12 Day Ecuador Tour (currently not operational)

Discover even more highlights of Ecuador in a complete tour to Quito, the Otavalo Indigenous Market, Baños, the symbolic Devil's Nose, Cuenca, and Guayaquil on the Pacific Coast.

Itinerary

Day 1.- Transfer
Settle into the hotel in Quito.

Day 2.- City Tour to “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) (B)
Delve into the heart of colonial Quito and experience the charm of Independence Square with its awe inspiring Cathedral, Presidential Palace and Archbishop's Palace. Admire the church of La Compania (1605), considered to be the finest example of baroque architecture in America. Not forgetting the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). Our tour then takes you to Panecillo Hill an ideal location for a panoramic view of this historical capital.

Our country, needless to say owes its name to the Equatorial Line which crosses it 15 minutes to the north of Quito. There you find a monument marking latitude 0º 00` 00”. This is a fun and unique place where you can literally jump from the northern to southern hemisphere of the planet. This tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum on site.

Day 3.- Otavalo Full day (B)
Start your trip through the Awakening Valley in Calderón with its bread-dough figures and Cayambe, where we can enjoy bizcochos a local pastry specialty. Passing by some of the most attractive artisan centers and Andean landscapes, you arrive in Otavalo with its famous indigenous market just in time to bargain for hand-knitted wool sweaters, colorful tapestries, wood carvings, silver jewelry, native paintings, woolen and straw hats and much more. Afterwards, enjoy the amazing landscapes on your return to Quito. Accommodation at hotel.

Day 4.- QUITO – COTOPAXI – BAÑOS (B-D)
We embark on our journey south on the Panamericana highway in the early hours of the morning, following collection from your hotel. This route is the connection between "Andes" and "Costa", passing several small towns regarded as having had a great influence on Quito.. This is followed by a beautiful area known as “Volcano Avenue”, here volcanoes such as Corazon, Rumiñahui, North Iliniza, South Iliniza and Cotopaxi (one of the highest snow-capped in the world) might be seen. Continuing our adventure through the Ecuadorian highlands we pass through the villages of Latacunga, Salcedo and Ambato and visit the area of Los Salasacas. We then continue to Baños, another small city known as the "The Door of the Amazon Basin". If the weather permits, we stop to admire the beautiful waterfalls, tomato trees and a wide variety of orchids. Hotel accommodation at La Floresta.

Day 5.- BAÑOS –RIOBAMBA (B-D)
The adventure sets off after breakfast where we advance along the Panamericana highway, with some of the most enjoyable views in Ecuador, until we reach the city of Riobamba, located at the foot of the snow-capped Chimborazo (6310m). This historical city represents a great deal of importance as the first Ecuadorian Constitution was established here. Places to visit include the Cathedral and the museum of “Las Conceptas”. We stay overnight in Riobamba city at Abraspungo hotel, located at the foot of the snow-capped Chimborazo volcano.

Day 6.-RIOBAMBA – TRAIN – INGAPIRCA - CUENCA (B-D)
The day commences with a trip through the  highlands offering spectacular views of Chimborazo. Arrive to Alausi to begin a breathtaking descent down the Nariz del Diablo, a 45-degree gradient mountain. Once back in Alausí we drive south towards the fortress of Ingapirca, a major pre-colonial Inca site which dates back to the 15th century. This is the most important religious and political monument left by the Incas and the many pre-Columbian cultures that once dwelled in this area. It is a direct testimony of their mechanisms of defense and how the Incas really lived. Before returning to Cuenca in the late afternoon to enjoy a well deserved rest at the hotel.

*Important: Due to operational reasons and rail maintenance the train portion of the trip is subject to cancellation without previous notice. The train operates every day except on Monday and early wake up is required to complete this trip.

Day 7.- CUENCA – GUALACEO – CHORDELEG - PAUTE (B-D)
At a leisurely pace guests enjoy a full day of discovering the beauty and charm for which Cuenca and it´s surroundings have been internationally recognised as having. As we leave this World Cultural Heritage Site we travel through Gualaceo Valley which starts in Santa Ana's Valley and advances high into the mountains through some truly diverse scenery. Stops are made on the way at small towns that produce a variety of handcrafts such as Chordeleg, famous for it´s jewelry and filigrane work. After lunch, we follow the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows to the village of Gualaceo. Hotel accommodation at Carvallo or Crespo.

Day 8.-CUENCA – GUAYAQUIL – GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR -  PARQUE HISTORICO (B-D)
Shortly after breakfast we depart from Cuenca to Guayaquil, here we enjoy the change in climate from the cool highlands to the warm coast. Once in Guayaquil we visit many points of interest including Parque Historico (open every day except Monday), a recreation of Guayaquil and its surroundings at the end of the 19th century. This park is surrounded by native flora providing many opportunities to learn of the history and biology of this fascinating area with demonstrations held every hour during weekends. As we bring the tour to a close we drop you off at your hotel, the Grand Hotel Guayaquil or Palace.

Day 9.- GUAYAQUIL - SALINAS – MONTAÑITA (B-D)
After an early breakfast we depart along the “Ruta del Sol”, an area with amazing views and beautiful weather. Here we travel down the coast passing by small towns such as: Ballenita and Playa de Ayangue  to get to Montañita. Accomodation and evening meals are at Baja Montañita

Day 10.- MONTAÑITA - ISLA DE LA PLATA - PUERTO LOPEZ - MANTA (B)
As we make our way to Puerto Lopez, a pleasant little fishing town, we visit “Isla de la Plata” known for its whale watching from June to September. This route is considered by many as the eco-touristic capital of the Ecuadorian coast. Accommodation and dinner at Balandra Hotel in Manta.

Day 11.- MANTA – QUITO
Closely following breakfast we transfer to Manta airport where we return to Quito. Apon arrival to Quito you will be greeted by our staff and they in turn escort you to your hotel.

Day 12.- QUITO  transfer out.
Transfer from your hotel to the airport is provided

Includes

• Private transportation with an English speaking guide
• Meals according to itinerary
• Box Lunch during the train trip
• Entrances to Museums in Quito and Cuenca, Ingapirca
• Devil's Nose train ticket
• Cotopaxi, Cajas National Park
• Entrance to Historic Park, Guayaquil
• Domestic flight from Manta to Quito

Not included

• Additional entrance fees
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities
• Extra soft drinks or alcoholic drinks
• Other expenses not specified
• International air tickets or others domestic flights
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner in Quito

Accommodation:

• NH Collection Superior or similar (Quito)
• La Cienega (Cotopaxi)
• La Floresta Hotel (Baños)
• Abraspungo (Riobamba)
• Carvallo (Cuenca)
• Palace (Guayaquil)
• Baja Montañita  (Montañita)
• Balandra (Manta)