• Guided city tour through the colonial center of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site), among others, including visits to these sites: the Parliament of Ecuador, the Independence Square, Cathedral (16th century), Presidential Palace, the Baroque La Compañía de Jesus Church, the church of San Francisco (16th century), Panecillo Hill

• Excursion to Mitad del Mundo (“Center of the Earth”) including visit to Solar Museum (“Museo Intiñan”)

• Ride on the spectacular Andes Railway from Riobamba to Alausi (incl. the “Devil’s Nose”), still today the steepest train track in the world,

• Ride up Mt. Cotopaxi until 4,500 m a. s. l., the world’s highest active volcano; hike to the Rivas refuge at almost 5,000 m and Lake Limpiopungo

• Hike through the marvelous Cajas National Park (Paramo landscape with many lakes)

• Road of Waterfalls near Baños, incl. Agoyan, Puerta del Cielo, Manto de la Novia, La Merced, San Jorge, Pailón del Diablo

• Cuenca (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – guided and unguided walks (El Turi Hill, New Cathedral, Flower Market, Rotary Market (traditional handicrafts), factory of the famous Panama Hats, Tomebamba River, etc.)

• Walk through the historic Inca ruins of Ingapirca

• City tour Guayaquil

 

 

Day 1: Arrival at Quito – City Tour & Equator Monument
Welcome to the capital of Ecuador. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and you immediately tour through Quito, introducing you to the metropolis’ colonial neighborhoods. Quito’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in1978, is considered the location with the largest accumulation of art treasures in South America. You will visit Plaza de la Independencia, view the unique Jesuit Church La Compañía de Jesús and the Cathedral. and those among us unafraid of heights have the opportunity to climb ladders to scale the basilica’s tower – a braveness rewarded with a legendary view over the entire city Quito! You meander through the colorful Mercado Central and also get a chance to buy delicious tropical fruit there. The tour continues to Quito’s landmark, the Panecillo Hill, with its panoramic view over the city. You will then ride to Mitad del Mundo, a monument denoting the location of the a few kilometers north of Quito. There you will also pay the near-by Museo Intiñan a visit and then return to Quito. Overnight in Boutique Hotel Casa Foch*** (or similar). (B/-/-)

 

Day 2: Hike in the Cotopaxi National Park
Right after breakfast, you cross the fascinating landscape that leads you to the Cotopaxi National Park (entrance fee is not included), which awaits you with an overwhelming view of imposing mountain scenery. After paying a visit to the National Park Museum, you will pass Lake Limpiopungo and ride up the active volcano. From the parking space at 4,500 m above sea level you will walk up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m, where, weather premitting, you will enjoy a unique view. If you wish, you may still undertake a short side trip to the volcano glacier. After enjoying your packed lunch, you will head for your quarters at picturesque Baños, situated at the foothill of smoking volcano Mt. Tungurahua. The town is named for its numerous local hot springs. Overnight in Hostel Volcano*** (or similar). (B/BL/-)

 

Day 3: Baños: Road of Waterfalls
Today’s program includes an impressive bicycle tour along the road of waterfalls. Certainly, the "Pailón del Diablo" will catch your special attention: large masses of water from the Rio Verde plunge to the depths; you may even climb behind the waterfall. Your ride back to Baños will be in a traditional Chiva or a light truck. You will spend the night in the Hostel you already know from the previous day. (B/-/-)

 

Day 4: Alausi – “Nariz del Diablo” Train Ride – Ingapirca Ruins – Cuenca
You leave early in the morning (around 6:00 a.m.) for the railway station at Alausi. From there, you will undertake a thrilling ride with an old steam engine or a diesel railcar (or railway) crossing the spectacular landscape between the Sierra highlands and the coastal region, passing the legendary "Devil’s Nose". There, at Nariz del Diablo, an adventurous zigzag will take you down to the valley! You will enjoy a truly unique panorama. Back again at Alausi (in private vehicle) you ride on to Cuenca, one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Ecuador. En route, you will visit the country’s only well-preserved Inca ruins of Ingapirca (entrance fee not included), situated on the Ecuadorian part of the Inca trail. In the Cañari language, Ingapirca means “stone walls of Incas”. They are the most important monument of pre-Hispanic cultures in Ecuador. After another two hours of travel, you will arrive at Cuenca. Overnight in the Hotel Carvallo*** (or similar). (B/-/-)

 

Day 5: City Tour Cuenca
Today, you will discover the historic colonial center of Cuenca. Also called the “Ecuadorian Athens”, Cuenca is the southernmost Andes city and located in a basin at 2,500 m above sea level Cuenca is Ecuador’s third-largest city (a World Heritage Site) and the “metropolis of Panama hats”, which in actuality originally came from Ecuador. The many magnificent colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, houses with enchanting, elegant, cast iron balcony grilles and the blossom-filled squares probably make Cuenca Ecuador’s most beautiful city. During the city tour, you will learn interesting details about the history of this important trading town and visit some of its imposing buildings, for example its Cathedral at Calderon Park; and you will stroll along the so-called Barranco for a nice riverside walk. After that, you will visit a Panama hat factory, where you will have the opportunity to get yourself a fancy hat. Overnight in the same hotel as the night before. (B/-/-)

 

Day 6: National Park Cajas – Ride to Guayaquil, City Tyour
After breakfast, together with your guide you will ride to the Cajas National Park. This tundra-like highland reserve is mostly situated above the timberline and includes a topographically very irregular area of 29,000 hectares and around 240 mysterious dark lakes. The Cajas’s highest elevation is Mt. Arquitectos, topping 4,450 m above sea level, while its lowest point is Lake Llaviuco with an altitude of 3,150 m. You will undertake a 2-hour hike in the Cajas National Park and subsequently cross the marvelous highland Paramo reaching a lagoon and admiring and enjoying the endemic flora and fauna. Subsequently, you will ride on to Guayaquil. With 3 million inhabitants, the city is the country’s economic and financial heart and lies on the western bank of Río Guayas. The river, on which the giant oceanliners from the Pacific Ocean come in to the harbor from the Gulf of Guayaquil, is the shipping point for 90% of all Ecuadorian imports and half of its exports, a fact that makes Guayaquil the largest commercial and export harbor of the South American Pacific coast. From here you start a discovery tour on foot with your guide. Explore the Malecón 2000, a unique former pier that in the meantime has become a riverside promenade. Today it is a gigantic ensemble of restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping malls, movie theaters and, last but not least, offers a romantic river view. You will also visit the picturesque Cerro Santa Ana neighborhood, the beautiful Cemetery, Centenario Park and Seminario Park with its numerous freely living iguanas. Overnight in Hotel Macaw*** (or similar) in Guayaquil. (B/BL/-)

 

Day 7: Departure
The time has come to say good-bye to a wonderful country and great experiences. Transfer to the airport, where your guide will still assist you. (B/-/-)

 

Services Included

 

• English-speaking guides from Quito to Guayaquil

• All rides (partially in public busses), and transfers, excursions, etc.

• Accommodation in good 2-3 star hotels & hostels typical for the country

• Meals as stated in tour description

 

Not Included

 

• Meals not listed and all drinks

• National park fees and other entrance fees (approx. 30 USD) as well as international exit and airport tax (approx. 45 USD)

• Personal expenses and optional activities

 

 

Please note

• Participants must have a valid international health insurance.
• We reserve the right to change the tour program due to force majeure, weather or organizational reasons.