Accommodation (Mar-Jun): Hotel Ikala (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Adamas House Hotel (Standard Room)

Welcome to Ecuador. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day for leisure.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Hotel Ikala (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Adamas House Hotel (Standard Room)

Pick-up: 8:30 am – 8:45 am.

From the meeting point in Quito, your exploration of the capital of Ecuador begins.

It is located at an altitude of 2,850 meters, at the foot of the Pichincha volcano, embedded in a green Andean valley. Quito, one of the oldest cities in South America, is also one of the few cities that has been able to preserve numerous monuments and art treasures of the Spanish colonial era.

The old town was placed under world monument protection by UNESCO in 1978. On the tour through the narrow streets, you will visit some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in America such as El Sagrario and La Compañía, as well as the squares of Santo Domingo, La Merced, and San Francisco.

On the hill “El Panecillo” the winged virgin awaits you as well as a fantastic panoramic view over Quito.

We will also visit an artisanal chocolate factory, where we will learn more about the Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate-making process.

In the afternoon, we will drive to the famous “Middle of the World” equatorial monument and visit the Museo del Sitio Inti Ñan. It houses exhibits of Native American cultures and their traditional way of life.

During the tour, the amazing evidence of the exact position of the equator line is also demonstrated.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Hacienda Los Mortinos (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Hacienda Santa Ana (Standard Room)

Today’s journey leads south on the “Avenue of Volcanoes” towards Cotopaxi.

On the way, we visit the typical farmer’s market of Pujili.

Afterwards you can expect an impressive and winding stage on side roads through one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes to the picturesque crater Lake of Quilotoa.

From the rim of the volcanic crater, hike down to the turquoise lake.

The traditional hacienda “Cienega”, where the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt is said to have spent the night, welcomes you for the night.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Hotel La Floresta (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Samari Spa and Resort (Standard Room)

In the morning, a visit to the Cotopaxi National Park is on our program. Discover the diverse flora and fauna on a hike to the Limpiopungo Lagoon at an altitude of 3,800 meters. Be amazed by the sight of the Cotopaxi volcano.

Afterwards visit one of the many rose plantations for which Ecuador is famous all over the world. Here you will be introduced to different types of roses and their care.

We will carry on our journey and visit a local house to experience the ̈ Machica ̈. The locals make much from the barley and use it to make certain dishes or drinks. The family we will visit has a mill that is over 100 years old. We will have a good time while learning about this tradition with the community.

We will then head to the pilgrimage town of Baños, a lively pilgrimage site known for its famous thermal springs as well as its beautiful cathedral.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Mansion Santa Isabela (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Hacienda Abraspungo (Standard Room)

After a short free time in the morning in the small town of Baños, located at 1,800 meters above sea level, spoiled by a pleasant climate, today’s journey starts on the Route of the Waterfalls, which leads along the Pastaza Canyon.

At the Verde River, a short walk awaits you to the roaring waterfall “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s Pan).

Then, 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, and the “Caña”, or Sugar Cane juice.

In the afternoon, we continue to Riobamba.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Hotel Los Balcones (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Hotel Santa Lucia (Standard Room)

After an early breakfast, our journey takes you to Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest volcano (6,310 m).

On the driveway, you will cross a desert-like landscape and see herds of shy vicuñas.

If your condition permits, you have the opportunity for a short hike at the Edward Whymper hut at 5,000 m. Enjoy the great view and unique Andean landscape.

Then, we will continue through beautiful mountain landscapes to Cuenca.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Hotel Los Balcones (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): Hotel Santa Lucia (Standard Room)

Today you will get to know the beautiful and manageable colonial city of Cuenca, which was placed under World Heritage Protection by UNESCO in 1999.

The waterfront along the Rio Tomebamba, the imposing cathedral and the daily flower market are just a few highlights of the tour.

You will also learn all about the production of the famous Panama hat. In the Panama hat factory, you will be explained how these hats are finely braided and processed.

Then, we will visit the Pumapungo Museum and ruins, which are the largest set of Inca archaeological remains south of Ingapirca. It represents a recognition of the values of the Cañari or Inca, which have left a perennial mark of their identity in the city of Cuenca and its surroundings.

Later, you will have free time and the opportunity to stroll independently through the alleys of Cuenca again.

Accommodation: (Mar-Jun): Palace Hotel (Standard Room) / (Jul-Dec): AWyndham Santa Ana (Deluxe Room)

In the morning we will cross the El Cajas National Park. Although the reserve is mostly above the tree line, it boasts an amazing variety of fauna and flora.

In addition to rugged ridges and deeply incised, box-shaped valleys, there are almost 240 lagoons of different sizes. Short photo stop on the way (no hike).

Then we cross the westernmost watershed between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean at almost 4,200 m above sea level and reach the tropical lowlands of the Pacific coast after a breathtaking drive through almost all climate and vegetation zones of the country.

Through extensive cocoa, banana, rice, and sugar cane plantations, we continue to the pulsating metropolis of Guayaquil, the country’s largest city.

The best way to explore the city is on foot. Starting from Parque Bolivar, our route will take you to the Administration Plaza, the Moorish Clock Tower, and finally along the “Malecón 2000” to the bohemian district of Las Peñas.

Enjoy the Panoramic views from Santa Ana Hill of the vibrant city, the lazy Río Guayas, and the green mangrove belt.

In the evening, a table is reserved for a farewell dinner of your tour group in a traditional restaurant.

Transfer to Guayaquil airport. Time to say goodbye to Ecuador.

If you want to stay longer in Ecuador, which we strongly advise, we have options for extending your stay by adding another Ecuador location at the end of this journey, like the Galapagos, or staying in Guayaquil region enjoying a relaxing time by the beach, as an example. Ask us for this option on the Booking form.