• Stroll through the famous colorful Market of the Otavalo Indians in Otavalo, including stopovers in Calderón, Guayllabamba, Guachala, Cotacachi, and at a view point at the San Pablo lake

• Guided city tour through the colonial center of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site), including visits to 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 the Equator Monument Mitad del Mundo (“Middle of the Earth”) including a visit to the Solar Museum (“Museo Intiñan”)

• Ride on the spectacular Andes Railway from Alausi to Sibambe, passing the “Devil’s Nose”, still today the steepest train track in the world

• Ride up Mt. Cotopaxi to 4,500 m above sea level, the world’s highest active volcano; hike to the Jose Rivas refuge at 4,800 m and around Lake Limpiopungo

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

• Visit the volcanic hot springs in Papallacta

• Jungle excursion with native guides through the dense Amazon Jungle in Tena

• Road of the Waterfalls near Baños, including visits of the waterfalls Agoyan, Puerta del Cielo, Manto de la Novia, La Merced, San Jorge, Pailón del Diablo

• Cuenca (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – guided and unguided walks (visits of El Turi Hill, Old and 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 in Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Ecuador! You arrive in the bustling capital of Ecuador: Quito. The city of Quito is surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and is located only 22 kilometers from the equator. In fact, you can see 14 active and non active volcanoes over 4,000 meters – not many countries in South America can boast such a dramatic location for their capital. Besides that it is the highest located capital in the world with an altitude of 2,850 m. Quito was also given the nick name “Monastry of America” because of its many churches and abbeys. At the airport, your English-speaking guide welcomes you and takes you to your 3*** hotel where you will spend the following nights. (-/-/-)

 

Day 2: Quito City Tour & Equator Monument  
After breakfast, you enjoy a city tour through the colonial neighborhoods. Quito’s historic center is a well-preserved colonial city built upon the ruins of an ancient Inca settlement. This colonial “Centro Historico” is the heart of Quito and full of churches, museums, squares and incredible views full of immense beauty and historical significance. In 1978 it was declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. The city is considered as the location with the largest accumulation of art treasures in South America. You visit La Asamblea, Sagrario church, the President Building, the Cathedral, the Plaza de la Independencia, and the unique Jesuit Church La Compañía de Jesús. The church is by far the most ornate and embellished site of Quito with its baroque façade carved entirely out of volcanic stone and its impressive interior decorated with over 50 kilograms of gold leaf. Those among us free from giddiness have the opportunity to scale the tower of the gothic church La Basilica over ladders – a braveness rewarded with a legendary view over the entire city of Quito! After visiting a central market, where you can buy fresh fruits, you head to the Panecillo, a 200 m high volcanic hill. Here, you also have a breathtaking view over Quito and if the sky is clear you can even marvel at the volcanoes Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antizana. The statue of the Virgen de Quito with its 45 m is also located on top of the Panecillo. Then you ride on to Mitad del Mundo, the equator monument a few kilometers north of Quito. There, you also pay a visit to the near-by Museo Intiñan. In this museum you have the possibility to check and prove the position at the zero line. Then you return to Quito and stay at the same hotel as the night before. (B/-/-)

 

Day 3: Indian market Otavalo
Today, you will head to the famous Indian market in Otavalo, probably the gaudiest Indian market in South America.  Along the “Ruta de los Lagos” you will discover many interesting places. Right from the beginning, archaic landscapes, crater lakes and volcanoes mark the exciting scenery of your ride north. In Calderón, for example, you can have a look at the famous figures made out of some sort of bread dough. Furthermore, you will pass the little village Guayllabamba which is located at the correspondent river. The name of this village has its origin in the Quichua language and means “green valley”. Stroll through the famous colorful market of Otavalo which catches you with its bustling market atmosphere of native Indians and there is surely an opportunity for you to buy extraordinary weavings and other typical crafts. Besides exotic fruits, vegetables and delicious food, you can also buy ponchos, blankets, tapestry, table cloths and other artfully woven fabrics as well as traditional music instruments or jewelry of the most varying kinds. After sufficient time for shopping, you will visit Cotacachi (Ecuador’s capital of leather goods). Then, in a house in Peguche, the indigenas marvel you with their enchanting crafts. On the way back to Quito, you pass the little village Tabacundo. (B/-/-)

 

Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park
Right after breakfast, you start your trip to the Cotopaxi National Park which awaits you with an overwhelming view of imposing mountain scenery. On your way driving on the Panamericana down south you already cross fascinating landscapes. The famous volcano Cotopaxi (5.897 m) is the highest active volcano of the world, however it is also one of the most ascended mountains of the country. After paying a visit to the National Park Museum, you pass Lake Limpiopungo and ride up the active volcano. From the parking space at 4,500 m a. s. l. you walk up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m. Provided with good weather conditions, you will enjoy a truly unique view. After a short side trip to the volcano glacier and a packed lunch, you return to Quito. (B/BL/-)

 

Day 5: Hot springs in Papallacta & Ride to jungle lodge in Tena in the Amazon Basin
After breakfast, you head to Papallacta which is renowned for its hot springs. On your way, you will stop by at San Rafael Waterfall, the highest and most spectacular waterfall in Ecuador. The water falling almost 160m forms an impressive cloud when it reaches the ground.
Papallacta is located at an altitude between 3,330 and 3,500 m in a region known for its stark, bizarre Páramo landscape. The hot springs belong to the most beautiful and cleanest of the entire country and are fed by the volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana, creating an unique water composition. The area is composed of several pools where the water temperature is between 30 ° C and 70 ° C. This sulfur-containing water is enriched with sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. Furthermore, it is colorless, odorless and has a slightly salty taste. You can relax in the hot springs with a breathtaking view on the 5,705 m Antisana. Afterwards, you ride on crossing the High Andes (at an altitude of more than 4,000 m) and ride down into the steaming Amazon basin to Tena. From there, you continue by private vehicle to Puerto Barandilla where you take a boat to get to the 3*** jungle lodge. The following adventurous nights of your jungle excursion will be spent here. (B/-/D)

 

Days 6 & 7: Amazon Jungle
Let the jungle adventure begin! Guided hikes immerse you in the alien and fascinating world of the earth’s largest natural reserve. You undertake jungle excursions (in primary and secondary rainforests), watch birds and insects, and have an indigenous expert explain medicinal plants and the unique vegetation to us. Also, you visit an Indigenous family that lets you have a glance at its way of life and culture. You undertake exciting trips in a dugout, spying out monkeys and other animals. You live in perfect harmony with nature and at nights will be intrigued by the mysterious sounds of the jungle. You spend the night in jungle lodge. (B/L/D)

 

Day 8: Amazon Jungle & Ride on to Baños
After breakfast, you leave the jungle, deeply impressed. Once again, you take a boat ride back to Puerto Barandilla and from there continue via Tena to picturesque Baños, situated at the foothill of the smoking volcano Mt. Tungurahua. You will spend the night at a 3*** hotel. (B/-/-)

Day 9: Baños and Road of Waterfalls
Today’s program includes a tour by private vehicle along the road of waterfalls. Certainly, the "Pailón del Diablo" will catch your special attention, as masses of water of the Rio Verde plunge to the depths and you may even climb behind the waterfall. The rest of day is free time to get some souvenirs or take a bath in the hot springs. You can take optional Salsa classes for example or take a trip to a view point by a chiva at night (both NOT INCLUDED). Tonight you stay at the same hotel as the night before.  (B/-/-)

 

Day 10: Relaxation and Ride to Riobamba
Today, it is your choice to decide how to spend your morning time. Optionally, you may book the following activities in Baños: rafting, canyoning, canopy, bridge swinging, horseback riding, hiking, hot springs, SPA etc. In the afternoon, you continue your trip by private vehicle to Riobamba, the capital city of the Chimborazo Province. (B/-/-)

 

Day 11: Train Ride to Nariz del Diablo, Ingapirca Ruins and Cuenca
You leave the hosteria early in the morning (around 6:00 a.m.) for the railway station in Alausi. From there, you undertake a thrilling ride with an old steam engine or a diesel railcar 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 during your ride on one of the last train routes preserved in Ecuador. You continue (in private vehicle) to Cuenca, one of the most beautiful colonial cities of Ecuador. En route, you visit the country’s only well-preserved Inca ruins of Ingapirca, situated on the Ecuadorian part of the Inca trail. Cuenca is Ecuador’s third-largest city (a World Heritage Site) and the “metropolis of Panama hats”, which originally actually came from Ecuador. You will spend the night in a nice 3*** hotel in Cuenca (B/-/-)

 

Day 12: Cuenca
After breakfast, you discover the historic colonial center of Cuenca. The third largest city in Ecuador will fascinate you with its narrow cobblestone alleyways, impressive colonial architecture and compelling sights. An interesting mixture of historic sites with many churches, plazas and museums as well as hip cafés, nice restaurants and numerous bars awaits you. Its historical area was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Parque Abdón Calderón is Cuenca's expansive central square, which is home to both the Old and New Cathedral of Cuenca. The plaza is also a nice place to watch other people, locals and tourists alike, in between exploring the churches. Here, you can relax on one of the scattered benches and take in the fresh air and surrounding architectural beauty. During your city tour, you will learn interesting details about the history of this important trading town and visit some of its imposing buildings. Furthermore, you visit a Panama hat factory, where you will have the opportunity to get yourself such a fancy piece of hat. You will spend the night in the same hotel in Cuenca. (B/-/-)

 

Day 13: Cuenca, Cajas National Park and Ride to Guayaquil
Early in the morning, you board a private vehicle for a trip to the near-by 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 park’s highest elevation is Mt. Arquitectos, topping 4,450 m a. s. l., while its lowest point is Lake Llaviuco with an altitude of 3,150 m. You hike the marvelous highland Paramo reaching a lagoon, admiring and enjoying the endemic flora and fauna. Our hike through the Cajas National Park will be of approx. three hours. Then we ride on to Guayaquil (in private vehicle). After your arrival in Guayaquil, you undertake a little walk to Malecón 2000, a unique former pier that has become a riverside promenade in the meantime. Today it is a gigantic ensemble of restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping malls, movie theaters and, last but not least, offers a romantic river view. (B/BL/-)

 

Day 14: Departure from Guayaquil
The time has come to say good-bye to an exciting and diverse country. After breakfast you are taken to the airport in Guayaquil, where your tour guide will help you to check-in for your international flight. You will take many unforgettable memories with you! (B/-/-)

 

POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS: GALÁPAGOS CRUISE or GALÁPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING

 

Sample Itinerary: Galápagos Island Hopping – 5 days

 

Day 1: Quito – Galápagos: Islands Santa Cruz & Isabela
After breakfast, your guide accompanies you to the airport. From here, you start your trip to the Galápagos Islands. At the airport of Baltra your English-speaking nature guide welcomes you to this natural paradise. On Island Santa Cruz you visit the highlands, a popular point for circumnavigators. You visit the twin craters “Caldera de los Gemelos”, where 300 different species of ferns are native. Furthermore, you will be impressed by the nearby sunflower forest. After a short walk along the crater, you visit the reserve Rancho Primicias. Here you can experience the world famous and ancient Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural environment – in the wild. Then you head towards the lava tunnels, a geological feature of this island. With a length of almost 2 km and a height of up to 10 m, they are among the largest formations of this kind in the world. After these first impressions of Galápagos you get on a speed boat to go to Island Isabela. Here you will visit the flamingo lagoon. Tonight you stay at a nice 3*** hotel on Island Isabela. (B/L/D)  

 

Day 2: Island Isabela – The Volcanoes Sierra Negra & Chico / Concha Perla
Today, you hike up to the crater rim of volcano Sierra Negra. With a height of 1.500 meters and a crater with a diameter of about 9km, this volcano is the second largest volcanic cone in the world. Along the crater rim you hike to volcano Chico which erupted the last time in 1979. From here you will have a fantastic view of Island Isabela and the Pacific. Then you continue your walk to Concha Perla. Here you can go snorkeling and discover the unique underwater world of Galápagos. You stay at the same hotel as the night before. (B/BL/D)

 

Day 3: Island Isabela – “Muro de las Lagrimas”
In the morning, you start your hike through the area of Humedales to the famous “Muro de las Lagrimas”, a wall that was built by convicts of the Ecuadorian government in the 50s. During this walk you pass by mangroves in which perches cavort and lava tunnels inhabited by iguanas. You will see crabs, sea birds, Darwin finches and giant grasshoppers. Furthermore you visit Cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Mirador de los Tunos and Pozas Verde. In the afternoon you have some free time to relax on the beach. You spend the night in the same hotel as the previous nights. (B/L/D)

 

Day 4: Departure from Galápagos Islands
Early in the morning you go by public speed boat from Isla Isabela to Puerto Ayora on the island Santa Cruz. At the port of Santa Cruz you will catch the ferry and afterwards a bus to the airport. From here you will continue your journey to Quito.. For sure, you will take back unforgettable memories from a truly unique natural paradise. Once you get to Quito you will be taken to your 3***-hotel. (B/-/-)

 

Day 5: Departure from Ecuador
After breakfast your guide will accompany you to the airport to catch your international flight back home. It’s time to say goodbye to an exciting and diverse country. (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, in Quito (4x), Baños (2x), Riobamba (1x), Cuenca (2x) and Guayaquil (1x) as well as a jungle lodge (3x) in Cuyabeno National Park

• Natural guides during rain forest expeditions

• 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 conditions or organizational reasons.