in a choreographic assembly considered as a “living museum” in the world and declared “First living cultural heritage”, touring the cultural manifestations of several regions of the Andes, in a two-hour show with 2,800 kilos of costumes and ethnic elements.

CROSSING THE ECUADOR BY TRAIN – 4 DAYS – From Quito to Guayaquil

The new Ecuadorian train, called “Tren Crucero” – Cruise Train, travels through the avenue of volcanoes on the majestic Ecuadorian Andes – the longest continental mountain range in the world at almost 7,200 km long, including seven South American countries.

The Cruise Train staff and on-board service won an award at the World Travel Market Trade Show held in London in 2013. The train was crowned by the Bithish Guild of Travel Writers as “Best Product Outside of Europe”. the legendary “Orient Express” More information on these prices at: http://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-33570-tren-crucero

DAY 1/ Tuesday: Quito – Otavalo – Ibarra:

The journey begins in the Northern Andes. As we travel towards Otavalo, the highest peak on the equator might appear before us, the snow-capped peak of Cayambe Volcano. The landscape is constantly changing. From Quito to Otavalo: fertile green valleys with dry yellow forests. A restored steam engine awaits us at Otavalo station. As we travel aboard the train, many wonders await us at each stop: magnificent wooden crafts, a tasting of the rich Ecuadorian gastronomy, local traditions, musicians and healers. The last stop is Ibarra station. Return to Quito by coach.

DAY 2 / Wednesday: Quito – Cotopaxi – Riobamba

Departure in the “Cruise Train”. This day the trip is through the avenue of volcanoes to explore ecosystems of the Andes, visiting “El Boliche”, in the national park of “Cotopaxi”, a breathtaking view of the lake “Yambo”.

The train passes through the town of Ambato, and then very close to the “Chimborazo” volcano, finally arriving at the “Urbina” station, the highest station on the Ecuadorian railway circuit, 3,609 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, the view of Chimborazo offers breathtaking photo opportunities.

Get off at “Urbina” station, where you will meet Mr. Baltasar Ushca who has a deep relationship with Chimborazo. Baltasar is a 75-year-old man who goes to the top of Chimborazo to dig ice in the underground glacier of this extinct volcano. He walks about 10 km in difficult weather conditions. He discreetly asks the wind of Chimborazo for permission to extract the ice, using only a pickaxe to break it and make blocks. Later, he wraps everything up, and loads his cargo onto his donkey, his faithful friend and assistant. He then transports the ice down the mountain to store it in a hole in the ground. On Saturdays, he sells the ice cream in the “Riobamba” market to customers who transform it into ice cream and fruit juices. Baltazar is now the last remaining ice cream man; when he dies, the tradition of glacial ice will be lost, forever. It has been declared by the Ecuadorian government as the country’s Living Heritage. http://thelasticemerchant.com/

Once back on board the train, we continue towards Riobamba with views of the Chimborazo volcano which dominates most of the landscape. Arrival in Riobamba, transfer, by bus, to the hotel for accommodation and dinner.

DAY 3: Thursday: Riobamba – Guamote – Market – Bucay

Early departure from the hotel to Riobamba station by bus. Here, we will board the “Cruise Train” to continue towards the South. The scent of local coffee inside the train accompanies you as we head towards fields of corn, potatoes, and the Andean grain known as “Quinoa”. Our first stop of the day is at the lake of “Colta”, here we have a short visit to “La Balbanera”, this church is located behind a stone wall. It has a stone facade with a large arched doorway, supported by two columns. This church was built in 1524, making it the oldest church built by the Spanish in Ecuador.

Our journey continues to the spectacular “Guamote” Market, where an explosion of colors, flavors and smells are in the air. Great photo ops and time to purchase some local produce. We will have lunch in the area and continue later to Alausi.

From Alausi, the train reaches one of the most famous railway areas, known as “the Devil’s Nostril”. In 1902, next to the hill, known as “Condor Puno or Condor’s Nest” was built the track called “Devil’s Nostril”, a very difficult engineering work, considered the “most difficult railway site in the world”. Its zig zag construction and the beautiful landscapes promise to be an unforgettable experience.

Continue through the mountains and tunnels, passing through the small town of “Huigra”, also known for its magnificent tropical climate, to Bucay. Accommodation and dinner.

DAY 4 Friday: From Bucay to Guayaquil in the Pacific Coast

Early morning, breakfast, and after, departure towards the Pacific Ocean, on the way we will notice the increased temperature and the lush vegetation of the tropics making its final appearance. Our first stop of the day is at “Bucay” to visit local tourism projects such as, cocoa plantations and other interesting activities. We will have lunch in the area before reaching our last stop. In the town of “Yaguachi”, we will move on to the steam locomotive, here, we will be able to take photos of this machine, from the last century, which has been remade to bring the glories of its time. On our way to “Duran”, we will see the coastal plains with fields of rice, sugar, pineapples and other products of the land. It is also nice to see the typical houses. Arrival at “Duran”, and transfer to the main hotels in Guayaquil.

The adventure begins at the Eloy Alfaro station in Chimbacalle, from where we head south to the “Avenue of Volcanoes”. The Pichincha, Atacazo, Pasochoa, Viudita, Rumiñahui volcanoes, among others, border the railway. The road descends through the “Panzaleo jungles” from where the wood for the construction of Quito’s churches came, through meadows, cultivated lands and haciendas.

In Tambillo and Machachi, we will enjoy the cuisine and culture of the chagras, the Ecuadorian cowboys. At El Boliche, the recreational area of ​​the Cotopaxi National Park, we discover its unique flora and fauna on an easy walk, then return to Machachi for lunch (not included) and the opportunity to visit the beautifully preserved “Granja La Estación”, where there is an exotic animal farm.

Day 1: Departure from Quito to Riobamba.

On the way to the pretty town of “Riobamba”, at the foot of the “Chimborazo” volcano, you will pass through the well-known Avenue des Volcans to a small, very nice Indian market. Depending on the day of the week. It’s up to you to do good business with the Indians in the region. Once arrived in Riobamba, visit the town with our guides. Night in Riobamba.

Day 2: Riobamba – Alausi – Train – Cuenca:

Very early in the morning, departure to the railway station, to take the oldest and most popular train in Ecuador. During the journey through the “Devil’s Nostril”, you will observe the magnificent landscapes of the Andes, especially if you travel on the roof of the train. You will arrive at the small village of “Alausi”, and then you will be transported to Cuenca. Time to rest.

Day 3: Cuenca – Quito:

Visit to Cuenca, and free time to walk in this very charming colonial city. Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. It has been declared Cultural Heritage of the World by UNESCO. Our tour, through Cuenca, takes you to discover this great colonial city and its hidden secrets, squares, narrow streets paved with stone, the flower market, the cathedral, a visit to the famous Panama Hat factory, and more. Afternoon flight back to Quito.

BAÑOS, THE GATEWAY TO THE JUNGLE (2 Days)

Baños is blessed with thermal springs (thanks to the internal geothermal forces of the Tungurahua Volcano). The thermal waters, weather and spectacular natural setting have made Baños a popular getaway. It is possible to carry out many activities such as mountain biking, hiking, canyoning among other sports. Baños is certainly for everyone a place of relaxation and a little adventure.

Day 1: Quito to Baños

We will drive south from Quito, for 4 hours, through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to the colorful town of Baños which is located very close to the Tungurahua volcano. On the way we will visit the Cotopaxi National Park where the Cotopaxi Volcano is located. Arriving in Banos, we will explore this peaceful town and its surroundings. Night in Banos.

Day 2: Baños – Quito

In the morning, after breakfast, you will have the choice to continue your trip by bike, on the “Route des Cascades” to see the spectacular “Caudron du Diable”, one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. However, if you don’t want to ride a bike, you can take a Chiva, a typical open bus, or we can go by car.
Lunch in Baños and in the afternoon return to Quito.

PAPALLACTA THERMAL WATERS – 2 DAYS

Day 1 Quito to Papallacta.

We arrive at the unique location known as Papallacta where water is the main element of this region, thermal springs seem to come out constantly. This place is located in the clouds. The vegetation, the humid forest and the most beautiful lands surrounded by crystal water rivers offer you a magnificent hike to do. Free time to enjoy thermal springs.

Day 2 Return to Quito or continue to your next destination:

After breakfast, enjoy the spectacular mountain views and soak in the warm waters for the last time. Drive to Quito through the surrounding valleys, with impressive views of the Andes mountain range or continue to your next destination.