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Travel Ecuador Highlights – ETH8
Sample a multitude of exciting moments on this Travel Ecuador Highlights tour. Delight in a visit to the highest active volcano in the world, stand on the equator, relax in a hot spring, absorb the nature and culture on this all-encompassing tour of beautiful Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
You will be met at the airport upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for welcome dinner, briefing and overnight.
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 2 Quito
Being the first city to be declared as world Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1978, Quito offers it’s visitors magnificent parks, churches and plazas dated from the 16th century. Admire the exceptional charisma of the main square or “Plaza Grande” and its surrounding palaces. The highlight will be The Cathedral, the imposing church of la Compañia de Jesús and its fine baroque architecture. We continue northwards to the monument that marks the latitude 0º 00’ 00”, better known as the Equator, or locally known as the “Middle of the World”. This tour includes a visit to the Inti Ñan Museum, a clever and fun, didactical museum about the influence of the equator in daily life.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 3 Riobamba
This morning we head towards the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we’ll visit one of the most important national parks of Ecuador. Experience the beauty of one of the highlights in the legendary “Avenue of Volcanoes”, as Alexander Von Humboldt rightly named this part of the Ecuadorian Andes. We’ll take the Pan-American Highway southwards amid a series of small villages, grazing lands and farming fields that create delightful landscapes. We will be able to discover the impressive volcanism, flora and birdlife that this National Park protects. There is an Interpretation Center and views of Limpiopungo Lake as well as a short easy hike that will let us enjoy this nature wonder. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Riobamba.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 4 Cuenca
Early in the morning we’ll leave the city of Riobamba to head to the town of Alausí in the Chimborazo Province, where we’ll board the train. The most impressive part of this railway is the “Devil’s Nose”, a geographical formation that has led to a zigzagging rail tracks perched on the Andean cliffs. Return to Alausí on the train for lunch. Afterwards we’ll start our way to Cuenca, taking a detour to visit the Archaeological Complex of Ingapirca, the best preserved and most important Inca Site in Ecuador. Arrival in Cuenca will be in the early evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 5 Cuenca
Start the day strolling through the cobbled streets of this beautiful World Cultural Heritage city. Cuenca is crossed by four rivers, adding to its beauty and name (basin). Squares, balconies and churches will make perfect pictures. The “chola cuencana” in traditional costumes fill the streets and the outstanding pink marble Cathedral will take your breath away. Walking along the Tomebamba River takes us to a panoramic view of the city from the Turi Hill. One of the most interesting visits of the day will be to the museum and factory of the famous, but misnamed, Panama Hats, a true symbol of Ecuador.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 6 Quito
Today we’ll head eastwards to enjoy the rural areas of Cuenca. We’ll visit the town of San Bartolo, world know for the handcrafted production of guitars. We continue our way through the eastern slopes of the Andes to the town of Chordeleg, where we’ll have time to stroll its jewelry shops in covered streets. Afterwards we’ll continue to the Gualaceo where we’ll visit the rich and traditional market, the orchid farm and the “ikat” weaving workshops. Lunch will be in a beautiful green valley on the Santa Bárbara basin, at a traditional Hacienda. In the afternoon we’ll start our return to Cuenca’s airport for your return to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 7 Papallacta Thermal Springs and Quito
On the entrance to the Amazon Basin on a cool climate area above 3000 m of altitude we find the natural hot springs of Papallacta that have their origin on the heart of the Antisana Volcano. The water temperatures fluctuate between 36 and 42 C. The hot springs are considered to alleviate various illnesses such as arthritis, bad circulation and digestive problems, among others. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the thermo-ludic area and choose from a variety of optional massages and beauty treatments offered at the spa. This is a relaxing experience for your body and soul.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 8 Depart
Transfer to the airport for continuation to Galapagos or other destinations.
Meals included: Breakfast