8 Days - Andean Treasures: Immersive Experience
TOUR IN
$1600
per person
Availability: 16 places
During this complete tour of Ecuador’s Volcano Avenue, we will see all of the best highlights of the region. Marvel at different natural landscapes such as snow-capped volcanoes in the Andes, and the coastal region with its banana and cacao plantations.
Discover the beautiful colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca as well as local traditions in indigenous villages or colorful markets. And enjoy a visit to the tropical port city of Guayaquil.
Certainly a complete and varied program!
Day 1
Quito City Tour – Chocolate Experience – Middle of the World
Quito is home to one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America, we will have visits to such highlights as its Independence Square or “Plaza Grande”, the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church (considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America), the San Francisco Church and Monastery, and the Virgin of the Panecillo (which overlooks the entire city).
As a unique experience, there will also be a stop at an artisanal chocolate shop, teaching us more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and the chocolate-making process.
The Middle of the World can be found about 18 miles (30 km), north of Quito, where you can stand on the equatorial line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. We will visit the renowned main monument, as well as the Intiñan Museum which denotes the true equator and its phenomena.
Accommodation at Ikala hotel (or similar) in Quito.
No meals included.
Day 2
Cotopaxi Naitonal Park – Rose Plantation – Máchica Experience
The Cotopaxi Volcano, and its national park, are part of Ecuador’s most impressive natural wonders. With the volcano reaching a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft.), it is a spectacular sight that will never fail to amaze. In the National Park we will explore the Limpiopungo Lagoon (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) while observing a great variety of Andean birds, beautiful paramo surroundings and will also have a fantastic view of the Cotopaxi Volcano.
The area is also a hotspot for cultural activities, and we will have the opportunity to have two fantastic cultural ecounters: With local families which show visitors how they use traditional foods such as machica in drinks and meals, and a local rose plantation which teaches more about one of Ecuador’s most celebrated exports.
The traditional hacienda "La Cienega" (where the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt is said to have spent the night), welcomes our travelers for the night.
Acommodation at La Cienega Hacienda (or similar) in the Cotopaxi area.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 3
Quilotoa Crater Lake – Tigua Paintings
Today's journey leads south on the "Avenue of Volcanoes" towards the province of Cotopaxi.
The Quilotoa Crater Lake is, without a doubt, one of Ecuador’s most impressive natural wonders, its emerald-green waters, surrounded by vertical rock walls make for an unforgettable view and experience. We will have an unbelievable view of the lake and its surroundings from the viewpoint overlooking the lake.
Tigua, near Quilotoa Crater Lake, is famous for its vibrant Indigenous paintings depicting rural life, traditions, and local legends. Artists illustrate scenes like weaving, farming, and iconic landmarks such as Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa Lake. The condor, a sacred Andean symbol, also features prominently. These colorful crafts are among Ecuador’s most authentic and recognizable, and we will be able to participate in painting one of their own works of art using this style during this unique experience.
Our day will continue farther south towards the Baños de Agua Santa area, enjoying marvelous views of the paramo and transitional forests along the way.
Accommodation at La Floresta hotel (or similar) in the Baños de Agua Santa area.
Breakfast and box-lunch included.
Day 4
Excursion to Pailon del Diablo – Riobamba
Baños de Agua Santa, also known as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a small town surrounded by hot springs, the imposing Tungurahua Volcano and many waterfalls. The area’s highlight is its Waterfall Route, which has 60 waterfalls along an 18 km long route. During our visit to the waterfall route, we will observe the “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo waterfalls, with heights of 40 and 80 meters respectively.
Our day will continue farther south, towards the Riobamba area, enjoying marvelous views of the Chimborazo Volcano and paramo along the way.
Accommodation at Mansión Santa Isabela hotel (or similar) in the Riobamba area.
Breakfast included.
Day 5
Riobamba – Guamote Indigenous Market – Nariz del Diablo Train – Cuenca
About an hour south of Riobamba, Guamote’s iconic bustling Andean market overflows with regional textiles and fresh produce, showcasing Ecuador’s rural traditions in full color.
After this visit, we depart for Alausí, a charming Andean town. At the station, we’ll board the legendary "Devil's Nose Train" - an engineering marvel descending 486 meters in just 30 minutes via dramatic zigzag tracks to Sibambe. This thrilling ride through impossible topography offers breathtaking mountain views, showcasing one of the world's most extraordinary railway achievements.
Our day will continue farther south towards the city of Cuenca, enjoying marvelous views of the paramo and small towns along the way.
Accommodation at Los Balcones hotel (or similar) in the city of Cuenca.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6
Full Day in Saraguro Community Tourism Project
Departing from the city of Cuenca, this tour will take us into the heart of the town of Saraguro and the Geras indigenous community, where we will enjoy hikes with spectacular views of the Andean highlands, important archaeological sites, possible observation of the iconic Andean Condor, as well as enjoy a delicious typical meal made by the community. Though the biggest highlight is watching local artisans use the traditional “Makana” technique in making products out of sheep’s wool, and immersing guests into the entire process.
Accommodation at Los Balcones hotel (or similar) in the city of Cuenca.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 7
City Tour of Cuenca – Cajas National Park Panoramic Visit – Transfer to Guayaquil
Cuenca is also known as the “Athens of Ecuador” due to its beautiful colonial architecture, bohemian past and present, as well as being the home to many great historical Ecuadorian figures. During our tour of Cuenca, we will visit Calderon Park (Cuenca’s central park), the flower plaza, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (best known as the “New Cathedral”) and the El Sagrario Cathedral (known as the “Old Cathedral”), as well as the Paja Toquilla Hat Museum.
On route to the city of Guayaquil, and 40 minutes away from the city of Cuenca, we will encounter the El Cajas National Park. This Nature Reserve consists of over 200 bodies of water and has a surface area of 28.544 hectares. The area is considered very important as a water source in the region, as well as an important bird conservancy site. In the national park, we will have a panoramic view of the national park and have the chance to take some incredible pictures of the surroundings.
The route will continue towards the city of Guayaquil to spend the night.
Tonight, we will have a very special farewell dinner to cap-off an exhilirating trip through Ecuador!
Accommodation at Grand Hotel Guayaquil (or similar) in the city of Guayaquil.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport or Start of a follow-up program
Group transfer to Guayaquil’s airport in the morning. Departure from Ecuador or beginning of a Galapagos Islands extension including Island Hopping or a Selected Cruise Program. Breakfast included.
