Tour overview

Day 1: City Quito – Middle of the World

In the morning visit to the historic center of Quito. The capital of Ecuador is located 2,850 meters above sea level at the foot of the Pichincha volcano, embedded in a green Andean valley. Quito, one of the oldest cities in South America, is also one of the few cities that was able to preserve numerous monuments and artistic treasures from the Spanish colonial era. The old town was listed as a world monument by UNESCO in 1978.

In the afternoon you will head to the middle of the world, including a visit to the museum. About an hour's drive north of Quito, in the middle of a dry valley, is the famous "Middle of the World" Equator monument.

You will visit the Inti Ñan Site Museum, which a private anthropological foundation has built next to the "official" equatorial monument. This beautiful solar museum houses exhibits of Native American cultures and traditional ways of life. During the tour, surprising evidence of the exact position of the equator is also suggested. In the afternoon return to the hotel in Quito. (-/-/-)

Day 2: Pujilí Market & Quilotoa Lagoon

Drive south from Quito towards Cotopaxi. Depending on your wishes you can visit the indigenous market of Pujilí. You will then drive along winding back roads through one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in the Ecuadorian Andes to the picturesque Quilotoa Crater Lake. From the edge of the volcano crater you walk to the turquoise lake. Later, you can climb back up comfortably on the back of mules (optional). Enjoy the unique atmosphere and beauty of this crater lagoon. (B/-/-)

Day 3: Rose plantation - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños

In the morning you will drive towards Cotopaxi and visit one of the many rose plantations that Ecuador is famous for throughout the world. Here you will learn about the different types of roses and how to care for these plants. You will continue along the "Avenue of Volcanoes", as Alexander von Humboldt once called it, until you reach the Cotopaxi region. Discover the impressive Cotopaxi National Park.

On the Limpiopungo plateau (3,830 m) you will acclimatize and take a short walk through the area to learn about the diverse high Andean flora and observe birds. You will continue by vehicle until you reach an altitude of 4,500 m. From there it is possible to climb to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 m and walk to the beginning of the glacier. In the afternoon travel to the city of Baños, where you will have your accommodation. (B/-/-)

Day 4: Waterfall route Pailón de diablo waterfall - Riobamba

After breakfast we head to the tropics. In the morning we will visit the waterfall route. This innovative valley is also known as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. In this beautiful valley we take a peaceful walk and also visit the roaring waterfall known as "Pailón del Diablo". In the afternoon we continue our trip to Riobamba. (B/-/-)

Day 5: On the Inca trail to Ingapirca – Cuenca City

Departure in the morning to the south of the country, with a stop at the Balbanera church, and at the Colta lagoon.

Continuation to the Devil's Nose viewpoint, where the guide will explain the history of the train. We continue along an ancient Inca road, to the most important Inca fortress in Ecuador, Ingapirca. The path leads mainly downhill: highest point approximately 4,000 m, destination at 3,200 m. On the way we passed through small mountain towns with a predominantly indigenous population. In the afternoon we arrive to the wonderful city of Cuenca and we will visit the beautiful colonial city, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1999. A fantastic tour of this city awaits you. (B/-/­-)

Day 6: Cuenca – Cajas National Park – Guayaquil

We will drive through Cajas National Park. We cross the 4,200 m high pass and drive through a beautiful area of mountain lakes, where we will have a hike. Through different climatic and vegetation zones we enter the tropical lowlands passing through banana, cocoa and rice plantations until we finally reach the port city of Guayaquil. We stroll along the El Malecón promenade to the historic district of Las Peñas and enjoy the panoramic view from Cerro Santa Ana. (B/-/-)

Day 7: Transfer Out

In the morning the guide will pick you up at the hotel and accompany you to the airport to take your flight to your next destination. (B/­-/-­)

Itinerary

Routes