Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Arrival

   Assistance at the airport, transfer to hotel.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

2. Day 2 - Otavalo

   Approximately 2 hours to the north of Quito, we pass by beautiful scenery and lookouts until we arrive at the famous indigenous market of Otavalo, also known as the Market of Ponchos, one of the best-known markets in South America for its handicrafts and textiles. In the afternoon, we will visit the town of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods, and then off to a visit to the impressive lake of Cuicocha, created by a crater. Then, return to Quito. The best day to visit the market is Saturday, but a smaller market is found every day.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Quito Activity: 6-hours guided tour

   Transportation: 6 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

   Entrance Fee Included: Cuicocha Lake

3. Day 3 - City and Middle of The World

   Declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1978, Quito is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas. We will visit both the new, modern city and the old historic city characterized by the number of churches and squares. Included in the visit are the Cathedral, The Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace or Carondelet located in the main square, the “La Compañia” of Jesus, a church whose interior is plated in gold, and the square and church of San Francisco. Later, the tourist center of the Middle of the World where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. In addition, we will visit the museum “Intiñan” which is well known for its experiments and the experience of being in 2 hemispheres at one time.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Quito Activity: 6-hours guided tour

   Transportation: 6 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

   Entrance Fee Included: La Compañia Church and “Intinan” Museum

4. Day 4- Quito-Baños

   We will travel to the south on the famous “Route of the Volcanoes” with around 62 volcanoes in the direction of Baños, a tourist town located in the skirts of the active volcano Tungurahua. Various possibilities to carry out activities such as biking, rafting, hiking to the waterfalls, tarabita, and horseback riding are available. Baños is located between the Amazon jungle and the Andes, with impressive scenery. At the end of the afternoon, we leave for lodging in Baños.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Baños Activity: 7-hours guided tour

   Transportation: 7 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

   Entrance Fee Included: “Pailon del Diablo” waterfall.

5. Day 5 - Baños - Chimborazo - Cuenca

   Very early in the morning, we will visit CHIMBORAZO Ecoreserve. We will have the chance to hike at the volcano at 15.000 feet, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Andes mountains. After, we will continue our trip to Cuenca, on the way, stopping to visit the most important archaeological Incan ruins, called Ingapirca.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Cuenca Activity: 7-hour guided tour

   Transportation: 7 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

   Entrance Fee Included: Chimborazo Reserve and Inka's ruins.

6. Day 6 - Cuenca Half Day

   Also declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador, with its streets, squares, buildings, and churches. We will visit the main square, the cathedral of Cuenca, and the small square of flowers. We will also go to the famous straw hat factory (misnamed –the Panama hat). Finally, we will take a city tour of “El Barranco”, the modern city, and stop at the lookout called “El Turi”. Free afternoon. Lodging in Cuenca.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Cuenca Activity: 3-hours guided tour

   Transportation: 3 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

7. Day 7 - Cuenca - Guayaquil

   Departure to the west of Cuenca, through the National Park of El Cajas, which has close to 200 lagoons. We will hike around the lake Toreadora, a nice hike where we can see flora and fauna of this National Park. After, we pass the continental divide, we descend to sea level and to the city of Guayaquil, the economic capital of Ecuador.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Guayaquil Activity: 7-hours guided tour

   Transportation: 7 hours of private transportation in small cars or tourism buses

   Meals: Breakfast

   Entrance Fee Included: El Cajas National Park and local guide.

8. Day 8 - Transfer Out

   Back to your country or connections.