Destinations:  Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Patate, Alausi, Cuenca & Guayaquil
Optional Extension to the Galápagos Islands 5 Days / 4 Nights

Length:  8 Days / 7 Nights


Detailed Itinerary:


Day 1 - Saturday
Arrival in Quito (-)

Upon arrival, our collaborators offer a welcoming reception and will transfer you to the hotel. A  documentation kit, detailed program explanation plus luggage and hotel registration assistance is offered.

Overnight in Quito.


Day 2 - Sunday
Quito Colonial & The Intiñan Museum (B)

In the morning a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead us to our planet's Latitude 0´0´0´´where the Intiñan museum known too as “The trek of Sun” will guide us through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, culture and traditions. After this visit, enjoy of a wonderful tour through the streets and main squares of Quito Historical Center. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is part of this spectacular visit.

Overnight in Quito


Day 3 - Monday
Andean Handicrafts and Markets (B/L)

Located at 2530 meter above sea level we find the everlasting fertile, Province of Imbabura, these magical lands surrounded by lakes are cradle of artists, histories and living pre-Inca cultures. We will visit Peguche, a picturesque and messy little town whose habitants are famous for their weaving abilities on hand made looms in vivid colors representing figures of the Andean Region. In the area, we also find the strong and artistic hands of the people of San Antonio. Art studios with wood, stone and ceramic sculptures that represents the Quito school of art that transmit us the spirit of the indigenous villages whom had kept this Spanish cultural manifestation within a lot of generations. All this artistic towns, commercialize their art in the Otavalo Market, beyond a shopping tour this tour teach us the work, traditions and customs of our indigenous communities.

Overnight in Quito


Day 4 - Tuesday
The Cotopaxi National Park – Valley of Patate (B/L)

The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) surrounding the highest active volcano in the world, with special attractions for nature lovers. We can observe the treeless vegetation of the Andean meadows or “paramo”, its bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and if lucky, the Andean condor. Your will have the opportunity to see wild horses and perhaps a deer. Visit the National Park, for those who want to take the chance and climb up to the refuge (climb from 4500 to 4800 meters) will have a magnificent view of the area, or hike around Limpiopungo. Lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, keep driving to the south of the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Valley of Patate.

Overnight in Patate


Day 5 - Wednesday
The Fortress of Ingapirca - Cuenca (B/L)  

Located approximately two hours away from the city of Cuenca; The Ingapirca Fortress is without any doubt the most important archeological vestige left by the Inca Civilization in Ecuador. Despite the great number of studies made in the area, is a mystery until today the final use of this architectonic complex. Its different spaces make us doubt if it was a fortress, a center of astronomic observation or a temple devoted to the sun and the moon. Inside the complex, we will find a clear evidence of the greatness  sumptuousness of the Cañari and Inca Cultures; the different didactic areas that we found in this onsite museum represent clearly a rich cultural interchange,  plus an evident prove of the expertise hands of this pre Hispanic communities in the ceramic, sculpture and metallurgy industries. After this exciting experience, lunch and continue your trip to city of Cuenca.

Overnight in Cuenca


Day 6 - Thursday
Cuenca (B)  

Located at the Southern Highlands in a picturesque valley surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery we found the city of Cuenca declared by the UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage in 1989. Cuenca, known as well as “Santa Ana of the 4 rivers”, was specifically built to satisfy the demands of the Spanish elite during the conquest period; today this city displays with glamour a French Neoclassic architecture represented in its nicely decorated balconies with colorful geraniums, main squares and colossal churches that exalt the monumental beauty of this old colonial city. Our excursion is an encounter with traditions, emblematic shields, culture, art and religiousness, is a walking stroll through the city historic center, a special path that will allow us to admire the magnificence art and cultural diversity of the city exploring some of the most unusual angels and perspectives.

Overnight in Cuenca.


Day 7 - Friday
Guayaquil (B)  

At schedule, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Guayaquil. At your arrival, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Quito or Guayaquil.


Day 8 - Saturday
International Departure Flight or Optional Extension (B)  

Early in the morning transfer to the airport to get your international flight or to connect with your program extension.


End of our Services


OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

Galapagos by cruise: First Class Cruise
5 days / 4 nights extension program  on board the M/V Galapagos Explorer

Galapagos Islands Interlude: Tourist Superior Hotels
5 days / 4 nights extension program switching your stay between Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela.

Other cruise options available which may require and additional night in Mainland Ecuador prior to connect with the cruise…

* Extensions to the Amazon Basin Upon Request