This four day package displays perhaps the best sample of what the Central and Southern Highlands of Ecuador can show.  Starts from Quito and will drive to the South along the so called Avenue of the Volcanoes towards the village of Baños with its green lush scene loaded on waterfalls and deep canyons. From there continue South to Riobamba  and on to Cuenca with the dramatic change on scenery from towering volcanoes to major gorges with scattered villages until the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. From there continue to Cuenca and enjoy its lovely atmosphere of colonial treasure turned into a Cultural Site by Unesco recently. All in all, have a full view of the Andes on its whole dimension and beauty.


Day 1
Quito-Baños

Depart from Quito through what Alexander Von Humboldt (1802) described as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” towards Baños, located in the gateway of the Amazon Rainforest with a beautiful setting of Rush Rivers and lush vegetation.


Day 2
Baños-Riobamba-Ingapirca

Drive south to the city of Riobamba located right in the heart of the Andes at the slopes of the highest mountain of Ecuador the “Chimborazo” and then continues on to Ingapirca. The route offers beautiful panoramic views of the highlands and a good opportunity to see some of the ethnic groups living in the country.


Day 3
Ingapirca-Cuenca

In the southern highlands lies Ingapirca, Ecuador’s main Inca archaeological site, close to the city of Cuenca, an important political and administrative Inca Center in the 1400´s, visit the Fortress and then continue to Cuenca, another Unesco’s Heritage Site, where will start with a walking excursion of downtown.


Day 4
Cuenca

Day at leisure to discover Cuenca or take optional excursions
Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Quito or Guayaquil