THE ULTIMATE ANDES EXPERIENCE
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
When German naturalist and explorer Alexander Von Humboldt visited Ecuador, he was immediately seduced by the breathtaking views of the Andes, particularly its beautiful lineup of monumental volcanoes. He called it the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” Revisit the explorer’s footsteps and stay at beautiful historic Haciendas along the way. End your trip at the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca.
DAY 1
Pick up at your hotel in order to hit the road to the South of the Andes cordillera, to the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”
Visit the Cotopaxi National Park and walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon
Stay over at a local Hacienda and have a complete immersion to life in the Andes
Accommodation: Hacienda at the skirts of the Cotopaxi
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
DAY 2
After breakfast continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
Stop at Tigua to visit a specialized center that preserves traditional art techniques from the area
Continue to Quilotoa, a turquoise water-filled caldera inside a crater
Enjoy a box lunch
Arrive to Baños to spend a relaxing night at a Spa Resort at the flanks of the Tungurahua Volcano
Accommodation: Baños Spa Resort
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch
DAY 3
After breakfast, visit the swing at the end of the world for the best view of the Tungurahua volcano.
Follow the the avenue of the cascades until you reach the powerful “Pailón del Diablo”
Enjoy a box lunch
Continue your journey until you reach Riobamba where you will spend the night at another Hacienda
Accommodation: Hacienda in Riobamba
Meals: breakfast, box lunch
DAY 4
Transfer to Alausí
Train ride to the Devil’s Nose, a zig zag road in between the mountains
Lunch in the charming little town of Alausí
Continue to the fascinating Ruins of Ingapirca, the largest Cañari-Inca ruins in Ecuador
Arrive to Cuenca to spend the night a Colonial House in the Historic Centre
Accommodation: Colonial House Boutique Hotel in the Historic Centre
Meals: breakfast, lunch
DAY 5
After breakfast, start the tour of the beautiful cobblestone city of Cuenca
Visit the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold
Continue to the blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justin, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario
For lunch, visit one of Ecuador’s most acclaimed restaurants
Visit the ceramic shop of Vega then explore a museum and a workshop where Panama straw hats are made
Accommodation: Colonial House Boutique Hotel in the Historic Centre
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Transfer to Cuenca airport
Domestic flight to Quito
Meals included: breakfast