ECUADOR INTENSIVE 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS

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Day 1:     Quito – International Flight – Welcome to Ecuador

After the arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. Overnight in Quito. –/-/-

Day 2:     Quito City tour – Middle of the world

At 2,800m above sea level, Quito is extended along the foot of the Pichincha Volcano. The journey begins with a visit to Guápulo lookout, the twentieth-century buildings, castles, the building of the Constituent Assembly, with its stone wall where by pulse it has been carved, the vast history of Ecuador.

The route continues towards down town Quito, visiting the colonial churches, monasteries, cloisters, chapels, streets; full of stories and legends that allow us to closely observe the structures that lush rose in the heyday of the Baroque, and inside many different samples stored in painting and sculpture that took shape in the hands of artists of the ‘’Escuela Quiteña’’.  Then, you will go to the ‘’Panecillo’’, a small hill with magnificent view which provides access to the four cardinal points of the city.

Ecuador, geographically positioned in the center of the globe, crossed by the equator, allows the visitor the experience of putting one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere, so the country is considered the land in permanent spring. Visit the Intiñan Museum where it shows in a precise and a practical way the wisdom that Andean Native peoples had in relation to the Sun King.

At a short distance from Middle of the World City you can observe the Pululahua Crater, a dormant volcano with changing vegetation in cultivated fields and inhabited at the crater.

Return to the hotel. B/-/-

Day 3:     Quito – Cayambe- San Pablo – Peguche – Otavalo – Cotacachi

Leaving Quito, in the north direction and along the Panamerican Highway we will see overlapping mountains, a green countryside, and on clear days when the sky is blue, the Cayambe snow peak will be our constant companion during the entire trip.

At the foot of Imbabura volcano, there is San Pablo Lake, the largest Lake in the province… then we will visit the town of Peguche and its waterfalls. In town, we will see how the indigenous create their weavings then we continue to Otavalo Indian Market, their work in cotton and wool fabric has traveled across the world, thanks to the extraordinary commercial ability and adaptation of the artisans, textile tireless workers, imaginative, who show their crafts in the popular fair of Poncho (warm coat) at the square of the same name. After lunch, we will visit Cotacachi, where its residents have structured family workshops specialized in the production of quality leather goods, and where the art of music goes together with the course of everyday. Return to Quito. B/-/-

Day 4:     Quito – Cotopaxi – Quilotoa

From Quito, early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel and begin our trip to south Andes; In this amazing route, we will see the most authentic colorful Andean breathtaking landscape.

After this great experience, we are ready to visit a beautiful rose’s farm. Here, we will learn about harvesting, post harvesting and packing, and learn about this wonderful natural product, so sublime, so perfect, full of beauty and exquisite aromas.  We will get the knowledge to understand why these roses can only be produced in the Middle of the World.

Through the ‘’Panamericana’’ route, 70 km from Quito, you will observe the Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world (5.897meters high altitude). Cotopaxi National Park with its magnificent perspective landscape contains a unique flora and fauna, and also an incredible display of the magnitude of volcanic eruptions. Pita River with the beautiful waterfall of the same name and the Tambo River, are originated from the melting of the volcano. The small lagoon of Limpiopungo reflects in their water the blue-sky heaven’s color. Then we continue to Quilotoa lake. Overnight. B/-/-

Day 5:     Quilotoa – Baños

After breakfast, we go to Quilotoa Lagoon, on the route, we will see an agricultural and pastoral land of enchanting green landscapes, of cold moorlands then a magnificent snow covered mountains, reveals the population of Zumbahua, located in the heart of the Andes, whose main square and surrounding areas are invaded by traders of the area and others who come from far away to the fair, where it is exchanged in a traditional and a native way the animals and products of the region. Within walking distance there is the Quilotoa Lake that is in a crater of 2 km in diameter and whose beautiful emerald waters are related to the presence of sulfur. Thanks to the natural sound, the echo is unique and will accompany visitors on a quiet walk.

We will stop for a well-deserved lunch in the area. During our trip, we might have the possibility to see a naïf artist. Naïf art is a strong characteristic of this region and it is well known throughout the world. If the artist stand is open, you could have the opportunity to purchase one of these unique paintings.

Continue to Baños. Situated in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs, Baños has become a popular destination for travellers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small-town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors.  Accommodation. B/-/-

Day 6:     Baños – Riobamba

After breakfast, we drive east to enter in the amazing cloud forest. We will enjoy a short walk in the cloud forest and admire the “Pailon del Diablo” and “Manto de la Novia” waterfalls. Later we will go to a lookout point to see the Tungurahua active volcano.

In the late afternoon, we will continue our journey to Riobamba to stay overnight in a local hacienda at the foothills of the impressive Mount Chimborazo (6310m), the highest and largest mountain in Ecuador. Accommodation. B/-/-

Day 7:     Riobamba – Devil’s Nose – Ingapirca – Cuenca

Breakfast. Early in the morning depart to Alausi, arrival to train station. At 8am you will start a magnificent trip.

The Devil´s Nose route is, without a doubt, the most impressive section of Ecuador´s railway: a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes departing from the Alausi town to Sibambe town on the way down to the Coastal Region. Afterwards, we will continue to Cuenca. On the way we will stop at the famous Ingapirca ruins (“wall rocks of the Inca”) which are the most important and well preserved of Ecuador’s Inca ruins situated to the north of Cuenca. We can take a nice walk around the beautiful site and imagine the scenes prior to the Spanish conquest.

A visit to the museum will reveal further details of how life was at the end of the 15th century. After the visit, we will have time for lunch and then we will continue for about 2 hours down to the city of Cuenca. The beauty and atmosphere of colonial Cuenca is best experienced on foot.   Overnight in Cuenca B/-/-

Day 8:     Cuenca – Gualaceo – Chordeleg

After breakfast, we start our walking tour of the Old Town; this tour takes you through magnificent churches, beautiful old buildings with wrought iron balconies and carved wooden doors, flower and handicrafts markets, art galleries, workshops and all the wonders that Cuenca offers its visitors. Admire magnificent historic houses perched on cliffs high above the rushing Tomebamba River, which separates Old and New Towns.

After that, driving through some modern neighborhoods you will be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the city from the vantage point of Turi. Depending on personal preferences, your tour will conclude with a visit to a ceramic art gallery, a Panama hat factory or an artist’s workshop. After discovering this fantastic and enriching city, we will have a nice lunch in a local restaurant.

Near Cuenca we can visit the towns of Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sigsig. Visit the Sigsig fruit market (Sunday) and the Women’s Association where the well-known Panama Hats are made. Then we will arrive to Gualaceo where we will visit an embroidery shop.

During the route, Cuenca – Santa Ana we will visit San Bartolomé, where there is a handmade guitar workshop. Then we will arrive to Chordeleg where some shopping of handicrafts, gold and silver jewelry and much more can be done. Overnight in Cuenca. B/-/-

Day 9:     Cuenca – Cajas National Park – Guayaquil

From Cuenca, we will drive to the Cajas National Park which is located to the west. In the park, there are about 200 lakes, which are the remains of the last ice age. Small rivers, whose crystal-clear waters flow into the Pacific, connect the lakes. We will take a short hike through the highlands of the park.

After, we will continue to the west to the city of Guayaquil. It is Ecuador´s largest city situated at sea level and its port “Puerto Maritimo” is the main sea port of the country.  It is the commercial and industrial center of Ecuador and lies on the west bank of the river Guayas about 60 km from its outflow in the Gulf of Guayaquil.  B /- /-

Day 10: Guayaquil – Farewell – International Flight

Guayaquil still has many points of interest, including Parque Simón Bolivar, (popularly known as Parque de las Iguanas). The park is a delightful place for bird lovers as the abundant ficus trees here are home to some truly exotic flycatchers and arboreal Iguanas.  Experience the splendid “Palacio Municipal” and the several monuments including the architecturally grand “Gobernacion de la Provincia” building situated on the promenade at the waterfront Malecon Simon Bolivar which lines the shore of the Guayas river.  Positioned behind the park is a Neo Gothic Cathedral which provides an insight into Guayaquil´s interesting past.  In close proximity are the Moorish Tower and the awe inspiring

Rotonda Monument portraying Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin shaking hands. The two South American generals who liberated the continent from Spain met in Guayaquil in 1822.

As we stroll through the attractive district of Las Peñas, amid old houses constructed from timber, we pass art galleries and cafes with beautiful views.  On route we visit “Mercado Plaza del Sur”, a metallic structure designed by Eiffel. Heading west of Las Peñas, back to the hotel, we pass an extensive cemetery filled with remarkably ornate tombs, a vestige of times gone by, illustrating Guayaquil´s wealth over the last century.

After we will visit Guayaquil National Historic Park: This new 8,5hectars park has three different sections. The largest, which takes up over half of the total area of the park, is a wildlife zone that has 45 species of birds and numerous animals, including iguanas and caimans. This semi-natural habitat is set amidst segments of mangrove forests. The third area of the park focuses on local traditions, with an emphasis on rural customs, crafts and agriculture.

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.  B /- /-

TOUR INCLUDES:

√ Private transportation for excursions

√ All transfers in /out

√ Bilingual guide (English / Spanish) for excursions and transfers

√ Accommodation in double room with breakfast

√ Meals as detailed in the itinerary

√ Entrance fees and taxes

√ All excursions and visits detailed in the itinerary

√ All necessary equipment for activities mentioned in the itinerary

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

× Additional meals

× Tips

× All drinks

× Personal expenses

× Personal equipment & required clothing for Andean climate (3ºC-15ºC/37ºF- 59ª)

× Any item not mentioned in the itinerary