Highlands of Ecuador Itinerary – EHC5
Explore the Highlands of Ecuador Itinerary. Be awed by the volcanoes, haciendas and people of this country that has everything. Travel from Quito to Guayaquil (or in reverse) for an Andean adventure. Stay in a hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi, the second highest volcano in Ecuador. Check out the Andes from horseback. Be entertained by Andean people, sample local foods – including chocolate! Finally, the tour ends in the city of Guayaquil. Opt to do the tour in reverse order.
Itinerary
Day 1 Cotopaxi
Firstly, you will be met at your hotel in Quito. Normally this tour departs on Tuesdays. Head south towards the famous and majestic “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Here you can find more than 20 imposing volcanoes, some of which are still active.
We will make our first stop at an enchanting rose farm. Learn about the production, harvesting and packaging of roses with the most diverse varieties and colors.
Next, one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador, Cotopaxi National Park. Volcan Cotapaxi is the most active and second highest volcano in Ecuador, where we will also see the clear and peaceful Limpiopungo lagoon.
Proceed to a charming farm (hacienda) located on the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano. Following lunch, become immersed in the traditional way of life on this farm. Experience Andean fresh air from the back of a horse, hacienda style.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hacienda
Day 2 Riobamba
We will continue our wonderful journey in the morning. Our first stop will be to admire the beautiful Yambo lagoon and hear about the legends.
Stop at one of the most interesting indigenous communities in the center of the Andean Highlands: The Salasacas. The Salasacas people were brought from Bolivia by the Incas. Maintaining traditions, the Salasacas make lovely fabrics with ancient techniques. Try your hand at harvesting with the hosts. An ancestral dance performance will top off our visit.
After that, we will head to the foothills of the grandiose Chimborazo volcano. It is the highest mountain in Ecuador and we will have a spectacular view while enjoying our lunch. We will then head to Chimborazo volcano to have a special encounter with vicuñas herds that live on the slopes of this giant volcano.
Late afternoon, we arrive at our hotel, to rest after our full day of Andean experiences.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 3 Alausi
Early in the morning we will travel to Guamote, a picturesque city in the Ecuadorian Highlands. Every Thursday, the city transforms itself into one of the most colorful and authentic indigenous markets in South America. Learn how to cook a culinary delight with tasty quinoa.
Following that, we proceed to the magic town of Alausi. Its name means “house of great esteem and love”.
Afterwards, we will go to a viewpoint to see the famous Devil’s Nose, recognized worldwide for being a route crossed by the most difficult railway in the world. Later on, we will visit the Tolte community where we will receive a warm and energetic welcome with a typical dance.
Carry on to a farm where we learn more about medicinal plants and their extraordinary use. Opt to go horseback riding or visit the community store for souvenirs. Enjoy an authentic lunch with members of the local community. In the late afternoon, we will head to our hotel in Alausi to have a well-deserved rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 4 Guayaquil
Today you will be able to appreciate the diversity of gorgeous landscapes that Ecuador has. We travel from Andean landscapes to the warm plains of the Ecuadorian Coast. Near the coast, visit a fragrant cocoa plantation. Taste mouthwatering artisan chocolates and take a stroll through large fields or by the river that runs through the hacienda.
Enjoy a luscious lunch prepared with organic ingredients from the region before continuing to the vibrant city of Guayaquil.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 5 – Depart
Finally we are at the end of your Highlands of Ecuador itinerary, and this day is yours to explore Guayaquil, or catch a return flight to Quito or onward to The Galapagos.
Meals – Breakfast
