Starts
every Saturday, Monday or Wednesday
DAY
1
Arrival & city tour in Quito. Overnight stay at hotel in Quito.
DAY
2 (B-L)
We drive north to Otavalo, to visit the indigenous market, where
indigenous people from the mountains descend into the valley to
sell their crafts, textiles, cows, and goats in the tiny town
of Otavalo. This is the most famous Indian market on the continent,
and the good-hearted Otavale�os are certain to win your heart,
there we will spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine
sweaters, tapestries, and woodwork. We will also visit the leather
city of Cotacachi and the lake Cuicocha which is in the crater
of a volcano. At the end of the day, drive back to Quito.
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Quito old town by night
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Cotopaxi
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DAY
3 (B-D)
We will drive to the south of Quito, visit Ecuador's first Cotopaxi
National Park, where Cotopaxi Volcano , the highest active volcano
on earth, is the main attraction. You can explore the Andean moorlands
with more than 90 species of highlands birds or hike up to the
snow line (4,800 mts). Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park
is extra, USD$10.
Chimborazo
DAY
4 (B-D)
Continue with our drive south along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes",
viewing the spectacular and breathtaking high plains. On the way
we'll visit Guano, a well-known handmade rug and tapestry center.
We'll continue towards Riobamba, admiring the incredible mountain
panoramas and visiting the Chimborazo refuge lodge if weather
conditions permit. Chimborazo is Ecuador's highest mountain (20823ft/6310m)
and its summit is the farthest point from the centre of the earth.
Overnight at a typical hacienda.
DAY
5 (B, Box Lunch, D)
We'll take a thrilling train ride on the mountain known as the
"Nariz del Diablo" (The Devil's Nose), a sheer wall
of rock, to the branch railroad station of Sibambe and back to
Alaus�. Drive south towards the fortress of Ingapirca - a major
pre-colonial Inca site which dates back to the 15th century. At
Ingapirca you can explore Incan history, Ingapirca means 'stone
wall' . Soldiers were stationed here on the road between Quito
and Cusco. Arrive to Cuenca late afternoon to a nice night of
rest at hotel.
Important: Due to operational reasons and rail maintenance the
train portion of the trip is subject to cancellation without previous
notice.
The train operation days are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Cuenca by night
DAY
6 (B-D)
In Cuenca we'll visit the city's major places of interest; Cuenca
marks the start of the southern sierra - a traditional region
that boasts some of Ecuador's most unusual indigenous communities
as well as remote landscapes. The city of Cuenca is considered
to be one of Ecuador's most beautiful cities. It has kept its
old-world architectural charm and feeling of the colonial period.
It is famed for its huge cathedral, and the smaller Indian cathedral,
as well as being a centre for silver and ceramics craftsmen.
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Cuenca flower market
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Cuenca city
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DAY
7 (B-D)
We'll visit the biggest Ecuadorian Lake complex "El Cajas"
(over 250 lakes) on our way to Guayaquil, the biggest city in
Ecuador and the city with the main commercial activity of the
country, on our way we will enjoy kilometers of Cacao, Bananas,
Mangos, Papaya, plantations, among other. Late afternoon, a walk
through the Malecon 2000, the main attraction in Guayaquil.
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Abraspungo
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Carvallo Hotel, Cuenca
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Price:
$1228 Ecuador Scenic Standard
$1460 Ecuador Scenic De luxe
Ecuador Scenic Standard hotel accommodation:
* Dann Carlton (Quito)
* La Cienega (Cotopaxi)
* Abraspungo (Riobamba) / Andaluza (Ambato)
* Hotel Carvallo (Cuenca)
* Grand Hotel Guayaquil (Guayaquil)
Ecuador Scenic De luxe hotel accommodation:
* Swissotel (Quito)
* La Cienega (Cotopaxi)
* Abraspungo (Riobamba) / Andaluza (Ambato)
* Mansión del Alcazar (Cuenca)
* Oro Verde (Guayaquil)
- Prices include: Private transportation, English speaking guide, double room accommodation, breakfast and dinner (not in Quito), Box Lunch during the train trip, entrances to Museums in Quito and Cuenca, Ingapirca and train ticket., all transfers.
- Does not included: Lunch , dinner in Quito , US$10.00 Cotopaxi National Park, $10 Chimborazo, $10 El Cajas
- Please ask for single accommodations available.
Contact us for details and
availability!
*Subject to availability