This classic trip through the Avenue of the Volcanoes begins in the coastal port of Guayaquil, before taking you up into the Andes to the beautiful, colonial city of Cuenca. From here the journey continues north through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and includes visits to national parks, waterfalls, Inca Ruins and a ride along the Devil´s Nose train journey.
Day 1 Arrive Guayaquil
Private guided transfer in from flight to Boutique Hotel Mansion del Rio. Overnight in Boutique Hotel Mansion del Rio with breakfast included.
Day 2 Guayaquil – Cuenca
In the morning enjoy a guided tour of Guayaquil including a visit to the Malecon 2000 and Santa Ana Hill. Lunch in a local top restaurant. In the afternoon travel up into the Andes, through Cajas National Park into the colonial city of Cuenca. Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Caballo Campana with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Cuenca
In the morning enjoy a tour of the city of Cuenca including visits to the main churches, the flower market, a stroll along the river, the Turi lookout and local Panama hat factory. Lunch at a local top restaurant. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city some more or visit a museum of your choice. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Caballo Campana with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Cuenca – Riobamba
In the morning enjoy a visit to the magical Inca ruins at Ingapirca. Lunch included in a local restaurant. In the afternoon continue your journey north to Alausi, from where you will embark on your journey by train along the famous Devil’s Nose route which dramatically zigzags down the Andes, one of the most exhilarating train rides in the world! The train then returns to Alausi, the trip takes around 2 and a half hours in total. (The train operates every day of the week except Mondays). Continue onto Riobamba. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Riobamba – Baños
After breakfast at the hacienda enjoy a visit to the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve. At 6,310m, Chimborazo is Ecuador's tallest mountain. It was believed to be the tallest mountain in the world until Mt. Everest was surveyed in the mid-19th century. After arriving at the reserve you can either hike or drive up to one of the ‘huts’ which is found at 4,900m. Look out for the resident herds of wild vicuñas! Lunch at a local mountain lodge. In the afternoon continue onto the Hacienda Manteles near Baños. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Manteles with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Baños
After breakfast head off towards Baños and from there follow the course of the Pastaza River towards Puyo, a stunning road trip which passes a number of beautiful waterfalls including the Manto de la Novia and the Pailon del Diablo. Return to the mountain spa town of Baños for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a stroll around the main square and nearby streets, sample the local ‘melcocha’, a handmade toffee which is prepared on every street corner. Take a dip in the local hot springs. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Manteles with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Baños – Cotopaxi
In the morning hike to the local Payacucho Waterfall which is located within the hacienda’s privately protected 200 hectare cloud forest reserve. This hike is suitable for all levels of fitness and takes around 1 and a half hours. The hacienda provides welly boots since the trail crosses small streams before arriving at the waterfall. Lunch included in the hacienda. In the afternoon visit the village of Salasaca which is well known for the weaving of tapestries. The people here have a unique style of dress with black woven ponchos and wide-brimmed, white felt hats. After strolling around the market, visit the home of a master weaver, and learn all about the ancestral technique of backstrap weaving. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Cotopaxi
After breakfast set off for a full day tour to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, with a stop off at the village of Tigua on the way to see the colorful paintings which are produced by the local indigenous artists. Box lunch provided. On arrival at Quilotoa enjoy a hike down to the beautiful blue/green waters of the crater lake. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde including breakfast. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Cotopaxi – Quito
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the wonderful world of the Ecuadorian Paramo that is Cotopaxi National Park. The majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world. Lunch included at a local hacienda within the National Park. On arrival in Quito enjoy a city tour by night.
Dinner and overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura including breakfast (B,L,D)
Day 10 Quito – onward
Private transfer out to the airport to catch your international flight (B)
Included: All airport transfers, private transportation, English speaking guide, accommodation and meals as specified (B,L,D), activities specified including city tours and entrance fees to visitors sights specified, train tickets.
Not Included: International flights, any meals not specified, soft and alcoholic drinks, any extra activities at haciendas, tips and personal expenses.
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