Itinerary

1. Day 1: Quito's Old Town

   • Leave to visit Quito's old town which is considered a heritage site by UNESCO. Visit a viewpoint called Panecillo located at 3000 m.

   • Walk around the main plaza or independence square.

   • Visit the gold church Compania de Jesus and San Francisco square that are the jewels of colonial architecture in South America.

   • Drive 30 km to the equator line where we will spend some time at the museum to explore the effects of this unique geographical location in many ways and also discover our amazing ethnic diversity and the ways how the different tribes survive in the different ecosystems of the country.

   • Transfer to the hostel.

2. Day 2: Cotopaxi National Park

   • Depart from Quito by the south Pan-American highway until the Cotopaxi National Park which is a natural area whose main attraction is the conic volcano called Cotopaxi.

   • Drive until 4500m and try to reach 15000 feet by walking. 

   • Visit the lagoon of Limpiopungo where you will enjoy nature by trekking around it and look at some species of birds and mammals.

   • Return to rest in your lodge.

3. Day 3: Quilotoa Lake

   • Start on the same Pan-American route and visit the beautiful lake of Quilotoa. Quilotoa is an old volcano that in the last explosion, filled its caldera with sulfurous water that formed the lake. 

   • Go for a trek and enjoy the amazing landscape.

   • Procced in direction of Baños - famous for its hot springs and adventure sports.

4. Day 4: Baños Town

   • Following the south Pan-American highway, drive to reach the beautiful town of Baños. 

   • Enjoy its nature, waterfalls and hot springs.

   • Take a bath in the medicinal hot springs.

5. Day 5: Devil's Pan Waterfall

   • Visit the avenue of the waterfalls. 

   • Take the cable car and trek in the subtropical area.

   • See the Devil's Pan Waterfall and finish by viewing the gateway to the Amazon jungle.

   • Return to Baños and drive to Riobamba.

6. Day 6: Devil's Nose Train

   • Early in the morning, depart by car to the train station Alausi and take the train to the Devil's Nose (a particular geological formation). For many years, it has been the most difficult train route around the world.

   • Spend some time enjoying the Andes landscape, shopping, and watching a show of native dancers.

   • Go towards Cuenca, another heritage city.

   • Visit Ingapirca, Ecuador's most famous Inca ruins.

   • Rest in a hotel or lodge.

7. Day 7: Cuenca City Tour

   • Go on a Cuenca city tour and see the viewpoint, museum and River Boulevard.

8. Day 8: Hat Factory and Cajas National Park

   • Visit the Panama hat factory and Cajas National Park, which is a natural heritage for its wonderful lakes.

   • Go trekking around the lake and drive to Guayaquil.

   • Rest in Guayaquil.

9. Day 9: Puerto Lopez Fisher's Town

   • Early in the morning, go to Puerto Lopez, a lovely fishers town.

   • Visit Agua Blanca Reserve with its archaeology museum.

   • Enjoy the semi-desert forest and take a bath in its sulfurous pool.

   • Return to the hotel.

10. La Plata Island

    • Enjoy the day with a visit to La plata island (in the months from June to September, there is a chance to see hump back whales who come from Antarctica for reproduction). See similar species of birds you find in Galapagos.

    • Enjoy trekking in its nice paths, admiring its unique vegetation, such as the giant cactus candelabros.

    • Get a chance to do snorkeling.

    • Return in the afternoon.

11. Day 11: Machalilla National Park

    • Visit the famous beach of Los Frailes which is located in the Machalilla National Park. Its warm water and clear sand make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

    • After a refreshing bath, return to Guayaquil to take your flight.