12 Days From the Andes to the Coast Ecuador's Diverse Delights

Passengers are met at the airport, coinciding with the arrival time of their international flight, and transported to their hotel in Quito.

Explore the beauty of Ecuador with our Northbound adventure. Begin by visiting the Quitsato solar clock, a cultural gem with a remarkable history and a prime location right on the equator. Experience the rich flavors of Ecuador with a coffee or chocolate break, complete with delectable local cakes. Our journey continues to Otavalo, where you can indulge in a shopping spree at the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America. At La Plaza de los Ponchos, you'll have ample time to explore and make purchases. Then, venture to Cotacachi, known for its leather craft market, and discover the region's artistry. Our final destination is the breathtaking Cuicocha Lagoon, situated within an active volcanic crater. As the day winds to a close, we return to Quito, marking the end of a memorable journey filled with cultural discoveries and artisan treasures.

picked up for an enchanting exploration of Quito's Historic Center. This captivating journey leads you through its ancient streets, picturesque squares, and colonial edifices dating back to the XVI-XVIII centuries. Recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site since 1978, this area holds a rich historical tapestry. Your first stop introduces you to the neo-Gothic marvel of the Basilica, where intricate stained glass windows depict floral motifs, and whimsical gargoyles assume the shapes of the country's wildlife. Ascend the towers for panoramic vistas before proceeding to one of Latin America's largest convents, the San Francisco Monastery. The tour culminates with a visit to the baroque La Compañía church, showcasing a fusion of artistic styles and an opulent gold-laden interior.

Embark on a captivating journey from the heart of Ecuador's landscapes. A scenic 2-hour drive along the Panamerican Highway leads to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, where local handicrafts await. Explore the high plains surrounding Limpiopungo Lagoon, witnessing the rich flora and fauna up close. Ascend the Cotopaxi volcano's slopes to the refuge, where a hot drink and panoramic views of the Andean Highlands and extinct volcanoes await. After lunch, head to the stunning turquoise Quilotoa lagoon, stopping at the Toachi Canyon viewpoint and a Tigua handicraft workshop to immerse in local customs and art. In the Quilotoa community, be captivated by the majestic lagoon vistas. Your day concludes in the charming Andean village of Baños, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Ecuador's natural and cultural wonders.

Discover Baños, your gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Embrace the perfect climate, offering abundant opportunities for adventure and immersion in nature, and consider indulging in an optional soak in the inviting thermal springs that have made this charming village famous among travelers. Your journey from Baños leads you along the scenic Route of the Waterfalls, commencing at the Agoyan dam. Along the way, you'll encounter the magnificent Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where the adventurous can cross the Rio Patate using a cable car to explore the waterfall on the opposite side of the river. Continue your adventure to the Mirador de San Jorge viewpoint, eventually reaching the awe-inspiring Pailón del Diablo, a waterfall that plunges nearly 100 meters. A 30-minute hike through a tropical mountain forest guides you to the waterfall's base, with a 45-60 minute return trek back up. Following this exhilarating experience, you'll return to Baños for a leisurely afternoon at your own pace.

Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled tranquility that envelopes you as you ascend to the Earth's nearest point to the sun. A visit to Chimborazo Mountain is an experience that renders you speechless and quite possibly breathless, thanks to its breathtaking beauty. Indulge in the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as you hike to altitudes exceeding 5000 meters. Your adventure kicks off with a departure from Baños, then, the expedition continues to the Chimborazo Fauna Reproduction Reserve. Your journey carries you to the first refuge, the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, perched at 4800 meters above sea level. From here, the hike leads to the Whymper refuge, located at nearly 5000 meters, and for the intrepid, the opportunity to ascend a bit further, surpassing the 5000-meter mark. Following a satisfying box lunch at the upper refuge, you'll descend to the lower refuge, from where you'll drive back to Baños.

Your journey sets forth as we retrace our steps back to the Panamerican Highway, heading southward to the vibrant indigenous market of Guamote. Renowned for its vivid colors and bustling atmosphere, this market offers a fascinating window into the life, clothing, traditions, and economy of the local community. Continuing our adventure, we venture into the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity. Here, an easy, approximately 3-kilometer hike leads us to one of the Ozogoche lakes, part of a network of more than 45 lagoons. Amidst this pristine landscape, you'll have the chance to observe the local wildlife and the highland flora. The viewpoints offer breathtaking vistas of the untamed landscape and the encircling mountains, allowing you to bask in the tranquility of this pristine ecosystem. As the day's explorations draw to a close, our tour concludes in Guamote.

Your journey takes you to the Devil's Nose viewpoint and Sibambe Train Station, offering breathtaking vistas. You'll have the opportunity to savor a lunch, lovingly prepared by a local Kañari family (not included), and even partake in a traditional ritual ceremony, gaining insight into the millenary traditions of the Kañari people. Continuing on your tour, you'll reach the Ingapirca Ruins, a site of great cultural significance and part of the Inca Road system, known as the 'Capac Ñan.' Here, you can explore various architectural wonders, including the Temple of the Sun, Pilaloma, La Condamine, La Vaguada, Ingachungana, the Face of the Inca, the Turtle, Intihuayco, and the Stairway of the Ravine. Don't forget to visit the Site Museum, where you'll discover numerous Inca artifacts found during the ongoing restoration of the site. Finally, your journey concludes as you arrive in the charming city of Cuenca, with a drop-off at Parque Calderón.

After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Cuenca, starting at the Pumapungo Museum, an archaeological museum located on the ancient Inca site of Pumapungo. Take a leisurely walk through the historic colonial neighborhoods, visit the bustling central markets, explore museums like the Modern Art Museum, and appreciate the majesty of the cathedral. The day concludes with a visit to the magnificent Turi viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the city and its colonial heart. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace.

After a hearty breakfast and a pleasant 40-minute drive, we'll reach Cajas National Park, nestled in the western outskirts of Cuenca. We embark on a hike at the enchanting "Laguna La Toreadora" to explore the stunning lake complex. Following scenic trails, we'll wander through the highlands and wetland moors for an immersive two-and-a-half hours. You'll have the chance to connect with the area's rich flora and fauna, including the renowned Polylepis trees. In the afternoon, we'll go to a typical coastal agroecological farm for a delightful lunch (not included). Here, you can delve into the world of cocoa, from harvesting and drying the beans to indulging in the tantalizing chocolate flavors. Experience a tour of the chocolate workshop and even learn how to craft your own chocolate bars. Finally, after a brief one-hour drive, we'll reach the vibrant city of Guayaquil. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Explore Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, on a captivating city tour. Your day begins with a visit to Seminario Park, known for young Ecuadorian lovers and sunbathing land iguanas. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Gothic-style Cathedral before delving into the city's history through visits to the "Palacio Municipal" and the "Palacio de Gobernacion" (the Government Palace). Climb the steep stairway of the Moorish clock tower "La Torre Morisca" for scenic city views. Discover the historical significance of "La Rotonda," which marks a key meeting between Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined waterfront promenade, "El Malecón," along the Guayas River. Then, ascend the Cerro Santa Ana hill to explore Las Peñas, a picturesque old district with charming, brightly painted wooden houses. This city tour offers a diverse glimpse into Guayaquil's cultural, historical, and natural beauty.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before our team ensures a smooth transfer to the airport for your international flight.